News

Friday
The Championship continued on Friday evening with Derby County and  Nottingham Forest playing out a one all draw in Pride Park. The hosts included Jason Knight in their starting eleven while Louie Watson was an unused substitute. Cyrus Christie started for the  visitors and had a reasonably fine match but Knight made less impact for the hosts. Playing in an advanced position, much of the match passed him by although he did miss a golden scoring opportunity. His late switch to a holding midfield role did suit him much better.

Midfielder Aaron McEneff, who may be in line for a call-up to Stephen Kenny‘s next Ireland senior squad, retained his midfield starting position for Heart of Midlothian who were held to a one all draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Championship this evening. 

Wednesday
Tottenham Hotspur included Matt Doherty in their starting eleven  for the home leg of their Europa League Round of 32 match with Austrian side Wolfsberger AC. The London side secured a four one first leg victory at a neutral venue in Budapest last week and completed the rout this evening with a four nil victory. Doherty provided the assist for the opening goal and was energetically involved which earned him an early yellow card and a later severe  warning which prompted his withdrawal on 74 minutes.

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was not involved with Sheffield Wednesday for their three nil Championship defeat at Brentford this Wednesday evening. New Ireland goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely was keeping a keen eye on Westwood as he was the only one of our frontline keepers in first team action but that has once again stalled. Conor Hourihane started and provided the assist for the only goal enabling Swansea City to defeat visitors Coventry City at the Liberty Stadium. Ryan Manning was an unused substitute for the victorious hosts. Shane Long was a half time substitute and scored for AFC Bournemouth who went down to a two one defeat by Mick McCarthy‘s Cardiff City at the Vitality Stadium. Goalkeeper Mark Travers was an unused substitute for the defeated ‘Cherries’. Preston North End, who were seeking to recover from their weekend trouncing at Cardiff City, played out a scoreless draw with visitors QPR at Deepdale. Alan Browne and Greg Cunningham both started for the ‘Lilywhites’ with Jayson Molumby unused on the substitute bench. Browne had a disappointing error strewn game but Cunningham was quite impressive at left back and may yet get a recall to the international fold.

Tuesday
The Championship meeting of Birmingham City and leaders Norwich City ended in a three one victory for the visiting ‘Canaries’. Scott Hogan started for the hosts while Adam Idah was introduced from the visitors substitute bench for the final seven minutes. Jason Knight who turned twenty last week started for Derby County who defeated visitors Huddersfield Town by two goals to nil at Pride Park. Louie Watson, who reaches the same twenty milestone in June, replaced Knight for the final few minutes. The visitors included the veteran Richard Keogh in their side. Kenilworth Road hosted the meeting of Luton Town and Millwall which ended in a one all draw. James Collins was an 84th minute substitute for the hosts while Danny McNamara was unused on the ‘Lions’ bench. Long term injury absentee Kieran Sadlier returned to action with Rotherham United on Saturday last and was introduced in the 80th minute of their one nil defeat by visitors Nottingham Forest who included Cyrus Christie in their starting eleven at the Aesseal New York Stadium. 

There was significant League One action tonight with Peterborough United climbing to the summit of the League Table following a three nil victory at Plymouth Argyle where Jack Taylor continued his good form and scored the third goal. Ipswich Town secured a one nil victory at Hull City where Tottenham Hotspur loanee Troy Parrott and Alan Judge started for the Tracto0r Boys’. Anthony Scully and pre-match leaders leaders Lincoln City were held to a two all draw by visitors Swindon Town. Ronan Curtis and new international declaree Marcus Harness both started  for Portsmouth who secured  a one nil victory at Oxford United. The ‘Us’ included another recent declaree Mark Sykes in their starting eleven alongside QPR loanee Olamide Shodipo. 

Monday
The Premier League continued on Monday evening with Brighton & Hove Albion welcoming Crystal Palace to the AMEX Stadium at 8pm where the visitors stunned their hosts with an added time winner after being completely outplayed by the hosts. Aaron Connolly remained unused on the home substitute bench while James McCarthy came through a late fitness test to earn a substitute role with the visitors. With the sides level at one each, McCarthy was introduced in the 90th minute and was involved in the move which led to the winning goal.  

