Below-par Arsenal pegged back by Lallana equaliser

SOUTHAMPTON 2 ARSENAL 2
By Ricky Butler at St. Mary's



Adam Lallana celebrates his equaliser at St. Mary's last night

TEN-MAN Arsenal saw their title chances dealt a blow last night as a second half equaliser from Adam Lallana saw them held by an impressive Southampton on the South Coast.

Trailing at the break to a controversial goal from Jose Fonte, Arsene Wenger's Barclays Premier League leaders rallied with strikes from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla within six minutes of the restart.

But Saints captain and England's new star, Lallana, responded almost immediately before Mathieu Flamini was shown a late red card for a two-footed lunge on Morgan Schniederlin to leave the North-Londoners frustrated.

However, Wenger remained upbeat at the whistle. He said: "Southampton had a great first half, they played at a great pace and we had problems to get into the game.

"The second half we responded very well and came back in a convincing way, we were 2-1 up, but the double disappointment we have is to concede as quickly as that, and secondly to finish the game with ten men.

"We have shown a lot of character and resilience to come back, and overall I would say it is a difficult point but a fair point."

Arsenal was late arriving at the ground due to traffic problems but that could be no excuse for what was a lacklustre first half display. Although the goal that gave Southampton a 21st minute lead was shrouded in controversy - Fonte appearing to push Nacho Monreal as he rose to head home Luke Shaw's left-wing cross - there was no question the Saints deserved to be ahead at the break.

In fact had teenager striker Sam Gallagher not fluffed his lines when presented with a golden opportunity soon afterwards, the match may well have been beyond Wenger's men. But the Gunners showed their full title potential in the early moments of the second half.

This was far from vintage Arsenal, in fact it would be fair to say this was their poorest performance for quite some time, but they have quality in abundance and two pieces of magic saw them turn the match on its head.

They were level two minutes after the resumption when Bacary Sagna's driven cross from the right was flicked home by Giroud with a clever back-heel, and the turn around was complete four minutes later.

Mesut Ozil laid the ball off to Cazorla on the edge of the penalty area and the little Spaniard arrowed a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner of Boruc's net - his 4th goal in the last three matches.

But before Arsenal could consolidate their position, they were pegged back almost immediately. Having been so strong defensively all season, it was somewhat of a surprise to see them momentarily switch off at the back, allowing Lallana time and space to finish a low cross into the box by Jay Rodriguez.

The game ebbed and flowed after that but the best opportunities fell to the leaders. Ozil saw an effort deflected onto the crossbar after a strong burst into the area, before Monreal shanked an effort wide with only Boruc to beat.

But their chances of finding a winner were over 10 minutes from time. Flamini was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed challenge on Schniederlin, and only a fine double save from Wojciech Szczesny, denying Shaw and Fonte, ensured the Gunners left with at least a point.

"It was a very good football game," said Wenger. "And Southampton deserve some credit. I felt we were a little unfortunate on the decision for the first goal but the first half was not good enough.

"We tried to push on for the third goal but after we went down to ten men it was important to come home with a point."

Arsenal could drop down to third tonight if Chelsea and Manchester City win against West Ham and Spurs respectively, but there is every chance this could prove to be a very important point in the final reckoning.

A trademark of champions is to get results when not at their best and Wenger's side has certainly developed a knack this season of doing just that. But with tougher tests to come in the next few weeks, performances will have to improve if they are to stay at the top.

SOUTHAMPTON - Boruc, Chambers, Fonte, Schniedelrin, Shaw, Yoshida, Cork, Davis (Do Prado, 89), Lallana, Rodriguez, Gallagher (Ward-Prowse, 70).

ARSENAL - Sczcesny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Arteta, Gnabry (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 70), Cazorla (Gibbs, 86), Ozil, Giroud (Podolski, 89).

REFEREE - L. Mason.

MAN OF MATCH - Lallana (Southampton) - Could be a real star in Brazil this summer.

