Moon Soccer Weekend Round-up – National League & National League North

MOON SOCCER

Moon Soccer 13 Weekend Round-Up – National League & National League North

National League – Tranmere Rovers remain fourth as they were held to a draw by Leyton Orient. Rovers took the lead when Ritchie Sutton headed in Josh Ginelly’s cross shortly before half time. Dan Holman reacted first to a rebound to equalise for Orient on 53 minutes. James Norwood could have won it for Rovers late on but was denied as it ended 1-1

Chester remain four points adrift of safety after a 1-0 defeat at Woking. Reece Grego-Cox thought he had put Woking ahead on 23 minutes but the goal was ruled offside. The games only goal came from a corner that hit Josh Staunton and went into the net for a first senior goal that it is unsure how much he actually knew about. It was to be enough for the three points to remain in Surrey with the Seals drawing another blank and time running out to rescue their National League status.

National League North – Southport’s improved form continued with an impressive 3-0 win at Gainsborough. Jason Gilchrist was the hero with a superb hat-trick, his second for the Sandgrounders which takes his tally to 21 goals for the season, top of the National League North goal scoring charts. The win takes Southport four points clear of the drop zone in 16th place.

Moon Of Liberty Soccer Results

ROVERS

National League

Leyton Orient (0) 1 (Holman)

Tranmere Rovers (1) 1 (Sutton)

AT BRISBANE ROAD, LEYTON, LONDON

Full Report (BBC Sport)

THE SEALS

National League

Woking (1) 1 (Staunton)

Chester FC (0) 0

AT KINGFIELD STADIUM, WOKING

Full Report (BBC Sport)

THE SANDGROUNDERS

National League North

Gainsborough Trinity (0) 0

Southport (2) 3 (Gilchrist 3)

AT THE NORTHOLM, GAINSBOROUGH

Full Report (Southportfc.net)

Moon Of Liberty Star Man

Jason Gilchrist (Southport)

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Moon Weekend Soccerround – League 1 & 2

MOON SOCCER

Moon Soccer 13 Weekend Soccerround – League 1 & League 2

League 1 – Blackpool had to settle for a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Bloomfield Road against Walsall. Joe Edwards scored first for the visitors cancelled out by Nathan Delfouneso’s equaliser on 37 minutes. Jon Guthrie put the West Midlands side back ahead poking home at the back post from a cross. Blackpool got their point two minutes from time as Dan Agyel teed up Armand Gnanduillet to level the scores in a draw that was about right on the balance of play.

League 2 – It was a bad day for both the Moon’s League 2 sides in action. Notts County failed to rebound from their 8-1 thrashing at Swansea in the FA Cup n midweek. A powerful effort from the edge of the box from Alex Nicholls gave Barnet the 1-0 win in injury time as Notts fall to 4th in the table.

Mansfield also lost to the odd goal at Swindon Town. Matt Taylor finished off a fast counter attacking move to give Swindon the three points on 39 minutes. The Stags only managed one shot on target in a poor display in which Swindon perhaps deserved to win by more. Mansfield are down to sixth in the table after the defeat. Momentum seems to be moving away from both Notts and the Stags right now, both need to get back on track quickly.

 

Moon Of Liberty Soccer Results

League 1

Blackpool (1) 2 (Delfouneso, Gnanduillet)

Walsall (1) 2 (Edwards, Guthrie)

AT BLOOMFIELD ROAD, BLACKPOOL

Full Report (BBC Sport)

League 2

Barnet (0) 1 (Nicholls)

Notts County (0) 0

AT THE HIVE STADIUM, HARROW, LONDON

Full Report (BBC Sport)

League 2

Swindon Town (1) 1 (Taylor)

Mansfield Town (0) 0

AT THE COUNTY GROUND, SWINDON

Full Report (BBC Sport)

Moon Of Liberty Star Man

Alex Nicholls (Barnet)

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Moon Soccer – Liverpool v Tottentham Hotspur

MOON SOCCER

Moon Soccer 13

Premier League

Liverpool (1) 2 (Salah 2)

Tottenham Hotspur (0) 2 (Wanyama, Kane)

AT ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL

Liverpool managed another game poorly which meant they only drew a game they should have won against Tottenham. Mo Salah gave Liverpool an early lead as Liverpool dominated the first half and should have been further ahead. Tottenahm began the second half the better and slowly got themselves into the game with a deserved equaliser through a superb strike from long range by Victor Wanyama on 80 minutes