 

 

Sunday
The Premier League continued at noon on Sunday with the London derby meeting of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur which went the way of the ‘Hammers’ by two goals to one. Matt Doherty has not had a very auspicious start to life with Spurs and found himself on the substitute bench again today. A poor first half performance from his replacement saw Doherty introduced for the second half and he acquitted himself very well. Teenage striker Ademipo Odubeko was unused on the ‘Hammers’ substitute bench together with Darren Randolph who returned after several weeks absence.  There was a 7pm kick-off for the Old Trafford meeting of Manchester United and Newcastle United which went the way of the hosts by three goals to one. Ciaran Clark was in central defence for the visiting ‘Magpies’ and performed reasonably well while Jeff Hendrick was unused on the substitute bench.  

The Global Energy Park hosted the Scottish Premiership meeting of hosts Ross County and Glasgow Celtic which was won by the hosts with the only goal. Loanee Shane Duffy was not included in the matchday squad. 

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny continues to monitor the form of Josh Cullen who was in the starting eleven for Belgian First Division side RSC Anderlecht who suffered a shock two nil home defeat by KV Kortrijk early this Sunday afternoon.

Saturday
The Premier League continued on Saturday afternoon with a lethargic Burnley playing out a scoreless draw at home to a West Bromwich Albion side reduced to ten after 30 minutes. Another injury ruled out Robbie Brady for the ‘Clarets’ while Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne were unused on the substitute bench. The visiting ‘Baggies’ included Dara O’Shea and Callum Robinson on their substitute bench with O’Shea joining the fray on 32 minutes following the red card incident. Anfield hosted the meeting of Liverpool and Everton at 5.30pm with Seamus Coleman skippering the ‘Toffees’ who secured a deserved  two nil victory. The late kick-off saw Fulham score the only goal to defeat visitors Sheffield United for whom Enda Stevens started while David McGoldrick was a 74th minute substitute.

Mick McCarthy continued his positive impact at Championship side Cardiff City when they crushed visitors Preston North End by four goals to nil. Alan Browne together with loanees Greg Cunningham and Jayson Molumby all started  for the defeated ‘Lilywhites’. Veteran defender Richard Keogh was in action with Huddersfield Town who stunned high flying Swansea City with a four one success at the McAlpine Stadium. Aston Villa loanee Conor Hourihane started for the ‘Swans’ and scored an excellent free kick while Ryan Manning was a 58th minute substitute. Danny McNamara was an unused substitute for Millwall who played out a scoreless draw with visitors Wycombe Wanderers and Daryl Horgan at the New Den. Adam Idah was introduced for the final four minutes as current leaders Norwich City defeated visitors Rotherham United with the only goal at Carrow Road. Loanee Cyrus Christie was in action with Nottingham Forest who secured  aone nil success over visitors Blackburn Rovers at the City Ground. AFC Bournemouth included loanee Shane Long in their starting eleven and he scored their goal in a two one defeat at QPR. Mark Travers and Gavin Kilkenny were unused substitutes for the ‘Cherries’.  Keiran Westwood was in action for Sheffield Wednesday who went down to a one nil defeat by visitors Birmingham City for whom Scott Hogan scored  the winning goal at Hillsborough. Stoke City introduced  James McClean from their substitute bench after 74 minutes of their three nil victory over visitors Luton Town and James Collins.

There was something of an Irish Convention in League One when  Ipswich Town and Oxford United played out a scoreless draw at Portman Road. The hosts included loanee Troy Parrott together with Alan Judge in their starting eleven with Aaron Drinan introduced from the substitute bench on 81 minutes while Stephen Ward was unused. The visitors named Anthony Forde and recent Ireland declaree Mark Sykes in their starting eleven while loanee Olamide Shodipo and Liam Kelly joined the fray during the second half. London Road saw hosts Peterborough United defeat visitors AFC Wimbledon by three goals to nil to climb up to second place. Midfielder Jack Taylor was in action with the victorious hosts. Fratton Park hosted the meeting of Portsmouth and Blackpool with Ronan Curtis and another recent Ireland declaree Marcus Harness starting for ‘Pompey’ who suffered  a surprise one nil defeat. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, on loan at Rochdale from Manchester City, was in action for the scorless draw with visitors Plymouth Argyle. Southampton loanee Thomas O’Connor was a half-time substitute for Gillingham who secured a two nil success over visitors Bristol Rovers at Priestland. Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara was again confined to the Burton Albion substitute bench as they suffered three nil defeat by visitors Sunderland who included Aiden McGeady and Aiden O’Brien in their starting eleven. Current leaders Lincoln City secured a hard earned two one victory at Wigan Athletic with Anthony Scully scoring the opener for the ‘Imps’.  

