Garde down!

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

ASTON VILLA 0 ARSENAL 2

By Ricky Butler at Villa Park

ASTON VILLA is one of the biggest names in English football. A club rich in history and traditional; Villa Park one of last remaining classic English football stadiums.

It therefore gives me no pleasure at all in watching them struggle like this, especially as they have a former Gooner, Remi Garde, in charge.

Of course I was delighted to see us win this game 2-0 and reclaim our place at the top of the Premier League table but it was with a slightly heavy heart.

This has always been one of my favourite away games. Since my first visit to this famous old stadium back in 1982 I have always enjoyed the trips here.

But having watched us pick up our easiest three points of the season so far, I couldn't help but think this could be my last visit here for some considerable time.

The Championship is now full of big clubs who were once at the very top of English football: Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers, to name but a few.

Relegation for Villa, and on this showing that looks inevitable, would see them join that list and you have to fear for their future. The Championship is possibly the hardest league to get out of and despite their reputation, Villa would by no means be certain of bouncing straight back up.

It seems hard to believe that our last visit here, 15 months ago, saw Villa top the table with a large, expectant crowd filling the stadium. Our 3-0 win that day probably contributed to their subsequent brush with relegation and to rub salt into the wounds we then thrashed them 4-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

But despite being unbeaten here in our last 16 league visits, I have to say I was a little apprehensive about our chances this time. We have a habit of dropping points after a European away match and we had given an awful lot in Anthems in midweek.

With a squad stretched to the limit there was not even any scope to rest anyone so it was the same XI that started in Greece which took the field here.

There was no doubt we needed a fast start. The longer it stayed at 0-0 the harder it would be for us to find a breakthrough as the legs would inevitably become heavy. But thankfully it was the pantomime villain, former Spurs full back Alan Hutton, who provided us with just that.

Mathieu Flamini released Theo Walcott down the left and after getting the wrong side of the Villa defender, the winger was pulled down for what looked like a blatant penalty.

At first referee Kevin Friend appeared to wave away our appeals but he then changed his mind, presumably on the word of his assistant, and pointed to the spot. It was the correct decision.

Olivier Giroud, the midweek hat-trick hero, stepped up and confidently tucked away his 50^th Premier League for the club, only the 7^th player to reach that particular milestone.

The celebrations in the away end were so vigorous that my mobile phone, tucked away in my pocket, was smashed in the process. The dangers of an away goal when you are chasing the title!!

A one goal lead had not been sufficient in our previous two away games, at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, but this Villa side are not bottom without good reason, and aside from the lively Scott Sinclair, they never really looked like finding a way back.

And when we scored a second, seven minutes before the break, the result was sealed. The move started with a great tackle from Aaron Ramsey just outside our penalty area and when the ball found its way to Walcott, he sent Mesut Ozil clear.

One-on-one with Brad Guzan, the German could easily have scored himself but he continued his incredible run of assists with a simple square ball for Ramsey to tap home. 2-0. Game over.

Credit to Villa for a much improved second half display, although much of that was down to us looking leggy and settling for what we had.

Needing a clean sheet to equal the Premier League record, held by ex-Villa stopper David James, Petr Cech had a fairly comfortable afternoon against the least potent attack in the Premier League.

Prior to kick off I had feared the presence of Rudi Gestede, given our inability to defend set-pieces and his strength in the air, but he failed to receive a decent cross all afternoon and looked uninterested for much of the contest.

The nearest Villa came to a consolation was a thrilling late run by substitute Adama Traore which would have been a goal of the season contender had he not fired into the side netting after bursting past four, albeit half-hearted, challenges.

Despite being top of the table the mood in the away end at the end was somewhat subdued. There is incredibly still a feeling of 'Wenger out' among a section of the support, and even Giroud, in his current rich vein of form, has his critics. It appears there is no pleasing some people.

The problem seems to lie in the fact that many of today's fans cannot remember anything before the millennium. Throughout this match a group of lads in front of us were singing songs from the 1980s and 90s and they were met with blank looks from many around us.

The modern football fan expects instant success and believes everything they are told on Sky Sports and the BBC. No one in the media, expect possibly Thierry Henry and Ian Wright, expect us to win the title this season so many fans also believe we can't, despite the evidence to the contrary every week in front of their eyes.

But enough of our problems. Villa are a club in real crisis. Speaking to several of their fans on the walk back to the car you certainly get the impression that they have accepted their fate.

Personally, I feel that with the addition of a decent striker in January they would have a chance as they certainly have the spirit. Garde is an intelligent coach and has the ability to turn it around but he needs to build his own team. Currently too many of these players are not giving him enough.

Having been original members of both the Football League and the Premier League it would a real shame to lose a club like Aston Villa. But football is not based on sentiment alone.

We needed the points ourselves and were extremely efficient in getting them. Manchester City drew 0-0 here a few weeks ago so this was a big three points for us. Not our greatest, most fluent performance, perhaps, but a vital win nonetheless.

Next up is a potential title decider against City on Monday week. Alexis Snachez may be fit to return and what a boost that would be at such a crucial part of the season. 

No Greek tragedy for Arsenal

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH DAY SIX

Olympiacos 0 Arsenal 3

By Ricky Butler 

IT WAS billed as mission impossible for Arsenal in Athens last night but that did not prove to be the case as Arsene Wenger's side once again made it through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Olivier Giroud may have grabbed the headlines with his first hat-trick for the club but it was the character and spirit of the team that really shone through on a memorable night for the North Londoners.

