FA Cup Third Round: Gateshead end a 60-year wait

GATESHEAD will bring to an end a 60-year wait tomorrow when they take their place in the FA Cup Third Round against West Bromwich Albion.

The Heed last played at this stage of the world's oldest knockout cup competition in 1955 when they were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in front of over 19,000 at Redheugh Park.

A couple of years earlier, Gateshead had been as far as the quarter finals, beating Liverpool 1-0 in the third round on the way to defeat to Bolton Wanderers by the same score in the last eight.

But, ever since, the FA Cup has been a source of frustration for the Tynesiders with second round exits coming in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1974, 1975, 2000, and 2011.

Current manager Gary Mills knows just how much the visit to the Hawthorns will mean for the Heed's long-suffering fans.

Mills, a European Cup winner under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest, said: “This is what I’ve come to this club for.

"The supporters deserve to be going to places like the Hawthorns and Wembley – I want people to get pride and enjoyment out of supporting Gateshead.

“I don’t want Gateshead to be going to smaller grounds, and lesser leagues - and I think that the mindset of everyone at the club is that we – as a football club – deserve to be going to the Hawthorns after what we’ve done in the past 12 months.

“After all of the hard work, and the foundations we have laid, you reap the rewards by going to places like this.”

But, hopefully, the Heed will not be heading to West Brom just for a grand day out.

For, while 86 league places separate the two teams at kick-off, the Baggies have hardly been in sterling form in the Premier League this season.

Just four league wins have left the Midlands club in 17th place, one point outside of the relegation zone, a position which has prompted trigger-happy chairman Jeremy Peace to make yet another change at the top.

In has come former Stoke City and Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis as the Baggies' fourth permanent head coach since Roy Hodgson left for England in May 2012.

And, while West Brom might therefore enjoy the so-called "new manager bounce", Heed's perspective must be to take advantage of yet more upheaval at the Hawthorns.

Of course, fellow north east non-leaguers Blyth Spartans have a slightly better recent Cup reputation than the Heed, having reached the fifth round in 1978 before bowing out to Wrexham in a replay held at St James Park.

Spartans also reached the third round in 1972 and in 2009 - when they lost 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers in front of the television cameras.

But, while the television companies have eschewed tomorrow's third round tie at home to Birmingham City, BBC Football Focus and Radio Five Live sport have confirmed they will be basing their respective broadcasts at Croft Park.

Live television coverage instead has gone, somewhat disappointingly, to two of the four all-Premier League ties.

Yes, Arsenal v Hull City is an immediate repeat of last May's entertaining FA Cup Final - but the tie has a clear favourite. Meanwhile, there is very little romance about Everton v West Ham United.

Indeed, out of the five non league teams left in the competition, only Dover Athletic have landed live match coverage as they host Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace.

Thankfully, a couple of the other television ties have also captured the essence of the magic of the Cup.

On Sunday, Yeovil Town - bottom of League One - face 11-time winners Manchester United for just the third time in their history, the previous two meetings having ended 3-0 and 8-0 to the Red Devils.

Then, on Monday, Liverpool travel to AFC Wimbledon in a match sure to evoke memories of the famous 1988 Final.

Even back then, when Wimbledon were a top division club, the tie was a David v Goliath encounter with the unfashionable south London club taking on the dominant force of the decade.

However, a Dave Beasant penalty save - the first such occurrence in Wembley Cup Final history - and a Lawrie Sanchez flicked header meant the underdogs came out on top.

Or, as BBC commentator John Motson memorably put it: "The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture club!"

It is a quote which, even 27 years on, can be recalled - which tells you all you need to know about the FA Cup.

This is the big weekend of the upset - where the non-leaguers pit their wits and skill against some of the country's best.

Hopefully, if nowhere else, a little bit of FA Cup magic has been sprinkled over the Hawthorns for Gary Mills' passionate Heed Army supporters. Could 60 years of missing out be brought to an end in style?

FA CUP THIRD ROUND NON-LEAGUE TEAMS IN GREEN

	Friday 2 January
19:45	CARDIFF CITY	3-1	COLCHESTER UNITED
	Saturday 3 January
15:00	BARNSLEY	0-2	MIDDLESBROUGH
15:00	BLYTH SPARTANS	2-3	BIRMINGHAM CITY
15:00	BOLTON WANDERERS	1-0	WIGAN ATHLETIC
15:00	BRENTFORD	0-2	BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
15:00	CAMBRIDGE UNITED	2-1	LUTON TOWN
15:00	CHARLTON ATHLETIC	1-2	BLACKBURN ROVERS
15:00	DERBY COUNTY	1-0	SOUTHPORT
15:00	DONCASTER ROVERS	1-1	BRISTOL CITY
15:00	FULHAM	0-0	WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
15:00	HUDDERSFIELD TOWN	0-1	READING
15:00	LEICESTER CITY	1-0	NEWCASTLE UNITED
15:00	MILLWALL	3-3	BRADFORD CITY
15:00	PRESTON NORTH END	2-0	NORWICH CITY
15:00	ROCHDALE	1-0	NOTTINGHAM FOREST
15:00	ROTHERHAM UNITED	1-5	BOURNEMOUTH
15:00	TRANMERE ROVERS	2-6	SWANSEA CITY
15:00	WEST BROMWICH ALBION	7-0	GATESHEAD
	Sunday 4 January
13:00	DOVER ATHLETIC	0-4	CRYSTAL PALACE
13:00	QUEENS PARK RANGERS	0-3	SHEFFIELD UNITED
13:00	SUNDERLAND	1-0	LEEDS UNITED
15:00	ASTON VILLA	1-0	BLACKPOOL
15:00	MANCHESTER CITY	2-1	SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
15:00	SOUTHAMPTON	1-1	IPSWICH TOWN
15:00	STOKE CITY	3-1	WREXHAM
15:30	YEOVIL TOWN	0-2	MANCHESTER UNITED
16:00	CHELSEA	3-0	WATFORD
17:30	ARSENAL	2-0	HULL CITY
	Monday 5 January
19:45	BURNLEY	1-1	TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
19:55	AFC WIMBLEDON	1-2	LIVERPOOL
	Tuesday 6 January
19:45	EVERTON	1-1	WEST HAM UNITED
19:45	SCUNTHORPE UNITED	2-2	CHESTERFIELD

ON THE BOX
Friday 2 January
BBC WALES Cardiff City v Colchester United
Sunday 4 January
BT SPORT 1 Dover Athletic v Crystal Palace
BT SPORT 1 Yeovil Town v Manchester United
BBC1 Arsenal v Hull City
Monday 5 January
BBC1 AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool
Tuesday 6 January
BT SPORT 1 Everton v West Ham United


FA Cup Fourth Round Draw  
Ties to be played w/e 24-25 January

Southampton or Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
Cambridge United v Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers v Swansea City
Chelsea v Millwall or Bradford City
Derby County v Scunthorpe United or Chesterfield
Preston North End v Sheffield United
Birmingham City v West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth
Cardiff City v Reading
Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers
Burnley or Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City
Brighton & Hove Albion v Arsenal
Rochdale v Stoke City
Sunderland v Fulham or Wolverhampton Wanderers
Doncaster Rovers or Bristol City v Everton or West Ham United
Manchester City v Middlesbrough

MH17: Transcending rivalry

THE NEEDLESS loss of the 298 lives on board the shot-down Malaysian Airlines plane on Thursday was, of course, tragedy enough in itself.

But hearing that two of the victims on flight MH17 were dedicated Newcastle United fans naturally meant the devastating incident in eastern Ukraine hit home harder still.

John Adler and Liam Sweeney were travelling from Amsterdam Schipol in Netherlands to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on the way to their eventual destination in New Zealand.

There, the pair planned to take in two Newcastle pre-season friendlies - against Sydney FC in Dunedin on Tuesday, and against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.

All this having seen a 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic last Tuesday, their final match.

It was true commitment to the Magpies' cause. John, in particular, had built up an incredible reputation as one of the loyalist football supporters in the land, having missed just one first-team match since 1973.

Indeed, he was so well-known among the away support that he was given the affectionate nickname of 'The Undertaker' for his propensity to wear a black suit with a white shirt, whatever fixture United happened to be playing.

Liam could not quite match the Undertaker's record, but then - how could that be expected at his age of 28?

Both were such tragic losses - and yet, predictably, nothing so far seems to have come from the powers-that-be other than another tiresome round of finger-pointing.

Somehow, though, there is still actually a positive story to be found here - and, remarkably, it involves the fans of Sunderland AFC and their tribute page to John and Liam.

