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I know, it's been a bit rushed whilst at Villa, I got fed up of writing and ploughed ahead in my game, now I'm back with the story and trying to catch up to the point I'm at, I shall go back to a more considered style of writing once I've caught up with myself though.
Five Minutes With The Gaffer
Welcome fellow Villains to another edition of five minutes with, As always I'm Albert Von Villa and today I'm delighted to welcome back Mr. David Beckham!
Thanks AV, Good to be here again.
Good, so David it's been almost three months since we last met, back then you had just taken charge of your first game against Charlton just mere hours after joining the club, what are your thoughts on the what has transpired since then?
On the whole I've been very happy with the way we've been playing, we are still very much in contention for promotion whether that be automatically or via the play-off's who knows? to be honest with you I don't really care either way as long as we have Premier League flags flying above the stands next season.
You've lost just one of the thirteen games you have taken charge of, albeit having drawn six, is that a record to be proud of? or do you think you should have won more?
As I said I'm reasonably happy with how things have gone so far, there was a bit of frustration after some of those drawn games, especially the ones where we were perhaps expected to win, but it just goes to show you can never take anything for granted in this division, on their day anybody can beat anybody.
Away from the league, there is of course the FA Cup, in which Villa are still alive and preparing for a huge quater final clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Can we do it?
I think so, Even though we are a division below Chelsea I still think we're a Premiership quality side, if the lads perform as we all know they can, I truly believe we can cause an upset at the bridge.
Let's say that we do beat Chelsea, we are one of three Championship sides left in the last eight, along with Millwall and Ipswich, the four Premiership boys are Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and West Brom. If you could choose our semi final opponents, at Wembley, who would it be?
The temptation would of course be to pick one of the other Championship clubs to give us the best chance possible, but I think in terms of what the fans would want, a West Midlands derby with the Baggies at Wembley would be hard to top.
You surprised many by not entering the transfer market in January, was that deliberate or because the piggy bank was empty.
A mixture of both really, we did peruse a few names but for various reasons no deals were reached.
Gareth Barry was widely reported to be one of those names, sparking a mixed reaction among the Holte end faithful, many of whom have not forgiven him for his defection to Man City.
I did approach Gareth who is a player I have always admired for his ability and work ethic, However he wasn't interested in coming back here and preferred to stay and fight for a place in the City team.
Can we expect to see many changes in the Summer?
That is very much dependent on whether we are promoted or not.
Well David we are out of time, thanks for catching up with us and good luck for the remainder of what could be a glorious season if you manage to couple promotion back to the Premiership with an FA Cup final.
We'll do our best!
15th March 2014
nPower Championship
Villa Park, Birmingham (26,964)
Morton Gamst Pederson celebrates what proved to be the winning goal.
Both sides went into this fixture with automatic promotion in their sights and knew this could be a crucial game as the promotion race nears it's conclusion.
It was the visitors who were able to add three invaluable points to their haul when all was said and done at Villa Park this evening as Rovers climb to third place in the Championship standings, condemning Villa to slip two places to sixth.
The home side had the first clear cut chance of the game when Darren Bent headed Graham Dorrans's free kick over Paul Robinsion's cross bar with ten minutes elapsed. Bent would soon get another chance to add to his 23 league goals this season when Nathan Delfouneso set the former England forward free with a clever pass, Bent slotted away goal number 24 to to give Villa a twelfth minute lead.
This is the third meeting of these two sides in the last three months with one draw and one Villa win in the previous two encounters, Blackburn were determined not to be undone by David Beckham's side again this afternoon and were level in the 41st minute when Rueben Rochina curled a perfectly placed shot around two defenders and Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan to make it 1-1 as half time approached.
Rovers were gifted a gilt edge chance to get their noses in front shortly after the teams re-emerged, Mortan Gamst Pederson's long throw causing all kinds of problems in the Villa penalty area, Grant Hanley and Rochina both had goal bound shots blocked by the sheer volume of bodies in the box before Gael Givet fired wide from six yards when it looked easier to score.
It was another Pederson throw in which resulted in what turned out to be the winning goal, the Norwegian launching the ball into the box where it was half cleared by Ciaran Clark, but only as far as Haris Vuckic who laid the ball off for Pederson who was arriving in the area, the 32 year old cut inside before tucking away his shot at the near post for his third league goal of the campaign.
Villa now face a tough run of games against Fulham, Blackpool and Derby as they look to get their promotion bid back on track after being dealt a blow this afternoon, however before that they must travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter final, knowing it will take a gargantuan effort to advance, the Blues will be desperate to collect the FA Cup for an eighth time after being knocked out of the Europa League by Italian side Geona last month as well as being 27 points off of the pace set by Premiership leaders Manchester City.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 26.Danny Basham - 6.Ciaran Clark
12.Marc Albrighton (Sub 58) - 15.Graham Dorrans - Martin Spelmann (Sub 79) - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
14.Nathan Delfouneso (Sub 68) - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 21.Jordan Graham (On 58) 20.Christian Benteke (On 68) 8.Stephen Ireland (On 79)
Friday 25th March 2014
DUO GEAR UP FOR LAST EIGHT
Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are today preparing for the FA cup quarter final clashes with Chelsea and Millwall respectively.
