After the first day in the fourth Ashes test I thought that it was a certain loss for the English being bowled out for 159 runs. But to their credit they fought back and reduced the Aussies to 84 – 5 wickets, but all that good work was undone by Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds adding 279 for the 6th wicket. The Aussies ended the day 372 – 7 wickets, 213 runs ahead of the tourists. I would say that England will be struggling to get anything from this match, they will need to make 600+ runs to stand any chance of beating the Australians, which is unlikely on current form, the English players have simply been outclassed on this tour. That is even with our strongest team that has been fielded in this test, Giles has gone, as has Jones to make way for Panesar and Read, but it’s all in vain now, the Ashes have already gone. You have to feel that if this team was fielded from the first test it would have been a different story, Michael Vaughan should have been included in the team despite not being match fit according to the selectors. But my faith in the selectors has been severely dented by the constant mis-selection during this series, Giles over Panesar, are they crazy? I would say that some heads will roll before the world cup in March!
The news isn’t any better from Home Park either; Plymouth only managing to claim another 2 – 2 draw, at least it was away from home at Ninian Park this time. What is most disappointing is that Plymouth took the lead when David Norris converted a pinpoint pass from Barry Hayles in the 34th minute. But after the half time break Cardiff came out all guns blazing and Steve Thompson scored twice in a five minute spell to give the home team a 2 – 1 lead. David Norris struck again in the 59th minute to level the scores again, but despite having the better of the game couldn’t grab a winning goal. The result was more beneficial for Cardiff moving back up to fifth, but Argyle drop another spot to 13th, but managed to move closer in points to a play-off place just five points off 6th place, just shows how competitive this league is; hopefully Argyle will come strong at the end of the season!
It’s a loss for Liverpool as well being beaten by a single goal by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Liverpool piled on the pressure but were beaten by an excellent display from Brad Friedel and the woodwork, seems it really wasn’t Liverpool’s day. Benni McCarthy broke the deadlock four minutes after the half time break. I think that this has been a bit of reality check after their recent run of form, you really can’t underestimate any team in the Premiership. This loss has cost Liverpool 3rd in the league falling behind Arsenal, Bolton and Portsmouth who all won their respective matches, so it’s 6th once again for the reds, normal service (hopefully) should be resumed on Saturday at White Hart Lane.
Finally it’s a sad day for Alternative club nights in Plymouth; after four years Voodoo Alternative will be closing it’s doors for the final time tonight. I really hope that it’s a good turn out tonight for Colin (DJ Spew) and Sam (DJ Deacon) to send them off on whatever adventure they embark on next. I wish both Colin and Sam the best of luck for the future and thanks for the last four years of alcohol fuelled fun on Wednesday nights at Voodoo Lounge! So come down, drink, dance and generally have a good time tonight!