From there a dramatic ending began to unfold. Tottenham were given a penalty but Harry Kane had his kick saved by Loris Karius.  Liverpool then thought they had won the game as Salah scored in injury time with an incredible solo effort in which he left three Spurs defenders for dead. It was not over though, Eric Lamella got in front for Virgil Van Djik as the defender tried to clear but kicked Lamella instead. A second penalty was awarded and this time Kane made no mistake. Another two points thrown away for Liverpool who stay third but could have been in a much stronger position.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

MOON OF LIBERTY STAR MAN

Mohammad Salah (Liverpool)

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Moon Soccer – Swansea City v Liverpool

MOON SOCCER

Moon Soccer 13

Premier League

Swansea City (1) 1 (Mawson)

Liverpool (0) 0

AT THE LIBERTY STADIUM, SWANSEA, WALES

Liverpool suffered a big set back with their first defeat in 19 games at bottom side Swansea. Despite almost total domination of the possession and the chances Liverpool could not find a way through. Sadio Mane and Mohammad Salah both wasted first half chances. The Swansea goal came after the ball fell to Alfie Mawson in a goalmouth scramble in one of Swansea’s few forages forward and Mawson was able to fire into the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Danny Ings forced a good save from Lukasz Fabianski, Salah also had the keeper at full stretch but Fabianski managed to keep the ball out. In one final chance at the end Roberto Firmino hit the post and Mawson made a last ditch tackle to block Adam Lallana from equalising right at the death. It was not to be for the Reds who remain fourth in the table. Swansea are still three points from safety but tonight’s win stops them falling further adrift. 

Full Report (BBC Sport)

Moon Of Liberty Star Man

Alfie Mawson (Swansea City)

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Moon Soccer – Midweek Round-Up

MOON SOCCER

MoonSoccer13

FA Cup 3rd Round Replay

Leicester City (1) 2 (Iheanacho 2)

Fleetwood Town (0) 0

AT THE KING POWER STADIUM, LEICESTER

Leicester City moved into round 4 after a comfortable home performance against Fleetwood a the King Power. Kelechi Iheanacho opened he scoring after being set up by Islam Slimani. The biggest talking point was less the game but a moment of history. Iheanacho added a second but was initially ruled offside, however in the first case of it’s kind, the video referee looked at it and decided he was actually onside meaning the goal was eventually given. VAR’s first used outing will be what this otherwise routine game will be actually remembered for. 

Full Report (BBC Sport)

FA Cup 3rd Round Replay

Mansfield Town (1) 1 (Rose)

Cardiff City (1) 4 (Manga, Hoilett 2, Pilkington)

AT FIELD MILL, MANSFIELD

After earning a replay it was not to be for Mansfield as Championship side Cardiff were too good in the replay at Field Mill. It was looking tight at half time as Danny Rose had scored for the Stags to cancel out Bruno Manga’s opener. However the Welsh side took control after the break. Juinor Hoilett put Cardiff ahead from close range and Anthony Pilkington put the tie away added a third. Hoilett put the icing on the cake for Cariff with a 25 yard strike for his second. 4-1 was harsh on Mansfield, but overall there is little dispute that in the end, the Welshmen deserve to go through. They face runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City in Round 4. 

Full Report (BBC Sport)

Moon Of Liberty Star Man

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)

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Moon on Sunday Soccer – Liverpool v Man City

MOON SOCCER

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool (1) 4 (Oxlade-Chamberlain, Firmino, Mane, Salah)

Manchester City (1) 3 (Sane, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan)

AT ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL

Liverpool ended Manchester City’s unbeaten run in a sensational game at Anfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool a deserved lead and the Reds dominated most of the first half. However City reminded us why they are top as Leroy Sane leveled against the run of play before half time. Then Liverpool had a purple patch adding three more. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane & Mohammad Salah with an audacious chip from long range all scored to give Liverpool a 4-1 lead in a half hour spell of some the the best football any side has played all season. 