The duo could yet face each other in an West Midlands derby match at Wembley stadium in either the semis or even the final itself should they both make it through tomorrow.
David Beckham's Villa head to Stamford Bridge on the back of a 2-1 home defeat by Blackburn Rovers last week, they will however be encouraged by the news that Christian Benteke is fit to start following a month on the sidelines after he twisted his ankle in Villa's 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the previous round.
Albion manager Tony Mowbray has a full selection of players to choose from after drawing 1-1 with Swansea in the fifth round and will be desperate to lead Albion to their first cup final since 1968 when they beat Everton for the most recent of their five FA cup wins, Villa however have not won the famous trophy since 1957 despite seven prior wins.
Whatever happens tomorrow it's sure to be a big day for Midlands football!
22nd March 2014
FA Cup Quarter Final
Stamford Bridge, London (43,000)
Darren Bent puts Villa ahead
David Beckham's Aston Villa came close to a major upset at Stamford Bridge today as the Blues came within 15 minutes of elimination from the FA Cup following a tenacious performance from their Championship opponents.
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez chose to field a number of fringe players in lew of more established names to try and keep his stars fresh as his side look to mount an assault for a Champions League place next season.
Villa looked to take full advantage of their weakened opposition and did just that when they got their reward for a dogged start to the game, Graham Dorrens heading a ball out of the Blues defence forward to Darren Bent who controlled beautifully before dummying former Villain Gary Cahill and hooking the ball around Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal, Bent has now scored in six consecutive games for Villa.
The striker went close to putting Villa two up on the stroke of half time when Christian Benteke, returning to the Villa line up after a month away, chested the ball down before playing Bent through on goal where he was this time denied by a good stop by Cech.
Beckham's side attempted to shut up shop in the second half as they looked to ease into the semi finals, they were however to be denied in the 75th minute when former Wigan man Victor Moses found himself free in the Villa area following a mistake from young full back Enda Stevens, Moses thundered his shot beyond the despairing dive of Brad Guzan at the near post to even the scores and provide some much needed excitement in an otherwise dreary second half. Villa played out the remainder of the game in a slow and methodical manner, obviously content to take this tie back to Villa park for the replay in a weeks time, Benitez however can count himself lucky to still have his side in the competition following his untested team selection.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
21.Jordan Graham 9Sub 82) - 15.Graham Dorrans - 25.Martin Spelmann - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke (Sub 89) - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 11.Nestor Calderon (On 82) 14.Nathan Delfouneso (On 89)
22th March 2014
nPower Championship
Craven Cottage , London (16,730)
Sibling rivalry: Brothers Craig and Gary Gardner went head to head this afternoon.
When preparing for a big FA Cup replay with Chelsea, there are few better warm up exercises than beating the Blues's next door neighbours on their own patch.
Yet that is exactly what Aston Villa did this afternoon as they produced a fine display of counter attacking football, played at a blistering pace which Fulham simply couldn't cope with.
David Beckham's named an unchanged side from Saturday's draw with Chelsea, his decision not to disrupt the team paid off mid way through the first half when a intricate team move was capped by a ferocious strike from Danish midfielder Martin Spelmann, Spelmann was laid off by Darren Bent to shoot from 25 yards following a wonderful, flowing exchange involving Bent, Charles N'Zogia and Jordan Graham which was executed at such speed the Cottagers failed to notice 27 year old Spelmann lurking just outside their box until it was too late.
Goal number two game in the 36th minute when Villa again broke away at break neck speed, Spelmann dispossessing Mahamadou Diarra midway inside the Villa half before Villa's forwards again quickly worked their way up the field and through the Fulham defence, N'Zogbia sliding a low cross in for Bent who extended his scoring run to seven games with a tap in from three yards.
Fulham were once again undone by Villa's quick thinking in the 40th minute, Matthew Briggs's long ball was cut out by Danny Simpson who promptly pumped the ball forward for Christian Benteke to run clear of the Defence and score his first goal in a month by sliding the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper to all but seal the points before half time for Villa.
The second half failed to continue the excitement as Villa sat back and soaked up what little pressure Fulham could muster, David Beckham did however create an unusual situation in the 75th minute when he brought on Gary Gardner, the 21 year old's task was to mark his older brother Craig, himself a former Villa player who left the club to join hated rivals Birmingham City in 2010.
