Fergie gets 'snoody' with players

Sir Alex Ferguson has banned his players from wearing snoods during matches. The new football fashion during the winter time has spread like butter on toast. A snood (seen in the pictures) is a warm scarf like piece of clothing worn round your neck to prevent the cold. It has caused many different opinions throughout football, personally I like the snood it looks good and is warm, but others say its a very 'wussy' thing to wear for the sport. Under armour vests, shorts and even gloves are provided to keep you warm on the pitch, now a scarf. Wuss was the first thing my father said when I wore my snood as I unwrapped it this christmas but then again he was one who played in the seventies and eighties in shorts and short sleeved shirts, anyway Alex Ferguson of Manchester United is not allowing his players to wear a snood during matches and it seems to be working as I haven't yet seen a United player with the snood. My first sight of a snood was a year or so back when Gianluigi Buffon wore his playing at Hampden park against Scotland. Since then more and more are being spotted. Man City and Tottenham Hotspur seem to have the most players with the 'fashion' on.  Ballotelli, Tevez, Yaya Toure, Bale and Nasri are just some pictured wearing it. The football season has come to a slight halt during the winter freeze, many games have been postponed so as we catch up with many cancelled games in winter (January and February) I am certain we'll be seeing more snoods on the football field.

Cam Newton- Become Legendary

Last Thursday the 28th October my friends, family and I myself lost a great young man. Andy Crowe sadly passed away after suffering a brain hemorrhage shortly after finishing up a round of one of his favourite hobbies, boxing. Andy attended Brechin High school and was a well know student. Andy was a helpful boy who was always willing to turn other pupils in the right direction, he had no enemies and was also very clever. Andy was also very fit and if he wasn't seen in the school fitness suite no doubt you would see him running round the school or even doing press ups on the drain pipes in the changing room! Since I can remember Andrew he always had his mind on become a member of the royal marines. He had his heart set on it,never before have I seen someone put in so much effort, never before have I seen someone so dedicated. He always gave 110%. He never gave up, he set a goal and he was without a doubt going to achieved it. Andy and his brother Stuart (13) lived across the road from me and my brother Max (15) for almost ten years and never to my recollection had a dull moment. One of my favourite memories was one winter when Andy, Stuart, Max and myself decided to have a friendly snow ball fight. So Stuart and I scrapped together a barrier of snow to keep the 'enemies' out. We then made snow balls and were ready for the opposition. Andy on the other hand made almost a great wall of China out of snow, he made it all the way round so me and Stuart couldn't get inside. He spent so much time on it that when he eventually did finish (even though it was a white Christmas) it was too dark out to see. This always makes me smile because it shows how even back then, even on a job like this, Andy perfected everything he did. This was one of his many brilliant qualities. Andy was a fantastic friend, he'll always be remembered but never be forgotten. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. I would love to say rest in peace but knowing Andy's character he'll be running up there, he'll be doing great and he'll be seeing everything every ones doing for him. Keep it up guys, as for Andy..... I'll miss you loads buddy, keep on running.
        By Cain Lindsay, Second year Brechin high school.