On the site, the Mackems explain: "We may be Sunderland fans, who traditionally have deep rivalry with Newcastle, but there are things far more important than any football games.

"The incredibly sad news that has emerged this week about two Newcastle fans who have passed has left us all shocked and deeply saddened. Donating here will help pay for a floral tribute to those fans and to unity between the two clubs.

"Any extra money will be donated to a charity that has yet to be decided. Thank you for your time, effort and donations. RIP to John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were both far too young."

One thing is for sure - there should be some money left over for the charity - as, in an incredible coming-together of the two rival fanbases, more than £16,000 has been raised so far.

It is a fantastic gesture by all - but especially by those from Sunderland whose generosity has transcended rivalry.

In other tributes, Newcastle United released this statement and allowed the Sir Bobby Robson statute on Gallowgate to be used for scarves, shirts, cards and flowers to be laid. 

The commemorations have now been moved to the main entrance of the Milburn Stand in expectation of inclement weather. 

Additionally, the club confirmed that black armbands will be worn in the two friendlies in New Zealand on Tuesday and Saturday, and an - as yet - unspecified tribute will be organised for the first match of the season against Manchester City on 17 August.

Elsewhere, Gateshead staged an impeccably-observed minute's silence ahead of Friday's friendly win against Newcastle U21s - and Berwick Rangers, Whitley Bay and Blyth Spartans all followed suit. 

Sunderland and Darlington paid their respects ahead of their friendly at Heritage Park in Bishop Auckland yesterday.

And, on Twitter, United youth team player Kyle Cameron dedicated a 6-2 friendly win in Sweden to John and Liam.

Finally, here is a bit of poetry, from an unknown source, in memory of John Adler and Liam Sweeney who both died too young:

Ground to ground, both day and night
To follow those in Black and White
Cheering loud and clapping hands
Among the nation’s loyalist fans

Friendlies, cup games, not a care
If the Toon were playing, you were there
Win or lose, through bad and good
Newcastle United was in your blood

Known by thousands all around
Familiar faces at our grand old ground
Loved by many, all the lads and lasses
Before the next Toon game we’ll raise our glasses

Two empty spaces in the crowd
Don’t worry though, we’ll cheer you loud
This tragic news is sad and dark
But you’ll be the light at St James’ Park

Sleep tight now lads with pride on your faces
And teach the angels the Blaydon Races
For this sad day and through the night
Let Heaven’s gates be Black and White

RIP

The Season 2013/14: Heed fall just short

Cambridge United 2 Hughes 51, Donaldson 71
Gateshead 1 Lester 80 

Cambridge United Smith - Roberts, Miller (c), Coulson, Taylor - Champion, Berry (Chadwick 65), Hughes, Donaldson - Elliot (Cunnington 76), Sam-Yorke (Dunk 45) Booked Champion, Cunnington Subs not used Bonner, Chambers
Gateshead Bartlett - Baxter, Magnay, Curtis, Clark (c) - Chandler (Lester 69), Turnbull, Oster, Larkin (Hatch 58), Maddison (O'Donnell 58) - Marwood Booked Maddison, Oster, Clark Subs not used Walker, Ramshaw
Attendance 19,613 at Wembley Stadium Referee Peter Banks
Kick-off 4pm. Live on BT Sport.

GALLANT Gateshead narrowly missed out on a return to the Football League after 54 years following a 2-1 defeat to Cambridge United in the Conference playoff final at Wembley.

Veteran striker Jack Lester scored with 10 minutes left to give the Heed hope of forcing extra time but the Us survived seven minutes of stoppages to hang on.

It was a bitterly disappointing way to end a campaign which had begun with one point out of 15 and yet still finished in the club's first ever visit to the National Stadium.

Nevertheless, Gary Mills' men can be proud of the way that they never gave in on a scorching hot day in the capital.

Backed by around 7,000 fans who had made the long trip down from Tyneside, Gateshead made a nervous start as former Heed forward Ryan Donaldson went close for Cambridge.

The Tynesiders were then almost their own worst enemy as Marcus Maddison, already booked for an early dive, escaped a second caution for a rash tackle.

And, by then, the most experienced man on the pitch - former Everton and Sunderland midfielder John Oster - had also gone into the book for bringing down Donaldson.

Gradually, though, Gateshead felt their way into the half, aiming to tire their opponents in the heat with a sharp, possession game.

But, with Cambridge happy to sit in and soak up the pressure, Heed had fashioned little in the way of chances with Jamie Chandler's long-range effort going straight to Adam Smith.

An improvement was needed in the second 45 and, in fairness, Gateshead began the half on the front foot as James Marwood let fly - but again the ball went straight to Smith.

Cambridge then forced a corner - and, with it, the lead - as Donaldson's cross evaded goalkeeper Adam Bartlett and left the unmarked Liam Hughes to head in from barely a yard.

It was time for a change up front with centre-forward Liam Hatch brought on for Colin Larkin, and Marwood moved out to the right wing. JJ O'Donnell also replaced Maddison and Lester was soon on for Chandler.

Hatch immediately gave Gateshead much more presence up front but the Tynesiders' delivery from the wings was not at its best. Meanwhile, Donaldson was proving a constant menace for the Us.

The Geordie had already scored twice for Cambridge at Wembley in March in a 4-0 win over Gosport Borough in the FA Trophy Final.

And, having won another free-kick after a challenge by Ben Clark on the edge of the Gateshead box, the 23-year-old capped another man of the match performance by bending the ball around the wall and just inside the post.

Two goals down, Gateshead were really up against it now - and yet Mills' side continued to stick to their principles, plugging away by dominating the possession.

On 80 minutes, Heed finally got their just reward as the three substitutes combined. O'Donnell crossed for Hatch and, though his header was saved, the ball fell straight to Lester to ram home the rebound.

Gateshead were back in it - and Marwood almost equalised with a shot which brought a fingertip save from Smith.

But the Heed's momentum was almost immediately disrupted by a bad injury to Us captain Ian Miller who left the field in agony having ruptured his Achilles.

Nevertheless, the delay left Gateshead with plenty of time to complete the comeback and force an extra 30 minutes - and there was always a feeling that a huge chance would fall the Heed's way.

It did and it fell to 'Mr Gateshead' himself, Jamie Curtis. Up from the back in his 505th game for the club, he sadly could not direct his header on target - and that was indeed the very last chance.

Gateshead had given their all but left themselves with too much to do.

Overall, though, the season can surely only be regarded as a success. The first Wembley appearance in the club's history only came about from a belief instilled by Mills that, arguably, was not previously there.

After all, Curtis himself had booked his wedding for this weekend - before hastily having to rearrange it for this coming Wednesday.

No doubt, the 32-year-old had hoped to walk down the aisle having got Gateshead into the Football  League - but, in the words of the Rolling Stones, you can't always get what you want.

What the Heed do have is a chairman, Graham Wood, with ambition and a manager, Mills, with bags of self-belief.

Gateshead may have missed out this time - but, if they keep that combination, a return to the Football League should not actually be that far away. Ho'way the Heed!

The Season 2013/14: Go ahead, Gateshead

 

FOOTBALL CONFERENCE PLAYOFF FIXTURES

Wed 30-Apr	19:45	HALIFAX TOWN	1-0	CAMBRIDGE UNITED		3668
Thu 01-May	19:45	GRIMSBY TOWN	1-1	GATESHEAD		5234
Sun 04-May	13:30	CAMBRIDGE UNITED	2-0	HALIFAX TOWN	(2-1)	6262
Sun 04-May	16:30	GATESHEAD	3-1	GRIMSBY TOWN	(4-2)	8114

FINAL: CAMBRIDGE UNITED v GATESHEAD on Sun 18-May at Wembley Stadium

GATESHEAD extended their season and gave hope to a possible first ever Wembley trip after a highest finish in the English football pyramid for 54 years.

The Heed beat Cambridge United 2-0 at International Stadium in front of a crowd of 2,916 to end the regular season in the Football Conference in third, setting up a two-legged playoff tie against Grimsby Town.

It is one heck of an achievement for Gateshead who now have a real chance of regaining a place in the Football League for the first time since being harshly voted out in 1960.

Seeking re-election for the first time, the Tynesiders were kicked out in favour of Oldham Athletic, who were applying for a second year running, and Southport - who were making a third successive application.

Hartlepool United gained a fourth reprieve while Peterborough United - far more geographically-friendly for the southern-dominated Football League - took Gateshead's place.

Ever since, even to get back this far, the road has been long and torturous, featuring two liquidations in 1973 and 1977.