Fulham did manage to pull a goal back in the 80th minute when Hugo Rodallega's speculative drive found it's way past Brad Guzan, the American looked as if he had the shot covered but seemed to punch it into his own net. Nevertheless Villa were still in complete control and didn't look in any danger of losing their grip on the game as they move back up to fourth, five points behind the automatic promotion places with six games remaining. Next up for Beckham's side is a West Vs. East Midlands clash with Derby at Villa Park before the big FA cup replay with Chelsea.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
21.Jordan Graham (Sub 66) - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 75) - 25.Martin Spelmann - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 11.Nestor Calderon (On 66) 38.Gary Gardner (On 75)
GreekExpress
Do you think all these additonal games will affect your push for promotion?
26/03/2014
FA Cup Semi-Final Draw
The draw for the final four of the 2013/14 FA Cup with Budweiser has been made.
Arsenal could face Manchester United at the Emirates should United overcome Ipswich in their replay at Portman Road next week after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by the Tractor Boys.
Arsenal manager Arsne Wenger will be determined to claim one last peice of silverware before he retires at the end of the season, and one final triumph over Sir Alex Ferguson would make it all the more memorable for the Frenchman who has feuded with the irrepressible Scot for fifthteen years now.
The other tie will consist of either Aston Villa or Chelsea taking on West Bromwich Albion as the Midlands drools over a the prospect of a Villa-WBA derby at Wembley, providing Villa can dump Rafa Benitez's side out at Villa Park next week.
Thanks mate.
I shouldn't think so, I have a Premiership standard squad in the Championship with good strength in depth so I don't think the extra games should be much of an issue really. There is no replays in the semi's or the final so after this game with Chelsea there is only two games left in the cup. (if we get to the final of course)
30th March 2014
nPower Championship
Villa Park, Birmingham (28,177)
Nathan Delfouneso's first Villa goal in three years rescued a point for his side.
Aston Villa have lost ground on the automatic promotion places after being held to a draw by hard working Derby at Villa park today.
Manager David Beckham made several changes to the side which beat Fulham 3-1 in mid-week, perhaps with their FA Cup quarter final replay with Chelsea this Saturday on his mind.
Nathan Delfouneso started in favour of Christian Benteke who was on the bench, Chris Basham was in for Richard Dunne in central defence, both Gary Gardner and Fabian Delph rotated with Graham Dorrans and Martin Spelmann who were so impressive against Fulham, and finally Nestor Calderon made his fist start for three months, the Mexican replacing Jordan Graham on the right wing.
An uneventful first half suddenly sprung into life in the 33rd minute when Basham allowed Derby midfielder Tom Naylor far too much time to turn and shoot from the edge of the box, his effort beat the dive of Brad Guzan in the Villa goal to hand the Rams the lead.
Stung by conceding, Villa quickly hit back and were level within five minutes, Charles N'Zogbia picking out Darren Bent who teed up Nathan Delfouneso for his first goal in claret and blue since 2011, 'Fonzie' could hardly miss as he beat Frank Fielding from eight yards.
Unfortunately the rest of the game failed to match the excitement of that eight minute spell, Villa were perhaps the better side throughout but a defeat would have been harsh on Derby who defended astutely and fully deserved a share of the points, moving to within touching distance of the play-off's. as Villa must now be fearing the worse for their automatic promotion hopes as they slide seven points off the pace.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 26.Danny Basham - 6.Ciaran Clark - 29.Enda Stevens
11.Nestor Calderon - 16.Fabian Delph (Sub 71) - 38.Gary Gardner - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
14.Nathan Delfouneso - 9.Darren Bent (Sub 80)
Subs: 20.Christian Benteke (On 80) 7.Stephen Ireland (On 71)
2nd April 2014
After Extra Time
FA Cup Quarter Final Replay
Villa Park, Birmingham (42,785)
Fernando Torres celebrates his extra time winner.
Aston Villa manager David Beckham described his sides elimination from the FA cup this evening as heartbreaking.
Villa had lead 2-0 at half time but collapsed in the second as a ten man Chelsea upped their game and levelled to force extra time, from which they emerged victorious.
Rafa Benitez had apparently learned his lesson from the first game and fielded his strongest side to attempt to see his side through to a semi final with West Bromwich Albion.
The atmosphere inside a sold out Villa park was electrifying as the home fans waved claret and blue flags specially manufactured for the occasion, buoyed by the wall of noise emanating from the famous Holte End, Villa started like their lives depended on it, penning their Premier League opponents back in their own half and were rewarded for their endeavours in the 21st minute when 18 year old winger Jordan Graham, today asked to play in an unfamiliar central role smashed the ball past Chelsea keeper Thibault Courtouis after a surging run to the edge of the penalty area, questions may well be asked of why John Terry and David Luiz who backed off of the youngster who was allowed ample time to pick his spot.
