Chelsea’s luck runs out
Ronaldo takes United four points clear
Blues celebrate in style
—– After a run of narrow squeaks over their last few games, Chelsea’s luck finally runs out as they are held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge by Reading. Manager Jose Mourinho also reveals that captain John Terry could face a lengthy lay-off with his back injury.
Inspired by half-time substitute Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United take full advantage with a 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford to establish a four-point lead at the top of the Premiership.
The first goal Liverpool concede in seven league games proves costly as they lose 0-1 at Blackburn Rovers.
Arsenal don’t slip up though as they win 2-1 at bottom club Watford.
Alan Curbishley’s West Ham United remain in the bottom three after old boss Harry Redknapp returns to Upton Park with his Portsmouth team and they win 2-1 with two goals from local lad Linvoy Primus.
Manchester City end a run of three consecutive defeats with a welcome 1-0 win at Sheffield United.
We welcome your views and descriptions of matches. On the spot and even conflicting views of what has happened offer a fuller historical picture than any single ‘official’ version ever can. By adding your comments and reviews, you are contributing to the history of the game.
Although we appreciate a bias in favour of your club, without exception, foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. This is very much a family website - indeed we are keen to encourage younger club statisticians to get involved.
Of course, please ensure factual statements are correct at all times.
For acceptable examples, go to Liverpool v West Ham United FA Cup Final or last season’s Arsenal v Juventus Champions League match pages via our Members Area. Please feel free to add to them or any other matches on the database. Thank you.
—– Birmingham City celebrate their 100th anniversary at St Andrews with a 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers to go eight points clear at the top of the Championship.
They are the only winners in the top five as Preston North End go down 2-4 at West Bromwich Albion and Derby County lose 0-2 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Colchester United extended their remarkable home record to ten consecutive wins as they beat Luton Town 4-1 at Layer Road.
Leeds United will end the year in the bottom three after they lose 0-2 in front of over 40,000 at improving Sunderland.
—– Nottingham Forest remain two points clear of Scunthorpe United at the top of League One after they both post home wins. Forest beat Port Vale 3-0 while United are 1-0 victors against Chesterfield.
Oldham Athletic are up to third after a 3-2 win at Rotherham United.
In the relegation zone London derby, Millwall win 4-1 at hapless Brentford.
—– League Two leaders Walsall show their mettle with a 1-0 win against Shrewsbury Town at the Bescot Stadium despite playing for nearly an hour with only ten-men.
Milton Keynes Dons move up to second place after a 2-0 win at Torquay United. The Gulls replace Macclesfield Town at the bottom as Paul Ince’s fast improving Silkmen win 3-0 at Chester City.
—– A new all-time Conference record attendance of 11,065 see leaders Oxford United held to a goalless draw by Woking at the Kassam Stadium.
The previous record was 9,432 when Lincoln City clinched the title against Wycombe Wanderers at Sincil Bank on 2 May 1988.
If you have views or relevant statistical information regarding any of football’s current news stories or updates for any earlier AFS News-Blog items, we warmly invite your contributions.
Please leave them in the ‘Add Comment’ box or click on ‘leave a response’.