UNDER 11: LUCAS Kimpton grabbed a hat-trick as Deeping Blue cruised into the final of the PFA Cup with a 6-0 win against Corby.

Will Robinson, Jack Banham and Harrison Dee were also on target as the brilliant Blues made it 17 wins from 17 games in all competitions so far this season.

That form has seen John Carver’s side open up an eight-point lead at the top of Division Two, secure a place in the last eight of the league cup and a place in the first-ever Under 11 PFA Cup final.

Manager Carver said: “Corby are a decent side and we are the only team to have beaten them this season so we knew it would not be a formality. But we played really well on the day and obviously we are now really looking forward to our third final in as many years.”

FACING Deeping in the PFA Cup final will be Glinton Red who beat Northern Star Blue 3-2 in the other semi-final.

But while Deeping cruised through, the Reds had a much tougher time against their top-flight rivals. Star had Alex Walsh and Jake Waller on target but the Reds squeaked into the final thanks to goals from Matthew Sedgwick, Adam Mayman and Josh Gibbons.

CAMERON Guest delivered a masterclass in finishing as Netherton hammered Kings Cliffe 8-0 in Division One.

Guest scored five times for the league leaders who also had Oliver Foster (2) and Cain Martin on target.

The win leaves the city side a point clear of Deeping but with some tough games to come over the coming weeks, manager Simon Wright is not about to start looking too far ahead.

He said: “We did what we had to do against Kings Cliffe and I thought we finished our chances very well but we have plenty of work to do before we can even start thinking about winning the league title.

“We still have Deeping to play again and Northern Star too so we will be taking it one game at a time.”

RYAN Bointon scored four goals as Werrington kept their Division Three title hopes alive with a 12-2 win at Crowland while in Division Four leaders Leverington beat Malborne 5-1.

Danny Carman scored a hat-trick while Leoun Savage and Tommy Wiles were also on target for Leverington who have now won all 16 of their league games so far.

That form means Nigel Dennis’ side are guaranteed promotion and all but assured of the title despite Holbeach still having a mathematical chance of pipping them to the post.

Dennis said: “Promotion is already guaranteed but mathematically Holbeach can still catch us if they beat us by a cricket score in the final game of the season. So we will not be celebrating until everything is done and dusted.”

UNDER 12: ROMAN Paterson bagged a hat-trick as Hampton Reds booked their place in the final of the Hunts Cup by beating Yaxley Blue 4-0.

Despite a lengthy lay-off, the rampant Reds had far too much for Division Two outfit Yaxley. They also had Niall Burnage on target.

Hampton will face Ramsey Colts in the final after they beat Yaxley Lynx 3-1 in the other last-four clash. But despite the obvious distraction of reaching their first county showpiece, Hampton boss Mark Sansby is determined his players don’t lose focus on their flawless league campaign.

He said: “It was a great team effort and every player did their bit. Now I want them to put the final to the back of their minds and concentrate on keeping the 100 per cent record in the league.”

There was good news for the other local sides in county cup action too.

Two goals for Dominic Bevilacqua helped Eye book a place in the quarter-finals of the Northants Cup with a 3-1 win at Wellingborough, while Jack Baker scored as Deeping beat Bourne 1-0 in a Lincs Cup quarter-final.

Wisbech St Mary Yellow moved back to the top of Division Two by beating Oundle 7-0. Ben and Jack Gale led the way with two goals apiece.

UNDER 14: POWERLEAGUE have secured their first-ever final appearance after beating Sawtry Blue 7-2 in the last four of the Hunts Cup.

Sawtry were outclassed in the semi-final as Braden Denham (2), Aiden Steels, Calvin Hodson, Ben Baugh, Emmanuel Ffroku and Callum Norton all hit the back of the net for Powerleague who turned on the style in the second half.

The city side will now face Godmanchester in the April final after the holders beat Yaxley Whites 4-1 in the other semi-final.

Powerleague manager Keith Denham said: “We probably went into the semi as favourites but Sawtry really pushed us hard in the first half and it was not until after the break that we took control.

“But there is no way we will be favourites in the final against Godmanchester, especially as it will be our first-ever final. Being the underdogs though does mean we will have no pressure and we are all looking forward to the occasion.”

CITY slickers Netherton are through to the last four of the Northants Cup after beating Drayton Grange 4-0.

Dylan Horn was the star of the show with a hat-trick and Ibra Ahmed got the other after an impressive showing at The Grange.

Netherton boss Jon Crabtree said: “It was a brilliant performance against a quality side that had already beaten Voyager 4-0 in this competition. For us this is our Champions League and after that performance we’re confident of giving anyone a game in the semis.”

RIPPINGALE and Folkingham saw their Lincs Cup adventure come to an end in the quarter finals when they went down 3-1 at Fishtoft.

HAMPTON boss Dave Fox has predicted the three-way fight for the Division Three title will go right down to the wire.

Fox’s lads picked up their 11th league win from 13 games to maintain their hopes of landing the league crown by beating Wisbech Acorns Red 6-0 thanks to goals from Bradley Reffegee (2), Ayrton Brown (2), Connor Finn and Lewis Darani.

Fox said: “It was a little bit too easy for us on Sunday. But we got the job done and that was the most important thing.

“There is not a lot between us, Glinton and Northborough and a lot will depend on our game with Glinton in a few weeks time.”

UNDER 13: PETERBOROUGH Northern Star Red manager Marvin Bennett saw his side reach the final of the PFA Cup and then described it as one of the best days of his life.

Awais Ahmed and Tiago Nassunculo were the lads on target for Star as they beat Powerleague 2-0 to leave boss Bennett on cloud nine.

He said: “I am so proud of all the lads, including my goalkeeper Trent Stanley who pulled off a real Gordon Banks-style save to keep us in it at one point.

“But everyone was superb, they went out there and did exactly as they were asked and Sunday has to go down as one of the best days of my life.”

Star will take on Hungate Yellow in the final after they beat Wasps 9-2.

Kieran Higgs led the way for the reigning Division One champions with six goals while Sam Bedwell-Byatt, Ryan Harnwell and Harry Baldry were the other lads on target. Josh Atkinson and James Theodoulou scored the Wasps goals.

n MALBORNE continued to close in on a successful defence of their League Cup crown after booking their place in the semi-finals.

Sam Shields and Jonny Crier were both on target in a 2-0 win against Bourne Red. In the other quarter-final played on Sunday Arthur Franklin and Darryl Edwards fired Stamford to a 2-1 win against Deeping.

n RYAN Buckley and Alfie Hayes both netted hat-tricks as Wisbech St Mary Yellow went third in Division Two with a 9-2 win at Crowland.

n GOALSCORING king Lui Tompsett smashed six goals as Thurlby hammered Woodston 12-0 to take a step closer to the Division Three crown.

Jordan Laud wasn’t far behind his team-mate with four while Jack Morgan and Noah Rodman also got their names on the scoresheet.

The village side are now a point clear at the top of the table with two games in hand over second-placed Glinton but manager Alex Watson isn’t getting carried away just yet.

He said: “Scoring 12 goals away from home was a great effort but I would like to add that Woodston never stopped trying so they deserve credit for that.

“We are in a good position but we will not be getting too excited as we still have to play Glinton and Paston before the end of the season so it will still go down to the wire.”

]]> 1.3548818 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:06:24 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/angling_roundup_a_feeding_frenzy_for_welton_1_3548807

AT last anglers were able to get out and about again after the wintry blast of cold weather disappeared.

Although Sunday was still bitterly cold for those fishing into the wind at least there were fish to be had. Even a few anglers who tried their luck on the River Nene found fish willing to feed. No barbel showed though, just the odd chub and roach to red maggot.

There were some remarkable catches at the weekend, topped by a very impressive winning weight in Sunday’s HAJAC Winter League match. Four venues were used, not something I like to see, but these days match organisers are desperate to ensure everyone has a good day’s sport and as it turned out match organiser Roy Whincup got it just about spot on.

Top of the individual list was Graham Welton. The Stanjay Tackle-backed rod found the tench in a feeding frenzy and bagged 14 of them from his peg five below the Ramsey Forty Foot Bridge.

After feeding with a good helping of chopped worm and caster it was not long before the RAF man was into his first tench and by the final whistle he’d put a fine 45lb 2oz to the scales.

Runner-up was Andy Mead who fished at Raveley Drain and put a net of small roach to the scales taken on pinkie over groundbait for 14lb 3oz. March rod John Bates came third. He was drawn on the St Mary’s section of the Old Nene, finishing with 12lb 10oz.

On the team front it turned out to be a really good day for the Stanjay Tackle Gold side who topped the field with an excellent 16 point tally. Maver Bait Tech ‘B’ came second on 27 points closely followed by March AC on 29. That gave March a boost as they now top the league after two rounds with seven points, one ahead of Stanjay Gold and Maver ‘B’.

n BOTH the Four Islands and Six Islands were used in Sunday’s JVAC match on Sunday. Four Islands fished as well as most waters at the weekend, Kevin Wilmot topping the strong field with 67lb 6oz from peg three.