The already rocking stadium erupted again on the half hour mark when Villa full back Danny Simpson managed to steal the ball from his opposite number Ryan Bentrand, in doing so finding himself free in the box to hammer the ball in at Courtouis's near post as chants of 'que sera sera' rang our around the famous old ground.
But for all of Villa's hard work and brilliance in the first half, they found themselves stretched by Chelsea in the second as the Blues knuckled down and began to show their world beating class, They halved the deficit just after the hour mark when David Luiz catapulted a long throw right on to the head of Fernando Torres who was lurking with intent at Villa's near post, the Spaniard casually glanced the ball past Brad Guzan to get the Villa crowd shuffling uncomfortably in their seats.
Luiz went from hero to Villain just minutes later when he received a straight red card for elbowing Christian Benteke in the face. encouraged by their numerical advantage Villa began to try and wear Chelsea down by making Benitez's side chase the ball as they stroked the ball around.
Villa's decision not to press forward and try to add to their one goal lead proved their undoing when substitute Oscar set off on a mazy run with 15 minutes left to go, the Brazilian went past two Villa defenders before seemingly running out of pitch, but the 22 year old winger then bent the ball around Brad Guzan from a near impossible angle just inside the Villa box to give Chelsea a spectacular equaliser worthy of any goal of the season compilation.
Visibly deflated following Oscar's wonder strike, Villa abandoned their neat passing football and began pumping balls into the Chelsea area but were unable to pick out either Darren Bent or Christian Benteke, both of whom had been rather anonymous throughout most of the game as the ninety minutes expired and the sides prepared for another half hour.
Chelsea showed no signs of tiredness despite having to compensate for Luiz's sending off and began the extra period brightly with Ramieres going close, they eventually made their break through in the 97th minute when Fernando Torres was played through by Oscar, even on his best day there was no chance of Richard Dunne catching up to Torres as the Spanish International rounded Guzan to slot home the decisive goal, completing a marvellous comeback for the ten men in Blue as Villa's hard working team looked on in despair, seeing their Wembley dream which was at half time so close to reality, in tatters.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 29.Enda Stevens
25.Martin Spelmann
21.Jordan Graham (Sub 66) - Graham Dorrans
10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke (Sub 97) - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 16.Fabian Delph (On 66/Sub 97) 7.Stephen Ireland (On 97) 11.Nestor Calderon (On 97)
GreekExpress
5th April 2014
nPower Championship
Bloomfield Road, Blackpool (15,125)
Christian Benteke was among the scorers at Bloomfeld road.
Aston Villa moved back to within four points of the automatic play-off places this afternoon whilst showcasing their credentials with by hammering top of the table Blackpool at Bloomfield Road today.
David Beckham was forced to make several chances to his side with many of his players still feeling the effects of their mid-week clash with Chelsea in the FA cup which went to extra time. among those changes were Matt Lowton and Nathan Baker who made their first appearances since Beckham's arrival in December, there was also a rare start for Mexican winger Nestor Calderon who replaced Charles N'Zogbia.
Villa took just four minutes to get off the mark when Calderon played in Darren Bent who fired past Matthew Gilks despite pressure from Craig Cathcart.
Villa were incensed when the linesman's flag denied Jordan Graham another goal, following his strike against Chelsea, subsequent replays showed the 18 year old winger to be onside and the decision may have been a late decision against Christian Benteke who's initial shot was blocked by Gilks before Graham swept home the rebound.
Villa were however two up when Darren Bent was felled in the area by Cathcart, Gilks went the right way for Bent's spot kick but the shot was far to powerful for him to keep out as Bent chalked up his 27th league strike of the season.
Blackpool quickly pulled a goal back, Stephen Crainey crossing the ball onto the head of Anderson Branvo who nodded the ball past Brad Guzan from point bank range.
Despite conceding Villa still looked in control and eventually took their two goal advantage back on the stroke of half time, Bent playing through Christian Benteke who powered past the hapless Cathcart before sliding the ball around Gilks to make it 3-1.
Finally Jordan Graham's disappointment at having his earlier goal disallowed by finishing off a fine team move, Graham flashed his shot across Gilks after an inch perfect ball from Calderon in the 69th minute.
Villa sit fourth in the Championship table, four points behind Blackpool in second with five games left before the end of the season.
Villa XI:
34.Matthew Lowton - 26Chris Basham - 6.Ciaran Clark (Sub 70) - 32.Nathan Baker
21.Jordan Graham (Sub 77)- 38.Gary Gardner - 16.Fabian Delph (Sub 88) - 11.Nestor Calderon
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 5..Richard Dunne (On 70) 15.Graham Dorrans (On 77) 7.Stephen Ireland (On 88)
12th April 2014
nPower Championship
Villa Park, Birmingham (20,604)
Darren Bent is now up to 28 goals this season following another goal this afternoon.