Rotherham United loanee Joshua Kayode was in action with Carlisle United who played out a one all draw at Salford City in League Two. The loan move of Zack Elbouzedi from Lincoln City to Bolton Wanderers is turning out to be something of a disappointment as he has spent the majority of his time on the substitute bench and did not make the matchday squad for today’s one nil victory at Southend United. Aston Villa loanee Tyreik Wright is another whose move to Walsall is proving disappointing and he too was absent from the one all draw at Stevenage where Liam Kinsella was dismissed on fifty six minutezs. Glasgow Celtic loanee Lee O’Connor started for Tranmere Rovers who were held to a two all draw by visitors Oldham Athletic.

The Scottish Championship saw Dundee superseded in fourth place by visitors Queen of the South who were victorious by three goals to two. Glasgow Celtic loanee Jonathan Afolabi was a 75th minute substitute for the defeated hosts. Runaway leaders Hearts included Aaron McEneff in their starting eleven as they were were held to a one all draw by visitors Greenock Morton at Tynecastle. 

 

 

Friday
The Championship continued on Friday evening with Watford defeating Derby County by two goals to one at Vicarage Road. Jason Knight was in the visiting ‘Rams’ starting eleven but had a quiet game whilst being the recipient of several meaty challenges. Young Louie Watson was unused on the visiting substitute bench while veteran goalkeeper Rob Elliot was included on the host substitute bench.

Thursday
Matt Doherty started for Tottenham Hotspur who travelled to Hungary for the Europa League Round of 32 first leg clash with Wolfsberger AC this afternoon and secured a comfortable four one victory. The Austrian side was forced to play their home leg at the Puskas Arena in Budapest as a result of Covid-19 regulations. The travelling London club also included midfielder Jamie Bowden who was named on the substitute bench and Dublin born left back Dennis Cirkin in their party but he did not make the matchday squad. Nineteen year old Dubliner Shane Flynn was an unused substitute for Leicester City who played out a scoreless draw against Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. The home legs in both ties are set for next week.

Wednesday
Following the injury to John Egan, the poor form of Glasgow Celtic loanee Shane Duffy takes on even greater significance for Ireland manager Stephen Kenny who will be concerned that the Derry man was again relegated to the substitute bench for the one nil defeat of visitors Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership this evening.

Burnley included Kevin Long in their starting eleven for this evening’s one all Premier League draw with visitors Fulham at Turf Moor. Robbie Brady was introduced from the substitute bench after 40 minutes but was disappointing and was withdrawn on 65 minutes but may have been carrying an injury. Young Jimmy Dunne was unused on the substitute bench for the hosts. Seamus Coleman was introduced from the substitute bench for Everton after just 18 minutes as his side went down to a three one defeat by leaders Manchester City who have extended their lead at the summit to 10 points. 

Central defender Darragh Lenihan was in Championship action with Blackburn Rovers who went down to a two one defeat at Barnsley this Wednesday evening. After a series of bright performances, Danny McNamara has slipped down the pecking order with Millwall and was again on the substitute bench for the two nil victory over visitors Birmingham City and Scott Hogan at the New Den. Loanee Conor Hourihane started while Ryan Manning was an unused substitute for Swansea City who scored  the only goal for victory over Nottingham Forest and fellow loanee Cyrus Christie at the Liberty Stadium. Young Adam Idah was introduced from the substitute bench for the final two minutes of Norwich City’s  two nil victory over Coventry City at their temporary St Andrew’s Stadium base. AFC Bournemouth scored  a one nil success over visitors Rotherham United at the Vitality Stadium where loanee Shane Long and goalkeeper Mark Travers were unused on the substitute bench.