Wilmot fished 4mm pellet at nine metres, moving out in the last hour to 13 metres to keep the fish coming. Mainly big F1s, he fed hardly anything just half a dozen 3mm pellets after every fish.

Runner-up on the same pool was Paul Irons on 65lb 5oz, again pole and pellet, from peg five. It turned out to be a little harder on the less sheltered Six Island Pool, Roger Gowler taking the honours with 45lb 12oz from peg six on the long pole with maggot. Andy Gausden came second again fishing red maggot for 36lb 11oz. 

n AFTER the cold snap fish were not too willing to feed in the latest Whittlesey AA match fished on the top end of Whittlesey Dyke. It took some time to get the first bites with some anglers waiting 45 minutes before the float dipped under.

In the end the favoured peg near to the road bridge came to life for John Taylor to notch up another win with a total weight of 5lb all small roach taken on the pole with squatt & pinkie over ground bait. Second place went to Chris Bishop at the far end, who opted to fish the pole with bread punch throughout to record 2lb 15oz. Along the middle of the length Simon Godfrey eventually started to catch and ended up with a weight of 1lb 12oz, all small fish taken on the pole with squatt and pinkie over ground bait to finish in third place.

n DEEPING St James AC fished for the Severals Fishery Trophy on the Deeping Roadside stretch of the River Welland. The match incorporated round five of The Deepings Individual League Series. Conditions were far from ideal with very little flow and gin-clear water. Top rod with an all-roach net for 6lb 1oz was Mark Horsley, who fished the pole at eight metres alternating between bread punch and pinkie on the hook.

In second from the next peg was Hugh Mannell, who also had a net of roach weighing in 5lb 15oz. Third was Ray Torrington with 5lb 12oz.

n IT was tough going for those fishing the Wednesday Tydd Gote match at Clough on the North Level Drain, Phil Parnell and Andy Greenwood taking the honours both with a net of small roach weighing 1lb 5oz.

Sunday’s match was much better with weights improving dramatically. Andy Greenwood kept his run of form going with 8lb 8oz of roach, the majority taken on hemp seed. Phil Parnell came second with 8lb ½oz followed by Ray Groom on 7lb 15oz.

Fixtures for the club are now back to normal with both the Wednesday and Sunday matches drawing at Clough Bridge at 9am. Fishing will be 10am-3pm.

n IN the annual Garbolino RAF v Old Lags event a good turnout of past and present RAF team members lined the banks of Raveley Drain. Due to the venue’s recent form it was decided to squeeze the entire match along the Drain, which reduced the overall weights but did produce plenty of bites for the majority of the field.

The main event, the team challenge, produced a good win for the Garbolino RAF lads, finishing more than 16lb clear with 75lb 14oz to 59lb 10oz. The frame places were evenly split with Garbolino RAF’s Craig Shaw leading the way from a couple of pegs above the bridge. Shaw caught more than 550 rudd on a six metre whip and pinkie to finish with 15lb 7oz.

Runner-up was Andy Dixon with 13lb 2oz, followed by Dusty Kiddell on 10lb 14oz.

n BIG fish anglers looking for some better samples have been frustrated over the past few weeks on several of our local waters, yet just a couple of days after the thaw had set in Trevor Frisby bagged a fine 18lb 12oz carp from the Rio Lake on the Northey Park complex.

Frisby fished a Tutti Frutti boilie on a short hair rig and with better weather forecast for this weekend he will be looking for an even bigger fish on this in-form pool. There is a good chance of double-figure carp coming from the deep lake at Railway Lakes and a good bet for specimen fish is sure to be Lovell’s Lake at Tallington.

]]> 1.3548807 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/massive_catch_for_watts_1_3548806

TROUT

DESPITE the very cold weather over the weekend anglers braved the harsh conditions, particularly on opening day at Ringstead Grange to record an average catch rate of six fish per rod.

The stock fish were averaging close to the 2½lb mark with quite a few anglers taking some much better samples too.

The happiest angler over the first weekend has to be Mick Watts who caught a massive 16lb 4oz rainbow, taken on a small black and green lure.

The most productive areas were along the lodge bank, Willow Bay and in the corners.

Most anglers were fishing sinking lines in conjunction with small lures, with black, green and gold being the most productive colours.

Don’t forget Elinor Trout Fishery opens its doors to trout anglers on Saturday for the start of its new season.

The lodge will be open from 6.30am and fishing starts at 7am for both day ticket and season permit anglers on opening day.

Prices are the same as 2011 and prospects look very good. More than 2000 fish have been stocked to supplement the large head of overwintered fish.

The stockies are some of the best quality the fishery have seen for several years and with a mild spell heading our way we could well see some fish being taken close to the surface.

]]> 1.3548806 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:03:01 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sunday_football_terrific_town_chase_their_second_treble_1_3548694

SUNDAY morning success stories Peterborough Town are chasing a double-treble.

The city lads stormed to a hat-trick of honours - made up of Division Four title, PFA Junior Cup and the McCain Cup - during a terrific debut season.

And they’ve already proved that was no flash in the pan by putting themselves in a position to equal, or even better, those exploits in the current campaign.

Their latest triumph arrived at the weekend when they overcame Northampton side Fox & Hounds to advance to the final of the Northants Sunday Trophy in their first crack at a county competition.

Town are also favourites for the Peterborough Sunday Morning League Division One title, have a tasty PFA Senior Cup semi-final this Sunday and are also involved in the last eight of the Hereward Cup.

Manager John Cannon said: “We have a squad full of winners.

“It’s been another good season already and now it is just about finishing it off.

“The treble last season was great and it would be brilliant if we could manage to do it again now we’re playing at a higher level.”

Town raced out of the blocks to hit the front in Northampton courtesy of a Josh Orange strike inside 20 seconds.

Wideman Tom Retzlaff doubled their lead before the hosts hit back on the stroke of half-time, but a penalty from Jon Kerrison (fit again after a broken leg) sealed Town’s passage.

Cannon added: “It was a typical semi and got a bit heated at times, but we’re just pleased to come through it.

“We made it harder work for ourselves than it needed to be but it is all about winning cup games.

“We’re just waiting to hear where and when the final is. We’ll definitely have a bus-load of supporters to cheer us on.”

Town will face Daventry side AFC Casey’s in the final. They beat Clicker Athletic of Northampton 7-1 in the other semi.

And Town aren’t the only local team looking forward to a Northants county final.

Ploughman continued their cracking debut season by booking their place in the Northants Sunday Shield showpiece.

Their star strikeforce of Ondre Odain and Dan Drane both struck twice in a 5-1 semi-final success at Kettering United. James Blair bagged the other goal.

Rushden & District League side Dunhill United await Ploughman in the final.

But Fletton United saw their hopes of Northants glory dashed again.

The city Sunday Afternoon side, twice penalty shoot-out losers in county finals, bowed out at the semi-final stage of the Northants Sunday Vase this time around.

They went down 4-3 at the hands of AFC Houghton Magna - a team that had claimed the scalp of fellow locals Netherton in the previous round.

Fletton co-boss Dev Patel said: “It was a very competitive game which featured some odd decisions from the referee. In the end we got caught out from a quick free-kick that led to the winning goal.”

Dan Fountain (2) and Lee Harbour hit the goals for Fletton who have already won the Harris League locally.

]]> 1.3548694 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:26:29 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/longueville_hoping_it_will_be_a_case_of_third_time_lucky_in_cup_final_1_3548691

LOCAL lads Longueville are hoping it will prove to be third time lucky in the Hunts Sunday Benevolent Cup final.

Dean Penny’s side have contested the county showpiece twice previously in recent seasons and had to settle for runners-up medals on both occasions.

But they’re hoping to go one better when facing fellow Peterborough Sunday Morning League side Parkside at In2itive Park, Yaxley on April 22.

Penny said: “The club has been going for 12 years and we haven’t won a trophy or title yet, so hopefully this could be our chance.”

Longueville booked their place in the final with a 3-1 success at Catworth despite only being able to field a bare 11 and being without a recognised goalkeeper. Simon Cranwell hit a hat-trick.

Parkside secured their passage to the final by edging past Hampton Sports 1-0 thanks to a late John Regan goal.

But the last Peterborough Sunday Morning League interest in the Hunts Sunday Cup has ended.

Lancaster Bombers were beaten 6-2 by Huntingdon side Lord Protector at the semi-final stage.

n COOPERS are eyeing debut season success.

The Bretton boys are through to the final of the PFA Junior Cup.

A 3-1 extra-time semi-final victory over Artemis earned Ian Edge’s side their place in the showpiece where they will meet either Ploughman or Parkside.