Aston Villa have moved to within striking distance of the automatic promotion places with a solid win over struggling Millwall this afternoon.
David Beckham's side currently lye fourth in the league table, level on points with third place Blackburn, three behind Blackpool in second and five behind league leaders Hull with four games remaining, two of which are against already relegated clubs.
Nathan Baker retained his place in the Villa line up after his first inclusion since Beckham took over in December in the Villains previous game against Blackpool, Marc Albrighton also returned to the squad, albeit as a substitute, after an ankle injury sustained in Villa's 2-1 defeat to Blackbuurn sidelined him for a month.
The first half offered little in the way of genuine chances, It was Baker who came the closest to opening the scoring when his cross-shot bounced off the top of Millwall keeper Darren Randolph's crossbar. Charles N'Zogia also had a decent sight of goal when he lost his marker but only managed to fire tamely straight at Randolph.
The first goal did eventually arrive five minutes after the sides took to the field for the second half, Christian Benteke chesting the ball down for Darren Bent who wasn't marked tightly enough by the Lions defence, Bent never looked like missing as he stroked the ball beneath Randolph's dive for his 28th goal of the league season.
The Londoners best chance to draw level came in the 73rd minute when Ian Hart's long ball was knocked down for Andrew Keogh by Darius Henderson, Keogh proceeded to smash a half volley from the edge of the Villa penalty area which whistled inches past Brad Guzan's near post with the American stopper beaten had Keogh hit the target.
Villa however killed any hope of a Millwall equaliser late on when Danny Simpson picked out the run of Charles N'Zogbia who bent the ball round Randolph with a beautifully taken first time shot.
Villa's remaining four games see them hit the road to Bramall Lane to face relegated Sheffield United before two home games with Nottingham Forest and Ipswich, their final game of the season is at Vicarage Road against midtable Watford. Surely a run of games Villa will fancy their chances in, they will require other results to go their way in addition to winning their own fixtures but automatic promotion certainly doesn't look out of the question for Beckham's side.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 32.Nathan Baker
21.Jordan Graham (Sub 15) - 25.Martin Spelmann - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 86) - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 12.Marc Albrighton (On 15) 16.Fabian Delph (On 86)
15th April 2014
nPower Championship
Bramall Lane, Sheffield (13,477)
Fans pay tribute to their two goal hero
A solid 2-0 win over relegated Sheffield United has seen Aston Villa gurentee they will at least compete in the Championship play-off's next month if they don't manage to finish in the top two.
A brace from Belgian striker Christian Benteke saw Villa move to within three points of the division's summit after Hull suffered defeat to Derby and slipped from the top.
David Beckham was forced to make several changes to the side which beat Millwall at Villa Park last week, Nathan Baker, Jordan Graham and Marc Albrighton all suffered injuries in a rough week of training, drafted in were Enda Stevens, Callum Robinson and Gary Gardner.
The only point of interest in the first half came with three minutes left to play, Martin Spelmann setting Darren Bent away with a ball over the Blades defence, the England forward, looking for his 30th goal of the season dragged the ball back across the box for Benteke to hammer the ball home and give Villa the lead.
Things went from bad to worse for United just after the hour mark when substitute Chris Martin was red carded for what the referee saw as an intentional elbow to Danny Simpson's face. following the sending off the Blades seemed content to sit back and allow Villa to play their measured passing game around them, it took until the last minute of the game for Villa to finish off the ten men when Benteke chested down a long ball from Danny Simpson, ran 10 yards before unleashing a furious shot past the United keeper to seal the three points and take is goal tally to nine in the league this season.
Villa have two home games in three days against Nottingham Forest and Ipswich before heading to Watford on the final day.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
23.Callum Robinson (Sub 83) - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 75) - 25.Martin Spelmann (Sub 83) - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 38.Gary Gardner (On 75) 11.Nestor Calderon (On 83) 16.Fabian Delph (On 83)
GreekExpress
Marc Albrighton pens his new deal
AVFC.co.uk is pleased to announce that three of our young stars have agreed new deals at the club, keeping them at Villa Park for the foreseeable future.
Marc Albrighton, Jordan Graham and Enda Stevens have all been handed new two year contracts, keeping them at the club until the end of the 2015/16 season.
All three have found themselves breaking into the first team and playing regularly since the arrival of David Beckham after being permanent fixtures in the club's reserve and youth ranks before hand.
In other contract related news, the club has announced it will not be renewing the contracts of Richard Dunne, Stephen Ireland or Shay Given who are out of contract this summer as Beckham looks to build a squad to fit his preferred style of play.
