SUNDAY’S MATCHES
Kieran Gibbs- Ipswich 2 Norwich 1
Kieran came on as a late substitute, but by then the game was already beyond Norwich’s reach. The Canaries got off to the best possible start when Ched Evans found the net on four minutes, however it was cancelled out nine minutes later by an Alex Pearce own goal. Ipswich then went into the lead five minutes before the break through Danny Haynes. Kieran replaced the injured Lee Croft in stoppage time, but didn’t have enough time to make an impact and Ipswich held on to take all three points from this derby. The result leaves Norwich in 16th place with two games left to play.
Kieran played 2 minutes
Carlos Vela- Espanyol 0 Osasuna 1
Carlos returned for Osasuna after missing out last week because of suspension. Starting on the left in a midfield five, he had very little chances in the first half and was often on the recieving end of some strong tackles from the opposition. He had one chance, but was caught offside. Thankfully, Osasuna could call on Astudillo to give them the lead, with the midfielder scoring on the half hour. It was a tight, physical game and Carlos was tiring in the second half. He was replaced by Hector Font on 70 minutes as Osasuna held on for a 1-0 victory.
Carlos played 70 minutes
Pedro Botelho- Las Palmas 2 Salamanca 2
Salamanca raced into a two goal lead before half time thanks to two Rodriguez strikes. However, the home side hit back thanks to strikes from Marquez and Colunga to earn a share of the spoils.
Pedro didn’t feature
SATURDAY’S MATCHES
Fran Merida- Celta Vigo 1 Real Sociedad 1
After scoring the winner last week, Fran started the game for Sociedad as they travelled to face Celta Vigo. Lequi put the home side in front on 17 minutes before Diaz de Cerio levelled for Sociedad just before half-time. Fran lasted 52 minutes before being replaced by Nacho. Sociedad have a home game against Gimnastic next week and remain 4th.
Fran played 52 minutes
Mark Randall- Burnley 1 Sheffield United 2
Mark is on the bench for Burnley this afternoon. The Clarets went behind on 33 minutes after James Beattie’s strike. Billy Sharp heaped more misery on Owen Coyle’s men when he scored after 53 minutes. Burnley pulled a goal back through ex-Gunner Andy Cole ten minutes from time, but Sheffield United held on for all three points. Burnley moved down to 13th following this defeat, and are now very unlikely to secure a play-off spot.
Mark was an unused substitute
Jay Simpson- Hartlepool 0 Millwall 1
Jay returned to the Millwall starting line-up for today’s visit to Hartlepool, having been dropped to the bench last weekend. He certainly repaid manager Kenny Jackett’s faith in him. After a tough opening few minutes when he had to endure some strong challenges from the opposition, Jay made a run and was spotted by Reading loanee Jem Karacan, who laid it into the striker’s path. Wasting no time at all, Jay hit a sweet right-footed volley into the bottom corner from around 12 yards out. Millwall moved up to 17th with this victory and are five points clear of the drop zone with two games to play.
Jay played 90 minutes