Chris Linney, James Martin and James Moore scored their goals.

And Netherton moved smoothly through to the final of the PFA Sunday Afternoon Cup by dishing out a 7-3 drubbing off NENS.

Adam Scott led the way with a hat-trick as Isaak Bennett, Josh Moreman, Lee Clementson and Rob Dixon got the others.

Bretton North End will provide the showpiece opposition. They received a bye through to the final after scheduled semi opponents OS Lusitanos pulled out of the league.

n COATES are one step away from retaining their North Cambs Sunday Invitation Cup crown.

Rob Speechley hit the only goal of a semi-final success against REC Whittlesey to secure a spot in the final for the third successive season.

Star player Lee Colbert said: “It wasn’t a vintage performance but we rolled up with four subs which is unheard of!”

Coates will face Wisbech League side Crown in the final on April 29.

It is expected to be staged at the GER Ground in March.

Coates Saturday player Simon Bates plays for the Crown.

]]> 1.3548691 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:26:17 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/a_chance_to_play_legend_bristow_1_3548642

DARTING legend Eric Bristow will be in the city over the next two days - and local people can take him on for a free bet.

‘Crafty Cockney’ Bristow will be at the Bretton Centre branch of bookmakers Betfred tomorrow between 11am and 1pm and will then drop into the Broadway branch on Friday between the same times.

Members of the public have the chance to throw three darts against Bristow and if they get the higher score, they’ll receive a free bet.

There are also set to be other prizes on offer.

A CITY businessman has made an oarsome start to a sport he took up just over a year ago.

When he retired from rugby after reaching the age of 50, Paul Cullington needed another physical challenge.

So he took up indoor rowing and last week, just over a year after sitting on a rowing machine for the first time, he won a silver medal at the English Championships.

He competed in the 50-59 age group for heavyweights at the championships at the Manchester Velodrome and his time of 6mins 39secs for the 2,000m distance was not only good enough for runners-up spot but it sent him soaring to number 25 in the world rankings in his age group.

He now has his sights set on the British and European Championships in five weeks time when he hopes to improve on his time.

And after that, he’ll set his sights on the World Championships in Boston, USA, next year.

“The body told me to stop taking all the collisions in rugby when I reached 50 so I decided it was time to hang the boots up. But I still needed a sporting outlet,” said Cullington, the managing director of the thriving Krusada Teamwear company based at Orton Southgate.

“I took up indoor rowing and absolutely loved it. I train six days a week, sometimes twice a day. It’s much more forgiving on the bones than rugby and I’ve enjoyed more successs in a year of rowing than I had in 30 years of rugby.”

]]> 1.3548637 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:05:50 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/roe_in_fine_form_in_the_european_championships_1_3548636

CITY potter John Roe has made a blistering start to his bid for European Championships glory in Dublin.

He whitewashed Welshman Andy Rigby 6-0 in the preliminary round and then made light working of beating Belgium’s Michael Ieracs 6-2.

Roe (right) has also been in fine form for England in the team competition, winning all three frames as they beat Wales 8-7 then dropping just one frame in a 9-6 success against hosts Ireland. He followed up by helping England defeat Malta 8-7 and Northern Ireland 8-3.

Hampton’s Carly Smith got her bid for a third European title under way with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Belgian Laura Bource yesterday.

She also won one of her three frames as England beat Ireland 9-6 in their opening match but sat out their 12-3 hammering of France. England then defeated Scotland 9-6 with Smith winning one frame.

Wednesday, 2pm: Tyrone Barnett has become the first million pound signing in Peterborough United history.

The Evening Telegraph understands Posh have paid £1.1 million to League Two side Crawley for a 26 year-old striker with 38 goals in an 18-month Football League career to his name. There are also over £300,000 in sell-ons and add-ons attached to the deal.

Barnett has joined Posh on an emergency loan until the end of the season when he will sign a four-year contract. He will make his debut in Saturday’s Championship clash at Doncaster.

Barnett’s arrival ends a month-long pursuit of the player. It was reported that Posh had a joint bid of £1.9 million for Barnett and Crawley defender Kyle McFadzean turned down during the January transer window.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony took a financial plunge after listening to manager Darren Ferguson rave about the player.

MacAnthony said: “The gaffer called me last week after seeing this lad for the umpteenth time and said ‘wow, power, pace, goals, aerial colossus, we have to sign him.

“We have smashed our transfer record and signed one of most sought-after strikers outside the Championship. We also beat six tasty Championship clubs to this deal.”

The previous highest transfer fee paid by Posh was £500,000 to Grimsby Town for central defender Ryan Bennett, but he eventually cost the club more than a million pounds when add-ons and a sell-on fee following his recent move to Norwich City were taken into account.

Barnett failed to agree personal terms after Championship rivals Blackpool set up a £1.4 million transfer last month, He’s scored 15 goals in 33 appearances for Crawley so far this season.

Ferguson added: “We have been after Tyrone for a while now so I’m delighted we have signed him. He gives us something totally different to what we have already got.

“We have had several good reports on him and I went to watch him recently, but left at half-time because I could already see how good he was.

“He scores all sorts of goals. He is technically very good, has decent pace and he is one of the best strikers in the air that I have seen for a while.

“He is a good age, has a good background and we are thrilled to have him on board. Fair play to the chairman for pulling out all the stops to get him.”

Posh have paid a record fee for a League Two player. The previous highest was the £800,000 that Bournemouth paid to Crawley for striker Matthew Tubbs last month.

Big factor was the chance to play for Darren Ferguson

TYRONE Barnett is confident he can bring his Crawley Town form into the Championship.

The 26 year-old striker has jumped from non-league football to the second tier of English football inside 18 months, but he believes Posh boss Darren Ferguson will help him improve further.

Barnett was a striker at Hednesford Town in the Southern Premier League two seasons ago before moving into the Football League with Macclesfield and Crawley.

Barnett said: “I’ve had a good season at Crawley and I hope it carries on here. I have confidence in my ability and I can’t wait to get started in the Championship.

“A big factor for me was playing for Darren Ferguson. I have met him a few times and it’s obvious that he wants to play football the right way and so do I.

“I’m always looking to improve my game and I’m at a club that will help me do that. I’m excited about the challenge ahead.

“I know Peterborough had a bid rejected for me in January which was disappointing, but I didn’t let if affect me and now I’m glad that the move has happened.”

NEW recruit Olly Allen reckons he is fitter than ever ahead of his long-awaited Peterborough return.

Allen, who emerged from the Panthers famous 1990s production line of young talent and was a Premier League winner here in 1998, has undergone an intensive winter regime of cycling, running and swimming to ensure he is in peak condition when the tapes go up.

The 29 year-old, who has returned to his racing roots on a loan deal from Coventry, also reports that the preparation of his equipment is going to plan.

Allen said: “I’ve been training hard since the beginning of December and I’m feeling very good. In fact I would say I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in.

“I’ve always enjoyed swimming. I swam for the county as a kid and did a fair bit of long-distance running too.

“I find circuit training is good for speedway too. You need to be lean and light on the bike but also have strength and flexibility.

“I didn’t always take my fitness seriously enough in the early part of my career but it is essential now to make sure you are in the best possible condition.

“The bikes are coming on nicely as well and I’m hoping to get out practising at the Showground soon.

“They’ve had to call a couple of sessions off but hopefully this weekend will be a goer.”

Allen arrives at Alwalton after spending last season on loan at King’s Lynn. He and team-mates Kenneth and Lasse Bjerre won’t have to wait long to come up against their last club.

The Stars provide the opposition as Panthers open their league campaign with a Good Friday double-header against their A47 rivals.

And Allen, who has nothing but fond memories of his time in Lynn colours, admits he’ll be returning to the Norfolk Arena in search of an away win.

He said: “There should be big crowds at both meetings and I’m sure it will be a cracking day.

“We’ll be looking to pick up a good haul of points. Hopefully we can get a decent win at home before making sure we come away from Lynn with something.

“It’s awesome for myself, Kenneth and Lasse to be going back there so soon. Kenneth was head and shoulders above everyone else at the Norfolk Arena last season and I’m sure their boys won’t be looking forward to facing him.”

n PANTHERS have booked controversial British rider Edward Kennett as a guest for their pre-season inter-league challenge at Rye House on March 31.

Kennett, who was banned from the sport for part of last season after being found to be using an illegal silencer, will step in for the unavailable doubleing-up men Lasse Bjerre and Rene Bach who are both racing for their Premier League clubs.

]]> 1.3546599 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:50:11 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/your_posh_views_on_new_signing_tyrone_barnet_1_3546132

YOUR views on Tyrone Barnett’s million pound transfer to Posh as told on twitter to @swannyposh and on www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk

Fantastic signing! This is the sort of news that should really send a message to everyone that Posh want to progress further. Well done to Darragh for stumping up the dosh. Can’t wait to see him banging in the goals that will hopefully take us up to mid-table this season.