ATTENDANCE: 31, 284

Its a muddy Hell for York as Richmond reach last four

NORTH RIDING SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL
RICHMOND TOWN 3 YORK CITY 0
By Ricky Butler at Earls Orchard

Highlights of this match can be viewed here

RICHMOND TOWN reached the semi final of the North Riding Senior Cup on Saturday with this incredible victory over Skybet League Two club York City on a mud-bath of a pitch at Earls Orchard.

A first half goal from Richard Thompson was added to by Ben Darville after the break before Kallum Holbrook sealed an historic victory from the spot, seven minutes from time.

It may not have been a first choice York City side - the first team were playing up at Hartlepool United - but it did contain three full time professionals amongst the U18 Academy lads and should have, on paper on least, been good enough to see off the upstarts from the Wearside League.

But not only was the awful pitch a leveller, York never got to grips with the hunger and desire of the Richmond side and that proved decisive in the end.

Richmond prepare for what was the biggest game in the club's history

"I was delighted with how we played," said Richmond manager Chris Lax. "I just thought our attitude and commitment was exactly what we needed.

"York are not used to playing on a pitch like that but they had class, you could see that. They were very good technically but the conditions did not allow them to play.

"We are quite a tough team, mentally and physically, and the league that they are playing in is more football but this is more physical, especially playing on a pitch like this."

Hear the full Chris Lax interview here

The ground at Richmond has been described as one of the most scenic in the country with the imposing figure of the castle overlooking the action, but the pitch was a far from welcoming sight for the York youngsters.

Having seen the match called off the previous week due to a waterlogged pitch, the last thing Richmond needed was more rain. But despite overnight downpours the ground-staff worked hard to ensure the game went ahead this time.

After a slow start during which Shaquille McDonald and Ollie Smith came close to giving York the lead, Richmond settled and dominated for long periods.

They should have gone in front just after the half-hour mark when Darville capitalised on a defensive mistake but his shot from a tight angle came back off the outside of the right-hand upright. However, the breakthrough did arrive moments later.

Again the York defence was unable to clear their lines and Thompson took full advantage with a fine, first-time finish from 10 yards.

And that proved to be the decisive. As the condition of the pitch deteriorated in the second half, York's talented young side cleared looked as though they wished they were somewhere else and Richmond took full advantage.

There was 51 minutes on the clock when the Dalesmen doubled their lead. Holbrook floated a free kick into the penalty area and Ben Palmer nodded down for Darville to drill past goalkeeper Josh Archer from close range.

Ben Darville (far right) makes it 2-0

It was now just a case of how many Richmond would score. Scott Ryan, impressive down the left, was denied by Archer before Darville came close to a second.

But Richmond did put the gloss on their big day with a third goal, seven minutes from time. Darville was nudged over in the penalty area by Tom Allen and Holbrook coolly slotted home from the spot.

Captain Jason Newall was full of praise for his side. He said: "This is the first time Richmond has ever played a professional side so it was a good occasion. The pitch was a bit of a leveller but we just wanted it more than they did."

Goal-scorer Holbrook was equally delighted. "I've missed a couple of penalties this season so there was a bit of pressure on me," he said. "But the captain gave me some good advice. He said just pick my spot and put my foot through it and I was very pleased when it went in the back of the net."

Kallum Holbrook slots home the third from the penalty spot

Richmond will now be hoping this victory can be the springboard to promotion to the Northern League. But before that is a possible meeting with another Football LEague club, Middlesbrough, in the semi final. The draw takes place next Saturday.

RICHMOND TOWN  - Cunningham, Palmer, Ryan, Newall, Radford, Holbrook, Pattinson, Darville(L), Darville(B), Thompson, Layfield.

YORK CITY - Archer, Green, Outerbridge, Banks, Morley, Allen,  McDonald, Coates, Murray, Chamberlain.

*Pictures courtesy of William James

Exclusive Chris Lax interview

listen to ‘Exclusive Chris Lax interview’ on Audioboo

Heart-breaking end to Richmond C of E's Wembley dreams

RICHMOND C of E Primary School were denied the dream chance of playing at Wembley on Saturday morning after an unfortunate defeat in the final of the U11's North Yorkshire School Games at York Sports Village.

