Posts

Showing posts matching the search for Stadium - Home Park

The Green Army prove there's still magic in the cup

Image
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Liverpool Plymouth Argyle pulled off a classic FA Cup shock as the Championship’s bottom side sent Premier League leaders Liverpool crashing out in front of a raucous Home Park crowd. Author - William G Stadium - Home Park Arne Slot made 10 changes to the Liverpool side that cruised past Tottenham to reach the Carabao Cup final—and it backfired spectacularly as Plymouth seized their moment to book a place in the fifth round. A cagey contest burst into life eight minutes after the break when the hosts were awarded a penalty for Harvey Elliott’s handball. Ryan Hardie stepped up and smashed the spot-kick past Caoimhin Kelleher to send Home Park into pandemonium. Hardie almost doubled his tally moments later, only for Kelleher to tip his effort onto the post. Liverpool pushed for an equaliser late on, but Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard produced two stunning saves—first to deny Diogo Jota, then somehow keeping out Darwin Nunez’s close-range header. The final whistle ...

A preview to the last ever match at Goodison Park

Image
Everton v Southampton preview It promises to be an emotional day as Everton's first team prepare for their final game at Goodison Park. Author - Sarah W The club recently shared the details of its plans for what will be a momentous final home game of the season, as the club and supporters prepare to end an era at Goodison Park. Plans for the historic visit of Southampton on Sunday 18 May include pre-match activity in and around the ground, and a post-match ceremony that will bring together current players and Blues greats to celebrate 133 years of the Grand Old Lady. Before kick-off, the fan group known as 'The 1878s' will stage a special coach welcome with the aim of creating a vibrant atmosphere as the players arrive at the stadium. The atmosphere has been amazing at the stadium this season. Following the final whistle, Evertonians will be asked to remain in their seats for a special on-pitch celebration that will include guest presenters, appearances from current...

Everton fans experience new ground for the first time

Image
It was an historic night for Everton fans. Nearly 10,000 Evertonians got their first taste of life at their new stadium as they watched the club’s academy side fall to defeat against Wigan’s youngsters. Author - Sarah W Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer – a lifelong Liverpool fan, no less – etched his name into the history books by scoring the first-ever goal at the new ground. And he didn’t miss the chance to wind up the home crowd, celebrating by holding up six fingers in reference to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles. Cole Simms doubled Wigan’s lead shortly after, before Everton pulled one back late on through a penalty from 16-year-old Ray Robert. Regardless of the defeat for their side, this was an incredible opportunity for those young Everton players. It will be interesting to see how many of them end up playing for the first team at the stadium. Read more | The last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park The ground in an earlier stage of construction . What do Everton fans think o...

Portsmouth ease to win over Swansea

Image
Portsmouth 4 - 0 Swansea Portsmouth climbed out of the Championship's bottom three with a commanding victory over Swansea City at a rain-soaked Fratton Park. Author - Jack L Stadium - Fratton Park Josh Murphy's crisp first-time strike put the hosts ahead in the 22nd minute, and Paddy Lane doubled their advantage just seven minutes later, capitalising on defensive uncertainty. Swansea briefly looked like mounting a second-half comeback, with Josh Tymon rattling the woodwork, but Ryley Towler’s well-placed header eased any nerves for Portsmouth. A costly error by Cyrus Christie then allowed Colby Bishop to seal a resounding win. While John Mousinho’s side have struggled away from home this season, their improved form at Fratton Park has reinvigorated their fight to avoid a swift return to League One. Pompey have now claimed 13 points from their last five home games, scoring 14 goals in the process. For Swansea, it was a torrid afternoon as defensive lapses contributed to t...

The last ever FA Cup match at Goodison Park

Image
Everton 0 - 2 Bournemouth Everton handed Bournemouth a place in the FA Cup fifth round, marking the final FA Cup fixture ever to be played at Goodison Park. Author - James L Stadium - Goodison Park The Toffees have called the historic ground home since 1892, but this defeat means their next home FA Cup tie will take place at their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, where they are set to move at the start of next season. It was a night to forget for Everton, who were largely the architects of their own downfall. Captain James Tarkowski endured a nightmare first half, with his errors directly leading to both of Bournemouth’s goals. Tarkowski’s struggles began when he mistimed a sliding tackle on Antoine Semenyo inside the box midway through the first half. The Ghanaian forward dusted himself off and confidently smashed home the resulting penalty past Jordan Pickford. Semenyo caused Everton’s defence problems all evening, narrowly missing with another effort and seeing a tight-angled ...