Tuesday
Preston North End failed to follow up their Friday Championship victory at Blackburn Rovers when Watford scored the only goal at Deepdale on Tuesday evening. The ‘Lilywhites’ included Alan Brown and loanee Jayson Molumby in their starting eleven while Greg Cunningham was an unused substitute. Stoke City were without Nathan Collins for their one nil victory over visitors Sheffield Wednesday who included Keiren Westwood in their starting eleven. Collins suffered injury in the closing moments of Saturday’s defeat at Norwich City and there are fears that he has sustained a metatarsal crack. James McClean was included in their starting eleven but was withdrawn on 77 minutes. Daryl Horgan and Wycombe Wanderers failed to follow their weekend success at Huddersfield Town with another positive performance when they went down to a two one defeat by Derby County at Adams Park. Jason Knight was in action with the victorious ‘Rams’ while Louie Watson was an unused substitute. The late kick-off at Kenilworth Road saw hosts Luton Town and James Collins go down to a two nil defeat by visitors Cardiff City who continued their upsurge in form following the appointment of new manager Mick McCarthy.

Southampton loanee Thomas O’Connor and fellow U21 international Jack Taylor were in direct opposition when Gillingham and Peterborough United locked League One horns at Priestfield where the visitors ran out three one victors. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, on loan from Manchester City, was in the Rochdale side which went down to a one nil defeat at Blackpool. Ronan Curtis was replaced by Marcus Harness at half-time by Portsmouth who went down to a three one defeat at Bristol Rovers. Portman Road hosted a scoreless draw between Ipswich Town and Northampton Town where the home side included loanees Mark McGuinness and Troy Parrott in their starting eleven with Alan Judge a 59th minute substitute while Peter Kioso started for the visitors.

The first semi-final in the 2021 EFL Trophy took place at Kassam Stadium where League One side Oxford United suffered an unexpected two nil defeat by League Two side Tranmere Rovers. The hosts named Mark Sykes and loanee Olamide Shodipo in their starting eleven with Anthony Forde a 56th minute substitute while another loanee Lee O’Connor played the midfield anchor role for the victors 

Monday
West Ham United defeated Sheffield United by three goals to nil in the Premier League this Monday evening. The Irish trio of John Egan. David McGoldrick and the fit again Enda Stevens all started for the visiting ‘Blades’. Egan suffered a serious looking injury in the 85th minute which will be of concern to Ireland manager Stephen Kenny while Stevens looked somewhat off the pace, not surprising perhaps given his his recent injury absence. McGoldrick was out of goal scoring luck on a number of occasions but his quality remains and the recent suggestion of a potential return to the international fold would be a positive if true. The host ‘Hammers’ included Mipo Odubeko and Conor Coventry on their substitute bench. Newcastle United went down to a two nil defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where Ciaran Clark started for the visitors while Jeff Hendrick was suspended following his dismissal against Southampton last weekend.

 

Sunday
Dara O’Shea and Callum Robinson were unused substitutes for West Bromwich Albion who played out a one all draw with Manchester United at the Hawthorns in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. The late kick-off saw a very disappointing Everton go down to a two nil defeat by a much more impressive Fulham at Goodison Park. Seamus Coleman started for the ‘Toffees’ but was withdrawn on 56 minutes.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has been keeping a sharp eye on the Belgian First Division where Josh Cullen has been a consistent performer for RSC Anderlecht who currently sit fourth in the Juliper Pro League. They travelled to face Cercle Bruges this afternoon and secured a five nil victory. Cullen joined the leading Belgian club, managed by fabled defender Vincent Kompany, last summer on a three year deal.

Shane Duffy made a rare start for Glasgow Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they secured  a two one victory at St Johnstone.

There were two League One contests re-arranged for today with current leaders Lincoln City being held to a two all draw by visitors Accrington Stanley at Sincil Bank where Anthony Scully was a 55th minute substitute for the ‘Imps’ while captain Seamus Conneely was in midfield for the visitors. Oxford United named  Liam Kelly, Anthony Forde and Mark Sykes in their starting eleven with loanee Olamide Shodipo a 68th minute substitute as they came from behind to secure a two one victory over visitors  Wigan Athletic. 

Saturday
Crystal Palace and Burnley met at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon with the visiting ‘Clarets’ emerging victorious by three goals to nil. Robbie Brady, Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne were included on the victors substitute bench with Brady on 72 minutes and Long after 84 minutes entering the fray. Matt Doherty was an unused substitute for Tottenham Hotspur who went down to a three nil defeat at leaders Manchester City. Aaron Connolly is on the substitute bench for Brighton & Hove Albion who play host to Aston Villa at 8pm.

