Gateshead 2 - 2 FC Halifax Town

FC Halifax Town claimed a valuable Boxing Day point in a 2-2 draw against Gateshead at the International Stadium.

The trip to the North East was like stepping into the Eastern Block for a European away day - gloomy and bitterly cold weather conditions on a wintry December afternoon, enhanced by the open layout of the ground which doubles up as an athletics arena, the tell tale running track framed the hallowed turf.

In truth it bore more significance to both sets off supporters, a win for either side would have propelled them into the play off places. The Shay faithful had travelled well and were in good voice throughout.

The Shaymen got off to a fantastic start; in form Lois Maynard headed the opening goal early doors from a pinpoint Marc Roberts cross, before veteran John Oster levelled things up almost instantly.

Halifax was the better side, playing to their capabilities. A rare start for Jamie Jackson proved a masterstroke by Neil Aspin. Town’s number nine contributed to everything positive that the visitors had to offer with his concise passing, pace, and tricks and flicks.

The midfield combined well and Maynard found space once more, this time from a speculative distance of 40 yards. The midfielder light fly and the ball moved wickedly en route to goal, wrong footing Gateshead goalkeeper Adam Bartlett to make it 1-2 to the away side.

Back came the Tynesiders however, James Bolton bringing Rob Ramshaw to ground in an easy penalty decision for the referee Ryan Johnson.

Up stepped joint club top scorer Danny Wright to slot home from 12 yards and provide Gateshead’s second equaliser of the first half to go in 2-2 at the break.

The home side began to create more opportunities than the visitors in the second half, with the introduction of Michael Rankine, who provided pace and power but no cutting edge to a plethora of chances.

Town threatened on the break and looked dangerous late on.
Jackson, who only needed a goal to cap off a fine performance, was put through by on loan Will Hatfield.

Despite doing everything right in preparation, Jackson put the ball agonisingly wide by millimetres.

The Boxing Day game at the International Stadium finished 2-2 – a good point on their travels for FC Halifax Town, and a fair reflection on the second half. Town could well have nicked it on another day.

Next up for Halifax is a home game against Chester, less than 48 hours removed from their trip to the North East. Kick off is 3pm at the Shay.

Scott Boden Post Match vs. Bradford City - FA Cup 1st Round

It was heartbreak for FC Halifax Town as they fell to a 1-2 defeat to League One Bradford City in the FA Cup first round at a packed Shay stadium.

Striker Scott Boden gave his assessment on the game that lived up to it’s billing as arguably the tie of the round.

“It gave a little insight into what we’re about, a nice little eye opener to a few people who possibly think its just hoof ball and everything, I mean at times I think we played some good stuff.”

Good stuff indeed as Town got off to the best possible start through a hat trick of corner kicks, early pressure that bore fruit.

Inside three minutes Lois Maynard latched on to Paul Marshall’s set piece to send the Shay faithful into delirium.

“Took the pressure straight off us and bombarded them straight away, the fans were straight on their backs, we couldn’t of asked for a better start to be honest with you.”

From then on it was a chance a plenty for the Shaymen, while Bradford were left reeling. Boden himself went close, as did former Bantam Steve Williams.

“I had a couple, Willo’s had one, its crucial, that second goal was crucial in the match if it was for us or for them, unfortunately for us, they found it. I had a chance, I’d call it guilt edged myself, should have hit the target at least but you cant look back now.”

Town went into the half time break with their heads held high; the home side had matched the League One outfit all over the park.

Bradford’s Phil Parkinson was the first of the two managers to make changes and introduced striker Billy Clarke immediately into the second half. It was an inspired change as Clarke’s trickery caused major problems for the hosts.

Within five minutes of the restart Clarke played an influential role in Jon Stead’s equalising goal. Moments later, Clarke fed Portuguese midfielder Filipe Morais who gave the Bantams the lead for the first time in the match.

“To be honest its changed the game, he’s one of those players that just drops into little pockets, I mean defenders don’t know whether to go with him or to drop off, he picked the ball up I don’t know how many times and dictated play second half and when you bring on a player like that what can you do when he’s got top draw quality.

From my point of view it was never in the plans to sit back and soak up pressure, they just had a little 10 minutes with wave after wave to score two goals and you get punished by teams of that calibre.”

The Shaymen came back full of heart, desire and unparalleled work rate - hustling and harrying the opposition, throwing everything including the proverbial kitchen sink at Bradford.

Town peppered the Bantams goal to ensure a grandstand finish and on another day could well have grabbed at least a draw with their West Yorkshire neighbours.

“I shot first on the turn and Bradford’s blocked it, Robbo’s had it off the line and I think the place, the roof, would have come off if we had scored in the last minute but not to be.”

The memorable FA Cup tie was a feast of football for a crowd topping eight thousand at the Shay, a fantastic spectacle with the added spice of a West Yorkshire derby.

“There were a few little cheeky moments, the fans in general though - the noise, that’s how you knew it meant a lot to everyone around and involved with this club.