Mean Mr Mustard

“A strong, quick, goal-scoring striker. Just what we needed, and once again Darragh supports Fergie in signing a top target.”

@jones_jamie

“Hope price tag doesn’t put too much pressure on him. Potentially a super signing just hope he is given time to settle in side.”

@StevenAdams2

“Barnett needs 10 goals, four assists and three man-of-the-matches to be a good investment.”

@posh_mad

“Should be good signing after seeing YouTube video of his goals. Wonder whether he will start straight away or be on bench.”

@Bloodworthjames

“Let’s hope he lives up to expectations and becomes a prolific goalscorer as that’s what we’ve been missing.”

@stuboy34

“Posh have been missing a proven goalscorer since CMS left. Let’s hope Barnett fits the bill! What a chairman!”

@Kezzaweave

“If he can convert our chances into goals it’s a smart investment. League status over future profit in this signing methinks.”

@SuperPosh7

“Emile Sinclair seems like a poor man’s Barnett.

Could be a great capture, although it’s a gamble re price.”

@_greggor

“If he can continue his good form then yes a good signing! Not seen him, but he sounds like the powerful centre forward that we sometimes lack.”

@joeGB

“Good signing for the team. He should fit well with the team and give a different dimension to the attack.”

PaulGal5

“Brilliant news, by all accounts very good sought after player.”

Genghis Khant

“At last a target man and someone to supply at corners.”

henryjames

“I hope this lad lives up to his billing. We must all give him a chance and not bite his head off too early if he fails to deliver in a couple of games.

Johnymac

What do you think about the signing?

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STEVE Evans believes Posh have just signed the best striker in the Football League

The Crawley boss admits he’s devastated to have lost Tyrone Barnett from his own League Two promotion battle, but he’s happy that he’s joined a club which will improve him further.

Crawley paid Macclesfield just £125,000 for Barnett (26) last summer, but they’ve now sold him for almost 10 times that amount. Evans believes the £1 million plus fee is still a bargain for a striker with no weaknesses.

Factfile: TYRONE BARNETT

Football League

Club Apps Goals

Macclesfield 51 13

Crawley 33 15

TOTALS 84 28

======

Also played for Rushall Olympic, Telford, Willenhall United, Hednesford Town.

“Tyrone has got the lot,” said Evans, who used to live in Peterborough. “I have got through life without being jealous of anyone, but I am very jealous of Darren Ferguson today.

“He has just signed the best striker outside of the Premier League. I have no doubts about that and I don’t think I’m the only one with that opinion.

“Tyrone is quick, he’s strong, he’s unbeatable in the air and his attitude is fantastic. He gives 100 per cent in every game and the Posh fans will love him and I believe he will love them.

“I’m devastated to lose him, but my board accepted the offer and that’s the end of it.

“I won’t bother searching for a replacement because there isn’t one, but I am delighted though that he’s chosen to go to Posh because they are a club guaranteed to look after him and to improve him.

“I know Darren and his chairman and Barry Fry have been chasing him for weeks. Darren was here for a recent game against Cheltenham and left at half-time because he’d seen enough to know good Tyrone is.

“The whole football world were here that night and I fielded six phone calls from Championship clubs the next morning asking about him.

“Darragh MacAnthony has again put his money where his mouth is though and I believe Tyrone has joined the perfect club for him. He will go further than Posh in time.”

Evans deserves great credit for spotting Barnett. The striker didn’t play a Football League game until he was 24 when he joined Macclesfield from non-league Hednesford Town in 2010.

Barnett didn’t exactly set the world alight at Moss Rose for whom he scored just 13 goals in 45 League Two appearances last season.

But Evans was always convinced he’d spotted a gem.

“It took Darren 45 minutes to be convinced about Tyrone, but it took me just 20 minutes,” Evans added.

“I went to watch another player at Macclesfield, but I soon realised that if Crawley reached the Football League, Tryone had to be my number one target.

“And he’s been sensational for us. All the Posh fans should get on YouTube and see the goals he has scored for us.

“He gets goals from everywhere, from all angles, with both feet and his head.

“I don’t believe Posh were ever in any danger of getting relegated this season, but signing Tyrone pretty much makes it impossible now in my opinion.

“Tyrone is well grounded as well. He had four and a half years at West Brom as a youngster which is a good schooling for anyone, but he became disappointed when he was released which is why he’s taken a while to get back into the Football League.

“Not many were showing an interest in him while he was at Macclesfield and his scoring record wasn’t that brilliant, but I just trusted the judgement of my own eyes and it’s paid off.”

ANOTHER day . . . another cracking Northern Star cup success.

The city’s second football team are fast making a name for themselves with their knockout exploits, following up a rousing extra-time FA Vase fifth round triumph at the weekend with a considerably smoother passage into the United Counties League Cup semi-finals last night.

Holders Star weren’t in the slighest bit flattered by a 4-1 scoreline as they swept past S & L Corby (a team they were defeating for the third time this season) at Chestnut Avenue. In fact only a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Richard Lavin spared the visitors from a total annihilation.

Star number two Ian Jackson, who took charge with boss Chris Plummer on a spying mission in the North East to check out Vase quarter-final opponents Dunston UTS, said: “The lads looked a bit tired early on which was no surprise given the effort they put in over 120 minutes and with 10 men in the Vase on Saturday.

“There’s no denying we made hard work of it in the first half, but we had a word with the boys at half-time and they did everything asked of them to go on and win the game comfortably.

“We were the only team in it after the break and it is no exaggeration to say we could have scored eight.

“We seem to have turned a corner and are coming into good form again at a very good time.”

Star were briefly behind to a Michael Byrne strike after 13 minutes but Karl Gibbs, who had earlier hit the bar, guided them level less than 60 seconds later.

Ali Nyang completed the turnaround six minutes after the interval before an inspired Jackson substitution helped Star take total command.

Addie Staffieri was in the right place to convert an Avelino Vieira cut-back with his first touch following his 64th minute arrival.

Vieira added the final gloss with a fourth goal as Star set up a semi-final showdown at UCL big-guns King’s Lynn. Fellow locals Holbeach and St Ives will contest the other semi-final.

Northern Star: McShane, Cook, Horne, Morris (Raynor), Cox, Dean, Nyang (Glover), Hook, Vieira, Gibbs (Staffieri), Stead. Unused: Currie, Medwynter.

WISBECH boosted their Ridgeons Premier Division promotion hopes with a smooth home success last night.

The Fenmen breezed past Norwich United 4-0 thanks to strikes from Scott Johnson, Callum Reed and a couple of own goals.

March booked their place in the semi-finals of the Ridgeons First Division Knockout Cup with a 1-0 win at Thetford thanks to an Ondre Odain goal.

BLACKSTONES beat town rivals Stamford 1-0 in a friendly last night. Simon Mowbray hit the only goal.

BOURNE and Holbeach will battle it out for a county cup final place tonight. The two local sides meet at the Abbey Lawn in a re-staged Lincs Senior Trophy semi-final. The original clash earlier this month was halted due to a floodlight failure.

WILL Pearson won the second PACTRAC biathlon of the year but Roz Giles was crowned club champion.

The first biathlon three weeks earlier determined the handicap with competitors then setting off at various times in the second event, with the club champion being the one who improved the most from race one to race two.

Pearson had missed the opener so although he crossed the line first it was Giles who retained her club championship.

Giles improved her time by 3.17 with husband Steve her biggest threat as he went 2.58 faster than last time.

The family have made a good start to PACTRAC’s 2012 club championships, Steve having taken the off-road duathlon after securing that title for the fifth successive year at Wadenhoe.

Pearson recorded the fastest swim time but because of the handicap he set off on the run in third place. Martin Taylor set off on the run in front but was caught by Pearson who crossed the line a minute-and-a-half clear.

John Murray, the winner three weeks earlier, was again the fastest as he improved by 18 seconds but it was only enough to be eighth over the line. He gained three places on the run, where he recorded the fastest split.

Results

Pos Name H’cap Swim Run Time

1 Will Pearson 4.36 12.14 37.00 53.50

2 Roz Giles 2.42 14.17 38.20 55.19

3 Steve Giles 6.29 17.22 31.47 55.38

4 Tony Moran 0.00 16.46 40.11 56.57

5 Dave Allsop 9.59 13.32 33.44 57.15

6 Steve Hope 9.27 13.30 34.48 57.45

7 Martin Taylor 0.00 16.00 41.46 57.46

8 John Murray 14.03 13.22 30.53 58.18

9 Jaap Flikweert 14.03 12.48 31.32 58.23

10 Rob Hammond 12.04 13.46 32.42 58.32

11 Giles Cooper 9.48 13.43 35.23 58.54

12 Paul Spain 13.52 14.10 31.08 59.10

n THE next PACTRAC race will be the Annual Ride and Tie at Woodnewton on Sunday, March 18.