There was a 12.30pm kick-off time for the Championship meeting of Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth which ended scoreless at the City Ground. Cyrus Christie started for the hosts while loanee Shane Long started for the visitors with the recalled Mark Travers and Gavin Kilkenny unused substitutes. Strikers Scott Hogan and James Collins were in opposition as Birmingham City went down to a one nil defeat by Luton Town at St Andrew’s. Derby County included Jason Knight in their starting eleven with Louie Watson unused on their substitute bench for their two one defeat of visitors Middlesbrough. Veteran Richard Keogh and Huddersfield Town suffered  a three two defeat by Wycombe Wanderers and Daryl Horgan at the John Smith’s Stadium. Adam Idah was an 85th minute substitute for Norwich City who crushed visitors Stoke City by four goals to one at Carrow Road. Nathan Collins started while James McClean was introduced from the substitute bench on 62 minutes.  

League One saw Southampton loanee Thomas O’Connor and Gillingham  secure a three two victory at Charlton Athletic. Also on the road was Warren O’Hora and MK Dons who shocked Hull City with the only goal at the KCOM Stadium. Peter Kioso started for Northampton Town who went down to a two nil defeat by visitors Burton Albion who included Kieran O’Hara on their substitute bench. Aiden McGeady started and Aiden O’Brien was a 76th minute substitute for Sunderland who defeated visitors Doncaster Rovers by four goals to one at the Stadium of Light.

Loanee Zack Elbouzedi was an unused substitute while Eoin Doyle started for Bolton Wanderers who secured a one nil League Two victory over visitors Stevenage.

 

 

Friday
There was Championship action at Ewood Park this Friday evening with Blackburn Rovers skippered by Darragh Lenihan going down to a two one defeat by local rivals Preston North End who included Alan Browne and Greg Cunningham in their starting eleven with loanee Cunningham opening the scoring with a stunning left foot strike on 19 minutes following a brilliant cross field pass from captain Browne. There was a three minute cameo appearance with the victors for another loanee Jayson Molumby.

Thursday
The FA Cup fifth round matches were completed this Thursday evening but without any Irish involvement as Southampton prevailed by two goals to nil at Wolverhampton Wanderers while Chelsea scored the only goal at Championship side Barnsley. 

The FA Cup Quarter-Final draw was also made this evening and produced the following pairings:-
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton
Chelsea v Sheffield United
Everton v Manchester City
Leicester City v Manchester United

The ties are scheduled for the week ending Sunday the 21st March 2021, just three days before Ireland face Serbia in our opening 2022 World Cup qualifier. Irish players who may be involved in the cup contests include Seamus Coleman(Everton), John Egan and Enda Stevens(Sheffield United), Mark Travers who has today been recalled by AFC Bournemouth from his loan stint at Swindon Town. There are unconfirmed reports this Friday afternoon that David McGoldrick (Sheffield United) may be considering revoking his international retirement decision.

Wednesday
There were four further FA Cup Round 5 ties completed this Wednesday evening. Swansea City included Ryan Manning in their starting eleven as they went down to a three one defeat by visitors Manchester City while Conor Hourihane was a 76th minute substitute for the ‘Swans’.  Aaron Connolly was an unused substitute for Brighton & Hove Albion who lost to the only goal in the fourth minute of added time at Leicester City. Sheffield United scored the only goal from the penalty spot to defeat Championship side Bristol City at Bramall Lane. John Egan and David McGoldrick were both in the ‘Blades’ side while Max O’Leary was in goal for the visiting ‘Robins’. Everton and Tottenham Hotspur played out a dramatic encounter in Goodison Park with the hosts going through to the quarter-finals on a five four scoreline after extra-time. Matt Doherty started for the visitors while Seamus Coleman was a 54th minute substitute for the victors.

Shane Duffy was a 68th minute substitute for Glasgow Celtic who defeated St Mirren by four goals to nil in the Scottish Premiership.

Tuesday
The FA Cup fifth round kicked-off at 5.30pm this Tuesday afternoon with Burnley exiting the competition following a two nil defeat by Championship side AFC Bournemouth at Turf Moor. The ‘Clarets’ included Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne in their starting eleven while Gavin Kilkenny was an unused substitute for the ‘Cherries’. Later in the day, Manchester United progressed to the quarter-final with a one nil extra-time victory over visitors West Ham United at Old Trafford. Eighteen year old striker Ademipo Odubeko was a 54th minute substitute for the ‘Hammers’.