Scotland field strikers, Spain field world champions

Having netted two against possibly the worlds best goalkeeper and the world champions, Scotland were virtually ten minutes away from a very well earned, well fought and very well deserved point against the current European and world champions Spain but Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque realised his side were lacking something something during the late stages of this highly anticipated fixture so he brought on striker Fernando Llorente. Seven minutes later he broke Scottish hearts as he scored Spain's winner on the 79th minute. Scotland started the match with good movement and good attacking intent but this skill of the game was then turned over to the Spaniards as they taunted the Scots with exceptional possesion and worrying passing in and out the Scotland penalty area. Although Spain passed the ball around like the world champions they are they had some defending to do as Scotland created a few chances. One of these chances fell to the feet of James Morrison, Kenny Millers pass to him gave Morrison a shooting oportunity in Cassilas' box but he fired straight at the 29 year old. David Silva was the victim of one of Spain's best chances of the game. Xabi Alonso played a delightful chip into his path but Silva's volley was missed kicked. Scotland were lucky this time but the pressure mounted. Just before the half time whistle Spain made a break through, Sergio Ramos' shot sruck the arm of Steven Whittaker and a penalty was awarded to Spain. Whittaker recieved a yellow card which was to prove costly for him near the end of the game. Villa the top scorer at the last European Championship stepped up and scored despite McGregors touch on the way past. Half time and 1-0 the second half started pretty much as the first ended Spain dominating this time it only took tem minutes after the whistle to score. Cazorla works an opening but his shot is blocked although Iniesta is there to score what looked as though (despite it was early on) was going to be a winner. This goal had an impact on the scots as they replied just two minutes later. Steven Naismith's diving header giving Scotland hope. Less than ten minutes after their first Scotland got an equaliser. Darren Fletcher played a great ball to James Morrison who crossed into Spain's six yard box and Gerard Pique could only turn the ball into his own net. Game on! Spain passed and passed brilliantly to try and create an opening to destroy the Scots but Levein's side kept them out (at least for another ten long minutes or so). Spain did eventually get the winner. Capdevilla crossed into the box, Mcmanus completely mised a header and Llorente tapped in the winner for the Spaniards. The drama of this fantastic match ended just four minutes before the final whistle when Steven Whittaker recieved a second yellow for bad challenge on Sergio Ramos. A bad night for Steven and a mixed night for Scotland. Unlucky some would say others would compare this result to the 4-6-0 formation that lost 1-0 to the Czech Republic and ask questions. On the night no Brittish teams witnesed victory, Northern Ireland had a frustrating 1-1 draw with Faroe Islands, Kyle Lafferty proving why Nigel Worthington played him from the start with a fantastic performance. Wales lost 4-1 away in Switzerland and England were booed off to a 0-0 draw against Montenegro at Wembley. Not quite brittian but Republic of Ireland earned a 1-1 draw in Slovakia, Robbie Keane missing a penalty. Scotland now 3rd in their group although they've played an extra game. Scotland host Czech Republic next, if they play anything like tonight Scotland could ease past the Czechs.

Northern Ireland VS Spain

'We're not Brazil we're Northern Ireland..........'

Tiger can still roar!

Okay, sorry. Soccer Talker sounds like an obsesive football fan which in actual fact, yep, thats me but I'm not all soccer. Rugby, Golf, Boxing, American football and (at a good real push) tennis, these are other sports I've expressed an interest in.Obviously being a golfing fan it is exciting when the Ryder Cup comes around and we weren't dissapointed this year. A very exciting and tense final day which went literally down to the last swings of the ball. This years Ryder Cup was hosted at the Celtic manor resort in Wales, the US team captained by Corey Pavin and Europe captained by Scotsman Colin Montgomery. Anyway I wanted to keep this short so to get to my point. Less than a year ago a story broke out that reached almost every news paper, news station, radio etc. you name it you'd probably hear about it. This story was about Tiger Woods, I won't get into detail but this led into his divorce and also to his sex addiction. The sporting world was shocked, a player like Woods the winner of 49 major awards and achievments, a father, an idol for young folks was to act in such a way as to be driven to rehab for sex addiction was massive! Tiger recieved huge criticism for his rehab and addiction. Back to the Ryder cup and a year on Tiger Woods is still playing the golf that has caught the eyes and ears of golf fans around the globe, during USA's unfortunate 14 half - 13 half  loss of the Ryder cup Tiger Woods achieved a birdie, another birdie, a third birdie then an astonishing and fantastically hit eagle. For me Tiger Woods has shown great courage and strenghth to come back and play what I will more than happily call 'world class golf'. Keep the roar Tiger!