City were not done however and Liverpool’s defensive frailties showed again in the last few minutes and the fact they were missing Virgil van Dijk with injury told. Bernardo Silva gave City a glimmer of hope on 84 minutes. The nerves were then jangling as Ilkay Gundogan got on the end of a cross beating three players around him to make it 4-3. Liverpool held off the final charge to get the victory. Manchester City will still very likely win the league, but for Liverpool this is a huge three points in the sides development under Jurgen Klopp.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

Moon Of Liberty Star Man

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool)

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Moon Soccer – AFC Fylde v Chester

MOON SOCCER – #MoonSoccer13

NATIONAL LEAGUE

AFC Fylde (0) 1 (Rowe)

Chester FC (0) 1 (White)

AT MILL FARM, FYLDE

Chester earned a point and are three unbeaten as they continued their improved form at Fylde. In an open first half both sides had chances, Sean Finley curled a shot narrowly wide for Fylde and Kingsley James hit the crossbar for the Seals. The breakthrough came when Danny Rowe headed Fylde ahead on 55 minutes.

In recent times Chester would have folded, but it is a sign of improvement that they kept battling and Harry White got a deserved equaliser reacting first to a rebound from Ross Hannah’s attempted shot. It was White’s second goal in as many games. The draw means Chester are still five points from the safety zone, but they have a game in hand and are looking much more capable of picking up points as of late.

Full report (BBC Sport)

MOON OF LIBERTY STAR MAN

Harry White (Chester FC)

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Moon Soccerround – Non FA Cup Games 06/01/2018

Moon Saturday Soccerround – Non FA Cup Games 6th January 2018

#MoonSoccer13

LEAGUE 1

Oxford United (0) 1 (Obika)

Blackpool (0) 0

At The Kassam Stadium, Oxford

It was an afternoon of frustration for the Seasiders who had more of the game  and will feel they should have come away with something. American keeper Simon Eastwood was in ibspired form for Oxford making saves from Kelvin Mellor, Clark Robertson and Colin Daniels. The winner came on 78 minutes with Jon Obika heading in Alex Mowatt’s free kick. Blackpool fall to 14th in the table after the defeat.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Ebbsfleet United (0) 0

Chester FC (1) 1 (White)

At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet

Chester got a desperately needed win at Ebbsfleet to help their fight against relegation. Ebbsfleet dominated possession but Harry White got his first ever goal for the Seals on 21 minutes latching onto a through ball from James Akintunde. The win means Chester are still six points from safety but have two games in hand. They also have four points from their last two games on the board. This improvement will need to continue.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Barrow (1) 1 (Harrison)

Tranmere Rovers (0) 1 (Norwood)

At Holker Street, Barrow In Furness

Tranmere Rovers salvaged a point in injury time at Barrow. A Byron Harrision penalty gave the home side a surprise lead on 5 minutes which they held until the very end. James Norwood had earlier been denied by the Barrow keeper but poked the ball home from close range after a scramble in the third minute of stoppage time. The point keeps Tranmere in the play off places but only on goal difference.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

LIVINGSTON (0) 0

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH (1) 1 (Kane)

At Almondvale Stadium, West Lothian

Queen Of The South leapfrog their opponents Livingston to move back into the play off places after one goal was enough to take the points. Stephen Dobbie hit the cross bar and it was Chris Kane who got the winning goal from the rebound on 39 minutes. Livingston had hit the post moments earlier but that was their only shot on target as the Doonhammers deserved their win and prove they are play off contenders this year.

Full report (BBC Sport)

MOON OF LIBERTY STAR MAN

Harry White (Chester FC)

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Moon Soccerround – FA Cup 06/01/2018

Saturday Soccerround – FA Cup

FA Cup 3rd Round

Liverpool (1) 2 (Milner, Van Dijk)

Everton (0) 1 (Sigurdsson)

At Anfield, Liverpool

A fairytale start for £75m new singing Virgil Van Dijk as Liverpool won the Friday night Merseyside Derby at Anfield. The Reds took the lead through a controversial penalty that James Milner tucked away. Everton equalised through a fast counter attack that ended with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s cool finish beating the keeper. As a replay was looking likely, a Liverpool corner saw Van Dijk beat Everton keeper Jordon Pickford to the ball to head home the winner on his debut and move Liverpool into Round 4.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

FA Cup 3rd Round

Manchester United (0) 2 (Lingard, Lukaku)

