Europe regain the Ryder Cup
In an enthralling tournament, Europe came out on top to regain golf's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. We saw sunshine and rain as the USA rallied superbly to take it to a nail-biting finish, coming from 9.5 to 6.5 down at the start of play, to 13.5 each with one singles match left to play. And it was left to Graeme McDowell to beat Hunter Mahan in the final tie to seal Europe's fourth trophy in the last five tournaments. Job well done for captain Colin Montgomerie, but American chief Corey Pavin must also be applauded for what was a brilliant four days of entertaining golf. And I'm glad to say my prediction of the trophy returning to the continent came up trumps.
Hodgson on the Line
In one of the most extraordinary results this season will see, lowly old Blackpool went to the mighty Anfield and came away with all three points, leaving Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson under immense pressure. Hodgson came in with a lot of optimism after a dire few years under Rafa Benitez, but has since seen his side make the club's worst start for fifty-seven years with six points from seven matches and been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Northampton. Simply, minus Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina, the side is desperately lacking in real quality and will need investment if Liverpool are ever going to challenge for honours again soon. And special mention to Ian Holloway, who took Blackpool to Anfield, played their own game and came away with a deserved victory. Top man.
Commonwealth Games Begin
The much-criticized New Delhi Commonwealth Games have begun, and it seems that so far, so good. The state of the facilities and the readiness of the games has come into question in recent weeks, but after a pretty but sense-defying opening ceremony, we can hopefully forget about the off-the-track/court/whatever they compete on problems and focus on the games. As this is being written, Australia lead the medal tables with four golds, one of which came in the gymnastics at the expense of England, who claimed silver. Hopefully the first of many medals and also hopefully, that first gold won't be too long in coming.
Middlesbrough 2 Portsmouth 2: Rub of the Green
We are finally getting the luck on the south coast. A couple of weeks ago, we would have crumbled to defeat at the Riverside, but two victories later, there is a renewed confidence around the players. Again, we began well and were the dominant side, but again we found ourselves two-nil down at half-time. But the impressive Liam Lawrence crossed for Nugent to get one back, then after winning a fortunate penalty, Lawrence stepped up to earn the Blues a creditable point. Aaron Mokoena has since admitted he hit out first in the tussle with Barry Robson and we were lucky to get the decision, but we have earned it over the last year or so and the spirit in the camp is clear to see. Next opponents Watford have been in good away form so far this term, but we are confident.
Play Up Pompey
And here's a little added extra, a simply stunning goal from Andrea Pirlo, the winner in AC Milan's victory over Parma over the weekend.
NWR
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