There was also Championship action this evening with Sheffield Wednesday defeating visitors Wycombe Wanderers by two goals to nil at Hillsborough where Keiren Westwood was in action for the hosts while Daryl Horgan started for the visitors.

League One saw Bristol Rovers and Oxford United lock horns in the Memorial Ground where the visitors emerged victorious by two goals to nil. Olamide Shodipo started for the victors while Liam Kelly, Mark Sykes and Anthony Forde were all introduced from the substitute bench. Current leaders Lincoln City travelled to second place Hull City where the sided played out a scoreless draw. Anthony Scully was an unused substitute for the visitors. Two further promotion chasers meet at London Road where Peterborough United and Jack Taylor came from behind to defeat visitors Ipswich Town by two goals to one. The ‘Tractor Boys’ included Mark McGuinness, Alan Judge, Troy Parrott and Stephen Ward in their starting eleven while Aaron Drinan was an unused substitute. Fratton Park hosted the meeting of Portsmouth and Swindon Town where Ronan Curtis scored for the hosts after 8 minutes while Marcus Harness was withdrawn on 59 minutes  of their two nil victory. Mark Travers was in goal for the the visitors but injury  ruled out Conor Masterson. Rochdale included Manchester City loanee Gavin Bazunu in their starting eleven as they crashed to a four one home defeat by visitors MK Dons who included recent signing Warren O’Hora in their starting eleven. Aiden McGeady and Aiden O’Brien both started for Sunderland at Shrewsbury Town with O’Brien opening the scoring after 21 minutes but the hosts recovered to secure a two one victory.  

In League Two, Bolton Wanderers were held to a one all draw by visitors Morecambe. Loanee Zack Elbouzedi was introduced from the home substitute bench on 78 minutes while Eoin Doyle was in their starting eleven. Aston Villa loanee Tyreik Wilson provided the assist for the Walsall goal in their one all draw with visitors Mansfield Town. Liam Kinsella was also in midfield for the hosts.  

Sunday
The Premier League continued at noon on Sunday with Tottenham Hotspur defeating visitors West Bromwich Albion by two goals to nil. Matt Doherty was introduced from the host substitute bench on sixty eight minutes while Dara O’Shea and Callum Robinson were unused on the visiting ‘Baggies’ bench. The late kick-off set for Bramall Lane features Sheffield United and Chelsea with John Egan starting for the ‘;~Blades’ while David McGoldrick is on the substitute bench but fit again Enda Stevens does not make the matchday squad.

Saturday
Burnley played out a one all draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. Injury ruled out Robbie Brady for the ‘Clarets’ while both Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne were unused on the substitute bench. Aaron Connolly started for the visiting ‘Seagulls’ but was withdrawn on 62 minutes. Jeff Hendrick started for Newcastle United but was dismissed on fifty minutes for a second bookable offence but the ‘Magpies’ held out for a three two victory over visitors Southampton. Ciaran Clark was not available because his partner is expecting a baby which is due at any time now. The late kick-off at Old Trafford ended in dramatic fashion as visitors Everton scored in the fifth minute of added time to earn a point from a three all draw with hosts Manchester United.  Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute for the ‘Toffees’. 

Last minute loan signing Shane Long made his Championship debut for AFC Bournemouth who defeated visitors Birmingham City by three goals to two at the Vitality Stadium. Scott Hogan started for the visitors and scored both of their goals. James Collins started and scored  for Luton Town who played out a one all draw with Huddersfield Town and Richard Keogh at Kenilworth Road. Millwall include Danny McNamara in their squad for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday and Keiren Westwood. Preston North End include Alan Browne, Sean Maguire together with loanees Greg Cunningham and Jayson Molumby among their number as they play host to Rotherham United. Darragh Lenihan travels with Blackburn Rovers who visit QPR while Nathan Collins and James McClean are in the Stoke City squad for the visit of Reading. Daryl Horgan and his Wycombe Wanderers colleagues are set to host Nottingham Forest and Cyrus Christie.