19/4 - Blackburn (A)
21/4 - Derby (A)
26/4 - Fulham (H)
Hull
19/4 - Millwall (H)
21/4 - Nottingham Forest (H)
26/4 - Sheffield United (A)
Blackburn
19/4 - Blackpool (H)
21/4 - Sheffield United (H)
26/4 - Millwall (A)
Villa
19/4 - Nottingham Forest (H)
21/4 - Ipswich (H)
26/4 - Watford (A)
I think Hull will be happiest with their fixtures but ours are certainly winnable too, The Blackburn Vs. Blackpool game could be crucial, hopefully it will be a draw so they only get the single point each.
19th April 2014
nPower Championship
Villa Park, Birmingham (27,373)
Brad Guzan was Villa's hero this afternoon, saving a Rory Donnelly penalty.
Aston Villa came from behind against a spirited Nottingham Forest this afternoon to keep their title hopes alive ahead on Tuesday's penultimate game with Ipswich.
Remarkably, both goalkeepers kept out penalty kicks in the second half as Forest gave Villa a close run game in which they were desperate for a result in as the two most successful Midlands clubs locked horns in a fixture that Forest had not recorded a victory in twenty years.
David Beckham was given cause for concern when influential midfielder Graham Dorrans limped off after 27 minutes and replaced by Gary Gardner, fortunately for Villa the Scottish International only pulled a muscle and should be ok for their game with Ipswich.
Forest took the lead not long after Dorrans's departure when the claret and blue defence failed to clear their lines, allowing Lewis McGugan to rifle an unstoppable shot into the net from twenty yards which flew past Brad Guzan before he had a chance to react.
Villa equalised right before the half time interval when Danny Simpson sent Christian Benteke on one of his trademark charges forward, the Belgian was simply to strong as Forest defenders tried to grapple him, Benteke netting his tenth league goal of the season with a typically powerful finish.
The second half provided plenty of drama, Forest were awarded a penalty when Rory Donnelly was tripped by Enda Stevens as he tried to jink past the young Irish full back, Donnelly elected to take the spot kick himself but was denied by a wonderful dive by Brad Guzan who got a hand to the ball low to his right which he immediately pumped down field for Benteke who raced away through on Lee Camps goal, the Belgian however was denied a second goal as Camp pulled off a top quality save of his own, tipping Benteke's venomous strike over his bar.
Referee Lee Mason again pointed to the spot in the 68th minute, this time in Villa's favour as Dan Harding brought down Jordan Graham, this time it was Camp's turn to be a hero as Graham who was given the penalty despite not being the designated taker, fired straight at Camp who remained still.
Villa did eventually take the lead with ten minutes left to play, Darren Bent setting up Charles N'Zogbia who caught out Lee Camp with a swaggering lob from the edge of the box, the ball bounced in the six yard box and rolled slowly over the line as Camp tried desperately to claw it away but to no avail.
This result leaves Villa level on eighty points with Blackpool and Blackburn who played each other today, finishing 4-2 to Darren Ferguson's Rovers. and just two points behind leaders Hull who overcame Millwall today. Fifth place Reading also stand an outside chance of achieving automatic promotion although it seems likely that the Royals will have to settle for a play off place.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 32.Nathan Baker
21.Jordan Graham - 25.Martin Spelmann - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 25) - 10.Charles N'Zogbia (Sub 79)
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 38.Gary Gardner (On 25) 11.Nestor Calderon (On 79)
GreekExpress
21st April 2014
nPower Championship
Villa Park, Birmingham (23,523)
Luke Moore dashed his former sides title hopes.
Hull City have clinched the nPower Championship title and a return to the Premier League after four years in the second tier after all three teams below them in the title race slipped up.
Blackburn move up to second despite only managing a draw at home to Sheffield United whereas Hull slip out of the automatic promotion places after going down 1-0 to Derby at Pride Park. Aston Villa's title dream also went up in smoke as they were beaten by Ipswich who kept their survival hopes alive with a battling performance in North Birmingham this afternoon.
Ipswich were much the better side throughout the game and appeared to want survival in the Championship more than Villa's players wanted promotion, the Tractor boys took the lead through Luke Moore after just nine minutes through one of three former Villa players in their side along with Eric Lichaj and Nigel Reo-Coker, Moore wan't closed down effectively, allowing him the time to lift the ball over Brad Guzan in the Villa goal and give Ipswich the lead as news trickled through that Hull were winning at Nottingham Forest.
Darren Bent should have pulled Villa level on the half hour mark when he nodded the ball straight at Scott Loach from two yards out, Bent's failure was punished just seconds later as Loach lumped the ball down field for Luke Chambers who beat Enda Stevens to the ball before firing coolly past Guzan to get the away support believing that the great escape may truly be on.
Mexican winger Nestor Calderon pulled a goal back for Villa to make the atmosphere around Villa park so thick it could be cut with a knife, however Ipswich hung on, getting everyone behind the ball and playing for time which proved successful.