This Arsenal side has often been accused of lacking mental strength and the ability to dig deep when it really matters. But last night in the intimidating atmosphere of the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, the Gunners showed they are up for the battles that lay ahead.

This will now join an impressive list of away results in the Champions League for Arsene Wenger's side. While lacking the glamour of wins at places like Madrid, Milan, Munich and Rome, last night in the ancient city of Athens, Arsenal produced a performance as good as anything that had preceded it.

After two defeats from their opening two group games, Arsenal looked to have left themselves with to much to do if they were to make it through to the last 16 for a 16^th year in a row. But after an unexpected 2-0 home win over Bayern Munich, the German champions only defeat in all competitions this season, the stage was set for a shoot-out in the Greek capital.

Needing to better the 3-2 win Olympiacos enjoyed at the Emirates in October, Arsenal looked understandably nervous at the start. And had the hosts scored in this period it would surely have been game over.

But Wenger's men soon settled down, and after the impressive Joel Campbell had set up Mathieu Flamini to hit the bar midway through the first half, Arsenal made the vital 28^th minute breakthrough.

The success of this team has been built around the world class talent of Mesut Ozil, and the club's record signing once again displayed his worth with a wonderful pass inside the full back to release Aaron Ramsey down the left.

The Welshman's first time cross was perfect for the late-arriving Giroud, who's trademark near post header somehow escaped the grasp of Olympiacos' goalkeeper Roberto to squeeze into the net.

With the previously vociferous home fans now all but silenced, the Gunners looked to gain the initiative. And just three minutes into the second period they doubled their advantage.

Again Campbell was at the heart of it, showing great touch and vision to dissect the home defence with a reverse pass which Giroud did not have to break stride to dispatch past Roberto with an instant left-foot finish.

A goal from the Greeks would still have denied Arsenal, but as he has so often done this season, Petr Cech flung himself to his right to tip over a 20-yard drive from Pajtim Kasami.

That proved to be the host's last chance of clinching the Group F runners-up spot as within five minutes it was game over. Nacho Monreal's goal-bound shot struck the arm of defender Omar Elabdellaoui and Giroud completed his first Arsenal hat-trick from the penalty spot.

The French striker seems to attract a lot of unwarranted criticism but this was his 13^th goal of the season, and his 71^st in just 157 Gunners appearances.

While over the last three or four transfer windows many have been calling for Wenger to splash millions on a new striker, there are very few available forwards who boast such an impressive strike rate.

Players like Deigo Costa and Romelu Lukaku are widely praised in the media but Giroud is arguably even better than both. 

Aside from his goals, the Frenchman offers so much more. While he may lack that extra yard of pace, his hold up play, touch and movement are exemplary. And as he showed last night, he can produce it when it really matters.

The good news continued for Gunners fans with the return to the starting line up of Theo Walcott after six weeks out with a calf injury. 

Employed in a wide position in Athens, Walcott offers the team something extra, and with Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck all out injured, the return of the Englishman could not be better timed.

Of course no one will fancy Arsenal to go much further in this competition as they could face either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the last 16, and a possible re-match with Bayern later on, but having overcome all the odds to make it through the group stage anything is now possible.

Comparisons were made with Liverpool's victory over the Greeks in 2004 when they also had seemed dead and buried in the group stage, and they went on to lift the trophy that season.

Perhaps that is beyond this Arsenal side when you look at who they will have to get past, but with players due to return from injury by the time the knock-out stages resumes in February, they could prove to be the dark horses of the competition.

Before all that, however, Arsenal face a very different challenge when they travel to Premier League basement boys Aston Villa on Sunday. Now managed by former Gunner and friend of Wenger, Remi Garde, it will be a game they are expected to win.

Previously this season they have struggled on the back of a European away trip: losing at Chelsea after Zagreb and drawing with Spurs after Munich, but this a match where nothing less than three points will suffice.

Following a difficult November, Wenger's side now look back to their best and with confidence restored, a place at the top of the Premier League could await come Sunday evening.

All quite on the Weston front - part 76 - The Wilson edition

EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
DARLINGTON RA 5 ESH WINNING 1
By Ricky Butler at Brinkburn Road

                                           

DARLINGTON RA are my local football club. Lacking the glamour of the likes of nearby Newcastle United and Sunderland, or even Darlington FC themselves, the RA play at Level 10 in the football pyramid.

The club are actually the highest placed side currently playing in the town of Darlington, at least until Darlington FC finally get their move to Blackwell Meadows sorted, and the crowd this season has been boosted by the regular appearances of Eddie Copland and Damian Wheelhouse, joined on this occasion by Paul Stewart.

They may not have much money for fancy new signings and play at a Brinkburn Road ground that has seen better days, but the club represent all that is great about local, non-league football. A friendly welcome, a clubhouse with Sky Sports and a team who are doing remarkably well.

Not a lot can be taken from this comfortable win over struggling Esh Winning (rarely can the word Winning have been used so ironically) but a place in the top six of the Northern League second division, sponsored by Ebac, is some achievement for a club of such meager resources.

With star man Harvey Saunders now departed for the big bucks of Bishop Auckland, the goal-scoring responsibilities lay at the very capable feet of Jim Wilson. His second half hat-trick here, each goal better than the one which preceded it, demonstrated the talent to be found in this little part of County Durham.

At the back, Northern League veteran Mikey Weston is your typical old-fashioned centre half. Strong and powerful in the area, Weston has this season, his first at Brinkburn Road, developed a good partnership at the back with Jacob Wood. But it was the recently returning Liam Brown who stood out at the heart of the RA back four here with a commanding performance.