The event has again been opened out to a few local running clubs and consists of teams of pairs running and cycling over three laps of a six-mile circuit.

Other PACTRAC races in 2012:

May 6: Middle Distance Triathlon - Oundle. Swim 900 yards, bike 20 miles, run five miles.

May 23: Mini-Series Triathlon Race One - Oundle. Swim 400 yards, bike 10 mile, run 3.5 miles.

May 30: Novice-Only Mini-Series Triathlon - Oundle. Swim 400 yards, bike 10 mile, run 3.5 miles. For those new to the sport or who have been competing for less than a year.

June 3: Off-Road Triathlon - Harringworth. Lake swim 750 metres, mountain bike eight miles, run four miles.

June 6: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Two

June 13: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Three

June 20: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Four

June 23 or 24: Oundle Carnival 5k run.

June 27: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Five incorporating Novice Race Two

July 4: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Six

July 11: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Seven

July 18: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Eight

July 22: Long-Distance Triathlon - Oundle. Swim 1800 yards, bike 40 miles, run 10 miles.

July 25: Mini-Series Triathlon Race Nine

Oct 28: Duathlon - Woodnewton. Run two miles, bike 12 miles, run two miles. In conjunction with the club AGM.

]]> 1.3546108 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:05:49 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/posh_sign_1m_striker_1_3545011

5.10pm: Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has revealed that Posh have made their first million-pound signing in striker Tyrone Barnett.

The 26-year-old highly-rated Crawley Town striker is an emergency loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

MacAnthony said on Twitter: “Pleased to confirm Posh have smashed transfer record and signed one of most sought-after target men striker outside the Championship in a seven-figure deal.

“Our Gaffer wanted this one badly and I am glad to deliver!

“Also beat six tasty Championship clubs to this deal, trust me on that. Gives our squad that different presence everyone likes to talk about.

“Exciting!”

Darren Ferguson commented: “He is technically very good, he has decent pace and he is extremely good in the air, one of the best I have seen for a while. It gives us a different outlet.”

More in Wednesday’s ET

What do you think: a good signing?

Comment below, by email {mailto:alan.swann@jpress.co.uk|alan.swann@peterboroughtoday.co.uk, {http://www.twitter.com/swannyposh|on Twitter - @swannyposh} or use our {http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/yoursay|Have Your Say form}

ONE of the finest moments in the history of Kings Cliffe was soured by a serious injury.

The Premier Division table-toppers booked their place in the Northants Junior Cup for the first time with a 4-2 extra-time success over Northants Combination League side Weldon United on Saturday.

But Cliffe’s celebrations were tempered by losing goalkeeper Lee Peacock to a broken leg sustained when falling awkwardly after making a save.

Kings Cliffe boss Alex Brown, who guided Eye United to this county honour back in 2005, said: “It is fantastic for the club to be through to the final and it will be even better if we can go all the way.

“It was a great feeling to win it as Eye manager a few years ago, but we were in the UCL at the time so this would rank as a much bigger achievement.

“We played well against the best team we have faced in the competition and definitely deserved to win the game.

“We’re all just gutted for Lee to pick up such a bad injury. He’s been told he faces six weeks in plaster so it will pretty much end his season.”

Cliffe fell behind in the second half but an Andrew Bradley leveller took the tie to extra-time - and that’s where the locals took control thanks to a Gary Gibbs brace and an Adam Bevilacqua strike.

Star will meet higher-level side Bugbrooke of the United Counties League Division One in the final later in the season.

And while there was delight for Cliffe, there was county despair for Pinchbeck.

They crashed out of the Lincs Junior Cup at the semi-final stage for the second successive season.

Pinchbeck were beaten 2-1 at Market Rasen Town with the decisive goal arriving deep into stoppage time.

Player-boss Ian Dunn, who scored his side’s second-half equaliser, said: “I’m absolutely gutted. We bossed the game but ran out of ideas in the final third.

“They weren’t a good side which makes it all the more disappointing.

“It couldn’t have worked out any worse. We’ve missed out on a big final and wasted several Saturdays in our season getting this far.”

Pinchbeck will have to bounce back quickly as they face another big semi-final this weekend when taking on Eye Sports in the PFA Senior Cup.

n EYE Sports boss Gino Agius reckons ace goalscorer Jamie Graham is back to his best.

Graham delivered a two-goal masterclass as the title hopefuls won 3-1 at Deeping Rangers Reserves to move level with long-time leaders Kings Cliffe. It was his best display since joining the club late last year.

Agius said: “Jamie had flattered to deceive in his first few games for us, but he had been struggling with a leg injury.

“He’s over that now and on Saturday he was a joy to watch. In fact I would say he was unplayable.”

Juliano Menezes scored the other Eye goal with Tom Waumsley striking for Deeping.

n COATES chief Gary Munns didn’t exactly dish out the plaudits for hat-trick hero Mark Newton on Saturday.

Newton’s haul helped secure a 4-2 success at Peterborough Sports. Mick Gale had set the ball rolling.

“It was the worst hat-trick you’ll ever see,” said Munns. “The combined distance of his goals won’t even be 10 yards!”

Coates led 3-0 before a Lewis McManus effort and a Giuliano Staffieri screamer pulled Sports back into contention, but Newton had the last laugh.

Sports boss Chris Bartlett claimed his side were on the receiving end of a ‘smash and grab’. He said: “We battered them and ended up losing.”

n RAMSEY captain Dan Edwards delivered a goal-of-the-season contender while helping himself to a Saturday hat-trick.

Edwards found the net with a spectacular overhead kick during his side’s 5-1 romp against 10-man Oundle.

“It was an absolute cracker,” said manager Paul Taylor. “It’s the best goal we’ve scored all season and I doubt there has been one better anywhere.”

A header and a penalty completed Edwards’ treble. Youngster Elliott Cafferkey and Alex Mitchell got the others.

Oundle had Chris Beeby dismissed for collecting two early cautions (one for a foul, the other for speaking out of turn to the official) but managed to haul themselves level through Mark Taylor before going down to defeat.

Boss Barry Gregory said: “We were only 2-1 down going into the last 10 minutes and still had hopes of getting a draw, but their third goal knocked the stuffing out of our lads.”

]]> 1.3544076 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:43:20 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/peterborough_league_roundup_drove_boost_survival_hopes_with_a_6_3_win_1_3544069

PARSON Drove boosted their survival prospects by winning a nine-goal thriller at Oakham United.

The Fen lads’ 6-3 success even featured a rare appearance from 50 year-old manager Nick Markillie as a substitute.

Markillie was forced to go on after Drove lost Barney Shales due to a dislocated shoulder and his replacement, Steve Hanlon, with a hamstring problem.

A couple of James McManus goals - including a free-kick special - and others from Shales, Hanlon, Chris Ward and James Patrick saw Drove home.

Markillie said: “The game was so open it was untrue - it could have finished 12-12.

“It’s a good win for us and we need more of them. I definitely think we’re good enough to stay up.”

Drove remain three points from safety after Whittlesey edged past Leverington.

Early substitute Sam Pell and debutant Danny Hotchkiss struck in a 2-1 success over Leverington.

“It was a big result for us,” said Whittlesey manager Paul Humphries.

Leverington reduced their arrears through debutant Daniel Fysh who has joined from Wisbech St Mary but couldn’t convert other chances.

Leverington boss Stuart Webb admitted: “We played pretty well going forward considering it was our first game for six weeks, but we couldn’t finish for toffee.”

Rikki escapes a serious injury in horror tackle

ALCONBURY have breathed a sigh of relief after defender Rikki Howden escaped serious injury on Saturday.

Howden was caught by what general manager Mick Tarft claimed was a ‘knee-high’ challenge during a 4-1 home loss at the hands of Uppingham.

“I really feared he had dislocated his knee-cap,” said Tarft. “It was one of the worst challenges you’ll ever see, but luckily he is relatively okay.”

The incident went unpunished by referee Reg Parker. George Pearson scored Alconbury’s goal.

Happy Harrox coast to victory

MOULTON Harrox eased past Crowland in an all-Lincolnshire clash.

Steve Mastin, Bobby Patterson and Tom Panton settled the contest 3-0 in Harrox’s favour.

Co-boss Nigel Steadman said: “It wasn’t the greatest of games but we’re pleased with the result and clean sheet.”

TWO of Northern Star’s leading players will miss the biggest match in the Peterborough club’s history.

The date of a mouth-watering FA Vase quarter-final at home to North-East side Dunston UTS on Saturday, 3rd March clashes with the stag-do of full-back Nathan Horne.