As recently as 2003-04, Gateshead were playing in the eighth tier of the English football system before restructuring and two successive playoff promotions under Ian Bogie put the Heed back in Conference in 2009.

Becoming full-time professionals in 2010-11, Gateshead finished a stable 14th then fell just short of the playoffs in 2011-12.

Last season was a more difficult campaign however, and Bogie was relieved of his duties as Heed eventually came 17th.

This season also looked like it would be another disappointment after just one point from the first 15 and the early resignation of Anth Smith.

But experienced former York City manager Gary Mills took over and soon strung a run together of six wins in seven to take the Tynesiders into the top half.

Indeed, Gateshead were beaten just four times in the league from November onwards, although too many draws in December and January, and two costly-looking defeats in February had left the Heed adrift.

With two months left, it was a clear case of either letting a half-decent season fizzle out or going for as many wins as possible and seeing where it got them.

Thankfully, the Heed took the latter option, finishing the season unbeaten in 12, with a run that included five straight wins.

Successive draws against Braintree Town and against Southport on Good Friday had left the Tynesiders' fate still in the balance.

But it also remained in their own hands - and a win against Macclesfield Town on Easter Monday left Gateshead needing just a point to guarantee a top-five spot.

Mills' men did better than that, victory over long-time Conference pacesetters Cambridge ensuring a home tie in the second leg on Sunday.

Two weeks after that, the playoff semi final winners will step out in the Final at Wembley. There is much work to be done against Grimsby, of course, but it would be Gateshead's first ever appearance at the National Stadium.

It would also be a much-merited reward for the only professional club in the north east to have approached this season with any sense of positivity.

Yes, Sunderland have already been to Wembley for the League Cup final (which they lost) - but the Black Cats have also been embroiled in another season-long relegation battle.

Newcastle United did have some hope earlier in the campaign - the Magpies sat sixth after thumping Stoke City 5-1 on Boxing Day.

But the sale of Yohan Cabaye and the absence due to injury and suspension of the club's only genuine goalscorer - the on-loan Loic Remy - has a precipitated a drift into the middle of the pack on the back of a record-breaking string of increasingly-depressing defeats.

As for Middlesbrough - remember them? Well, the Boro will finish their Championship season in 12th or 13th, and must prepare in the summer for a sixth consecutive campaign outside the top flight.

Gateshead, then - after their own slow start - have provided north east football with a wonderful breath of fresh air, battling and often succeeding against the very best in their division.

Two steps away from Wembley and just three from the Football League. Ho'way the Heed!

THE CONTENDERS
2 CAMBRIDGE UNITED (P46 W23 D13 L10 F72 A35 Pts 82)
Manager Richard Money (since October 2012)
Top scorer Luke Berry (12)
Form WDWWWWLLLL (16 points)
Record vs Halifax Town (H) won 5-1 on 11-Aug, (A) drew 1-1 on 18-Jan
Record vs Gateshead (H) won 1-0 on 14-Sep, (A) lost 0-2 on 26-Apr
Most recent Football League season 2004-05
Pacesetters Cambridge led the Conference until the turn of the year - and, even after losing the lead to eventual champions Luton Town, still look like they may still chase the Hatters for the automatic spot. However, a damaging run of four defeats in six ended any such hopes - and, though a nine-game unbeaten run followed, the Us actually ended the season on the back of four defeats. Favourites they may still be - but Richard Money's men enter these playoffs horribly out of form.

3 GATESHEAD (P46 W22 D13 L11 F72 A50 Pts 79)
Manager Gary Mills (since September 2013)
Top scorer James Marwood (11)
Form DWWWWWDDWW (24 points)
Record vs Grimsby Town (H) lost 1-2 on 13-Aug, (A) drew 2-2 on 18-Jan
Most recent Football League season 1959-60
Gateshead recovered from taking just one point out of their first 15 by climbing gradually up the league under new manager Gary Mills. Nevertheless, too many draws in December and January, and two costly-looking defeats in February had left the Heed adrift - but an unbeaten run of 12, including five straight wins, means the bookies' outsiders are actually the most in-form team of these four with goals spread all around the team. 

4 GRIMSBY TOWN (P46 W22 D12 L12 F65 A46 Pts 78)
Manager Paul Hurst (solely since September 2013)
Top scorer Ross Hannah (13)
Form WWWDLWLDWD (18 points)
Record vs Gateshead (A) won 2-1 on 13-Aug, (H) drew 2-2 on 18-Jan
Most recent Football League season 2009-10
Grimsby Town began the season with two managers in charge, Paul Hurst and Rob Scott, before the latter was dismissed for gross misconduct. Nonetheless, the former has not done too badly on his own, overcoming the early-season upset to lead the club into the playoffs for a second year in a row. Things did not look too clever after defeat to Southport in late-February left the Mariners down in ninth - but, while never hitting top form, Grimsby lost just four times thereafter.

5 FC HALIFAX TOWN (P46 W22 D11 L13 F85 A58 Pts 77)
Manager Neil Aspin (since April 2009)
Top scorer Lee Gregory (29)
Form WWWDWWWWLD (23 points)
Record vs Cambridge United (A) lost 1-5 on 11-Aug, (H) drew 1-1 on 18-Jan
Record vs Gateshead (A) drew 1-1 on 26-Dec, (H) drew 3-3 on 01-Jan
Most recent Football League season 2001-02 as Halifax Town AFC
FC Halifax Town timed their best run of the season to perfection, taking 28 points out of 30 in March and April to jump from ninth to third. That run left the Shaymen with enough breathing room to take just a point from their final two fixtures - though even this is, of course, still better form than their semi-final opponents, Cambridge. Halifax's threat comes mainly from striker Lee Gregory who hit 29 regular season goals to finish as the division's second-top scorer, behind only Luton's Andre Grey on 30.

The Season 2013/14: Title tilts towards Anfield

THE SEASON 2013/14

Preview - 10 Games In - Jan window

1 LIVERPOOL (P34 W24 D5 L5 F93 A42 Pts 77)
PL: WWWDLWWDWLWDLWWWWLLWWDWDWWWWWWWWWW
Run-in: 20-Apr Norwich City (A), 27-Apr Chelsea (H), 03-May Crystal Palace (A), 11-May Newcastle United (H)
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Arsenal (A) in fifth round
League Cup: lost 0-1 v Manchester United (A) in third round
Top scorer: Luis Suarez (29)
Liverpool took a giant leap towards their first league title for 24 years with a 10th straight win in a dramatic 3-2 win over Manchester City at Anfield. The Reds began in their typical attacking style, which had brought them 90 goals before yesterday, with Raheem Sterling outfoxing Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart for the opener before Martin Skrtel's excellent glanced header for 2-0 after just 26 minutes. But, while Liverpool's attacking prowess is unmatched this season, the defence has conceded more goals than Crystal Palace - and Man City were back in the game with two goals shortly after half time. Having steadied the ship, the Reds then struck a massive blow with 12 minutes left when Brazilian youngster Philippe Coutinho fired into the bottom corner. Liverpool had won a titanic battle and, as tearful captain Steven Gerrard rallied his players at the end of the game, it had clearly begun to sunk in that four more wins will definitely win the title. Dangerously, Chelsea are one of those four opponents - but the fixture falls right in the middle of the Blues' two-legged Champions League semi final. The match is also at Anfield where, thanks to the brilliant form of strike-pair Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, Brendan Rodgers' men have dropped just five points all season.
 
2 CHELSEA (P34 W23 D6 L5 F66 A24 Pts 75)
PL: WWDLWDWWWLDWWWLWDWWWWWDWWDWWWLWLWW
Run-in: 20-Apr Sunderland (H), 27-Apr Liverpool (A), 03-May Norwich City (H), 11-May Cardiff City (A)
FA Cup: lost 0-2 v Manchester City (A) in fifth round
League Cup: lost 1-2 aet v Sunderland (A) in fifth round
Europe: SF v Atletico Madrid (A) on 22-Apr/(H) on 30-Apr
Top scorer: Eden Hazard (17)
Chelsea kept up the pressure on leaders Liverpool ahead of their match at Anfield on 27 April - but their 1-0 victory at ten-man Swansea City was not exactly thrill-a-minute stuff. At least it was a win for the Blues, though, as it ended a run of three successive away defeats in all competitions to Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain. Former Newcastle United striker Demba Ba scored the vital goal against Paris, and the Senegalese was at it again midway through the second half against the struggling Swans. With a European Cup semi final against Atletico Madrid already booked, Chelsea can also look forward to a run-in which, outside of the tussle at Anfield, is actually pretty kind. Although they will be fighting hard for their Premier League status, Sunderland, Norwich City and Cardiff City are all currently in the bottom four for a reason - and so the title race is not over by a long stretch. Indeed, the Blues need only land one of the big two prizes for this to have been another pretty special season for the self-proclaimed Special One, Jose Mourinho.