Derby County (0) 0

At Old Trafford, Trafford

It was a brave attempt from in form Derby County, but Premiership class told in the end. Scott Carson made a number of excellent saves to keep Derby in the game and it took something special, a spectacular long range effort from Jesse Lingard on 84 minutes, to break the Rams down. The goal took it out of the Derby legs and Romelu Lukaku added a second before the end. Defeat but plenty of positives to take into the promotion chase for the East Midlanders.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

FA Cup 3rd Round

Fleetwood Town (0) 0

Leicester City (0) 0

At Highbury, Fleetwood

A much changed Leicester City side were lucky to get away with a replay at League 1 Fleetwood Town. Former Fleetwood man Jamie Vardy was out injured and a number of other changes were made as the Foxes failed to register a shot on target. Ashley Hunter had a deflected shot hit the post in the dying minutes for the underdogs who deserved to win the game. As it is they will have to settle for a payday replay at the King Power.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

FA Cup 3rd Round

Brentford (0) 0

Notts County (0) 1 (Stead)

At Griffin Park, Brentford

Notts County pulled off a shock as the League 2 side won at Championship Brentford. It was a classic smash and grab as Brentford dominated the game but on 65 minutes Jon Stead cut inside and fired a curling shot into the net. They then defended stoutly to keep out the Championship side and and earn Mark Noble’s side an upset and with it a place in Round 4.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

FA Cup 3rd Round

Cardiff City (0) 0

Mansfield Town (0) 0

At The Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

Mansfield Town earned a replay in an excellent draw against 3rd place Championship side Cardiff City. Lee Angol had a great chance saved in the first half for the Stags. However Cardiff did have most of the game without creating a lot. It was Mansfield defender Krystian Pearce whose misdirected header nearly found his own net in injury time that was Cardiff’s best chance. However Mansfield defended well and deserve a replay back at Field Mill.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

MOON OF LIBERTY STAR MAN

Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

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Moon of Liberty Saturday Soccerround

Saturday Soccerround #MoonSoccer13

Championship – Nottingham Forest v Millwall

FOREST 1 MILWALL 0

Nottingham Forest got off to the perfect start on Friday night with a 1-0 win over Millwall at the City Ground. a 25 yard strike from Barrie McKay, who manager Mark Warburton brought in from Scotland was enough to claim the points.

Steve Morison rattled the bar for the visitors as they dominated much of the game and had a number of chances. Despite this Forest held on for the three points which will increase the optimism around the club with new owners and a new direction. 

The win is Forest’s sixth opening day victory in the last seven seasons.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

Championship – Sunderland v Derby County

SUNDERLAND 1 RAMS 1

Derby County began the new season on Friday night with a well earned point at Sunderland. Bradley Johnson fired the Rams ahead on 11 minutes but just before half time Jacob Butterfield handled in the box allowing Lewis Grabban to level with a penalty.

Both sides had chances to win it in the second half, Grabbon hit the post and Chris Martin fired over for Derby failing to take an excellent chance. in the end a point each was a fir result, and Derby com away with something after a tough away day start.

The draw means Sunderland’s record of no league wins in August in seven years continues.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

 

League 1 – Bradford City v Blackpool

BRADFORD 2 TANGERINES 1

Newly promoted Blackpool were given a warning the step up may be tough after a 2-1 defeat at Bradford. Colin Daniel equalised Nathaniel Knight-Percivals opener with a minute to get Blackpool’s account off and running.

Bradford controlled most of the second half. A strike from Omari Patrick just before the hour gave Bradford the points. Armand Gnanduillet had a shot well save in injury as the Tangerines tried to force a point late on, but today it was not to be.

This always looked a tough start, but there are positives to take from the game. Home form will ultimately determine what sort of season this is likely to be for the men from the seaside.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

League 2 – Coventry City v Notts County

COVENTRY 3 MAGPIES 0

It could be another long season for the Magpies as Coventry put them to the sword at the Ricoh Arena. Jodi Jones, who until today had only ever scored one league goal for the Sky Blues, demolished Notts with a hat-trick. A left foot strike gave Coventry the lead in the first half.

After a tight start to the second half Jones struck again 10 minutes from time to effectively seal the contest. With Notts chasing the game, Coventry broke in injury with Maxime Biamou setting Jones up for his third.