Strikers of better quality than Esh's Ben Clarke and Brain Harrison will struggle this season to get past the partnership of Weston and Brown, which sounds like a firm of local solicitors or undertakers.

The visitors, starting the day second bottom but keen to impress a new manager, played well enough on a bog of a pitch, only deemed playable after heavy rain by the hard work of the RA players, and twice could have gone in front in the early stages; Brown demonstrating all his defensive qualities with a spectacular goal-line clearance to deny Clarke, before Nathan Graham hit the bar.

But once the Railwaymen went in front midway through the first half there was only going to be one winner. The opener was a scruffy affair; Rob Moncur's mis-hit shot from 20 yards touched home by that man Brown, but this was a rare moment of scrappy play from what was a very enjoyable match.

The second goal, just before the break, was a thing of real beauty and worthy of a bigger audience than the 76 people who had turned down the chance to go Christmas shopping on a damp November afternoon. Not many a defence can stop a well timed, third man run from midfield and Sam England provided just that to finish off a lovely RA move down the Esh right.

But the second half was all about the Wilson Brothers, another name that conjures up images of solicitors or undertakers. With his club captain, Nathan, running the show in midfield, striker Jim showed that there is life after Saunders. His first goal was a move started by a great tackle in the centre circle from Stephen Cheeseman and finished off in great style by Wilson; cutting in from the left to bend the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

Esh briefly threatened to make a game of it when Graham, their outstanding player on the day, chipped RA 'keeper Phil Pentony from 25 yards, another goal worthy of a wider audience, but Wilson was far from finished just yet.

The RA forward made it 4-1 with a cool, close range effort before the pass of the match from Moncur gave Wilson the chance of his hat-trick, a chance he never looked like missing. 5-1. Game over.

There was certainly enough evidence here to suggest that the Railwaymen could mount a serious challenge from promotion. With mega-bucks South Shields seemingly having the title all but sewn up, the RA are certainly in the mix for one of the other two remaining promotion spots with the likes of Chester-le-Street, Ryhope, Billingham Synthonia and Easington Colliery .

But no one here is getting carried away just yet. It is a long, hard season and the RA do have a tendency of coming down with the Christmas decorations. However, you sense a real buzz about the place this year and if they can keep hold of the likes of Wilson and England then anything is possible.

Next up for the Railwaymen is a trip to Thornaby next weekend before a real six-pointer against Billingham Synthonia here in a fortnight. Now that is one not to be missed...

Wednesday away on a Tuesday? No wonder we were confused

I HAVE SEEN some dire Arsenal performances over the last 34 years but the one at Hillsborough last night certainly takes some beating.

The early injuries to first the Ox and then Theo left us woefully short of creativity and in the end the youngsters from the Academy were unable to match the hunger and desire of the Wednesday players.

Not that I should have been surprised. Prior to this Capital One Cup tie I had seen Arsenal play at Hillsborough on eight occasions since the mid 1980s and seen us score just once, a header from Steve Bould in a 1-1 draw back in November 1991!!

But this is one of the last remaining classic English football stadiums. Of course the mere mention of its name brings back images of that horrific day in April 1989, but this is one of few stadiums left in this country with any real character.

And when it is full, as it was last night, what an atmosphere is created. Everyone goes on about 'You'll Never Walk Alone' but that just sends you to sleep. Here, the pre-match, 'Hi Ho, Sheffield Wednesday' is a real sight to behold and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. No wonder they have not lost here since February.

And the poor Arsenal youngsters just could not cope. Yes, if the Ox had not been forced off inside five minutes and his replacement, Theo, not followed him to the treatment table fifteen minutes later, it may have been a different story.

But take nothing away from Wednesday, they were nothing short of magnificent from start to finish. Forget the fact that despite an experienced back four and goalkeeper we gifted them all three goals, the Championship side fully deserved their victory.

Hopefully this will be the springboard for them to get back to where they belong. This is certainly one of the biggest clubs in the country and one that deserves to be back in the Premier League. While small clubs with awful stadiums like Bournemouth, QPR, Wigan, Blackpool and Spurs have all enjoyed spells in the top flight in recent years, poor Wednesday have had to suffer the depths of League One.

In fact my last visit here was for a match in the third tier against the mighty Dagenham and Redbridge in 2010. Of course my team didn't score that day either, losing 2-0!

But back to 2015 and an away day that will not live long in the memory. The travelling fans, some 5,000 who had made the trip up the M1, did not stop singing in the second half and certainly deserved better than this.

However, after the early injuries it soon became clear that we were probably not going to see us score. Lacking any creativity in midfield poor Giroud may as well have stayed at home such was the scant service he was provided with. At least he will be well rested for Saturday.

The opening goal was a classic counter attack. Some good work down the left and a lovely pull back was dispatched past Petr Cech by Ross Wallace. But it was the second goal, five minutes before the break, that did for us.

Caught out by a short corner, we never looked likely to deal with the cross and a simple header from Lucas Joao left us with a mountain to climb.

I am not sure what Wenger said at half time but the team were back out early for the second half. 'Maybe we will be up for it,' I thought. But no. Within six minutes we had conceded again thanks to some more sloppy defending from a set piece, and that was that.

At 3-0 down I just wanted to see us score on this ground. Not too much to ask after a wait of almost 24 years!! But the nearest we came was a Mertersaker header which was saved by the Wednesday 'keeper and a late effort from Joel Campbell which curled just wide of the post.

In the overall scheme of things this is not a defeat that we should be too concerned about. In fact being out of this competition may well do us a favour, and if we have won the Premier League come May no one will even give it a seconds thought.