Having won the Swaledale Alliance League in December with 8 wins and 2 draws from 10 games, Richmond qualified for the regional finals at York, where victory would send them through to the northern finals at Chesterfield in March; one step from Wembley.



Richmond C of E School celebrate winning the Swaledale Alliance League title.
L-R; Uchenna Anyadaiegwu, Lewis Riggs, Harry Davies, Max Collins, Emerson Butler (capt.), Charlie Stephenson, Ben Dale, Sam Potter.

The competition was split into 2 groups; 1 of 5 teams and 1 of 4 - all winners of their area league titles. The two group winners would meet in the final to decide who would go to Chesterfield. Richmond were drawn in Group 2 alongside Hutton Rudby, Stakesby, Westfield and Breckenfield.

The squad of 8 that travelled to York, all year 5 and 6 pupils at Richmond C of E School, was as follows; captain Emerson Butler, goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, twins Max and Edward Collins, Ben Dale, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Sam Potter and Lewis Riggs. Meanwhile, Harry Davies, who had played in the Swaledale Alliance League success, was unable to play due to injury, although he came along to support his team-mates.

Richmond's first match was against Hutton Rudby where goals from Max and Edward Collins secured a 2-0 victory. Stakesby were next up and Edward Collins scored twice before Uchenna Anyadadiegwu sealed a 3-1 victory to put Richmond in charge of the group.

Game 3 against Westfield would prove crucial. Having just beaten favourites Breckenfield 3-2, another win for local side Westfield would have sent them through. It looked bad for Richmond when they went 1-0 down late on but Edward Collins scored a great equaliser to earn them a 1-1 draw, meaning that victory over Brakenfield would put them in the final.



The squad prepare for the regional finals at York
back row L-R; Ian Maculloch (head of PE), Sam Potter, Ben Dale, Emerson Butler (capt.),Edward Collins, Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, James Newcombe (coach).
front row L-R; Max Collins, Charlie Stephenson, Lewis Riggs.

This proved to be a thrilling match. Breckenfield scored first but Edward Collins once again found the target to bring Richmond level. When Breckenfield led again it looked as though the final was going to be snatched away at the last moment, but Richmond showed tremendous spirit to turn it around.

Uchenna Anyadadiegwu made it 2-2 before Edward Collins brought the final within reach with his 6th goal of the tournament. Then, in the final few seconds, Uchenna sealed the 4-2 victory leading to great celebrations.

The final would pit Richmond against Robert Wilkinson School from York, a team of York City Academy lads. Looking tired after their tough group matches, Richmond were slow out of the blocks in the final and found themselves 2-0 at half time.

But the second half saw them revitalised and they dominated from the off. Chance after chance went begging until finally, with a minute to go, Ben Dale's deflected shot brought Richmond within one goal of extra time. But it was too late. Robert Wilkinson held on to lift the trophy.

The boys pose with their runners-up medals after a heart-breaking end to a great season.
L-R; Uchenna Anyadadiegwu, Emerson Butler(capt.), Lewis Riggs, Ben Dale, Harry Davies, Charlie Stephenson, Sam Potter, Edward Collins, Max Collins.

Although the day ultimately ended in disappointment, Richmond should feel proud of their achievement after an excellent season. Finishing as the second best side in the whole of North Yorkshire is no mean feat. Their 15 matches over the season brought 11 wins, 3 draws and only that 1 unfortunate defeat in the final.

Edward Collins finished with 18 goals while Uchenna Anyadadiegwu scored 11. Captain Emerson Butler provided a solid barrier at the back in front of goalkeeper Charlie Stephenson, while Ben Dale and Max Collins added grit and determination to the midfield. Meanwhile Lewis Riggs, Sam Potter and Harry Davies all played a big part in what a tremendous team effort.

If these boys continue to develop over the next few years then it will surely only be a matter of time before they get to fulfil their Wembley dreams.

