Showing 1 - 10 of 25
Doomed Vale dare to dream against Blues at Stamford Bridge
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 14/03/2026
» The best thing about the FA Cup is that it briefly puts the spotlight on clubs that would normally hardly receive a mention and this season it has been refreshing seeing teams like Mansfield and Macclesfield enjoying their moment in the sun. Last week's fifth round didn't let us down either with struggling League One side Port Vale upsetting Sunderland from the Premier League.
Big day for manager Clough and the Stags
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 07/03/2026
» The fifth round of the FA Cup is serving up some tasty fixtures this weekend, particularly at One Call Stadium where League One side Mansfield Town host Premier League leaders Arsenal, who have won the Cup 14 times.
Cod almighty! Promising times for magical Mariners
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/09/2025
» League Two Side Grimsby Town continued their sparkling run in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) last week by reaching the fourth round after defeating struggling Championship side Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 away at Hillsborough.
Sounds of Prokofiev inspires Black Cats in Premier League opener
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/08/2025
» The most interesting aspect of the first week's results in the Premier League is that two of the newly promoted teams won their opening games, unlike the clubs involved last season, all of whom were later relegated. It is only the third time the newcomers have experienced such a good start since the Premier League was established in 1992.
Hard road ahead for Leeds and Burnley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/04/2025
» While the hectic Easter schedule resolved some key promotion and relegation issues in the English Football League there are plenty of teams that still don't know what division they will be in next season. It will all be sorted in the coming days whether by direct promotion, relegation or through gruelling playoffs.
Bantams hope for magic touch
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/04/2025
» Despite having a population approaching half a million the West Yorkshire city of Bradford has underachieved when it comes to football bragging rights. However, Bradford City are hoping this season will see a much-needed change in fortune, even if it is just a small step.
Nervous times in England as lower division clubs battle for glory
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 05/04/2025
» As the English football season approaches the business end there are some terrific skirmishes going on in the lower divisions of the Football League. Much depends on how the players can adapt to the pressure of striving for promotion or fighting relegation. It is grassroots football at its best.
Plymouth Argyle hope FA Cup success will boost League survival
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 15/02/2025
» Last Sunday saw a huge shock in the FA Cup when Plymouth Argyle, bottom of the second-tier Championship, upset Premier League and Champions League favourites Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Admittedly, Liverpool fielded a second-string side, but they still had been expected to win comfortably against the struggling Devon club.
Desperate times for Royals as club fights to survive
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 20/01/2024
» As a life-long Reading fan it was very sad to witness the scenes at my home town club last Saturday. The League One match between Reading and visiting Port Vale was abandoned after 16 minutes when an estimated 1,000 fans ran onto the pitch to protest against Royals' owner Dai Yongge, a Chinese businessman.
Historic day for Rebecca at the Cottage
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/12/2023
» Craven Cottage will be the unlikely setting for a significant slice of history today as Rebecca Welch becomes the first woman to referee a Premier League match when Fulham take on Burnley.