Notts only managed one shot on target, better will be required if they want to avoid another relegation battle.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

League 2 – Crewe Alexandra v Mansfield Town

CREWE 2 STAGS 2

Mansfield had to come from behind twice at Crewe to earn an opening day point. A header in each half from Chris Porter put the Cheshire side ahead. Danny Rose headed home a Mal Benning cross to make it 1-1 just after half-time

After Porter had struck again, Dave Mirfin took advantage of Crewe switching off at the back to bundle home a Joel Byrom free kick. Paul Anderson could have won it for the Stags but his effort late one was well saved

A decent away point for the Stags who are expected to challenge for promotion this season.. 

Full Report (BBC Sport)

League 2 – Stevenage v Newport County

STEVENAGE 3 EXILES 3

Late goals were a feature of Newport County last season and it happened again at Stevenage. The Exiles Frank Nouble had cancelled out Tom Pett’s early strike to go in level at 1-1 at the break.

Stevenage took charge in the second half with a penalty from Dale Gorman and a Danny Newton strike putting them 3-1. Mickey Demetriou’s long range effort gave Newport hope and in injury time the hosts failed to clear a corner, allowing Shawn McCoulsky to score a dramatic equaliser from close range.

After coming so close to relegation last season, Newport will be pleased to have a point on the board from the off.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

National League – Torquay United v Tranmere Rovers

TORQUAY 0 ROVERS 0

Tranmere Rovers played out a bad tempered 0-0 draw at Torquay in which Rovers ended up with 9 men. Liam Ridehalgh hit the bar early on as Tranmere dominated the first half without scoring.

In the second half Steve McNulty and James Norwood were both sent off for Rovers in a game which contained plenty of bookings for both sides. Jeff Hughes hit the woodwork again for Rovers in between the sendings off as Tranmere had the best chances despite being down in numbers.

Despite the disciplinary issues Tranmere may see this as two points lost, they still had enough chances to win the game.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

National League North – Southport v Boston United

SANDGROUNDERS 4 BOSTON 0

Southport began life in the National league North in impressive style with a 4-0 win over Boston United. Steven Schumacher opened the scoring with a 25 yard drive and Liam Martin added a second before the break.

Southport continued their domination in the second half. Curtis Jones stooping header made it three with Gary Roberts capping  a fine display by completing the scoring and an easy 4-0 win.

Tougher tests will follow for Southport by the signs they can compete for promotion at this level are clearly there.

Scottish Championship – Queen of the South v Brechin City

DOONHAMMERS 4 BRECHIN 1

Queen Of The South routed Brechin City 4-1 at Palmerstone Park. Two early strikes from the excellent Derek Lyle put Queens 2-0 at the break. John Rankin made it three on the hour with the Doonhammers in total control.

Chris O’Neil got a consolation for the visitors but there was time for Lyndon Dykes to strike home from a tight angle to complete a comfortable victory

After one game Queen Of The South are top of the league on goal difference. Oh for them to be there at the end of the season.

Full Report (BBC Sport)

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MOON OF LIBERTY SOCCER SCOREBOARD

Classified #MoonSoccer13 Results 

Championship

Nottingham Forest (1) 1 (McKay) – Millwall (0) 0 – At The City Ground, West Bridgford

Sunderland (1) 1 (Grabban) – Derby County (1) 1 (Johnson) – At the Stadiun of Light, Sudnerland

League 1

Bradford City (1) 2 (Knight-Percival, Patrick) – Blackpool (1) 1 (Daniel) – At Valley parade, Bradford

League 2

Coventry City (1) 3 (Jones 3) – Notts County (0) 0 – At The Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Crewe Alexandra (1) 2 (Porter 2) – Mansfield Town (0) 2 (Rose, Mirfin) – At Gresty Road, Crewe

Stevenage (1) 3 (Pett, Gorman, Newton) – Newport County (0) 3 (Nouble, Demetriou, McCoulsky) – At Broadhall Way, Stevenage

National League

Torquay United (0) 0 – Tranmere Rovers (0) 0 – At Plainmoor, Torquay

National League North

Southport (2) 4 (Schumacher, Martin, Jones, Roberts) – Boston United (0) 0 – At Haig Avenue, Southport

Scottish Championship

Queen of the South (2) 4 (Lyle 2, Rankin, Dykes) – Brechin City (0) 1 (O’Neil) – At Palmerstone Park, Dumfries

MOON OF LIBERTY SATURDAY SOCCERROUND STAR MAN – Derek Lyle (Queen Of The South)

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