The 180th time Manchester Uited and Liverpool went head to head and boy was it a game that will be remembered for years to come?! The first half lacked excitment. A few pieces of action now and again but not much to jump out your seat. United's number 10 Wayne Rooney had a penalty shout when Martin Skrtel apparently had a hold of his shirt although the reply showed Rooney with his hand on Skrtel's back. 'El Nino' or Torres (as the opposition know him) had a chance to put his side in front, a perfect run and perfect positioning as he recieved the ball at the edge of the box but an initial shot failed to make Van Der Sar work. The first half, despites its lack of excitment, did see a goal. Giggs whipped in a corner which reach Dimitar Berbatov (whom was being held all over by the Spainiard Torres) but  he still managed to header the ball past Reina and bury home the opener for United.
       The second half was by far the most exciting 45 minutes the Barclays Premiership has seen so far this season, in my opinion. It too had a slow start but it only took 15 minutes after the restart for United's Bulgarian star to get his and United's second. This time an absolute beauty. Fletcher played a fantastic ball over the top to Luis Nani, who then found Berbatov lurking in the 18 yard box. Berbatov took a touch with his knee then made an astonishing over-head kick against the bar and past Pepe Reina, amazing! Happy faces around Old Trafford (but for how long?) 3 minutes after Berbatov's moment of magic Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Torres making a good run in the box and an even better turn past Evans who then brought him down. Gerrard stepped up and knocked it past Van Der Sar, a well struck penalty. The momentum was now in Liverpool's favour. Less than 10 minutes after Gerrard's first he added another this time a free kick. O'Shea pulled down Torres and recieved a yellow card. Gerrard hit the free kick with pin point precision, curling past the United wall. A very well executed set piece. 'Stevie G' then kissed the camera as you may remember he did two seasons ago at OT. Conceding two goals in 10 minutes isn't the best confidence for United's defence but the held on for a good while (15 minutes) until United found their winner. United's winner was scored by their saviour Dimitar Berbatov. The first United player to score a hat-trick in this fixture for over 60 years. John O'Shea crossed into Berbatov who then headed the winner. The momentum pendulum was swinging and staying with Manchester United. The goal was scored on 84 minutes and United held on to win the game. Next up United face a League cup fixture away to Scunthorpe whilste Northampton Town are on the recieving end of this upset for Liverpool, good luck Northampton (you'll need it!) So at the end of the day distraught for Liverpool, delight for Man United and 'da match ball' for Dimitar Berbatov.
         

Exceptional fotball at Excelsior stadium

A game which included 8 yellow cards, 2 red cards and 2 goals. Airdrie versus Brechin has never been a dull encounter. Airdrie United whom have partly Brechin to blame for there relegation last season. When Airdrie finished 9th last year they were up against Brechin in the play-offs, unfortunateley for the Glasgow side they lost both encounters. Losing 2-1 in the first leg Airdrie then hosted Brechin in the 2nd leg losing 1-0 that time round. Airdrie had a goal chopped off, the goal was a replica of Frank Lampards shot against Germany, Airdrie then had another shot blocked off the line by the hand of City man Steven Canning. So you can see Airdrie's frustration with the "Hedgemen". Well new look Airdrie weren't wanting another beating from City. Brechin started possitive with good passing and long balls which eventually created a great chance for City's number 9, Rory McAllister, who couldn't find the net. A one two with "Chukie" King and a shot which was well saved by Airdries number 1 Szpilcynski. Brechin did break the deadlock 23 minutes in, on-loan Callum Booth played a fantastic ball across the pitch to Rory McAllister who kept the ball then released Kevin Byers, Byers cut out to the left then hit a left footed shot which curled round Szpilcynski. Just before the half time whistle Airdrie had a free kick fantastically saved by City goalkeeper Craig Nelson . It only took 3 minutes to change the game for Airdrie. 8 minutes after the restart an Airdrie corner which worried the Brechin defence reached the head of Scott Gibson and he headed home the equalizer. 3 minutes after the goal Rory McAllister saw a second yellow for a tackle on keeper Szpilcynski, however there were arguements whether it was a bad tackle or an unfortunate 50/50. As it was a second booking City will not be able to appeal against it, meaning Rory will unfortunateley miss the important fixture at home to Livingston. Charlie King then had a chance to put the game to bed for City but failed to convert a one on one chance with the keeper. King then had another chance to put Brechin into the lead as he was agian one on one, this time he passed it to Jamie Redman whos shot was cleared off the line twice. Airdries scorer Scott Gibson was then sent off with a second bookable offence for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Doing this he conceded a free kick which was beautifully struck by Charlie King and very well saved by the United goalkeeper. This was the last exciting movement of the game, a draw leaves just one team (East Fife) between Airdrie and Brechin in the table. Brechin 4th with 9 points and Airdrie 6th with 6 points. Next week Airdrie host Peterhead whilst Brechin have a tough game at home to Livingston.