But the performance was a little worrying. If these are the best lads we currently have coming through from our Academy then we really are in trouble. But worse than that was the display of the senior players.

You would imagine that those who are not playing regularly in the Premier League, such as Debuchy, Gibbs, Chambers and Flamini, would have been keen to impress. But the phrase 'going through the motions' pretty much sums up their performances and that quite frankly is unacceptable.

And while we are on the subject, what the hell has happened to Debuchy? When he first arrived from Newcastle last summer, the French right back looked a terrific player. But since his injury and subsequent loss of his place to the excellent Bellerin, he has been nothing short of abysmal.

Last night he did not look like an international footballer. In fact he barely looked like he had even played the game before. You could have dragged anyone from the crowd last night, except me as I had played 5-a-side at lunchtime and was knackered, and they would have done a better job. Not sure how much he is being paid but the guy is cheating a living if this is the best he can produce. Wenger, sort it out!!

The only real positive on the night was the performance of young substitute Kyrstian Bielik who looked a decent player when he came on. Much is expected of him and on this evidence he could well fulfill that promise.

And the less said about the weird kit the better. Why on earth did we not play in red and white as we have done on previous visits here?? 

So the quadruple dream is over. To be honest I'd have settled for the treble anyway.

Footgolf - the Infoserve Open 2015

COMBINING TWO of your favorite things can often be the recipe for disaster. Tea and gravy, for example? So whoever thought of combining football with golf was clearly off his rocker. Or was he??

This weekend I experienced the new phenomenon of Footgolf for the first time and I have to say it was an unparalleled success.

The idea is simple. Basically, you kick a football from tee to hole in the least amount of kicks possible. In other words it is golf but without the clubs and with a larger ball!!

To experience it at its best you really need a large group of you, preferably most of which will have little or no footballing or golfing ability. Being proficient at either sport is not going to help you here, I'm afraid!

So on Friday afternoon, the work gang and myself made our way to Knotty Hill Golf Centre, near Sedgefield, for the first annual Infoserve Open! Entrants on the tee were Mikey Weston, Pete Ironside, Eddie Copland, Darren Cronin, Damo Wheelhouse, Nicky Taylor and myself.

Pre-tournament favourite was obviously footballing superstar Mikey, although the fact he was unable to head the ball was clearly going to count against him. Me, I fancied Pete to do well. When he has his competitive head on he takes some stopping.

The outsider was clearly Nicky, although she certainly came dressed for the part; looking every inch the golf pro in a cool black tracksuit combo!!

The first hole was a simple par three so inevitably we all struggled to get below a 6!! Mikey's tee shot ended up in the trees to the right, quickly followed by Eddie, so it was Pete who grabbed an early lead with a steady 5.

The next two or three holes were fairly straightforward as we all got into the swing of it, mostly scoring between 4 and 7. Although Eddie's 12 at the second left him with some work to do. I was handily placed in the top three at this stage and was confident of a strong late run to the finish.

The fifth hole, however, changed everything. Situated half way up a hill the size of Roseberry Topping, the scenario was clear. Miss with your putt and the ball would roll further away from the hole than when you started!!

No one scored well here although there was no excuse for my atrocious effort!! In my defence my 6th shot had hit the pin and bounced out while my seventh then rolled around the edge of the hole before disappearing back down the hill. But after about an hour I finally managed to sink it on shot 22 to ironic cheers from the gallery!!

It was now becoming a three horse race between Mikey, Pete and surprise leader Toe-punt Darren. Darren ended up in the bunker on the next hole but recovered well for a good 4, while Mikey and Pete kept in touch with a 5 each. So the final three holes would decide the winner!

My concern was trying to avoid the wooden spoon but barring a late collapse of Biblical proportions from Eddie and Nicky, this was an honour which was looking unavoidable! Just as well my ego is small enough to allow it. I mean can you imagine the face on Damo, Pete or Eddie if they had finished last??!!

The final hole was a monster par 5 which suited Mikey and his massive defensive clearances. Needing to score lower than Darren and Pete to secure the prize, a tidy 5 was enough to give him the gold medal.

In the end Darren held off the challenge of Pete to finish second, while Damo finished in a very satisfying fourth. At the other end of the table, Eddie held off Nicky to claim fifth while I finished last thanks to that nightmare hole on the hill!! Even now, four days later, I am still waking up in a cold sweat seeing my ball rolling slowly back down the slope for the 15th time!!

So all-in-all a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny, autumnal evening. The banter was flowing and the game itself is actually really good fun.

However, next time I will come prepared. Mikey, you have been warned...that title will be mine!!!

Not so quiet on the Weston front!

EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
DARLINGTON RA 3 HEBBURN TOWN 0
By Ricky Butler at Brinkburn Road

TEN YEARS AGO this week, Darlington RA returned to the Northern League and this proved to be the perfect way to celebrate that particular anniversary.

After the disappointment of seeing their hero, Mikey Weston, left on the bench for the midweek cup defeat to Jarrow Roofing, the Infoserve gang voted with their feet this time; preferring to stay in the pub or go shopping than make the weekly pilgrimage to Brinkburn Road.

And just to prove why he shouldn't have been left out of the Jarrow match, Mikey not only marked Hebburn danger-man, the giant Channon North, out of the match but also scored with a trademark header to seal this victory. (Please note, this paragraph was written by Mr Weston himself!!!)

Mikey Weston; on the mark for Darlington RA

In the unusually warm autumnal sunshine, the first half was a mundane affair with neither side creating very much. With the absence of young Shane Campbell in the crowd, disappointingly no longer an Infoserver either, there was literally nothing to get excited about as the meager crowd slopped off for some much needed half time refreshment.