Villa can still return to the Premiership automatically if they can beat Watford at Vicarage Road and other results go there way, but it looks likely that David Beckham's side will have to make to with a place in the play-off's this season whilst Ipswich have given themselves a faint chance of survival, they must win their final game with Cardiff to stand a chance, even that may not be enough to save the Tractor boys.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 26.Chris Basham - 6.Ciaran Clark - 29.Enda Stevens
21.Jordan Graham (Sub 79) - 16.Fabian Delph (Sub 66) - 15.Graham Dorrans - 11.Nestor Calderon
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 7.Stephen Ireland (On 66) 10.Charles N'Zogbia (On 79)
GreekExpress
t-mase
26th April 2014
nPower Championship
Vicarage Lane, Watford (13,593)
Villa had promotion within their grasp but let it go.
Aston Villa allowed automatic promotion to squirm free of their grip by conceding a 83rd minute equaliser to ten man Watford.
Manager David Beckham described his team's failure as 'gut wrenching' as both Blackburn and Blackpool failed to win, allowing Reading to sneak in from nowhere and steal second place.
Villa sensed blood when Watford midfielder Dean Hammond was sent off after just 15 minutes when he lunged in on Graham Dorrans with two feet, however it took until the 56th minute for Villa to make their numerical advantage count when Darren Bent got on the end of Danny Simpsons cross to head home his 30th goal of the season in the process.
With their side ahead against the ten man Hornets and other results going their way, a carnival atmosphere developed amongst the 2,000 or so travelling supporters as they began plotting their return to the Premier League next season, their good spirits we cruelly dashed however with just seven minutes left on the clock when Ciaran Clark was too casual about passing the ball back to Brad Guzan, allowing Matej Vydra t dispsses the young Irishman and tuck the ball past the stranded Guzan.
Beckham immediately ordered all out attack to try and save the situation but try as they might Villa could not undo the Hornets and will now have to face Blackburn in the play-off's with the first leg at Villa park on the 10th of May.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 26.Chris Basham - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
23.Callum Robinson (Sub 81) - 15.Graham Dorrans - 25.Martin Spelmann - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 11.Nestor Calderon (On 81)
Yep
Thanks mate, keep reading!
10th May 2014
nPower Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg
Villa Park, Birmingham (39,313)
Villa and Blackburn produced a stalemate.
The Championship play-off's are still poised on a knife edge as both first legs finished in draws.
Cardiff and Blackpool fought to a 1-1 draw at the Cardiff City stadium, giving Blackpool a slight advantage going into the second leg as they have an away goal. There were no goals to be seen in the other first leg between Aston Villa and Blackburn at Villa park as the two sides battled to a nervy 0-0 stalemate with all to play for at Ewood Park on Wednesday.
Villa captain Richard Dunne came closest to providing a winner in this bore draw when he met Charles N'Zogbia's 25th minute corner with a stooping header which was saved by a instinctive save from former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, although he couldn't hold and allowed Dunne a second chance which the big Irish defender could only scuff, his weak effort was cleared off the line by the well positioned Rueben Rochina.
Rovers's best chance also came from a corner when Morten Gamst Pederson's cross was only partly cleared by Ciaran Clarke, Elliot Grandin met the ball on the volley and flashed his 25 yard thunderbolt only inches over Brad Guzan's crossbar.
The last time these two sides met in a two legged tie was the 2010/11 Carling cup semi-final which ended 7-4 to Martin O'Niell's Villa after a spectacular 6-4 second leg at Villa park, Lets hope that the second game of this tie can live up to that.
Post match Villa manager David Beckham commented that he believes his side now has the advantage in the tie after avoiding conceding an away goal. Coincidently this is the first time that Villa have failed to find the net in 24 matches under Beckham, a run which stretches back to New Years eve.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 29.Enda Stevens
12.Marc Albrighton - 25.Martin Spelmann - 15.Graham Dorrans - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke (Sub 78) - 9.Darren Bent
Subs: 14.Nathan Delfouneso (On 78)
13th May 2014
nPower Championship Play Off Semi Final Second Leg
Ewood Park, Blackburn (31,154)
Scenes of jubilation for the travelling Villa supporters.
Aston Villa are through to the play-off final after demolishing Blackburn in front of their own expectant supporters at Ewood park tonight.
After a goalless first leg at Villa Park last Saturday it was all to play for in Lancashire this evening, but only one side coped with the pressure of the occasion as Villa mercilessly tore apart Rovers's dreams of returning to the Premiership and booked a date at Wembley with Blackpool who overcame Cardiff on penalties.
The visitors took just six minutes to first expose Blackburn's frail defence, Christian Benteke setting up Martin Spelmann to power the ball past Paul Robinson from the edge of the penalty area, the Dane was afforded far to much space in order to set his sights and punish Blackburn by giving his side an away goal.