Super City Hold on Against Dundee

Brechin City fans, players, staff etc. were all looking forward to this co-operative insurance cup tie and in the end they weren't dissapointed. One unpleasent set back was that City were down to ten men even before any of the scoring started, this coming around 57 minutes in when City defender Paul McLean was shown red for a second bookable offence. Although the fantastic game at Glebe park really started to get good in the second half, City pushed and pushed and pushed Dundee until finally they got an opener. Last years top scorer in Scotland, Rory McAllister gave City the lead on the 63rd minute with a very fine goal which he took round goalkeeper Rab Douglas. Only a minute later Rory added another, an almost identical goal but at Douglas' left hand side. Brechin's lead lasted no longer than ten minutes, Dundee's Leigh Griffith's scoring, then three minutes after his goal he scored an equalizer. Not pleasing stuff but City's heads didn't go down, they kept fighting even though Dundee were all over them. Nail-biting stuff in the closing stages, attack after attack by Dundee eventually paid off (or so they thought). In the last minutes of the game Dundee were awarded a penalty, scrappy kicks and headers in the Brechin box and the referee must have spotted a hand ball or bad tackle that he disagreeded with, and the penalty was awarded. Leigh Griffith's stepped up to take it, if he scored it would have been the young mans hat-trick but the presure was too much for Griffith's who hit it over Nelson's right and into the crowd. So 2-2 meant extra time and the same happened during this 30 minute period. Dundee were all over the Angus side but couldn't find the finishing touch, chance after chance but they couldn't find a way past Gerry McLaughlan or Ewan Moyes in City's central defence. In the last minute of extra time City had the ball and were playing keep away from Dundee, Eventually Craig Forsyth thought 'enoughs enough' so he went right through City's Andrew Cook with studs showing and was awarded a red card. So ten men each and now penalties this game was getting better by the minute. Rory McAllister stepped up for Brechin for the 1st penalty and finished it well 1-0.  Gary Hartkins then scored his penalty for Dundee. Callum Booth then scored his spot kick with his magnificent left foot. City keeper Craig Nelson then saved an Eric Paton penalty so the scores were 2-1. Mark Docherty then had his saved by former Celtic man Douglas. But yet again Nelson saved a Dundee penalty this time it was Stephen O'Donnel's. Kevin Byers scored his penalty to give City a 3-1 penalty lead and meaning if the next penalty did not go in then Dundee would be out. Nicholas Reilly took it but it was blasted over and into the crowd hitting one young City fan in the face, oops! I'm sure she wasn't bothered though because Brechin City are now through to the next round, Round three, Rangers and Celtic are entering now so who knows Rory McAllister could be netting a hat trick at Ibrox?!

Cristiano Ronaldo Free kick Goal vs Villareal HD 1080P 6-2 Liga BBVA 21....

This is probably my favourite free kick of all time, it shows just what 'Rocket Ronny' is all about. Out standing

Thre-easy win for City

Manchester City eased their way to 4th place in the league with a three nil drubbing of Liverpool. The season was looking good for Liverpool, with the signings of Jovanovic, Cole and Poulsen but in this 2nd game of theirs they look to be un-settled. In James Milner's first game for City he certainly settled in well, an early assist for scorer Barry then a fantastic game after that too. City went two up on the 52nd minute, Tevez's goal (we think?!) a header by Micah Richard's from a James Milner corner that Tevez seemed to get a touch on went through Reina's legs. A few strikes from Steven Gerrard were almost all for the traveling fans to smile about as the Man City side played the Scousers off the pitch. Liverpool's best chance of the game proved why keeper Joe Hart may be good enough to squeeze into City's number one shirt before others which include Taylor and of course (for me) the legendary Shay Given. Dirk Kuyt stumbled over his feet in the box but managed to stay up and get a shot on target which was well pushed away by Hart but straight into Torres' path who shot and yet again a phenomenal save by Joe Hart, one of the best I've seen in quite a while. Precisely seven minutes later Adam Johnson, who was my man of the match, made a blinding run down the wing and eventually brought down in the box by Martin Skrtel. City captain Carlos Tevez stepped up to take the penalty and finished it well into the top left-hand corner, leaving no chance for Spaniard Pepe Reina who has now conceded 4 in 2. Tevez was eventually replaced by, stranger, Jo. Jo whom we haven't seen in a long while didn't have a lot to do and after two added minutes this encounter ended. Manchester City 3 Liverpool 0. And quickly some transfer news. Real Madrid's signing of Mesut Ozil has been completed for a fee of 15 million euro's (not too much over 10 million pounds) this signing meaning that Dutchman Rafeal Van Der Vaart could be on his way to the theatre of dreams to play for European giants Manchester United.