However, it all kicked off in the second half. On the hour a routine free kick to Hebburn ended with the RA's Joe Peel being shown a straight red card for an apparent elbow on a visiting player. It looked no more than a case of handbags but the referee saw it differently and the hosts were down to ten men.

But when the going gets tough, the tough get going and just seven minutes later the RA went in front with a fine strike from Darren Kokes. Anyone who has followed my blogs over the last few years will remember Kokesy from his Northallerton days. A wholehearted, unselfish player, Kokesy's work often goes unrewarded so it was great to see him get on the score-sheet for the first time this season.

Darren Kokes opened the scoring

Despite their one man disadvantage, the RA doubled their lead soon after with what is fast becoming a regular occurrence in these parts; a wonder goal from young Harvey Saunders. Without wishing to sound like his agent, I have to say the lad is a talent. This goal; cutting in from the right before firing in at the near post, once again illustrated why he will be playing at a much higher level before too long. Of course I would be happy to take an agents fee when he does join Newcastle United...

The North-East's next big thing; young Harvey Saunders

But the highlight was still to come. With just over ten minutes left, Infoserve's very own Mikey Weston, rose like a salmon at the far post to head home the third. He now claims to have scored over 200 goals in his football career but if you take out all of the ones he has scored on Football Manager you are only left with about 10. Even so, not bad for a fat lad who plays at the back!!!

So the equilibrium was restored. Mikey was back in the side, the RA won and the sun was shining. All in all a very good Saturday. Next up for the RA is a midweek trip to Heaton Stannington before Hall Road Rangers visit in the FA Vase next weekend. Rumour has it that the Infoserve gang are due to return for that one...

All quiet on the Weston front - Part two

BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND
DARLINGTON RA 1 JARROW ROOFING 2
By Ricky Butler at Brinkburn Road

IN WHAT is fast becoming the weekly Infoserve night out, I once again found myself at Brinkburn Road to watch Darlington RA face Jarrow Roofing in the Northern League Brooks Mileson League Cup. 

Accompanied once again by work colleagues, Eddie, Damo, Shane and, adding some much needed glamour; Nicky, this week we were joined by Gauchy and Nicky's two children; meaning that between us we made up more than half of the crowd!

With most of us there to watch another Infoserve legend, Mikey Weston, you can imagine the disappointment when we discovered he was only starting on the bench. In fact most of the team which had performed so well against Hartlepool last week were 'rested,' including young striker Harvey Saunders.

Jarrow have come a long way in a short space of time, largely due to the financial input of manager Richie McLoughlin. Now plying their trade in Division One, the visitors from Tyneside started this tie as clear favorites, perhaps explaining the RA team selection.

The first half went very much with the form book. Jarrow were the better team and fully deserved their 2-0 half time lead. The first goal was a great strike from Adam Rundle, cutting in from the left before drilling an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The general view from around us however, was that Mikey would have 'smashed him' before he had the chance to score. And judging by his foul mood at work all day, I'd say that may well have been the case!!

The second goal was a gift by RA goalkeeper Rob Gustard. At first deciding to come for a long ball, the stopper then made the fatal mistake of changing his mind, allowing John Campbell to beat him and roll the ball into the empty net.

To try and liven up a rather drab first half Shane was tempted to do a streak and even stripped down to his boxer shorts before thinking better of it. Being a chilly night he decided it would probably do him little favours, even though most of Darlington has already seen all he has to offer!!!

Late out for the second half, the RA certainly upped their game after the restart. The introduction of Saunders, who had originally been named in the starting line up but then withdrawn due to an 'injury,' certainly looked fit and gave the hosts some much needed impetus.

But the longer the half wore on the more we were resigning ourselves to the fact that this week we would not be seeing Mikey miss headers or score own goals. When the third and final substitution was made with fifteen minutes left we knew our night was ruined before it had really begun.

In the end the RA did pull a goal back, a fine header from substitute Jordan Hanratty, but it was too little too late. So a night that had promised so much ended in disappointment, both for the RA and the Infoserve crew who sloped off to the bar to drawn their sorrows.

In the overall scheme of things defeat in a competition they had little chance of winning  may not be the end of the world for RA manager Warren Moncur. But then again he does not have to sit next to Mikey at work tomorrow. The words bear and sore head spring to mind.

Still there is another match on Saturday as the RA celebrate 10 years since their first ever Northern League home match with the visit of Hebburn Town. With both Mikey and young Harvey expected to be in the starting line up, another Infoserve day out may well be on the agenda.

All quiet on the Weston front

DURHAM CHALLENGE CUP 

DARLINGTON RA 2 HARTLEPOOL UNITED 4

By Ricky Butler at Brinkburn Road 

FOR ONCE I was not at a Northern League ground to film a match but to just simply enjoy the football on offer. And there was much to enjoy.

The RA are a much changed side from the last time I saw them play just over a year ago. In fact the only players I recognised were Darren Kokes and Mike Colman from my days at Northallerton, and my work colleague, Mikey Weston.

To say Mikey is a no-nonsense defender would be an understatement. This guy was born to defend! Ironically the last time I saw him play was for Willington in the match that will be forever remembered for my infamous report!

Thankfully there was no such drama this time, although the game had been hyped up ever since the draw was made.

Well when I say hyped up what I basically mean is Shane from work running around telling everyone how great it was going to be!

Such a frenzy was created over social media that not only did the club employ a local security company to ensure the night ran smoothly but the BBC selected the match to be featured on a new series on grass-roots football. The local police even took down the RA website and Facebook page as a precaution!