Quick-fire Gunners back on top

ASTON VILLA 1 ARSENAL 2
By Ricky Butler at Villa Park

Jack Wilshere celebrates scoring the opening goal at Villa park last night with Serge Gnabry

TWO goals in a minute from Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud midway through the first half were enough to send Arsenal back to the top of the Barclays Premier League last night despite a strong late rally from Aston Villa.

Arsene Wenger's side had initially found Villa's five-man defence difficult to break down, but an early head injury to Nathan Baker, when he felt the full force of a Serge Gnabry pile-driver, resulted in Paul Lambert reverting back to a 4-4-2 formation and that proved decisive.

Wilshere finished a fine 34th minute move involving Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Nacho Monreal before the Englishman then created the second for Giroud seconds after the restart.

Villa upped their intensity in the second half and were rewarded 14 minutes from time when Christian Benteke headed home a Matt Lowton cross, but Arsenal held on to move back to the top.

Wenger said: "We had to have a strong response because everyone was looking at us to see if we would drop points after everyone else had won over the weekend.

"You are under a bit more pressure when you play last because you know you are not allowed to drop any points.

"The only way you can give an answer to that is to win the games and we have here."

The north-Londoners arrived at Villa Park having seen all their title rivals win over the weekend so this became a vital match for Wenger's side. But this has proved to be a happy hunting ground for them in recent years with their last defeat here coming way back in December 1998.

With Mikel Arteta missing with a calf problem, Wenger brought back Mesut Ozil, with Mathieu Flamini playing the holding role in front of the back four. Meanwhile Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was named among the substitutes for the first time since picking up an injury in the opening day defeat to Villa.

Despite dominating the early possession, Arsenal was unable to create many clear-cut opportunities. Giroud twice flashed a headers wide of Guzan's right-hand upright but the best of the early chances fell to the hosts.

A poor touch from Wilshere on the edge of his own penalty area allowed Fabian Delph the opportunity to fire wide before Karim El Ahmadi shot over following a quick Villa counter-attack.

But the injury to Baker, and the subsequent reorganisation at the back, gave Arsenal a chance which they took advantage of in emphatic fashion.

The opening goal was superbly worked. Ozil sent Monreal clear down the left and his pull back was perfect for Wilshere, who took one touch to control and the other to pass the ball into the corner of the net.

Then straight from the restart, Wilshere nicked the ball from Delph before finding Giroud in the area. The Frenchman's first touch was true and while his second bounced off his knee, it set up perfectly to sweep past Guzan from 10 yards.

Olivier Giroud makes it 2-0

Wenger's side was now in complete control although their intensity dropped significantly in the second half. Tomas Rosicky replaced Gnabry before a stray elbow from Gabby Agbonlahor ended his involvement, giving Oxlade-Chamberlain his long-awaited return.

But by then Villa had pulled a goal back. Cazorla lost possession cheaply out on the left touchline and Lowton's superb delivery was met with a diving header by Benteke, his fist goal since mid-September.

Suddenly Villa Park sensed a comeback but this Arsenal side can dig in when they have to. Having had a comfortable evening up until that point, Per Mertersacker and Laurent Koscielny really came into their own in the closing stages and Arsenal was able to hold on for a vital three points.

Wenger said: "We had two halves I think. One about playing, the second about fighting. We were maybe a little too cautious in the second half and wanted to just keep the score.

"Our defence kept us through that difficult period. I am very pleased that when we are under pressure we can respond.

"Olivier needed a goal but I believe that for the team, if you want to do well, your centre forward needs to score goals.

"It is really important to win these types of games. Villa was really up for this game and they prepared well for it. You have to give them credit, they had a go until the end."

With potentially winnable games coming up against Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace, Arsenal now have a great opportunity to cement their position at the top going into February and beyond.

ASTON VILLA - Guzan, Lowton, Baker (Bacuna 21), Vlaar, Luna, El Almadi (Weimann 73), Clark, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

ARSENAL - Szczesny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Monreal (Gibbs 66), Flamini, Wilshere, Gnabry (Rosicky 69), (Oxlade-Chamberlain 86), Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud.