Man City pay Millions for Milner

Manchester City have completed the signing of former Aston Villa and current England international James Milner for a fee of £26 million. Milner who had played just under one hundred games for Villa has finally signed for City after transfer speculation which has lasted weeks, even months. The signing of Milner brings City's overall summer spending fee to an incredible £126 million, this fee includes the signings of Yaya Toure from Barcelona, Mario Ballotelli from Internazionale (Inter) Milan, David Siva from Valencia, Jerome Boateng from Hamburg, Alex Henshall from Swindon Town and Aleksander Kolarov from Lazio. Man City now have world class strikers of Santa Cruz, Adebayor, Ballotelli, Jo, Tevez, Silva and DID have the presence of Craig Bellamy but the signing of Mario Ballotelli is said to be what has driven Craig Bellamy away from Manchester. Cardiff City have signed the 31 year old Welshman on a loan until the end of the season. Craig's aims are to take the blue's to the premiership which seemed very possible at the start of the year but now they have snapped up Bellamy this will give them even higher title hopes. In other transfer news Mesut Ozil of Werder Bremen is a very unhappy man as Real Madrid made an offer for Ozil (who was phenomenal in South Africa) but when the transfer request came through nobody at Bremen had contacted Mesut to tell him. The chairman at Bremen just snubbed Real. Afterwards Ozil told the media he wants to be at one of Europe's best teams. He's been linked with moves to Barcelona and also Mancheter United whether he'll be allowed to leave Germany we aren't sure but I can say we'll be hearing of a lot more from Mesut Ozil this year.

George Best Tribute

REINA TO THE RESCUE FOR WENGER

Liverpool and Arsenal ended on the same terms in the end despite one thing, 10 men each, 1 point each but Arsenal weren't left with an embaressed goalkeeper at the 90 minute mark. Liverpool thought they had earned themselves a good win against the 'Gunners' yesterday until a last minute howler from Pepe Reina of Liverpool earned each team a point. The game started quite evenly matched, Over the summer both sides have brought in good players. Liverpool putting pen to paper with Joe Cole, Arsenal like-whise with Marouane Chamakh but it was Cole who made the headlines, unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Late drama in the second half, Liverpool were pushing forward but couldn't get a shot on goal, Arsenal's new man Laurent Koscielny tried to keep the ball in the corner for a bit but fell to the ground after Joe Cole tackled him with both feet in the air (studs showing!) and that was the end of Cole's game, Martin Atkinson showing Liverpool's number 10 red,  Koscielny would later be heading for an early bath himself. The second half started as the first had ended, with excitement! Two minutes of the second period had passed when Liverpool took the lead. Good accurate passing in the corner of the field from Liverpool led to the goal. Mascherano found space looked up and saw Ngog, he then played it through to Ngog and a fearce shot from the young Frechman dazzled Manuel Almunia and riffled into the top corner. A fantastic shot but could have been prevented had Almunia gotten his angles right. The Scousers put up a good fight against Arsenal with just 10 men but you could tell they were missing Cole. Suddenly cheers, claps, screams etc. No action though just the sight of Fernando Torres, 'El Nino' replacing goalscorer David Ngog. The last few minutes was arguebly the best part of the game. Arsenal as usual quick passing and moving in Liverpool's area, Rosicky with the initial shot which was fantasticaly tipped onto the bar by a full stretched Pepe Reina. Again in the dying minutes Arsenal attacked but it was on 90 minutes exact that Arsenal (or Reina) equalised. A deep cross from the left into the box made Reina jump and stare straight into the sun and he fumbled it onto the post, he then reached down to pick it up but palms it into the net, a bizzare mistake from world cup winner Pepe Reina! Liverpool were relieved to see the board reveal 5 added minutes, The game wasn't finished yet though Koscielny booked then Liverpool won a free kick just out-side the box. Steven Gerrard stepped up to take it and he really tested Almunia. Koscielny added to the excitement of this wonderful first game of the season for the teams by getting himself sent off, a second bookable offence against the Arsenal debutant sealed a very frustrating but very exciting game for both teams.