But in the end the night passed off without a hitch, bar a flare thrown onto the pitch in the second half. The anticipated gate of 2,000 failed to materialise, although the crowd of over 300 was much needed for a club like the RA who do not have the cash of many of their Northern League rivals.

In truth I had only really come to watch Mikey. He sits next to me at work and having to suffer his horrendous banter every day this was my chance for revenge. Or so I thought.

But despite coming up against lads half his age, the big fella coped admirably. In fact I would go as far as to say he bossed it! The only ammunition I had for the following morning at the office was a late header which he put over the bar and even that was clutching at straws!

However, it was not just about a certain Mr Weston. Up front for the RA was a young lad called Harvey Saunders who completely stole the show. The way he took his second half goal showed the touch and composure that many of the Hartlepool U18 players would have benefited from.

The RA actually took an early lead when Saunders was fouled just outside the penalty area and Jim Wilson curled a wonderful free kick into the top corner. In fact the hosts were the better side in the opening period with the pace of Saunders and Wilson a constant threat.

But the young Hartlepool team looked much more dangerous after the break. They were level with a slightly dubious penalty (according to Mikey!) and then took the lead with a swift counter attack.

The RA were not unduly concerned and equalised soon after with an exquisite goal from Saunders. His first touch was to kill the ball dead and then when it broke to him in the area, he dummied the keeper before slotting into the empty net. And all this while carrying a hamstring injury that forced him off soon after. No wonder so many professional clubs are looking at him.

But almost immediately Hartlepool regained the lead with a superb strike from a tight angle before adding a fourth on the break. That was not quite the end of the drama as Kokes fired wide from a good position before Weston's late header ended up halfway down Brinkburn Road.

So all in all a good night's football. A thoroughly entertaining game which I am sure will make great viewing on BBC 3 later this year.

Having been a long standing supporter of Northern League football, and a former RA player myself (albeit for the Vets team) I have now vowed to pay a visit to Brinkburn Road far more regularly this season, if only so I will be there to see Mikey fall over the ball or score an own goal!!

On the evidence of this 90 minutes however, I may be waiting a long time...

Cech mate as Arsenal draw another home blank

ARSENAL 0 LIVERPOOL 0

By Ricky Butler at Emirates Stadium

SO IN THE END IT WAS A GAME OF TWO HALVES AND A TALE OF TWO GOALKEEPERS.

In a first period dominated by the Merseysiders, Arsenal stopper Petr Cech produced two world class saves to deny Christian Benteke and Phillipe Coutinho. But after the break, as Arsenal got on top, it was Simon Mignolet 's turn to shine; denying Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

So nil-nil but certainly not the bore draw the scoreline suggests.

While Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool dominated the opening period it was largely down to the ineptitude of Arsenal's play. Rarely has an Arsene Wenger side miss-placed as many passes as they did in the opening 45 minutes last night at the Emirates.

Poor Callum Chambers was the chief culprit. The 20-year old defender, in as a late replacement for flu victim Per Mertesaker, looked like a Sunday league player suddenly thrust into the Premier League limelight in a first half performance as poor as any seen at this magnificent stadium.

Looking ill-at-ease from the start, Chambers would have cost his side at least three goals had it not been for the inspirational performances of Cech and centre-back partner Gabriel.

One save from Cech, to deny Benteke from point blank range, was as good anything he has produced in a glorious career. Although when he later tipped Coutinho's curling effort onto the post; that was arguably an even better stop.

Cech denies Benteke a certain goal

And in between, Brazilian defender Gabriel got Chambers off the hook again with a wonderful block to deny James Milner, after the former Southampton youngster had gifted the visitors possession on the edge of his own penalty area.

Yet for all Liverpool's dominance it was Arsenal who should have been ahead at half time. Just eight minutes had elapsed when Ramsey finished off a lovely pass from Santi Cazorla. But for the second Monday night in a row the linesman flag came to Liverpool's rescue when TV replays suggested that Ramsey was clearly onside.

But whatever Wenger said at half time, and he is not noted for his hair-dryer, it certainly did the trick. Right from the off the Gunners carried the fight to their visitors but they ran into a well drilled defensive unit who are yet to concede a goal this season. And when they did manage to breach the black-shirted Liverpool wall, Mignolet stood firm.

The Belgium goalkeeper turned away a close-range, scuffed shot from Giroud before doing even better to keep out Ramsey's deflected effort and a late pile-driver from substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal became more and more desperate as the clock ticked down, throwing on speedsters Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain, but it proved to be in vain as honours finished even; the right result on the night.

Wenger, understandably, was disappointed with the disallowed goal. He said: “We scored a regular goal that was disallowed, I don't believe I can do something about it. 

"At the end of the day, the referee cancelled out a regular goal. Like it or don't like it, it is a fact. We had chances, but we couldn't finish them off. 

"When you play at home and don't win, people always find problems. It is not the result or the complete performance, but we came back in the second half."

Rodgers was delighted with his sides display. He said: “I thought we were very good. First half, Petr Cech was the man of the match. Second half, we were always a threat going forward. The players worked ever so hard."

Petr Cech and Benteke embrace at the final whistle

It may be very early days but on this evidence neither side looks like potential champions. Wenger's team are struggling at home, failing to score here for the fifth time in their last six outings, while Liverpool are also lacking a cutting edge, despite the presence of new signing Benteke; just one goal from open play in three games this season says it all.