UCL: Historic night at Villa Park

Image
Aston Villa 1 - 0 Bayern Munich In an electrifying evening at Villa Park, Jhon Duran once again made a stunning impact off the bench, securing a glorious Champions League victory for Aston Villa over Bayern Munich. The occasion was steeped in history, evoking memories of Villa’s famous 1982 European Cup triumph against the German side in Rotterdam. This time, Duran replicated that iconic scoreline, netting his fifth goal as a substitute this season. Brought on in the 70th minute to replace Ollie Watkins, it took Duran just nine minutes to make his presence felt. Spotting Bayern’s experienced keeper, Manuel Neuer, out of position, he calmly lobbed the ball into the net. A closer look at a sensational night in the Midlands For Villa manager Unai Emery, this was another resounding success. The result builds on Villa's strong start to their Champions League   campaign having beaten Young Boys 3-0 in Switzerland in their opening match. Villa Park, hosting its first Champions Le...

An emotional last Premier League game at Goodison Park

Image
Everton 2 - 0 Southampton Everton gave Goodison Park a fitting farewell after Iliman Ndiaye scored twice to give the home side a 2-0 victory Southampton as the "Grand Old Lady" hosted its final Premier League game after 133 years. Author - Sarah W Stadium - Goodison Park Everton's win in their penultimate match of the season, but last game at Goodison before moving to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, left David Moyes' side 13th on 45 points. Bottom-placed Southampton have 12 points from 37 games. Everton's team were greeted by tears and cheers on an emotional afternoon and Ndiaye sparked bedlam after six minutes as he took the ball on the half-turn before driving towards goal and curling a shot into the net. The 25-year-old completed his double in first-half injury time when Dwight McNeil played a ball through two defenders and Ndiaye beat England 2nd choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with a dummy and then tapped into the empty n...

Leeds win Championship in final minutes

Image
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds United Manor Solomon struck in stoppage time to seal the Championship title for Leeds United, as they edged a dramatic 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season.  Author - Oliver W Stadium - Home Park The result also confirmed Argyle’s relegation to League One. With Burnley defeating Millwall 3-1, Leeds finished top on goal difference, having already secured promotion back to the Premier League last month after a two-year absence. A closer look at the conclusion of an amazing season for Leeds The home side struck first when Mustapha Bundu’s shot rebounded off the post and ricocheted in off Sam Byram, shortly after the lively forward had struck the upright. Leeds, who started the day at the summit, struggled to break down a determined Plymouth defence until early in the second half, when Willy Gnonto converted from close range after Solomon’s low delivery from the byline. Joel Piroe thought he had put Leeds ahead with 17 minutes to pla...

Celtic might have to wait another week to clinch title

Image
St Johnstone 1 - 0 Celtic St Johnstone pulled off a surprise victory over Celtic, denying the reigning champions the chance to wrap up the Scottish Premiership title in front of their home support next weekend. Author - Sean M Stadium - McDiarmid Park Brendan Rodgers’ side knew that a win at McDiarmid Park would have set up the opportunity to clinch a fourth consecutive league crown when they host Kilmarnock on Saturday. But an early thumping header from Daniels Balodis, following a well-delivered free-kick by Graham Carey, gave the hosts a crucial lead. That goal, combined with a resilient defensive display, saw the league’s bottom side move to within five points of Dundee. Celtic could still secure the title next weekend if they beat Kilmarnock and Rangers drop points away to Aberdeen on Sunday. However, Balodis’ first goal for the club has, for now at least, postponed any plans of celebrating on home turf. The early breakthrough seemed to energise the Perth side. While Celti...

Premier League: Simms rescues point for Everton

Image
Chelsea 2 - 2 Everton This could prove to be a very important point for Everton. Ellis Simms scored his first Everton goal to earn Sean Dyche's side a crucial point. They came from behind twice to draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Everton's improved resilience under Dyche was on show again. The 22-year-old local product Simms was the hero with a superb late equaliser to wreck Chelsea's hopes of a fourth consecutive win. Chelsea broke down Everton's resistance seven minutes after the break when the excellent Joao Felix drilled home a low drive. However, they were pegged back when Abdoulaye Doucoure scrambled home an equaliser from a corner after 69 minutes. The away side were only on level terms for seven minutes. Kai Havertz scored from the spot after Reece James was fouled by James Tarkowski. However, there was to be a late twist in the tale. Dyche had put Simms on to rescue a point, and he delivered in style with a powerful run and finish a minute from time...