REFEREE - N. Swarbrick

MAN OF MATCH - Wilshere (Arsenal) - Scored one and made one. So much more effective in a central role.

ATTENDANCE: 36,097

Colburn through to another final

MEDALS SHIELD SEMI FINAL

COLBURN TOWN 5 RICHMOND MAVERICKS RESERVES 1

By Ricky Butler at Kneeton Park

Highlights of this match are available here

 

COLBURN TOWN eased into the final of the Medals Shield on Saturday as two goals apiece from Tom Sweeney and Mikey Brend, plus a late strike from Stu Murray, was enough to see off the challenge of Richmond Mavericks Reserves at Kneeton Park.

However, the score-line was not a true reflection of the tie as a whole as for a spell either side of the break the Mavericks gave as good as they got. But after drawing level with a fine header from Kieran French just before half time, they crashed out thanks to five minutes of madness midway through the second period.

Colburn had started well and grabbed the lead after just four minutes. Brend was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by Matty Bromirskyj and Sweeney curled home a delightful free kick – his 24^th goal of the season.

It could have been all over moments later when Sweeney was put through by Si McGuiness but after rounding goalkeeper JJ Elliott, the Colburn striker was unable to finish from a tight angle.

However, the Mavericks slowly began to settle and they had a golden opportunity to draw level after 16 minutes. James Laws’ pace sent him clear down the right but Colburn goalkeeper David Mutch was out quickly to deny him.

The Mavericks did have the ball in the net soon after when Phil Stirling squared for Carl Tate to tap home, but the assistants flag had already been raised for offside. Tate then saw an effort from 20 yards tipped onto the crossbar by Mutch as the Mavericks finished the half on top.

And the pressure finally paid off a minute before the break; French rising at the far post to nod home Mickey Sartini’s left wing corner.

Colburn started the second period as they had the first, with Luke McCormack bringing a fine save from Elliott before Murray fired over with just the goalkeeper to beat.

The Mavericks responded with an effort from Laws which flew wide of the right-hand upright but their cup dream was over when they conceded three times in five minutes midway through the half.

The goal that restored the Colburn advantage in the 61^st minute had more than a touch of fortune about it. Brend was only looking to find Murray or Sweeney in the penalty area but his hopeful ball in from the right was misjudged by Elliott at the near post and somehow ended up in the net.

Then, less than two minutes later, Brend's ball over the top found Sweeney in the penalty area and he was given far more too much space to beat Elliott from 10 yards.

Mavericks heads went down after that and Colburn sealed their place in the final when Brend tapped home his second from Murray’s low left wing cross straight from the restart to make it 4-1.

The Richmond side deserved to make the final score closer and they were inches away from a consolation when Darren Matthews’ effort from 15 yards hit the crossbar, but it was Colburn who added another goal two minutes from time.

Substitute Mikel Szwak beat three defenders on a thrilling run into the penalty area before squaring for Murray to tap home despite the Mavericks appeals for offside.

Colburn will face league leaders Hawes United in the final at Northallerton Town in March after they overcame Richmond Buck Inn 4-2 in the other semi final.

COLBURN TOWN – Mutch, Hall, Cole, Nisbet, McCormack, Swales, Hamilton, McGuiness, Brend, Murray, Sweeney. SUBS – Szwak, Cadd.

RICHMOND MAVERICKS RESERVES – Elliott, Bromirskyj, Cleminson, Straw, Fenney, Laws, Sartini, Tate, Matthews, French, Stirling. SUBS – Miller, Clarke.

REFEREE: M. Ullyott.

MAN OF MATCH - Brend (Colburn Town) - May have got lucky with his first goal but was a constant threat down the right.

Arsenal back on top as late goals see off Cardiff

ARSENAL 2 CARDIFF CITY 0
By Ricky Butler at the Emirates

Nicklas Bendtner makes the late Arsenal breakthrough against Cardiff

LATE GOALS from substitute Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott sent Arsenal into 2014 back on the top of the Premier League as Cardiff City's brave resistance was finally broken.