With a week remaining of the transfer window it would not be a surprise to see both managers adding to their squad. Arsenal desperately need a centre-half and a goal-poacher, while Liverpool need more support for Benteke and someone in midfield to compliment the creative skills of Coutinho.

Arsenal – Cech 9, Bellerín 6, Chambers 5, Gabriel 7, Monreal 8, Coquelin 8 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 7), Cazorla 8, Ramsey 7, Ozil 7, Sanchez 6, Giroud 6 (Walcott 6).

Liverpool – Mignolet 8, Clyne 7, Lovren 7, Skrtel 8, Gomez 7, Milner 7, Lucas 8 (Rossiter 6), Can 8, Firmino 7 (Ibe 6), Coutinho 8 (Moreno 6), Benteke 7.

Referee: M. Oliver 6

MAN OF MATCH  - Petr Cech (Arsenal) - After a shaky start to his Arsenal career, the former Chelsea man looked back to his best to deny Liverpool all three points.

A draw is as good as a win...sometimes. An away day at Old Trafford

MAN. UNITED AWAY. For every football fan it is one of the highlights of the season. And even though we have rarely got a result there over the years, it still remains my favourite away trip.

Matches between the sides these days may lack the passion and importance of the days of Keane and Vieira but when the fixture list first came out last summer and this was down as the last away match, I felt we could be set for something very special.

In the end all that was a stake was the booby prize of avoiding the Champions League play-off. A win would guarantee us third place while even a defeat would not be a disaster with two potentially winnable home games to come.

For young Emerson this was to be his fourth trip to the Theatre of Dreams. As the previous three had finished in 0-2, 2-8 and 0-1 defeats, he was hoping it would be a case of fourth time lucky.

'Don't worry, Son,' I said. 'I have only seen win here three times in about 35 years!'

When visiting Old Trafford we always park in the Lowry Outlet Centre at Salford Quays, opposite Media City. Apart from being just a 10 minute walk from the ground, if you spend a fiver in the shopping centre you get four hours free parking. Much better than the £10 some of the car parks charge. So after a Burger King lunch, we headed for the ground.

Emerson soaking up the atmosphere at Old Trafford

Having seen us go off the boil since the FA Cup semi final victory over Reading; drawing two blanks in the three games since, Emerson and I were not confident of a victory. I felt it had 0-0 written all over it but Emerson, always the optimist, predicted there would be goals.

'2-1 to us,' he said. 'Just like in the FA Cup.'

Unfortunately we had been unable to attend that memorable FA Cup success due to the BBC switching it to a Monday night. Handy for them with their studio literally over the road but not so good for an 11-year old with school the next day.

Whatever you think about Manchester United as a club, and I personally detest everything about them, you have to say that watching football at Old Trafford is an absolute privilege. It is like a theatre or a cathedral and is one of the few classic stadiums left in world football.

Even though they have packed the seats in the away end so closely together that if everyone actually sat down you would literally be sitting on your neighbours lap, it has an air of grandeur about the place. Steeped in history, you can feel how special it is from the minute the stadium comes into view.

It does take you back to the old days of Highbury. That was also a classic old stadium where the history of the club just poured from every corner. And as much as love the comfort of the Emirates, it lacks the mystique of the old place and the club is all the poorer for it.

Many football fans criticise the atmosphere at Old Trafford but I have always found it to be electric, even for a game lacking in the dramas of the past.

As is usually the case here, we were poor in the first half and failed to even muster a shot on goal. Phil Jones' headed tackle on Oliver Giroud summed up our lacklustre attacking display. Meanwhile poor Hector Bellerin was being given the run around by Ashley Young, no less; surely the nadir in any footballers career.

When the goal finally arrived it was no surprise that it came from our right hand-side. Young skipped past the Spanish full back again and Ander Herrera was left unmarked to volley past David Ospina. Having been fairly quite until then, belying my earlier claims about the atmosphere, the United fans suddenly came to life.

To be fair I was relieved to be only 1-0 down at the break and as Emerson and I went for a half time cuppa, we both felt we would play better in the second half.

'We only ever play well in one half,' said Emerson, with far more perception than many of our fans seem to possess.

Father and son at the match

It did not appear as though as he would right in the early stages however as we were once again offering very little but we suddenly flicked the switch. Giroud nodded the ball on for Alexis Sanchez but the Chilean, who had been anonymous until then, volleyed into the upper tier.

That seemed to give us some belief and led to an exciting second half. Around the hour mark things appeared to be going our way as Arsene Wenger, usually reluctant to make changes so early, threw on Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. Not for Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil as seemed likely, but for Bellerin and Santi Cazorla.

At the same time United goalkeeper David De Gea, who's incredible performances this season have kept Louis van Gaal in his job, had to go off, being replaced by Victor Valdes for his Premier League debut.

'We'll definitely score now,' was Emerson's confident response.

Walcott has never really convinced many Arsenal fans but Emerson and I have always loved him. If nothing else, his pace gets you up off your seat and we were sure he would make an impact on what was his 299^th appearance for the club.

His first action however was to be pushed off the ball by United substitute Tyler Blackett. This led to a guy behind me immediately getting on his back.

'Give him a chance, mate,' I said. 'He has hardly played for a year. Let him get into the game.'

Wilshere was having no such trouble, and with Ramsey now moved centrally, we started to gain control of the midfield.

Chances came and went, mainly through Giroud's lack of sharpness in front of goal. He is another player who always seems to get stick. Many feel he is not the sort of striker that will win you titles and while it is fair to say he has not been at his best in recent weeks, even here his hold up play was exemplary.