A preview of Goodison Park's final Merseyside derby

Image
Everton v Liverpool preview Liverpool’s red and blue football sides are set for an emotionally charged final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Author - Sarah W Originally scheduled for December, the 245th edition of this iconic clash was postponed due to Storm Darragh. In hindsight, that delay may have been a blessing for Everton.  Now under the leadership of David Moyes—who returned to the club last month—the Toffees look revitalised and better equipped to challenge their high-flying rivals, who remain in pole position in the Premier League title race. This will be tbe 120th time Everton have hosted Liverpool at this famous old stadium. There's also the added intrigue that both sides have each won 41 matches at the ground. winner on Wednesday will tip the scales in the favour of either club.  Both sides aldo go into the match having being knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend. FA Cup match report | Plymouth 1 - 0 Liverpool   FA Cup match report | The last ev...

Everton fight back in Goodison cauldron

Image
Everton 2 - 2 Liverpool James Tarkowski's last-gasp equaliser secured a well-earned point for Everton in a fiery conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Authors - Sarah W and William G Stadium - Goodison Park Liverpool seemed poised to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points as the match ticked into its dying seconds. But Tarkowski's strike, following a tense VAR check for offside and a potential foul, ensured the honours were shared. The derby’s intensity boiled over when Abdoulaye Doucoure, celebrating wildly in front of the Liverpool supporters, clashed with substitute Curtis Jones, resulting in both being shown red cards after a heated melee involving players from both sides. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed after the final whistle, with the visitors vehemently arguing that Tarkowski’s goal should have been disallowed for a shove in the build-up. Goodison Park’s final derby cer...

Plymouth Argyle stun Sheffield United

Image
Plymouth Argyle 2 - 1 Sheffield United Muhamed Tijani's volley in the 88th minute secured a late victory, bringing Plymouth Argyle within two points of safety and leaving the stuttering Sheffield United five points behind the Championship's top two teams.  Author - Tom Parker Stadium - Home Park The Blades seemed set to get their promotion bid back on track after consecutive defeats, with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's superb first-half strike giving them a 1-0 lead going into the final 10 minutes. Ryan Hardie then pounced from close range to level for the hosts following a half-cleared corner. The substitute Tijani then hit a brilliantly controlled volley that earned all three points and provoked scenes of wild joy.  The Argyle celebrations were understandable, given the desperate need for a win that still sees them remain bottom of the table with just four games remaining. Have they now given themselves a chance of staying up?  READ MORE:  EFL: 2024/2025 Sheffield Unite...

Forrest the hero on trophy day

Image
Celtic 1 - 1 St. Mirren James Forrest ensured the club’s title celebrations were not dampened as he netted a stoppage-time equaliser to preserve a 16-season scoring streak and deny St Mirren a memorable win.  Author - Andrew Cheshire Stadium - Celtic Park With seconds remaining, the veteran winger swept the ball past St Mirren goalkeeper Zach Hemming, securing a 1-1 draw and extending his remarkable scoring run in every league season since his debut. It was a dramatic end to an afternoon where the visitors looked set to upset the champions and claim a rare win at Celtic Park. Jonah Ayunga had earlier stunned the home crowd with a low drive into the corner after Celtic failed to clear a set piece, giving St Mirren hope of European qualification. A win might have been enough to leapfrog Dundee United into a Europa Conference League spot, especially with United trailing Aberdeen at one stage. But United mounted a comeback in their match, and Forrest’s late intervention ensured th...

Everton thrash woeful Leicester

Image
Everton 4 - 0 Leicester City Everton stormed into a two-goal lead inside the opening six minutes—one of the fastest starts in Premier League history—on their way to dismantling a hapless Leicester City at Goodison Park. Author - Sarah W  Stadium - Goodison Park What had been billed as a crucial relegation scrap quickly became a one-sided affair, as the Toffees’ electric first half fired them nine points clear of danger. However, Wolves’ 2-0 victory over Aston Villa ensured the Foxes tumbled into the bottom three. Abdoulaye Doucoure wasted no time in setting the tone, latching onto Jordan Pickford’s long ball and slotting home after just 10.18 seconds—the fastest goal in Everton’s history and the fourth quickest ever recorded in the Premier League. Only Shane Long, Philip Billing, and Ledley King have scored quicker in the competition. Leicester’s static defending invited further punishment, and Everton duly obliged. Moments later, Beto raced onto James Tarkowski’s through ball ...