As a team we were hoping (for a big crowd), never expected seven/eight thousand but we were hoping there would be and hopefully we’ve given them a little something to come back and watch again.”

Its all hands to the pump in the league as the Shaymen travel to Grimsby this Tuesday evening. The Mariners will provide a stern test as they did back in September when the two sides fought to a 1-1 draw, Scott Nielson the pick of the Grimsby players.

“Back to reality really, I mean a lot of people wouldn’t of expected us to go one nil up and put them under pressure like we did but we’re back to our bread and butter now that’s what we really need to crack on with and hopefully another big performance on Tuesday.”

FCHT return to the Shay next Sunday for the visit of Woking, a game to be contested in front of the same TV cameras that captured the high drama of the FA Cup.

France vs. Nigeria - Player Ratings

France

Hugo Lloris – Safe pair of hands when called upon. Good save from an Odemwingie drive from outside the box just after the hour mark. 7

Mathieu Debuchy – Struggled to find room to run into over on the right touchline. 6

Patrice Evra – Found it hard to penetrate the Nigerian defence from down the left flank. Defensively sound. 6

Yohann Cabaye – Great effort from 25 yards to rattle the crossbar on 77 minutes. It’s still shaking. 7

Raphael Varane – Composed and confident at the back, great positioning throughout. 8

Laurent Koscielny – Solid at the back for the French, perhaps could of posed more of a threat from set plays. 7

Paul Pogba – Truly majestic roaming in the middle of the park, encapsulated by a fantastic first half move started and finished by the former Manchester United man, forcing a good stop from Nigeria’s number one. Found himself in the right place, at the right time to capitalise on Enyeama’s floundering for the opening goal. 8

Blaise Matuidi – Wiry and strong in midfield. Nasty tackle on Onazi, received a yellow card but in retrospect, could have warranted more. Found it difficult in the middle second half as Nigeria controlled the game for long periods. 6

Olivier Giroud – A curious elbow left on Chelsea’s Mikel in the first half, no reprimand forthcoming as the referee didn’t see it, naughty. Few opportunities came the way of the Arsenal striker in a target man role. 6

Mathieu Valbuena – Marshalled well in the first half by the opposition but found more space to run at the Nigerian defence in the second half. Thanks in part by Griezmann’s movement. 7

Karim Benzema – In the first half the Real Madrid forward looked isolated on the left side. Came alive after the addition of Griezmann, cut in more centrally for a one two with the substitute, but for Moses tracking back on the goal line, would have score the opening goal with 20 minutes to play. Constant threat thereafter. 7

Substitutes

Antoine Griezmann – On for Giroud, positive and lively in the final third, showed some great link up play with Benzema. Created problems for the Nigerians and made a difference when he came on. Provided the spark to reignite the French. Bagged a goal late on to seal the deal. 9 (Man of the match)

Moussa Sissoko on for Valbuena – N/A

Nigeria


Vincent Enyeama – Good save to thwart Pogba in the first half. Made some vital stops after Griezmann came on. Prone to error and was at fault for France’s first goal. 7

Efetobore Ambrose Emuobo – Capable attacking option and disciplined to get back and help out his team in defence. 7

Juwon Oshaniwa – Gave the ball back to Pogba in a dangerous area to prolong a French attack. Did well to clear the ball off Pogba’s boot after an error by Enyeama in the second half to make amends. 6

John-Obi Mikel – Great work in the midfield, chased down well. Moved the ball quicker than we have seen so far in this tournament to release the likes of Musa, Moses and Ambrose on the overlap. 8

Joseph Yobo – Having amassed 100 caps for the Super Eagles, the defender was a composed presence at the back. 7

Kenneth Omeruo – Stewarded the ball well for the Super Eagles. 7

Peter Odemwingie – Good anticipation and created space to pass into. Confident in possession. 7

Ogenyi Onazi – Battered and bruised, suffered a nasty looking challenge from Matuidi in the second half, came off on a stretcher. 6

Emmanuel Emenike – Posed a real attacking threat. Good hit from outside the box in the first 45. His shoot on sight mentality caused concern for the French. However, couldn’t beat Lloris. 7

Victor Moses – Showed good movement going forward, something rarely seen at Anfield last season. 8

Ahmed Musa – As shown earlier in the tournament, full of running and endeavor, dangerous in spells. Arguably went missing as the French pressed. 7

Substitutes

Ruben Gabriel on for Onazi – Slotted in well to solidify Nigerian possession. 7 

The World Cup's absent stars

The major talking points of World Cup squad selections are often not focused on those players selected but instead centre on those who have not made it to the finals.

A talented list of high-profile missing men, I think you'll agree.

Phillipe Coutinho - Midfielder - Brazil - Age 20

The Brazilian has been a key man during Brendan Rodger's Liverpool revolution, amassing 50 appearances this season while contributing eight goals and seven assists.

However, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari deemed him surplus to requirements.

He certainly has a bright future and time is still on his side to make an impact at international level, despite stern competition in Brazil's midfield.