3 MANCHESTER CITY (P32 W22 D4 L6 F86 A32 Pts 70)
PL: WLWDWLWWLWLWWWDWWWWWWWWLDWWWWDWL
Run-in: 16-Apr Sunderland (H), 21-Apr West Bromwich Albion (H), 27-Apr Crystal Palace (A), 03-May Everton (A), 07-May Aston Villa (H), 11-May West Ham United (H)
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Wigan Athletic (H) in QF
League Cup: won 3-1 v Sunderland at Wembley in Final
Europe: lost 1-4 on agg v Barcelona (0-2h, 1-2a) in Last 16
Top scorer: Sergio Aguero (26)
Manchester City slipped seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool after a sixth league defeat of the season, with this one being easily the most costly of all. City's two games in hand against Sunderland and Aston Villa are both eminently winnable but the Reds' lead at the top has nullified the advantage of having the extra games. Yes, with the League Cup already sealed up, City will definitely win more than their potless Manchester rivals this season - but, having poured hundreds of millions of pounds into the team, the season can only be considered a disappointment if that is the only thing they do win. And, while the defeat at Anfield may end up being the most costly because of the direct advantage which it gives Liverpool, Manuel Pellegrini need only look at four losses in the first 11 games to see where his team lost this title, which would still only be City's second since 1967.

4 EVERTON (P33 W19 D9 L5 F53 A31 Pts 66)
PL: DDDWWWLWWDDDWWDWWLWDWDLWLLWWWWWWW
Run-in: 16-Apr Crystal Palace (H), 20-Apr Manchester United (H), 26-Apr Southampton (A), 03-May Manchester City (H), 11-May Hull City (A)
FA Cup: lost 1-4 v Arsenal (A) in QF
League Cup: lost 1-2 v Fulham (A) in third round
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (13)
Everton equalled their club record of seven wins in a row against Sunderland on Saturday to leapfrog Arsenal into fourth having beaten the Gunners 3-0 the weekend before. The Toffees found it surprisingly tougher going against rock-bottom Sunderland with only a Wes Brown own goal separating the sides at the final whistle. But, oddly enough, the Black Cats are one of only five sides to beat Everton in the league this season, and the only one at Goodison. Nevertheless, the many draws of earlier in the campaign have now turned into a string of wins - and the Merseysiders have now broken their record for the most points in a season in the Premier League era by surpassing the 65 points they managed in 2007-08. It may be difficult to stay in a Champions League place given that Arsenal do not have to play either Manchester club in the run-in and Everton face both. Regardless of where they end up, though, former Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez will be able to reflect on a fine first season at the club.

5 ARSENAL (P33 W19 D7 L7 F56 A40 Pts 64)
PL: LWWWWWDWWWLWWWDLDWWWWWDWLDWLWLDDL
Run-in: 15-Apr West Ham United (H), 19-Apr Hull City (A), 28-Apr Newcastle United (H), 03-May West Bromwich Albion (H), 11-May Norwich City (A)
FA Cup: Final v Hull City at Wembley on 17-May
League Cup: lost 0-2 v Chelsea (H) in fourth round
Europe: lost 1-3 on agg v Bayern Munich (0-2h, 1-1a) in Last 16
Top scorer: Olivier Giroud (19)
Arsene Wenger breathed a huge sigh of relief at full time on Saturday as Arsenal scraped through their FA Cup semi final against Wigan Athletic on penalties. Despite being cup holders, Wigan are also a Championship side so when they still held the lead with 10 minutes left, it looked as if this was going to be yet another one of those days for the Gunners. But Per Mertesacker spared his side's blushes to make up for giving away the penalty from which Wigan took the lead - and, in the shootout, Arsenal were far more composed. Still, the wild celebrations afterwards have been criticised in some quarters as a sign of the level of where Arsenal are, following a run of just three league wins in 11 games since the end of January. That poor form has seen the Gunners drop well out of the title race which they had led through the autumn and beyond Christmas, and now they are even outside the top four because of Everton's good form. Nevertheless, a better set of fixtures than the Merseysiders should mean Wenger's men make it to UEFA's elite competition for the 17th year in a row and they should also win a first trophy for nine years in the Cup Final against Hull City. There is no such thing as a certainty in football, though - and even less so when it comes to Arsenal.  

6 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (P34 W18 D6 L10 F48 A48 Pts 60)
PL: WWLWWDLWWDLLDWWLWDWWWWLDWWLWLLWLWD
Run-in: 19-Apr Fulham (H), 26-Apr Stoke City (A), 03-May West Ham United (A), 11-May Aston Villa (H)
FA Cup: lost 0-2 v Arsenal (A) in third round
League Cup: lost 1-2 v West Ham United (H) in fifth round
Europe: lost 3-5 on agg v Benfica (1-3h, 2-2a) in Last 16 Europa League
Top scorer: Emmanuel Adebayor (13)
Mystery continues to shroud the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood who effectively talked his way into an 18-month contract following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas after a 5-0 home drubbing against Liverpool in December. Sherwood started well - better than any Tottenham manager before, in fact, by winning five of his first six games. But, over a longer period of time, the same vulnerabilities have been exposed, with Spurs still losing heavily to the title challengers Manchester City (1-5), Liverpool (0-4) and Chelsea (0-4) under his watch. Also, a further duo of defeats to North London rivals Arsenal - 2-0 in the FA Cup Third Round and 1-0 in the league - have ended the chance of any real progress in a season in which £105m was spent on seven new players in the summer. Of course, £85m of that came from the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid - but how Tottenham must wish they had that extra little spark back in their team now. The completely even goal difference for a top six side says a lot - and, if Dutch manager Louis van Gaal is to replace Sherwood after the World Cup, he will find there is much work to do.

7 MANCHESTER UNITED (P33 W17 D6 L10 F55 A38 Pts 57)
PL: WDLWLLWDWWWDDLLWWWWLWLWLDDWWLWLWW
Run-in: 20-Apr Everton (A), 26-Apr Norwich City (H), 03-May Sunderland (H), 06-May Hull City (H), 11-May Southampton (A)
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Swansea City (H) in third round
League Cup: lost 1-2 on pens after 3-3 agg v Sunderland (1-2a, 2-1h) in semi final
Europe: lost 2-4 on agg v Bayern Munich (1-1h, 1-3a) in QF
Top scorer: Wayne Rooney/Robin van Persie (17)
Manchester United must face up to the reality that there will not be any Champions League football at Old Trafford in 2014-15 after being dumped out of Europe by Bayern Munich last week. It completes a miserable first season at the club for manager David Moyes whose troubled reign reached its nadir when a flypast calling for his dismissal flew overhead during the game against Aston Villa. Of course, the Red Devils won that match 4-1 and then hit another four goals against Newcastle United a week later - but the successive 3-0 home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in March will not be so easily forgotten. It meant for the first time ever that both clubs completed the double over Man United - and, while their two bitterest rivals fight it out for the title, Moyes' defending champions are left battling it out with Tottenham Hotspur for the final European spot. Yes, it was always going to be a tough act following Sir Alex Ferguson but it should it really have ever come to this?

8 SOUTHAMPTON (P34 W13 D9 L12 F50 A45 Pts 48)
PL: WDLDWWWDWDWLLLDDLWLLWDDWDWLLWWLWLL
Run-in: 19-Apr Aston Villa (A), 26-Apr Everton (H), 03-May Swansea City (A), 11-May Manchester United (H)
FA Cup: lost 0-1 v Sunderland (A) in fifth round
League Cup: lost 1-2 v Sunderland (A) in fourth round
Top scorer: Jay Rodriguez (17)
Buoyed by a trinity of English forwards - Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and top scorer Jay Rodriguez - Southampton recovered well from their mid-season slump to go eight league and cup games unbeaten in January and February. But there is still room for improvement at St Mary's as the two disappointing cup exits to rock-bottom Sunderland and the poor defeat to Cardiff City on Saturday demonstrate. Now deprived of the unfortunate Rodriguez, who will miss any chance of a World Cup selection following an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, the Saints can still look forward to reaching a half-century of points in the top flight for the first time since 2003 if they can manage one more win. Indeed, the south coast club remain an impressive work in progress.