Also involved in his jaunt to Las Vegas is goalscoring talent Jonny Stead who applied the final gloss from the penalty spot in a rousing 2-0 fifth round tie at Midlands outfit Tividale on Saturday.

Star boss Chris Plummer said: “It’s obviously really unfortunate how things have panned out with the stag-do.

“It’s a blow for us to be going into the game without two important players and the lads will no doubt be disappointed to miss it as well.”

One piece of good news for Star is that influential skipper Jimmy Dean is expected to be free to face a Dunston side who elminated Wisbech at the fourth round stage and have lost just twice all season in Division One of the Northern League.

Dean was harshly sent off for collecting two cautions early in the club’s success at Tividale on Saturday but his suspension is not likely to come through until next month.

Dean, Horne and Stead will all be present tonight though when Star resume another quest for honours.

The city men’s defence of the United Counties League Cup gathers pace as they face S & L Corby in a quarter-final tie at Chestnut Avenue (7.45pm).

Star have already completed a Premier Division double over tonight’s opponents but Plummer is bracing himself for a tough test in a match which follows hot on the heels of Star’s gruelling Saturday shift when they played with 10 men for 100 minutes.

Plummer added: “It is undoubtedly going to be tough for the lads to raise themselves again after putting in such a terrific effort at Tividale.

“But this is another big game and one that we want to win.

“Lifting the cup last season was a great achievement and we are determined to do all we can to keep hold of it.

“We’ve done the double over S & L but that will probably only serve to make tonight’s match harder because they definitely won’t want to lose to us for a third time.”

New signing Kieran Davies is in line for a Star debut. The former Blackstones, St Neots and Boston Town man can play out wide or up front.

Elsewhere tonight Wisbech entertain Norwich United in the Ridgeons Premier Division while March make a third attempt to visit Thetford Town in a Ridgeons First Division Knockout Cup quarter-final tie.

Blackstones host town rivals Stamford in a friendly at Lincoln Road (7.30pm). Admission is £3.

SPIRAL Gymnastics Club were in superb form at the Tulips Invitational at Spalding.

Five teams from the recently-formed city club competed over four levels and were crowned overall champions.

The Level Six team of Elysia Costanzo, Geogia Richardson, Chelsea Miller and Amelie Raymond may be lacking in experience but they produced some fantastic scores by winning their level and taking six individual medals. Raymond took the individual honours from Costanzo.

At Level Five - where Spiral picked up seven individual medals - the club’s senior team performed their routines impressively to come out on top. The inexperienced junior team finished fourth, only missing the bronze medals by two marks. Aimee Eaton won Level Five with Chelsi-Lee Parker in third.

Teegan Barnes won Level Four and along with Lucy Blackbird, Freya Walton and Stephanie Northen took the team honours. Spiral picked up three individual medals at that level.

The Level Three quartet of April Williams, Lauren Brett, Lydia Brant and Shania Northern did even better, winning by six marks and collecting seven individual medals between them. Brant won with Williams third.

Head coach Katherine Everett-Lawrence was delighted with the club’s results. “This is a massive achievement for Spiral Gymnasts as the teams they were up against were tough to beat,” she said. “I am proud of all of the gymnasts and coaches as they work really hard.”

Team captain April Williams (16) said: “It was a great atmosphere and all the gymnasts, coaches and parents were cheering us on. It was amazing when they announced Spiral Gymnastics Club as overall winners.”

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Kath or Emma on 01733 686414 or email enquiries@spiralgym.co.uk. The club are holding free taster sessions on Saturday, March 3 from 9am-10am and 10.30am-11.30am. Bookings are now being taken.

A PETERBOROUGH League official has survived a call for his head.

Referees and fixture director John Douse came under fire from fellow board member Graham Phillips after recently being involved in a Hunts FA disciplinary case.

Douse was warned as to his future conduct by the county association after an incident in a game involving Stilton FC where he is secretary.

Phillips then expressed the view that Douse was not a ‘fit and proper person to represent the board’.

But Douse wrote to the board of directors and they voted to accept the contents of his letter at their latest meeting.

WELL-KNOWN local player Darren Fogg, of Peterborough Sports, has seen an application to join the Peterborough League board unanimously accepted.

Veteran local football adminsitrator Lawrence D’Errante has also declared himself available to take on Peterborough League duties again next season.

D’Errante stepped down from his post of fixtures and referees’ secretary at the end of last season.

TOP Premier League offical David Bryan will be attending Thursday’s meeting of the Spalding Referees Association.

Bryan will be at Spalding Sports and Social Club to talk about his experiences officiating at the top levels of the game. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and all local referees are invited to attend.

FOR those who love boxing, the most disappointing thing about the press conference scrap between Dereck Chisora and David Haye, was that it was far more entertaining than the real fight hours earlier.

The Klitschko brothers must be the worst world heavyweight champions of all-time. They’re certainly the most boring.

The pair hide behind their massive reach and bulk, taking no risks and jabbing their way to dull victories against relative midgets.

How on earth does a talentless oaf like Chisora survive 12 rounds with a supposed world champion? Indeed I started rooting for Chisora during the bout as at least he tried to fight.

Of course he let himself down afterwards, but even that would have been worth it if he’d managed to chin Haye. That’s a mouth that needs closing and I hope the cameras Haye so clearly loves are there when it happens.

FUNNIEST newspaper headline I read over the weekend concerned Pep Guardiola replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss in the summer.

Wenger has caused such devastation on the playing squad at The Emirates, the Gunners will be lucky to attract Steve Bruce or Mick McCarthy, never mind the best coach in the game.

Wenger is the classic case of the star who stayed too long. He’s growing increasingly stubborn and the dodgy eyesight that has always affected his matchday viewing has now stretched into an inability to spot defenders with any sort of skill.

It’s sad in a way to see a proud man wither before our eyes. The Arsenal board should act now and turn the rest of the season into a long farewell for a manager who created a couple of vastly entertaining sides, before it’s too late,

MIND you Wenger is not the only manager being let down by awful defenders.

His back four are so bad even that clumsy misfit Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked a world beater the other night, but the standard of defending, even among the top clubs in the Premier League, is terrible, and a major factor as to why no English clubs will make the last eight of the Champions League.

When someone as ordinary as Gary Cahill becomes a top target of a top four club, you know the talent pool is dry. Chelsea pay this plodder £80,000 a week, on top of the £7 million they handed to Bolton, presumably because he looks good alongside David Luiz.

Chelsea also have the problem of John Terry’s decline which is matched at Old Trafford by Rio Ferdinand’s. Nemanja Vidic is a crock now so United’s future success at the highest level could depend on Sir Alex Ferguson finding a quality partner for Phil Jones (clearly he was at London Road on Saturday to run the rule over Gaby Zakuani).

And Manchester City will never deliver the success in Europe their financial war chest demands until they can find a replacement for Joleon Lescott.

GOOD to see that England’s saviour Harry Redknapp is learning how to negotiate his way through knockout competitions. This tactical genius must be delighted that Spurs ground out a 0-0 FA Cup draw at Stevenage on Sunday to keep alive their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

THE FA Cup continues to surprise. I enjoyed Norwich City’s dour, miserable manager Paul Lambert explaining away his side’s shock home defeat to Championship flops Leicester City.

According to Lambert surviving in the Premier League takes priority over delivering a special day out at Wembley for the club’s fans.

Norwich are currently eighth in the table, 14 points clear of relegation. How safe does Lambert want his side to be?

The Canaries have done very well, but their season will probably dribble out to a dull, mid-table conclusion. Further progress in the FA Cup would have kept the excitement going for a few more weeks.

Instead managers like Lambert have ensured the once-magical competition has been diminished that little bit more.

I’D dearly love Portsmouth to get relegated this season. In fact they’d already be relegated if the Football League had any balls.

Pompey have effectively been caught cheating and not for the first time in the last couple of years. They’ve been spending money they haven’t got in a selfish pursuit to finish above properly-run clubs.

The 10-point deduction isn’t enough. Their playing staff is now protected by administration and, ludicrously, there was even weekend talk of bringing in new players.

Portsmouth probably have the talent to stay up, but they shouldn’t have.

Swanny’s fanmail: send yours by email {mailto:alan.swann@jpress.co.uk|alan.swann@jpress.co.uk} or {http://www.twitter.com/SwannyPosh|on Twitter @SwannyPosh}

I thought I was missing something when the world went ‘Arry mad. I racked my ageing brain because I felt sure I had forgotten something that ‘Arry had done.

Then I read your weekly column and realised that I was right all along. We have got engulfed in a wave of euphoria into appointing a Pearly King as England manager. A comparatively potless Pearly King as it transpires.

Just because the tabloids say we have to have an Englishman this time, enter ‘Arry. So, if he takes it on because he can’t write very well by his own recent admission, how long before he gets found out?