What he needs is someone with a bit of pace alongside him. A Walcott or a Sanchez. The Chilean has been employed in a wide-left position in recent months and has become far too predictable; constantly cutting inside onto his right foot.

It is no surprise that many of Sanchez' goals this season came before Christmas when he was playing through the middle in Giroud's absence. Playing the two as a pair may just bring out the best in both of them. But Wenger knows best and apart from in recent weeks, we have not been struggling in the goals department.

There is no better feeling than scoring a late equaliser, especially if it is at your end and against one of your bitter rivals. So even though it was not for the biggest prizes on offer, when Walcott's deflected cross went in off Blackett to bring us level, the away end went ballistic!!

Emerson disappeared under a sea of happy fans while I found myself hugging Baso, the fan who always comes to games dressed in a half-and-half home and away kit! Moments like this are the reason why we travel to away games. Sheer unbridled joy!

And in the end we could even have won it. Seconds after the goal, Giroud fired into the side netting following a flowing move involving Wilshere, Ramsey and Ozil. Some in the away end thought it was in which led to the typical mocking from the United fans but I think they were just relived it hadn't gone in.

Speaking of relief, there was just as much in the away end in stoppage time when Robin van Persie, who was booed mercifully by the travelling Gooners from the moment he came on, fired over the top from a good position.

I cannot for the life of me understand why the Arsenal fans persist on singing that disgusting song about him. Yes, he left us for one of our rivals but you know what, good luck to him. He got himself a title medal and after eight years loyal service to us we should not begrudge him that.

Personally I still admire the man and will never forget the great things he produced in an Arsenal shirt. During his final season with us he was one of the best players in the world and it is still a pleasure to watch him play. Even more so when he misses chances like this against us. So cheers, Robin.

So a draw, third place virtually in the bag and Emerson finally seeing his losing streak here brought to an end. Overall it was one of more enjoyable trips here in the recent years. A bit better than the 8-2 at least, and a draw when you have been behind feels almost as good as a win. Almost.

Of course the negative, Wenger out morons will be out in force moaning that we will now finish on less points than last season, even though we will have conceded far less goals, got better results against the top sides and finished one place higher. Not to mention a second consecutive FA Cup final on the horizon.

This squad is on the verge of great things. With the addition of a defensive midfielder, a fox-in-the-box striker and another central defender, we will be much closer next season. Who knows, we may even win the thing.

But for now we can look back on another decent if not outstanding season and look forward to Wembley in two weeks time. After a nine year wait for some glory these are the good times and we should all be enjoying them. Judging by Emerson's sing-along in the car all the way home, he certainly is. 

Now repeat after me, 'Alexis Sanchez baby, Alexis Sanchez oohhhh...'

The bizarre case of winning but losing - is it time to scrap the away goals rule?

I'VE SAID it before and I'll say it again; the away goals rule is the most ridiculous rule in football. What makes a goal scored in one stadium more worthy of one scored in another?? Simply because some men in suits at UEFA have said so??


For the second time in three seasons Arsenal have crashed out of the Champions League on away goals which makes my rants on the subject appear to be merely sour grapes. But I have thought this for as long as I have been watching football.


The reason this rule was introduced was to encourage more attacking play from the away side and to reduce the need for penalty shoot-outs. But at least penalties rely on skill. And if anything the away goals rule simply encourages negative play, especially from the team with an away goal to defend. 90 minutes of defence against attack. Otherwise known as a 'Chelsea.'


A two-leg tie lasts 180 minutes and the team which scores the most goals over the two games should go through. If both teams score an equal number of goals then extra time and subsequently penalties should be used to determine the winner. Simple but effective.


The other alternative would be to play all knock-out games as a one-off, drawn FA Cup-style to determine the home and away teams. As well as reducing the number of games, it would also make the whole thing far more exciting. Most first legs are usually boring affairs and even if they finish 4-3, it is effectively only half time. So you pay full price for a ticket to see only half of the tie. Imagine going to see a West End show and they sent you home at the interval asking you to come back in two weeks time to see the conclusion. And you have to pay again!!!


In fact the more I think about it the more I feel the Champions League is just a complete waste of time and money. I yearn for the good old days of the European Cup where just the Champions qualified. Yes it would mean Arsenal would not be in it, but so what?? We could instead pool our resources into what really matters; winning the Premier League and FA Cup. It might even make the League Cup a worthwhile competition again.


But if we have to persist with the charade that is the Champions League lets at least scrap the away goals rule. A goal is a goal no matter where in the world it is scored. That is what makes football what it is. What next? Deciding ties on who scored the best goals?? A 25-yard volley being more worthy than a 2-yard tap in? The team with the best haircuts to go through?? Have a celebrity studio judging panel, Strictly style. Why not?? Is that really any more stupid than the current system??


It has been suggested that I wouldn't be writing this if last night Arsenal had won 4-2 in Monaco and gone through on away goals but that is completely missing the point. For the record I would actually hate Arsenal to go through on away goals. It would be a hollow victory. Not really a victory at all in fact.


It was a bizarre sight seeing the Monaco players and fans celebrating last night. They had just lost 2-0 at home. In what world can that ever be a good result and worthy of such celebration?? Then in the post-match interviews it was suggested that the better side had gone through. Really?? The tie finished 3-3; they won at our place, we won at theirs. I would suggest that means that there was in fact no 'better' side. They were both equal.



What other sport is decided in this manner? Imagine if in tennis points won against the serve counted double?? 0-30, game!! Or in cricket if the away runs counted double?? No one would think that was a good idea. So why is it considered acceptable in our national sport??

Answers on a post card to M .Platini, UEFA.