Isco - Midfielder - Spain - Age 22


Isco made the move from Malaga to Real Madrid last summer and became an instant hit at the Bernabeu, scoring a late goal against Real Betis in the club's first home league fixture of the season.

The promising midfielder made over 30 appearances this term, but as Spain are blessed with a plethora of talent in the middle someone had to miss out.






Javier Pastore - Forward - Argentina - Age 24


The Paris St Germain attacker was one of the first big-money signings fuelled by Qatari investment at the Parc des Princes back in the summer of 2011.

He was included in Diego Maradona's World Cup squad four years ago but has struggled to break into Laurent Blanc's starting XI in Paris, making a just 12 league starts this season.






Samir Nasri - Midfielder - France - Age 26

France coach Didier Deschamps is believed to have overlooked the Premier League winner for not buying into the team ethos.

His girlfriend's angry outburst at Deschamps' decision on social media has not helped his cause. Nevertheless the midfielder's omission has been met with widespread confusion.

Nasri was in great form for Manchester City last season, playing a key role with timely goals during the title run-in.





Ronaldinho - Forward - Brazil - Age 34

Not selected because he's "too old" for a World Cup - try telling that to Andrea Pirlo and Steven Gerrard. Ronaldinho is stuck on 97 caps for Brazil - a tally it seems unlikely he will add to in the future - despite enjoying a successful career revival at Atletico Mineiro.

A player of his quality and experience could have proved an invaluable inclusion in the squad amid the pressure and hype that comes with being host nation.







Roberto Soldado - Striker - Spain - Age 28

The Spaniard's 29th birthday must have witnessed muted celebrations after he missed out on Vicente del Bosque's World Cup squad.

Despite his great record in Spain that resulted in Del Bosque taking him to the Confederations Cup last summer, Soldado has struggled to produce the goods consistently since moving to Tottenham.

In a World Cup season, a move abroad to another country and another culture seemed to be a bit of a gamble, and it has not paid off.






Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Striker - Sweden - Age 32

Ibrahimovic and the Swedes were brushed aside single-handedly by Cristiano Ronaldo in the play-off with Portugal that guaranteed qualification to Brazil.

Ibrahimovic has been a force of nature in his own right this season, netting 26 times in Ligue 1 and 41 in all competitions.

It is a shame a player of his calibre will not be gracing the World Cup with his enigmatic and unpredictable presence.




Carlos Tevez - Striker - Argentina - Age 30

Coach Alejandro Sabella left Tevez out despite his productive 19-goal return in Serie A, which helped Juventus to another league title.

Having represented Argentina at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, it seems like a personal decision to leave the former Manchester City striker out.

The player has overwhelming support in his home country, and his absence has certainly been the major talking point of Sabella's squad selection, especially when you consider the far-from-prolific Franco Di Santo has been preferred ahead of him.

Bargain Basement - Footballs sought after Free Agents

Ashley Cole - 33 - Defender

Widely regarded as the best English left-back in a generation, the 33-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea this summer after eight years at Stamford Bridge. Announced his international retirement prior to the naming of Roy Hodgson's England squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. Chelsea are believed to have offered a renewed 12-month contract with reduced terms but Cole looks poised to move on. The former Arsenal man is considering offers from several big clubs, both domestically and abroad - with Monaco and even Real Madrid showing an interest.

Rio Ferdinand - 35 - Defender

After 12 years and 10 trophies, 35-year-old Ferdinand has left Manchester United. Out of contract this summer, the West Ham academy product is available for nothing over a decade on from his record £30million arrival from Leeds. Near-unmatched experience at the highest level and no haggling over a transfer fee will make Ferdinand an attractive proposal for many clubs. FA Cup winners Arsenal, vanquished finalists Hull, MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy and a clutch of Turkish clubs are thought to be interested.

Samuel Eto'o - 33 - Striker

Derided over his age by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Eto'o will nevertheless carry the hopes of a nation when he turns out for Cameroon in his fourth World Cup this summer. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, with an impressive 55 strikes in 116 appearances for his country. Even an underwhelming single season at Chelsea delivered nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances. Speculation as to where the prolific goalscorer will play next is rife, with offers from clubs in the United States, Australia, Italy and Spain said to be forthcoming.

Gareth Barry - 33 - Midfielder

It was shrewd of Everton boss Roberto Martinez to sign the Manchester City midfielder on loan in the last knockings of the transfer window last summer. Barry proved a key member of Everton's squad, helping them to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. However, a reported clause in the loan deal between City and Everton mean that the Toffees will need to raise £2.5million to sign him permanently, despite the player being out of contract this summer. A move to the MLS is also on the cards.

Bacary Sagna - 31 - Defender

Of all the players on this list Sagna's future looks the most certain, with Manchester City his expected destination. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked his targets early and Sagna is top of his shopping list. The France full-back is out of contract this summer but signed off from the Gunners in style by winning his first silverware in the FA Cup final. A move to City could also come with a reported  £120,000-a-week pay deal, while the lack of a transfer fee will be very attractive to City after their recent financial fair play sanction from UEFA.