The Oxford United quartet of Anthony Forde, Liam Kelly, Olamide Shidipo and Mark Sykes all played in the midweek EFL Trophy win but were on the substitute bench for this afternoon’s League One encounter at Doncaster Rovers. The ‘Us’ went down to a three two defeat with Shodipo scoring following his introduction at half-time. Portman Road witnessed a two nil victory for Ipswich Town over visitors Blackpool where Alan Judge and loanees Mark McGuinness and Troy Parrott started for the ‘Tractor Boys’ while Aaron Drinan and Stephen Ward were unused substitutes. Fit again Jack Taylor returned to the Peterborough United side for their two nil success over visitors Crewe Alexandra. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, on loan from Manchester City, started for Rochdale who went down to a two nil defeat by visitors Charlton Athletic. Loanees Mark Travers and Conor Masterson started for Swindon Town who went down to a one bnil defeat by Shrewsbury Town at the County Ground where Masterson was forced off through injury after 41 minutes.

 

Friday
The top two sides in the Championship met on Friday evening with current leaders Norwich City visiting Swansea City. Loan signing Conor Hourihane started for the host ‘Swans’, scored an excellent  goal in their two nil victory and was named ‘man of the match’.  Ryan Manning was an unused substitute for the victors while Adam Idah was a 57th minute substitute for the visiting ‘Canaries’.

There was also League One action at Priestfield where Gillingham went down to a three nil defeat by visitors Lincoln City who go three points clear at the summit of the league table. Southampton loanee Thomas O’Connor was a 67th minute substitute for the hosts while Anthony Scully was unused on the visitors substitute bench.

Midweek signing Aaron McEneff, who joined Heart of Midlothian from Shamrock Rovers, was an unexpected inclusion on the ‘Jam Tarts’ substitute bench for their Scottish Championship clash with Ayr United at Somerton Park this evening. McEnefff was introduced on 66 minutes as his side secured a one nil success to extend their lead at the summit of the league table.

Thursday
There was another Premier League contest completed on Thursday evening with Tottenham Hotspur going down to a one nil defeat by London Stadium visitors Chelsea. Matt Doherty was again an unused substitute for the hosts. 

Wednesday
The Premier League continued on Wednesday evening with Burnley playing host to Manchester City at Turf Moor. Injury ruled out Robbie Brady while Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne were unused on the substitute bench as the visitors secured  a two nil victory. Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute bench for Everton who defeated Leeds United by two goals to one at Elland Road. Aaron Connolly was an 83rd minute substitute for Brighton & Hove Albion who shocked  Liverpool with the only goal at Anfield where goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher started for the defeated hosts. Aston Villa went down to a three one defeat by visitors West Ham United for whom teenage striker Ademipo Odubeko was an unused substitute.

There was also Championship action with Rotherham United defeating visitors Derby County by three goals to nil. Jason Knight started for the defeated ‘Rams’ while teenager Louie Watson was an unused substitute.

Tuesday
Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion, the two sides currently occupying the bottom positions in the Premier League met on Tuesday evening at Bramall Lane. The hosts came from behind to secure a vital two one victory to close the gap to their opponents. John Egan and David McGoldrick were in action with the ‘Blades’ while the visiting ‘Baggies’ included Dara O’Shea and Callum Robinson in their starting eleven. Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick were in the Newcastle United side which went down to a two one defeat by visitors Crystal Palace at St James Park.

In the Championship, goalkeeper Keiren Westwood retained his starting role for Sheffield Wednesday who secured  a two one victory at AFC Bournemouth. Cyrus Christie and Nottingham Forest travelled to face Coventry City at St Andrews in Birmingham where they secured  a two one victory. Danny McNamara started for Millwall who played out a scoreless draw with visitors Norwich City for whom Adam Idah was a very late substitute. 

Loanees Mark Travers and Conor Masterson were in League One action with Swindon Town who scored the only goal to defeat Wigan Athletic at the County Ground.

There was EFL Trophy action on Tuesday evening with Sunderland progressing to the Northern semi-final stage with a three nil victory at MK Dons. Aiden O’Brien started for the ‘Makems’ and was replaced on 60 minutes by Aiden McGeady who scored shortly after his introduction while Warren O’Hora was in action with the hosts. Also through to the semi-final stage are Oxford United who defeated their visitors AFC Wimbledon by three goals to one. Anthony Forde, Olamide Shodipo, who scored, Liam Kelly and Mark Sykes all started for the victors. Tranmere Rovers included veteran goalkeeper Joe Murphy and Glasgow Celtic loanee Lee O’Connor in their side for their two one victory over visitors Peterborough United. The fourth quarter-final saw Lincoln City prevail 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after they and their hosts Hull City played out a one all draw. Anthony Scully converted his penalty for the victors while Sean McLaughlin was in defence for the defeated hosts.