9 NEWCASTLE UNITED (P34 W14 D4 L16 F38 A52 Pts 46)
PL: LDWWLLWDLWWWWLWDWWLLLWDLLLWWLWLLLL
Run-in: 19-Apr Swansea City (H), 28-Apr Arsenal (A), 03-May Cardiff City (H), 11-May Liverpool (A)
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Cardiff City (H) in third round
League Cup: lost 0-2 aet v Manchester City (H) in fourth round
Top scorer: Loïc Remy (13)
The tide has finally turned against manager Alan Pardew after Newcastle United slipped to a fourth successive defeat on Saturday with the only surprise perhaps being that it was not by a margin of more than one goal. Nevertheless, a 16th league defeat of the season allowed their hosts Stoke City to close to within three points - and the Magpies, who were sixth at Christmas, will now simply do well to remain in the top-half. After all, the goal difference is very much bottom half standard thanks to the second half of the season. A calamitous series of defeats in February - 3-0 to Sunderland, 3-0 to Everton and 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur - were followed by a slight recovery, only for there then to be another even more calamitous trio of reverses - 3-0 to Everton, 4-0 to Southampton and 4-0 to Manchester United. Indeed, Newcastle have now lost 11 of their last 16 league games, and failed to score in 12 of those matches, a run of form coinciding with suspension and injury to top scorer Loïc Remy. The Frenchman does not even belong to Newcastle, though, and he is unlikely to stay beyond the end of this campaign, leaving next year barely worth thinking about at this stage.

10 STOKE CITY (P34 W11 D10 L13 F38 A48 Pts 43)
PL: LWWDLLLDLDDWLDWDWLLDLLLWDDLWDWWWLW
Run-in: 19-Apr Cardiff City (A), 26-Apr Tottenham Hotspur (H), 03-May Fulham (H), 11-May West Bromwich Albion (A)
FA Cup: lost 0-1 v Chelsea (A) in fourth round
League Cup: lost 0-2 v Manchester United (H) in fifth round
Top scorer: Peter Crouch (10)
Huge credit must go to Mark Hughes whose first season at the Britannia Stadium remains well on target to become Stoke City's first top-10 finish in the top flight since 1975. Of course, things did not look too clever after a run of just one point from 15 had dropped the Potters to 16th at the end of January. But a first win against Manchester United since 1984 in front of the boisterous home support lifted spirits and, since then, Stoke have only lost away at Manchester City and Chelsea. Indeed, the only home defeat of the calendar year came against the other title challengers, Liverpool, back in January. If anything, though, it was the stylish 4-1 away win over Aston Villa a few weeks ago which best showed off Stoke's progress this season. 

11 WEST HAM UNITED (P33 W10 D7 L16 F37 A44 Pts 37) 
PL: WDLDLLWLDDLLWLLDLLDLWLDWWWWLLLWWL
Run-in: 15-Apr Arsenal (A), 19-Apr Crystal Palace (H), 26-Apr West Bromwich Albion (A), 03-May Tottenham Hotspur (H), 11-May Manchester City (A) 
FA Cup: lost 0-5 v Nottingham Forest (A) in third round
League Cup: lost 0-9 agg v Manchester City (0-6a, 0-3h) in semi final
Top scorer: Kevin Nolan (7)
West Ham United put their worrying form at the turn of the year behind them with a fabulous February which landed Sam Allardyce his first Manager of the Month award in over seven years. Out of both domestic cups to heavy defeats, and having also slipped into the bottom three in the league, the Hammers' turning point came in a 0-0 at Stamford Bridge at the end of January. Further clean sheets followed against Swansea City, Aston Villa and Norwich City - all of which were 2-0 victories - before a fourth successive win against Southampton (3-1). There was then a run of three losses to Everton, Stoke City and Manchester United - but another two wins over Hull City and Sunderland mean West Ham fans can breathe easily in the run-in.

12 CRYSTAL PALACE (P33 W11 D4 L18 F24 A39 Pts 37)
PL: LLWLLLLLLLDWLWWLLWLDLWWLWLDLDLWWW
Run-in: 16-Apr Everton (A), 19-Apr West Ham United (A), 27-Apr Manchester City (H), 05-May Liverpool (H), 11-May Fulham (A)   
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Wigan Athletic (A) in fourth round
League Cup: lost 1-2 v Bristol City (A) in second round
Top scorer: Marouane Chamakh/Jason Puncheon (6)
Faced with a fifth immediate relegation from the Premier League after just one win and no draws from the first 10 games, Crystal Palace turned to the wily Tony Pulis following Ian Holloway's resignation - and what an inspired choice! Since the Welshman's arrival at the end of November, the Eagles have had the eighth-best league record and kept nine clean sheets including three in their last three games. Each of those have been victories - over Chelsea (1-0), Cardiff City (3-0) and Aston Villa (1-0) - and that little streak has surely just about got Palace to the safety line. Strong at Selhurst Park, the south Londoners have attained 12th place despite a Premier League low of 24 goals. Then again, seven of Palace's wins have been by a 1-0 scoreline.

13 HULL CITY (P33 W10 D6 L17 F34 A40 Pts 36)
PL: LWLDWWDLLWLLWLDDDLWLLLLDWLWLLWLLW
Run-in: 19-Apr Arsenal (H), 26-Apr Fulham (A), 03-May Aston Villa (A), 06-May Manchester United (A), 11-May Everton (H)
FA Cup: Final v Arsenal at Wembley on 17 May
League Cup: lost 7-8 on pens (after 2-2 aet) v Tottenham Hotspur (A) in fourth round
Top scorer: Matty Fryatt (5)
What a brilliant season this has been for Hull City! Just about safe in the league after beating Swansea City at home just over a week ago, the Tigers now have a post-season ball to attend with Arsenal on 17 May - the club's first-ever FA Cup Final. Of course, if the match is even half as dramatic as their 5-3 semi final win over third-tier Sheffield United, manager Steve Bruce might spontaneously combust - and that might just happen with Hull now providing increasingly good value. Despite the inconsistencies which come naturally with a team in its first season back in the top flight, Bruce has done well to act decisively on the lack of goals up until January by recruiting Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long. As expected, neither of them have been especially prolific - but their three league goals apiece have often come at vital times - though, as both are cup-tied, the run to Wembley shows there are actually goals right across this team.

14 ASTON VILLA (P33 W9 D7 L17 F35 A49 Pts 34)
PL: WLLLWWDLLDWDDWLLLLDWLDWLLDLWWLLLL
Run-in: 19-Apr Southampton (H), 26-Apr Swansea City (A), 03-May Hull City (H), 07-May Manchester City (A), 11-May Tottenham Hotspur (A)  
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Sheffield United (H) in third round
League Cup: lost 0-4 v Tottenham Hotspur (H) in third round
Top scorer: Christian Benteke (11)
Expected to be a season of progress after last year's struggle, things have turned very sour at Villa Park for manager Paul Lambert. The 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace was a fourth successive loss and saw Aston Villa's opponents go above them - not so worrying in isolation but certainly a desperate cause for concern when part of a growing pattern. For, in December too, Villa lost four games in a row - scoring once - while, in February, the Midlanders took just one point from four games and again scored just once in those matches. Some of the worst performances have been reserved for the home crowd with 10 league defeats at home adding to nine from last season and eight the year before that. And, while there is still the occasional stunning win, like the recent 1-0 beating of Chelsea, Lambert looks largely clueless when top scorer Christian Benteke is out injured.   
15 SWANSEA CITY (P34 W8 D9 L17 F45 A50 Pts 33)
PL: LLWDWLLWDLDWLWDDLLDLLLWLWDLDLLDWLL
Run-in: 19-Apr Newcastle United (A), 26-Apr Aston Villa (H), 03-May Southampton (H), 11-May Sunderland (A)
FA Cup: lost 1-3 v Everton (A) on fifth round
League Cup: lost 1-3 v Birmingham City (A) in third round
Europe: lost 1-3 on agg v Napoli (0-0h, 1-3a) in Last 32 Europa League
Top scorer: Wilfried Bony (20)
Having coped with second season syndrome admirably by winning the League Cup and finishing top half, third time has certainly not been a charm for Swansea City. The Welsh club slipped to a 17th league defeat of the season against Chelsea yesterday to remain deep in trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table in the same season in which they beat Valencia 3-0 at the Mestalla. Those days already seem long ago now, though, with the lack of goals and lack of confidence evident in having drawn a blank in their last two outings. Still happy to dominate possession under new manager Garry Monk, the Swans desperately need to find a cutting edge outside of the talent of top scorer Wilfried Bony to win two of their last four games. Fortunately for Monk's men, the fixtures do not look too daunting with the woefully out-of-form Newcastle United up next.  