Still, at least all the players will know the words to ‘Down at the old Bull and Bush’.

And it could be worse as Steve Bruce is out of work, another genius without silverware.

Gary Chapman

Harry Redknapp always seems to manage teams that are struggling. He rescued Portsmouth and when he took over at Spurs a few years back they were down at the bottom of the Premier League.

Even you Swann paid him a compliment back then for what he’s done, so he should be the perfect choice for England as he could turn a bunch of no-hopers into a team challenging for a trophy.

I watched Luis Suarez closely at Ajax and knew what sort of a person he was before he came to England and I am happy that he landed at a team like Liverpool.

Chelsea would have been a good option too as I can’t stand both teams and they both have no chance of winning anything with all the money they have wasted.

Mangun

So it’s okay when a Manchester United player attacks a spectator. It’s okay when a United player cheats on his wife with elderly women. It’s okay for a United player to end the career of fellow player.

It’s okay for a United player to have a five-year affair with his brother’s wife. It’s okay for a United player to miss a drugs test.

But it’s not okay for another club’s player to refuse to shake hands with a United player or never play in England again.

Fergie, what a hypocrite.

Ganghis Khant

Your last column was spot on, especially your bit about the press/MOTD (re-Dalglish).

We saw their same love-in for Bruce at Sunderland.

@Grim72ftm

I’ve changed my mind after tonight (AC Milan). Unfortunately Arsene Wenger has lost his way.

@samueljackson

It is time Wenger went. He’s run out of ideas. Arsenal have been beaten too many times with good tactics and Wenger doesn’t know how to change his.

@Maccasports

Has Tomas Rosicky ever done anything to merit his place in the Arsenal side?

I genuinely can’t think of anything memorable he’s done for them.

@squiresm

It was so nice of Sir Alex Ferguson to offer advice to Kenny Dalglish that he should sell Louis Suarez for not shaking someone’s hand.

I’m sure he would have really appreciated such advice himself from his fellow managers after one of his own players kung-fu kicked a spectator.

Mean Mr Mustard

Deeping Claret 1

Bourne Blue 0

Under 9 Red Zone

THERE was no Claret spilled in this lively derby as Deeping breezed to the points.

On a windy morning at Outgang Road a first-half goal from Alessandro Pizzo settled the issue as Deeping took the bragging rights against their Lincolnshire rivals.

It was hardly a classic with conditions making life difficult for both sides. But according to Clarets’ boss Barry Phillips there was still plenty of eye-catching football on show.

He said: “It was difficult as the pitch is very exposed to the wind but I thought both sets of players did a great job and really tried hard to put some decent moves together.

“We were probably a bit fortunate with the goal as everyone apart from Alessandro seemed to think the ball would go out for a goal-kick. But full credit to him for sticking at it and it was a good finish from a tight angle.

“Winning the game means we can now go into our League Cup quarter-final with Werrington with a lot of confidence.”

After a lively start it was the visitors who went closest to opening the scoring in the early stages when Ethan Hunt’s powerful shot rattled the Deeping upright.

It was a let-off and one the home side immediately made the most of when Pizzo latched onto Oliver Lord’s wayward shot to fire home from an acute angle.

At the other end of the pitch Joseph Revell twice went close to pulling Bourne level but despite a couple of decent shots, Deeping keeper Ben Asplin proved more than a match on each occasion to protect his side’s slender lead.

With the wind at their backs in the second half it was Deeping who began to dominate possession. Lord and Pizzo both threatened but it was Connor Gosnel who looked the most likely scorer for the Clarets.

But like his opposite number Bourne goalie Kyle Evans was in fine form between the posts to beat away Gosnel’s goalbound efforts as Bourne prevented their hosts from adding to the scoreline.

Blues boss Ken Grant said: “On another day we could have come away with something but we have no complaints. Deeping are a cracking side. And all told it was a cracking derby game, played in the right spirit and really well refereed.

“We certainly did ourselves justice and once again proved that we are good enough to give anyone in this division a real run for their money.”

UNDER 9: YAXLEY Blue are back in the Blue Zone title race after beating Riverside 4-3.

In a cracking tussle at Middletons Road, Marcus Goymour (2) and Jack Hampson both netted for Riverside but goals for Gianni Cantone (2), Declan King and Kyle Rowell ensured the Blues took the points.

And with league title rivals Feeder Soccer held to a 0-0 draw against Corby, Yaxley boss Luke Weston believes his side could be peaking at just the right time.

He said: “We had a pretty sticky start to the season but since then we have just got better and better. We knew Riverside would give us a good game but the boys just seem to be able to come up with the goods in the big games which is important.

“There are still a few teams in the title race with Oundle, Feeder and Corby all in with a shout, but I would now say that we also have a great chance with the form we are in at the moment.”

n SPALDING remain on a collision course with Arsenal Soccer School for the Red Zone title.

A hat-trick for Luke Scampion and a goal for Josh Copnell saw the young Tulips beat Boston 4-1 to set up a potential last day title decider with the league leaders.

Spalding are now six points behind Arsenal with two games in hand and with the two sides due to meet on the final day of the season, boss Marvin Scampion is predicting fireworks.

He said: “We have Boston again next week and then Thurlby and if we can win both of those it will be winner takes all against Arsenal. They are our local rivals and I am sure it will be a cracking game.”

n GOALS for Nathan Bills and Luke Edwards saw Bourne Red consolidate their mid-table berth with a 2-0 win against Crowland.

After losing their first three games of the season the Reds have made steady progress as the season has developed, progress manager Steve Bills expects to see continue.

He said: “Crowland have had a difficult season but they still gave us a really good game in the end and we had to play well to take the points. We are mid-table now and hopefully we can stay there and give ourselves something to build on next season.

“But the most important thing is that the boys continue to enjoy playing the game, as long as that is happening then everyone here will be happy.”

n IN the Green Zone, Park Farm drew 3-3 with Malborne while Yellow Zone leaders Paston Flyers were held to the same scoreline by Thorney Colts.

A hat-trick from William Chamberlain saw the Colts storm into a commanding lead but goals from Danny Prior (2) and David Hilson saw the Flyers come back to claim a point.

Thorney boss Alan Fox said: “It was a much-improved display from us. We were 3-1 up and hit the post so it could have easily been a win for us on any other day.”

A COUPLE of controversial refereeing decisions led to a disappointing RFU Junior Vase exit for Wisbech on Saturday.

They travelled to Hammersmith to play London Exiles in the fifth round and despite a valiant effort were beaten 19-13.

The Fen boys were doing okay for 15 minutes but then a refereeing decision proved crucial and turned the game in favour of the Surrey Division One leaders.

Wisbech skipper Tom Long conceded a penalty for using a hand in the ruck and was sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes. And it was during that time that Exiles crossed for two tries - one converted - to establish a 12-0 lead.

Wisbech fought back and a try by Solomon Prestige and a conversion and penalty by Mark Laws cut the deficit to 12-10 early in the second period.

But, just as Wisbech looked as though they might snatch a winning score, the referee again upset them - this time by allowing play to continue from a scrum that had wheeled more than 90 degrees as a result of strong pressure by the Wisbech pack. The Exiles went on to score a try when the Wisbech forwards were expecting another scrum.

Wisbech mounted a late rally but all they could manage was another Laws penalty and that wasn’t enough to keep their dream of a final appearance at Twickenham alive.

Wisbech club manager Cliff Humphreys said: “It was a very disappointing result and the yellow card was a major factor.

“I felt the card was a bit harsh especially as it was the first offence.”

n IN the English Clubs Championship, Peterborough Lions coninued their promotion push at Northampton Old Scouts.

The Midlands Division Two East (South) table-toppers won 35-17 in a game they always dominated.

Tries came from Liam Mills, Rudi Van Der Merwe (2), Mantis, Chris Humphrey and Pete Kolakowski and there were welcome returns from injury for Alan O’Connor and Arturius Balcunius.

Lions chairman Andy Moore said: ”For once we didn’t pick up any yellow cards so that was a big plus. It was a solid, all-round team performance. We were stronger up front and sharper in the backs.”

n SPALDING did their survival hopes a power of good in Midlands Division One East when they picked up a shock 34-28 win at promotion hopefuls Paviors - a side that had thumped them 73-6 back in October at the Memorial Field..

Spalding made a dream start when Josh McNally made a break and skipper Harry Sharman took over to crash through three tackles to score under the posts with barely a minute gone.

By half-time Spalding, who were producing some of their finest rugby of the season, had stretched the advantage to 29-8 with further tries by Kevin Childs, McNally and Sharman.

Paviors came more into the game after the interval but Spalding scored again through Richie Craig and hung on for a vital five-point haul.

n STAMFORD also collected five points as they beat Rugby St Andrews 30-10 to move up to third in Midlands Division Three East (South).