Palace sweep Villa aside

Image
Crystal Palace 4 - 1 Aston Villa Ismaila Sarr’s brace inspired a ruthless Crystal Palace to sweep aside Aston Villa at Selhurst Park, keeping their push for a top-half Premier League finish on track. Author - Jamie P Stadium - Selhurst Park A closer look at what happened at South London Home form has been a concern for manager Oliver Glasner, with the Eagles securing just two league wins at Selhurst Park before this fixture. However, any concerns pre match vanished very quickly.  Marking his 27th birthday in style, Sarr gave Palace a strong start in the first half. Villa briefly levelled through Morgan Rogers early in the second half, but that only spurred the hosts on to take complete control on a memorable night in SE25. Jean-Philippe Mateta restored Palace’s lead moments later with a superb finish, moving him up to second in the club’s all-time Premier League goalscoring chart with 36 goals. Sarr then grabbed his second of the night before Eddie Nketiah, coming off the benc...

Maeda inspires Celtic again

Image
Celtic 3 - 0 Hearts Daizen Maeda struck twice in Celtic's commanding Scottish Premiership victory over Heart of Midlothian, bringing his season tally to an impressive thirty goals.  Author - Sean M Stadium - Celtic Park The Celtic boss had hinted before the match that both he and the club were eager to extend the Japan international's contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027.  This latest performance served as yet another reminder of why that would be a wise move. Maeda has now scored in eight consecutive league games and shows no sign of slowing down. The forward was at the heart of all three goals and appears almost unstoppable in Scotland at present. A closer look at what happened at Celtic Park Hearts had arrived to this match with some confidence, having lost just twice in their previous fourteen matches. They were aiming to take another step towards securing a top-six place. All eyes were on Viljami Sinisalo, who stepped in for the injured Kasper Schme...

Man United battle to win over Ipswich

Image
Manchester United 3 - 2 Ipswich Town Ten-man Manchester United recovered from gifting Ipswich a fourth-minute opener at Old Trafford to come out on top in a five-goal thriller thanks to Harry Maguire's header. Author - Josh T Stadium - Old Trafford It was a rainy night ai Old Trafford This win for United was achieved despite having Patrick Dorgu sent off before the break following the intervention of VAR Craig Pawson after his awful tackle on Ipswich winger Omari Hutchinson.  Within a few moments, Ipswich capitalised on the extra man to level when Jaden Philogene's touchline cross curled in at the far corner as Andre Onana failed to react once Liam Delap had missed it. Maguire gave United the lead again when he powered home Bruno Fernandes' corner two minutes into the second half. This gave Ruben Amorin only his third home Premier League win. He would have been relieved with the win but could have probably done with a more relaxed evening at Old Trafford, So much more...

Chelsea win Women's League Cup

Image
Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester City Chelsea claimed their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor with a narrow victory over Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup final, keeping their pursuit of a historic quadruple firmly on track. Author - Macca Stadium - Pride Park Bompastor has made an immediate impact since replacing Emma Hayes last May, winning 26 of her 28 matches in charge. Mayra RamĂ­rez gave Chelsea the perfect start at Derby County’s Pride Park, bundling home from close range after City captain Laia Aleixandri inadvertently diverted the ball into her path. Aoba Fujino levelled after the break with a stunning strike, but an unfortunate own goal from Yui Hasegawa restored Chelsea’s advantage and ended their three-year run of heartbreak in League Cup finals. City, playing their first match under interim boss Nick Cushing following Gareth Taylor’s sacking just five days ago, dominated possession after Chelsea’s early breakthrough. READ MORE: Latest Manchester City news from our frie...

Non League: Football will return to Gigg Lane

Image
Football will return to Gigg Lane next season for the first time since 2019. A vote to merge Bury FC and Bury AFC passed and paved the way for football to return to the iconic stadium. <More Non League news> Members of both clubs failed to reach a two-thirds majority in a previous first merger vote in October. This time over 90% of the Bury FC Supporters' Society and 97% of Bury AFC members voted to form one club to play at Gigg Lane from next season. This unified club in Bury also qualifies for local council and government levelling up funding. What league with the team play in? When Bury F C was expelled from the English Football League in 2019, some fans going formed Bury AFC. That club now plays in the Premier Division of the North West Counties League, the ninth tier of the English football pyramid and they staged their home games a few miles down the road from Gigg Lane at Stainton Park in Radcliffe. The newly merged Bury Football Club will therefore play in that sa...