16 WEST BROMWICH ALBION (P33 W6 D15 L12 F40 A51 Pts 33)
PL: LDLDWWDDLWDDLLLLDDDWLDLDLDDLWLDWD
Run-in: 21-Apr Manchester City (A), 26-Apr West Ham United (H), 04-May Arsenal (A), 07-May Sunderland (A), 11-May Stoke City (H)
FA Cup: lost 0-2 v Crystal Palace (H) in third round
League Cup: lost 3-4 on pens (after 1-1 aet) v Arsenal (H) in third round
Top scorer: Saido Berahino (8)
Draw specialists West Bromwich Albion remain deep in relegation trouble - and the Baggies have no-one to blame but themselves. Yes, a run of three unbeaten games at this stage of the season is precious enough - but it really could have been so much better than five points over the past two weeks for the Midlands club. First, just over two weeks ago, Thievy Bifouma scored in the 94th minute to put West Brom 3-2 up against relegation rivals Cardiff City, only for Mats Moller Daehli to equalise even later for the Welsh club. And now, just this weekend gone, the Hawthorns bore witness to a second 3-3 draw - but only after the home side had blitzed into a three-goal lead against Tottenham Hotspur. Those dropped points could prove vital in the final reckoning although Pepe Mel's side still have a couple of winnable home games against mid-table clubs in the run-in.  

17 NORWICH CITY (P34 W8 D8 L18 F26 A53 Pts 32)
PL: DLWLLWLLDLWLWLWDDLLDLWDLDLWLDLWLLL
Run-in: 20-Apr Liverpool (H), 26-Apr Manchester United (A), 04-May Chelsea (A), 11-May Arsenal (H)
FA Cup: lost 0-3 v Fulham (A) in third round replay, following 1-1
League Cup: lost 0-4 v Manchester United (A) in fourth round
Top scorer: Gary Hooper (7)
Norwich City are perilously close to going down - not only my perspective but even that of their new manager Neil Adams which is surely never good to hear. In their first game since replacing Chris Hughton at a ridiculously late stage of the season, the Canaries lost 1-0 to Fulham on Saturday, allowing their opponents to move within two points of them. And, now City must get some sort of result in their final four fixtures - each of which come against teams in the top seven. It really is looking forlorn for the East Anglians having hit just 26 all season and none in their last three games. Of course, much of the blame for that lies squarely on the shoulders of £8.5m striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel who scored on the opening day - and then not at all since. But, harsh as it may sound, Norwich have a squad chock full of players who will always struggle at this level.   

18 FULHAM (P34 W9 D3 L22 F34 A74 Pts 30)
PL: WLLDLLWWLLLLLLWLLWLWLLLLDLDLLWLLWW
Run-in: 19-Apr Tottenham Hotspur (A), 26-Apr Hull City (H), 03-May Stoke City (A), 11-May Crystal Palace (H)   
FA Cup: lost 0-1 aet v Sheffield United (H) in fourth round replay
League Cup: lost 3-4 v Leicester City (A) in fourth round
Top scorer: Steve Sidwell (7)
Almost two-thirds of Fulham's league games this season have ended in defeat but, amazingly, the Cottagers still have a pretty good chance of staying up after victory in the biggest six-pointer of the season so far against Norwich City. Following his late winner last week against Aston Villa, Colombian Hugo Rodallega struck just before half time against the Canaries to put the west Londoners within two points of their opponents - and with a better set of fixtures in the run-in. Going through three managers and a heap of players usually spells disaster for a club in a Premier League season but Fulham have proven to be the exception in a relegation battle before - and, in the demanding German Felix Magath, the club's new owner Shahid Khan appears to have made a better choice than when René Meulensteen was briefly in charge.

19 CARDIFF CITY (P34 W7 D8 L19 F30 A64 Pts 29)
PL: LWDDLWLLDWLDLDLWLLDLLLLWLDLLWLLDLW
Run-in: 19-Apr Stoke City (H), 27-Apr Sunderland (A), 03-May Newcastle United (A), 11-May Chelsea (H)
FA Cup: lost 1-2 v Wigan Athletic (H) in fifth round
League Cup: lost 2-3 v West Ham United (A) in third round
Top scorer: Fraizer Campbell (9)
Cardiff City kept their hopes alive of surviving in their debut Premier League season after sneaking a 1-0 win away at Southampton thanks to Juan Cala's second half strike. But the Bluebirds remain exactly where they started the day - down in 19th place - having failed to win consecutive league matches all season. Nevertheless, the Welsh club have largely stayed in touch with those above them and a little run now would most likely keep them up, something which would be a decent achievement by Ole Gunnar Solskjær in his first assignment in England. Their run-in fixtures would certainly seem to offer the opportunity to string a few wins together - but, if Cardiff ultimately do fail, they need only back to the vital Christmas period where they took just one point from 21 while the Malky Mackay's ill-fated position as manager remained totally in flux. The lack of a genuine goalscorer has been a major weakness all season long - midfielder Jordan Mutch is top Premier League scorer with seven.

20 SUNDERLAND (P32 W6 D7 L19 F29 A54 Pts 25)
PL: LDLLLLLLWLWLDLLDDWDLWDWWLLDLLLLL
Run-in: 16-Apr Manchester City (A), 20-Apr Chelsea (A), 27-Apr Cardiff City (H), 03-Apr Manchester United (A), 07-May West Bromwich Albion (H), 11-May Swansea City (H)   
FA Cup: lost 0-3 v Hull City (A) on QF
League Cup: lost 1-3 v Manchester City at Wembley in Final
Top scorer: Adam Johnson (10)
Following just one point from their last eight games, Sunderland have now matched their wretched run from the start of the season which saw unpredictable fascist Paulo di Canio replaced by Gus Poyet. And, with Manchester City away and Chelsea away next on the fixture list, it is difficult to see the gloom over Wearside lifting any time soon. That trip to Wembley at the end of February for a first Cup final since 1992 seems a long time ago now and, while Poyet's men still have games in hand as a result of their creditable cup exploits, they are also running out of games - and fast. A fourth relegation from the top flight since 1997 beckons then although, at least for their sake, the Black Cats will depart having completed a first league double over north east rivals Newcastle United since 1967.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Already promoted: Leicester City
Leicester City edged their way to the Championship title with their 90th point of the season coming in a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Reading tonight. The Foxes were beaten in the playoff semi finals in heartbreaking fashion last season but came back stronger in this campaign, the highlight of which was a 21-match unbeaten run featuring nine straight wins.
Burnley also failed to win at the weekend, going down 1-0 at home to Middlesbrough for only their second home defeat of the season - although, like buses, they have come together. Nevertheless, Sean Dyche's Clarets remain in good shape for a return to the top flight as they still sit eight points clear of the chasing pack with just four games left.
Steve McClaren's Derby County therefore look like they will have settle for the playoffs alongside Harry Redknapp's big-spending Queens Park Rangers. The other two places are not as easy to predict but Wigan Athletic are in pole position for one of them if they can recover from their FA Cup exertions while the Latics' next opponents Reading slipped into sixth on goal difference ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town. Bournemouth, in ninth, are the real surprise package in the division, and have a genuine chance of extending their season, as they sit just two points off sixth following a recent six-game winning run. 
At the other end of the table, Barnsley are currently bottom but are level on points with Yeovil Town have a game in hand against fellow strugglers Charlton Athletic. Nevertheless, the Tykes have much work to do as they - and the Glovers - are four points adrift of Millwall who are third bottom and five away from Charlton.
Early season leaders Blackpool had a truly awful run of 17 games without a win between December and March, and remain in trouble just two points above the drop zone - while neither Doncaster Rovers nor Birmingham City will feel safe yet, sitting as they do just a point further clear.

LEAGUE ONE Table
Already promoted: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers ensured their first sojourn at the third level of English football in 25 years would not extended beyond a single season after gaining promotion on Saturday by beating Crewe Alexandra 2-0. Kenny Jackett's men suffered a wobble over the Christmas period but have won 14 and lost just one of their 17 fixtures since 11th January.
Brentford look likely to join the Midlanders in the Championship despite a 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town at the weekend. With four games left, the Bees remain seven points clear of third-placed Leyton Orient who recorded a stunning 5-1 win over Gillingham to leapfrog Rotherham United. The Millers had drawn 0-0 in a Yorkshire derby with Bradford City on Friday night.
Preston North End also celebrated the certainty of a top six finish with a 6-1 thumping of struggling Carlisle United, while Football League Trophy winners Peterborough United remain favourites for the final playoff spot after a 1-0 win over Coventry City.
At the bottom, Stevenage are beginning to run out of the games and Shrewsbury Town remain two points adrift though with a better goal difference than most of the clubs immediately above them. Crewe and Carlisle currently fill the other two relegation places but they are level on 43 points with Notts County with Tranmere Rovers and Colchester United only a further three points further ahead.