Bruce Parker, Mark Taylor, Richard Thompson and James Green were the Stamford try-scorers and coach David Laventure was a happy man.

He said: “The bonus point for four tries to push us up to third was massive and gets us back into promotion contention. We will make sure the boys don’t get carried away though and just go one game at a time.”

n BOROUGH Ladies hit top form in Hitchin, taking the honours 56-0 with Sarah Davey crossing for a hat-trick of tries and Melanie Fulcher kicking eight out of eight conversions.

Verity Swinscoe was voted forward of the match and Fulcher back of the match.

n THERE were good wins for two of Borough’s junior sides on Sunday.

The Under 13s beat Rushden & Higham 58-10 in an East Midlands Plate semi-final with Owen Garner leading the way on the try-scoring front with three and Dominic Tompsett and Billy Ruane bagging a pair each.

The forwards laid the platform for the victory with an outstanding scrum and hard running from the likes of Zachary Stimpson, Nathan Taylor and Garner.

Borough Under 14s won 53-14 at Boston with Bradley Bucknell, Leon Weekely and Martin Ball all crossing twice.

]]> 1.3543987 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:18:25 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/junior_football_brave_blackstones_give_the_league_leaders_an_almighty_scare_1_3543983

UNDER 10: POWERLEAGUE took another step towards the Red Zone title despite being given a scare by Blackstones.

After a shaky start when Powerleague goalkeeper James Hogg was called into action on several occasions, goals for Bradley Simpson, Jamie Clarke and Christian Frank seemed to have put the league leaders in control of the game.

But struggling Blackstones stormed back into contention thanks to goals from Joshua Theodore and Ethan Ellison. For a few minutes Powerleague wobbled before Simpson settled the nerves with his second of the game to make it 4-2 and give his side some breathing space.

Manager Matt Catton said: “We almost got a very nasty surprise against Blackstones and I went up to their manager at the end of the game and said that I thought they deserved something.

“I don’t know why they are bottom of the league if they can play like that but thankfully we got the points. We are now six points clear and I am starting to feel a bit more confident about our chances of going on to win the league.

“The lads showed on Saturday that they can still deliver results when they are not at their best which is always the hallmark of a successful team.”

n PETERBOROUGH Northern Star Black maintained their interest in the Red Zone title race by beating Thorney 2-0.

Goals from Sandi Possiwe and Reece Exton secured the result to keep Star six points behind Powerleague in the table.

n ARSENAL Soccer School moved seven points clear at the top of the White Zone table with a 2-0 win at Deeping thanks to goals by Ben Brittain and Callum Thornalley. That made it 13 wins from 13 games.

n NETHERTON maintained their push for top flight football next season by beating Parkside Yellow 4-1 in the Blue Zone.

Kyle Tyler (2), Evan Walters and Brandon Read were the lads on target for Netherton who remain second in the table behind champions Gunthorpe Navy. But with Deeping and Wasps both picking up wins at the weekend, Netherton boss Tim Walters believes the race for the last remaining promotion spot could go right down to the wire.

He said: “Assuming that one other team will win a place in Division One behind Gunthorpe next season it’s obviously going to be too close to call between the rest of us. Deeping play Wasps this Saturday and if that ends in a draw then we are in pole position but anything could happen.

“All I will say is that whoever gets second will have earned it.”

n PARKSIDE Blue blew away the cobwebs with a 6-0 win against Farcet to maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the Green Zone.

Cameron Long (2), Connor Butterworth, Sandro Serreira and two own goals did the damage against bottom club Farcet.

Parkside boss Steve Long said: “We hadn’t had a game for a while so it was nice to get out and score a few goals. And it was particularly good to see Sandro scoring. A lot of his family were over from Portugal for the game and there was a big celebration when he scored as it was his first goal for the club.”

SAM Blunt was in razor-sharp form for Wisbech as they recorded impressive league and cup wins.

Blunt and Brad Apted each scored hat-tricks in a 9-2 hammering of Long Sutton in the East Men’s League Premier B and Blunt followed up with four goals as they stormed into the quarter-finals of the HA Trophy with an 8-2 success at Saffron Walden.

Sam Markillie scored his second double of the weekend and Gav Johnstone and Gary Freear also netted as they set up a last four home clash with Ashford (Middlesex) on March 4.

It wasn’t quite such good news for Wisbech in the opening round of the Mixed Trophy, going down 3-2 against Saffron Walden despite two goals from James Williams.

Wisbech also lost 3-2 in the East Women’s League Premier Division, Lisa Williamson and Jo Gomm finding the target.

Spalding left it late before grabbing the only goal of the game in their Cambridgeshire Ladies League Division One clash at Cambridge City fourths. Tamika Providence set up Lily Dobbs to fire the winner.

March Town recorded two wins in the East Men’s League Premier B, denting City of Peterborough thirds’ promotion hopes and then hammering high-flying Broxbourne 6-2.

In Division Three North West, leaders Bourne Deeping defeated Cambridge South seconds 3-0, despite being without three regulars.

Andy Kind, Ali Rowledge and Nick Glover scored in a game held up for 15 minutes when an ambulance was called after a visiting defender received a blow to the head.

In the same division, Spalding leapfrogged City of Peterborough thirds into second place with a 3-2 win at Bretton Gate. Danny Shardlow grabbed the winner and his second two minutes from time.

In Division Four North West, second-placed City of Peterborough fifths were held to a 4-4 draw by Long Sutton seconds, for whom Ben Shore was a hat-trick hero.

City of Peterborough sevenths were other high-flyers to suffer a defeat. City, second in Division Five North West, lost 3-0 against Cambridge City fifths.

ON-LOAN Posh midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe plays for Manchester United in a Premier Reserve League fixture at Wigan today.

The terms of Tunnicliffe’s loan allow him to play for his parent club.

The 20 year-old’s loan at Posh runs out at the end of February when it can be exetended if both parties agree.

DARREN Ferguson believes the penny has finally dropped with bad boy Peterborough United forward Lee Tomlin.

Tomlin delivered a match-winning two-goal display in Saturday’s pressure-relieving 3-0 win over Bristol City at London Road. It was just what the 22 year-old needed after a spell in the doldrums on and off the pitch.

Tomlin stopped using Twitter after some poor individual displays led to negative exchanges with fans on the social network.

But Ferguson said: “Lee is just getting his head down and concentrating on playing football and I think he and the team will benefit from that.

“He’s a young man still and we all need to remember that sometimes, but he has a massive future in the game if he continues to knuckle down and work hard on his game.

“I am confident he has realised that as he was excellent on Saturday in a very good team display. It was a very encouraging day all round as we defended well and created chances after changing things around a bit.

“Paul Taylor was brilliant for instance. We put him on the wing because we felt he would trouble their full-back, but he also put in a great shift in the defensive part of the role, something we weren’t so sure he would do!”

Tomlin has joined Grant McCann and Paul Taylor at the top of the Posh scoring charts with eight goals. He’s hoping his new approach will win the Posh fans round.

Tomlin said: “I’m off Twitter now after having a chat with the gaffer. If I had a bad game the fans were getting on my case and the manager said it would help me in the future to get off there.

“It was my decision and I can now concentrate exclusively on football. It was getting to me because I was getting criticism all the time and stupid comments. Now I can let my goals do the talking for me.

“Even against Bristol City we were keeping the ball and getting booed. We were 1-0 up but we know what we’re doing and so does the manager.

“He’s the one we’ve got to listen to because he’s got this club promotion a few times. We’re all sticking together.

“I would like the fans to get behind us more. We’re all still learning, we’re still young and Saturday’s win just shows how far we’ve come.”

Posh are now 12 points clear of the Championship relegation zone in 18th place. Nineteenth-placed Millwall, who are six points behind Posh, host Middlesbrough tonight,

]]> 1.3542410 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:25:00 +0000 http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/zakuani_to_have_an_op_once_we_re_safe_1_3542401

Peterborough United central defender Gaby Zakuani underwent a routine scan on his broken toe yesterday (Monday).

Zakuani is expected to keep playing with the help of pain-killing injections until Posh feel they are safe from relegation from the Championship.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: “We have to be fair to Gaby. He was outstanding {http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/posh_3_bristol_city_0_three_reasons_to_be_cheerful_1_3536684|on Saturday against Bristol City}, but he was in a lot of pain after the game.

“Once we feel we are safe he can stop playing and have the operation. The sooner the better really as Gaby will be out for a couple of months and we don’t want him to miss much of pre-season.

YOUNG Posh professional Kgosi Nthle (pictured) has been called into a South African Under 20 training camp which includes a friendly international against Botswana this week.

And Posh youth team skipper Peter Grant is attending a Scotland Under 18 training camp this week.

POSH skipper Grant McCann has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad tackling Norway in a friendly in Belfast on February 29. The midfielder won’t miss a Posh match as a result of his call-up.

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