It was looking set to be a frustrating start to the New Year for Arsene Wenger as Cardiff's mass defence kept his side at bay for long periods. But with just 90 seconds of normal time remaining, the much-maligned Bendtner smashed home a loose ball inside the six-yard box to bring relief all around the Emirates.

That proved to be the Danes final contribution however, as he injured his ankle in the act of scoring and was forced off to rapturous applause.

Walcott, with four goals in his previous four matches since returning from injury, then sealed the points in stoppage time with a clever finish to a superb Jack Wilshere pass to send the Gunners back to the top.

Wenger said: "We needed to be patient against a very good Cardiff side. They did work absolutely hard, their new manager was in the stands. They deserve credit and were a bit unfortunate to lose in the end.

"I think we were mature, intelligent and resilient. I felt in the first half it took us a while to get in our stride and our pace was a bit slow. We did all right in the second half but didn't take our chances and they defended very well.

"We know we have to play 10 home games and we want to make this place a fortress and take the points no matter what the others do.

"If we can manage to do that we will be in a very strong position."

Wenger was forced into three changes to the side that had won 1-0 up at Newcastle on Sunday; Nacho Monreal, Mikel Arteta and Lukas Podolski replacing Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky and Olivier Giroud.

But the new-look side were slow out of the blocks against a Cardiff side looking to impress new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was watching from the directors' box.

Without a win at home for almost a month and having seen Manchester City replace them at the top with victory at Swansea earlier in the day, Arsenal looked nervy from the start. Although dominating possession they were unable to penetrate the well organised and hard working Welsh side.

With Wilshere and Santi Cazorla busy, the chances slowly began to come with Walcott firing into the side netting and then just failing to get on the end of an Arteta cross.

Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty just before the break when Wilshere appeared to be caught by Gary Medel but referee Jon Moss waved away their appeals and it remained goalless at half time.

The second period looked to be a similar story as Wenger's side was once again unable to break down the blue-shirted wall in front of them. But the introduction from the bench of Bendtner and Rosicky with twenty minutes to play finally opened up the game.

A series of corners saw Per Mertersacker twice head wide from good positions before Wilshere hit the post following a raking run into the penalty area.

But just as it looked as though Cardiff would hold on for a point, Bendtner made the breakthrough.

Monreal's cross from the left found the head of opposite full-back Bacary Sagna, but Bluebirds goalkeeper David Marshall produced a fine save down to his left. However, the Danish striker reacted quickly to smash the rebound into the roof of the net to send the Emirates wild.

The goalscorer then had to make way due to an ankle injury but in the second minute of stoppage time, Walcott latched on to a lovely flick from Wilshere to clip the ball over Marshall and send the Gunners back to the top.

Theo Walcott celebrates sending Arsenal back to the top

Despite the defeat, Cardiff caretaker manager David Kerslake was pleased with what he saw from his team. He said: "The players have given their all and I thought they had done enough to get a draw.

"We knew we would be good enough to soak the pressure, not a lot of teams can do that."

When asked about the presence of Solskjaer at the match, Kerslake said: " I'm not even sure how much the players knew. They are very professional boys and gave it their best.

"If I was a gambling man I would say yes, it will be my last game in charge. I am contracted to the club and until the owners and chairman say so that is the case.

"I have 100% belief this squad are good enough to stay in the Premier League."

ARSENAL - Szczesny, Sagna, Mertersacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Flamini (Rosicky 64), Walcott, Cazorla, Wilshere, Podolski (Bendtner 64), (Vermaelen 89).

CARDIFF CITY - Marshall, MaNaughton, Caulker, Turner, John, Medel (Gunnarsson 61), Noone, Kim, Mutch (Cowie 67), Whittingham, Campbell (Maynard 79).

REFEREE - J. Moss

MAN OF MATCH - Wilshere (Arsenal) - Drove his team on and looked back to his best.

ATTENDANCE: 60,004