LEAGUE TWO Table
Scunthorpe United moved to the top of the ever-changing League Two table after a 2-2 draw with Bury extended their unbeaten run to an amazing 26 league games. The Iron, on 76 points, are a point ahead of second-placed Rochdale who have hit a roadblock at the worst time of the season after failing to score in the last three games. Chesterfield are in the third automatic spot on 74 points after victory at Hartlepool United at the weekend.
Then there is a gap to Fleetwood Town in fourth on 69 points and Burton Albion in fifth on 68 - and then another gap to Southend United and Oxford United in the last two playoff spots on 62 points. York City, unbeaten in 13, are just outside the top seven on 61 - but Plymouth Argyle's hopes have faded after a third defeat in four on Saturday.
Fellow Devon outfit Torquay United look even more forlorn, still seven points adrift at the bottom despite a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. The gap to Northampton Town remains after the Cobblers won 1-0 for a second week in a row - but at least that means several other teams have been dragged into the scrap. Wycombe Wanderers are now outside of the drop zone on goal difference only while Bristol Rovers, Exeter City, Morecambe, Hartlepool - and even Accrington Stanley on 50 points - have no guarantees of playing in the Football League next season.

FOOTBALL CONFERENCE Table
Already relegated: Hyde, Tamworth
The champagne remains on ice at Luton Town after the Hatters were beaten 3-2 by Braintree Town in an early Saturday kick-off. But, even though second-placed Cambridge United took full advantage of the slip-up with a 7-2 thrashing of rock-bottom Hyde, Luton's lead remains a steady 10 points with four games remaining.
Cambridge are at least certain of a playoff spot and Grimsby Town, in third, look set to join them. The final two spots - currently occupied by Gateshead, on 71 points, and Halifax Town on 70 - look less clear cut with Braintree, on 68, still threatening after their shock win at Kenilworth Road. Seventh-placed Alfreton Town, on 66 points, are also still in contention but they are hamstrung by a negative goal difference and poor form.
At the bottom, Hyde have won just once - 2-0 away at Welling United in January - and recorded just 10 points all season. That is a massive 23 points adrift of second-bottom Tamworth whose own relegation was confirmed on Saturday after a 2-0 reverse at Southport made it just one point from their last 27. The last two spots will go to the wire though, with Dartford, on 44 points, and Hereford United, on 45, chasing down Aldershot Town, also on 45, and Chester, on 49. All of those teams have just three games left.

Oh, when the Heed went marching in!

Gateshead 0
Bolton Wanderers 1 Lofthouse

Gateshead team Bobby Gray - Bobby Cairns, Billy March, Jack Callender, Tom Callender, Billy Brown, Johnny Ingham, Ken Smith, Ian Winters, Johnny Campbell, Eddie Johnson. More details here.
Attendance 17,692 at Redheugh Park 


QUEEN ELIZABETH II was coronated, Sir Winston Churchill was Prime Minister, Dwight D. Eisenhower became US President, and Gateshead FC enjoyed the finest day in its history.

1953 is a year fondly remembered south of the Tyne, particularly a football match on 28 February.

For, on this day 60 years ago, the Tynesiders took on Bolton Wanderers in the quarter finals on the FA Cup.

Newcastle United were the defending champions from the last two years, having triumphed at Wembley in 1951 and 1952 against Blackpool and Arsenal.

But the Magpies bowed out early in 1953, leaving Third Division (North) club Gateshead as the only representatives from Tyneside left in the competition.

Almost 18,000 packed into the Heed's then-home ground at Redheugh Park to see the underdogs face First Division Bolton, whose side featured the late Lion of Vienna, Nat Lofthouse.

The centre-forward had earned his nickname following a virtuoso display in a 3-2 win against Austria, one of the strongest international teams of the era.

Lofthouse would also prove ultimately decisive in this tie, scoring a late winning goal in a tight tie.

This fantastic Pathe newsreel shows that Gateshead were far from outclassed in the match, though. Indeed, the Heed pushed their more illustrious opponents all the way, and the Tynesiders were more than a little unfortunate.

At 0–0 late on in the match, Bolton defender Eric Bell handled the ball inside of his own penalty area - an offence Bell later admitted - but the referee waved play-on.

Bolton broke away quickly and Lofthouse rose at the far post to send a bullet header past Gateshead goalkeeper Bob Gray to give the visitors a winning 1–0 lead.

Having survived the banana skin, the Trotters went all the way to the Final.

But, in that famous match at Wembley, Wanderers were beaten 5-3 by near-neighbours Blackpool in a contest which has been forever known since as the Matthews' Final.

England winger Stanley Matthews turned the Final around with an unplayable spell in which he produced two second half assists for Stan Mortenson and Bill Perry.

Centre-forward Mortenson can feel slightly hard-done by the Matthews name christening the Cup, given that he is still the only player to score a hat-trick in a Wembley FA Cup Final.

Frankly, though, any personal sense of injustice is nothing compared to what happened to the Heed a short seven years later.

In 1960, Gateshead had a poor league season and finished in a lowly 22nd position. At that time, the bottom four teams in what was then then the Fourth Division had to apply for re-election.

Gateshead applied along with Southport, who were seeking a reprieve for the third year running, and for the seventh time altogether.

Oldham Athletic were applying for the second year in a row, and fellow north easterners Hartlepool United, were applying for the fourth time.

Purely on the strength of southern clubs sick of having to travel so far north, the Football League failed to re-elect Gateshead. Ever since, the Tynesiders have battled in vain to regain league status.

Recent times have been kinder on the club as manager Ian Bogie and striker Lee Novak helped fire Heed from the depths of the Northern Premier League to the Conference Premier.

In fact, Gateshead almost made amends for their 1953 disappointment with a run to the semi finals of the FA Trophy two years ago.

Things were looking good for a maiden trip to Wembley when Nathan Fisher and Adam Rundle gave the Heed a 2-0 half time lead at Darlington.

But the Quakers hit back to win 3-2, and a frustrating 0-0 draw at home meant another Wembley dream on Tyneside died.

This season, Gateshead went on another Trophy run, but they were knocked out in the quarter finals by Cumbrian rivals Barrow.

Results in the league have seen the departure of much-loved boss Bogie and the Heed have been dragged into a relegation battle at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier.

What has certainly not helped has been the awful problems with the pitch with debilitating rain and snow so bad that only one home match has been hosted in NE10 since the end of November.

Of course, the games in hand mean that Gateshead still have a good chance of survival in the non-league's top division.

But, with the pitch at International Stadium effectively deemed unplayable, a plethora of games are now getting re-arranged at venues from Hartlepool to York - and even Blyth.

And so, despite admirable progress in recent years, the glory days of the 1950s - of Football League status and FA Cup quarter finals - still seem a long way off.

The Season 2011/12: Manchester clubs make big early impression

Premier League
Table
THE MANCHESTER clubs both made their early mark on the title race by blowing away their north London rivals in a devastating double-act.

Manchester City began the dual rout with a 5-1 win at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur as Edin Dzeko hit four to become City's second hat-trick scorer this season already.

The result left Spurs propping up the Premier League but, in keeping with history, Manchester United ensured they - and not City - would be top of the pile with an incredible eight-goal haul against sorry Arsenal.

Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for Sir Alex Ferguson's men before new goalkeeper David De Gea saved from Robin van Persie's penalty.

The Dutchman was made to pay for that miss when an Ashley Young curler and Wayne Rooney scored to put United 3-0 up.

Theo Walcott scored Arsenal's first league goal of the season on half-time to give the false impression that the Gunners were still in the game.

However, that fanciful notion was soon completely blown out the water in a six-minute spell in the middle of the second half during which Rooney scored his second while Nani and Park Ji-Sung joined in the fun.

Van Persie reduced the arrears to 6-2 but there was still time for Rooney to score his hat-trick goal from the penalty spot and for Young to score his second.

It finished 8-2 - an utter humiliation for Arsenal, and the first time the Londoners had conceded that many in a game since 1896.

Wenger, already under pressure after another quiet summer in the transfer market, has never looked more embattled in his 15 years than tonight - and with reason, too.