Villa's one goal lead looked fairly comfortable with the home side now needing to score twice, as Blackburn began pushing men forward the Villains did what they do best and began to counter attack at break neck speed, they caught out the blue and white defence again in the 36th minute when Graham Dorrans lifted a long ball over the Grant Hanley for Christian Benteke who applied his usual thunderous finish from just inside the box to leave Blackburn with real mountain to climb if they were to get back into the tie.
The deflated Rovers had no reply and never gave any signs that they had what it takes to get the three goals they needed, Villa put paid to any last lingering shreds of hope amongst the Ewood Park faithful in the 66th minute when Ciaran Clark rose highest to meet a Charles N'Zogbia corner, glancing it past Robinson as 'Que sera sera' rained down from the visiting end of the ground.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
12.Marc Albrighton - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 80) - 25.Martin Spelmann - 10.Charles N'Zogbia
20.Christian Benteke - 9.Darren Bent (Sub 80)
Subs: 16.Fabian Delph (On 80) 14.Nathan Delfouneso (On 80)
21/05/2014
Villa's Final Hopes Dealt Major Blow
Aston Villa will be without both of their leading scorers as well as their goalkeeperfor the Championship play-off final this weekend.
Darren Bent, Christian Benteke and Brad Guzan have all been called up to represent their countries at the World Cup in Brazil this summer and are already on their way to South America.
Bent has lead the Villa line this season with 33 goals in all competitions, Benteke has 14. Charles N'Zogbia is also a doubt for the game with Blackpool at Wembley after he picked up an injury in training, however the club are hopeful he can play with the aid of a series of injections.
Manager David Beckham must now decide who he wishes to partner up front, Nathan Delfouneso has only made ten appearances all season, eight of them from the bench, Colombian Teofilo Guitierrez is an option despite not featuring much since Beckham's arrival at Villa Park last December, as is 19 year old Callum Robinson who only made his professional début last March.
Regular goalkeeper Guzan is with the USA squad, leaving only Shay Given who has not featured at all since Beckham took over and is not match fit, things do not look good for Villa ahead of their biggest game of the season.
GreekExpress
24h May 2014
nPower Championship Play Off Final
Wembley Stadium, London (87,994)
Villa fans celebrate their return to the top flight.
Aston Villa have returned to the Premiership at the first time of asking after beating Blackpool 2-0 at packed Wembley stadium this afternoon.
The Villains managed to triumph despite missing first choice goalkeeper Brad Guzan and their two primary goal threats in Christian Benteke and Darren Bent due to the trio heading to Brazil for the World Cup. The selection problems has left Villa manager David Beckham scathing at the fact that the players would not be allowed to play despite none of them being involved in a warm up match for over a week.
Beckham opted for the untested partnership of Nathan Delfouneso and Tefilo Gutierrez up front and Shay Given in goal despite the 38 year not having featured at all since Beckham's arrival, leading many of the claret and blue faithful to fear the worse.
The first half produced nothing of interest as neither side wished to commit numbers forward for fear of a counter attack fr which both sides have garnered fearsome reputations this season.
Things did however begin to open up in the second period and it wasn't long before Wembley saw it's first goal, Delfouneso forcing Craig Cathcart off the ball in his own penalty are, the loose ball ran straight to Charles N'Zogbia, who was a major injury doubt before the game but did eventually start after a series of painkilling injections to his leg. the Frenchman struck a sweet first time shot which flew into Matt Gilks's top corner, sending the 45,000 Villa fans inside the home of English football into raptures.
Gutierrez had a fantastic chance to extend Villa's lead in the 58th minute, Marc Albrighton dispossessing Thomas Ince out wide before crossing for the Colombian forward who's half volley cannoned back of the Blackpool post before going out of play. The South American would not miss again ten minutes later when he was first to react to Matt Gilks parrying Delfouneso's effort from within the Tangerines's area, coolly slotting home before the keeper could get back to his feet, securing Villa's promotion as Blackpool's players limped through the remaining twenty minutes knowing the game was up.
Villa will join Hull and Reading in the Premiership next season who won automatic promotion, they will take the places of West Bromwich Albion, West Ham and Huddersfield, Beckham will be pleased to see his former club Swansea escaped trouble to finish a respectable 13th place following his resignation last December.
Villa XI:
2.Danny Simpson - 5.Richard Dunne - 6.Ciaran Clark - 27.Enda Stevens
12.Marc Albrighton - 15.Graham Dorrans (Sub 36) - 25.Martin Spelmann - 10.Charles N'Zogbia (Sub 71)
14.Nathan Delfouneso - 17.Tefilo Gutierrez
Subs: 38.Gary Gardner (On 38) 23.Callum Robinson (On 71)