Arsenal sit at the wrong end of the table with just one point from three games having been comfortably beaten by Liverpool 2-0 and totally outclassed by Man United.

The Red Devils head the table with a perfect nine points and a goal difference of +10. Man City, the only other club who can boast a perfect record in the top flight, are just behind on +9.

The Manchester pair are followed by a group of four clubs on seven points. Liverpool are in third place and looked much improved on last season's showing in their wins at Arsenal and against Bolton Wanderers at home.

Chelsea are in fourth but have relied on late goals in their two victories over West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United are the other teams to have taken seven points from their opening three fixtures, the latter having enjoyed yet another win in the Tyne-Wear derby thanks to Ryan Taylor's free-kick.

At the other end of the league, Spurs are one of three teams without a point so far but, in fairness to Harry Redknapp's men, they have had to face both of those Manchester clubs.

Earlier, Spurs had made a false start with the opening match against Everton postponed on police advice following riots in the capital.

Blackburn Rovers do not have that excuse and the pressure has surely also increased on Steve Kean after the Ewood Park club lost each of their first three games to Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton.

The latest of those defeats against the Toffees came in farcical circumstances as, having missed two penalties themselves, Rovers lost to a Mikel Arteta spot-kick in the last minute.

That slice of fortune gave Everton a barely-deserved first set of points this season.

Like Blackburn, West Brom have also lost their first three games although two of these have been to Manchester United and Chelsea.

Nevertheless, the Baggies' third defeat, 1-0 at home to Stoke City, will go down as a disappointment, especially as it involved a third straight late winner.

Just outside the bottom three, Arsenal - on one point - are joined by another London club, Fulham, who have not hit the ground running despite starting their season in the Europa League qualifiers in June.

Newly-promoted clubs Swansea City and Norwich are both on two points but the Swans have worryingly yet to score. Queens Park Rangers are a point better off after an impressive 1-0 win over Everton.

Championship
Table
FOR THE top of the Championship, read the top of League One last season.

Brighton & Hove Albion have once again taken their now-familiar place at the top of the table, followed like last season closely by Southampton.

Gus Poyet's Seagulls moved into their new 22,374-capacity Amex Stadium at the start of the campaign and it is fair to say that they have settled in well with four wins and a draw from their first five league and cup games.

Brighton can travel, too, with victories in both of their opening away Championship matches so far at Cardiff City and Portsmouth.

Southampton began their season with five straight league and cup wins but lost their perfect record to pre-season favourites Leicester City in a 3-2 loss on Saturday. That result was only enough to take Sven-Goran Eriksson's slow starters up to 10th place on seven points.

Meanwhile, just like the Saints, the Foxes' East Midlands rivals Derby County had a 100% league record until this weekend when they lost 2-1 at home to Burnley.

Nevertheless, 12 points from five games is still enough for Southampton and Derby to lie in second and third place.

Unbeaten Middlesbrough are fourth, just a point behind, but it looked as if the Teessiders were going top until a late Coventry City equaliser by Lukas Jutkiewicz.

In a move that would further damage the Sky Blues, Jutkiewicz has now been targeted by Boro boss Tony Mowbray whose young side have made a good start in their push for promotion.

London pair West Ham United and Crystal Palace round off the top six, on 10 points apiece, and the former looking particularly worthy of their fancied status in a 4-1 away thrashing of Nottingham Forest.

That humbling for Steve McClaren's men at the City Ground left Forest, who have made the playoffs for the past two seasons, in 18th place amid a group of unexpectedly poor starters.

Leeds United are 19th with just four points from five games after they suffered an Ipswich Town comeback for a third league defeat already this season.

Playoff final losers Reading also lost at the weekend, 1-0 to Hull City, to stay on four points, while Martin Taylor scored a last minute goal for Watford as the third-bottom Hornets rescued a 2-2 draw against fourth-bottom Birmingham City.

The job at St Andrews for Chris Hughton looks a lot tougher than his previous assignment in the Championship at St James with Newcastle United.

Watford, though, are not a surprise to see at the wrong end of the table after the summer departure of Danny Graham to Swansea City, nor is the identity of the other two teams in the bottom three.

Second-bottom Coventry City, on two points, and rock-bottom Doncaster Rovers, on just one, were widely tipped to struggle and have not proved their doubters wrong so far.

League One
Table
THE very existence of a League club in Milton Keynes may still rankle with some football fans but the Dons have given their own fans a treat so far this season.

Sam Baldock scored a hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Chesterfield before Karl Robinson's men followed that win up last weekend with a harder-fought 1-0 defeat of fellow promoted club Stevenage.

That win left the MK Dons on 13 points from five games but now Robinson and his team must deal with the chasing pack without Baldock who has flocked to West Ham United.

The worrying thing for Milton Keynes is that there are plenty of big names in the chasing pack looking ready to pounce.

Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United are also both on 13 points, in second and third place, after both enjoyed away wins at Bury and Yeovil Town respectively.

Preston North End are fourth after beating Notts County 2-0 for their third successive league win and the Lilywhites are joined on 10 points by surprise packages Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United.

Just outside the playoff places on nine points are Uwe Rosler's Brentford, who Tranmere beat 2-0 at Griffin Park at the weekend, and last season's beaten playoff finalists Huddersfield Town.

That represents a slow start for Lee Clark's side but, with two wins and three draws, the Terriers have now extended their unbeaten league record in 2011 to 30 matches.

By contrast, at the bottom, Leyton Orient cannot pick up a point to save their lives so far this season, starting their league campaign with five successive losses.

Chesterfield have also struggled - perhaps not as much as the 6-2 drubbing in Milton Keynes suggests, but the Spireites only point has came against Stevenage, who they went up with in May.

Rochdale and Bournemouth also make an appearance in the bottom four, on two points and three points respectively, as they struggle to match last season's fine top-10 finishes so far.

Finally, Scunthorpe United are another surprising name towards the bottom as they find life back in League One tough following last season's demotion from the Championship.

The 20th-placed Iron have taken just three points all season, each of them from drawn matches.

League Two
Table
ROTHERHAM UNITED began life after Adam le Fondre in style as a 3-0 win left them top of League Two with 13 points from their first five games.

Lower league goal-scoring machine le Fondre left the Millers last week to try his hand in the Championship with Reading.

But it mattered not to Andy Scott's men who scored three second half goals without reply to end the Gills' own unbeaten start.

Rotherham are one point clear of Morecambe who have wiped away the memory of last season's struggles by winning four of their first five, including a 2-0 win at Northampton Town on Saturday.

Pre-season favourites Crawley Town are third but relinquished top spot after a 3-1 defeat at sixth-placed Cheltenham Town.

Gillingham, in fourth, and Dagenham & Redbridge, in fifth, join Crawley on 10 points. Southend United's early burst at Port Vale helped the Shrimpers to a 3-2 win and nine points, level with Cheltenham.

If Southend's current performance proves nothing else, it shows that there can be life after administration, the Roots Hall club having had a couple of rough seasons.

But Plymouth Argyle remain in the eye of the storm and a 1-0 home defeat against Crewe Alexandra did nothing to lift the gloom at Home Park.

The Pilgrims, relegated from the Championship and League One in the last two seasons, now prop up League Two with just one point from five matches.

Hereford United are only one further point better off after their 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers left them as the only other side in the division without a win.

Crewe's sole victory over Plymouth lifted Alex to third-bottom and Paulo di Canio's Swindon Town also only on three points after Shrewsbury Town inflicted a worrying fourth successive league defeat.

Blue Square Premier
Table
GATESHEAD have made a fine start to the new season with five wins and a draw from their first six games to sit in second place on 16 points.

Led by the division's top scorer John Shaw, who already has seven goals, The Heed are only denied top-spot by Welsh club Wrexham.

Dean Saunders' Robins also have 16 points but with a better goal difference having beaten Tamworth 3-0 and Alfreton Town 4-1 inside the last week.

Kidderminster Harriers are in third place on 13 points after their August bank holiday victory over Newport County while Darlington and Tamworth are in fourth and fifth on 11 points.

York City dropped out of the playoff places after their surprise 1-0 defeat to Alfreton, a result which moved the Reds onto five points and off the bottom.

Alfreton were replaced there by Bath City who have taken just two points from six matches while Grimsby Town are second-bottom on four points as they struggle at the start of a second season outside the Football League.

Then comes newly-promoted Alfreton in the third-bottom place on five points with a whole host of other clubs including Kettering Town, Southport, Hayes & Yeading United, relegated Lincoln City, and Newport.