Saints Go Marching On

'You shall not pass'- St Helens stand firm yet again as they win at Warrington

Last night St Helens recorded their second consecutive win as their upturn in fortunes continued under interim duo Mike Rush and Kieron Cunningham. Another impressive display earned Rush's side a 28-10 victory over the Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Two wins in a row since Simmons departure

After thumping current champions the Leeds Rhinos 40-6 last week, St Helens form continued as they made it two wins from two since the departure of  previous Head Coach Royce Simmons (right) as they beat current table toppers Warrington.

This rejuvenated St Helens side raced into a 22-0 lead in only 23 minutes as Warrington were stunned by the aggressive and intense forward play of St Helens. Wolves coach Tony Smith must have wonder was was happening to his team. A brace from Paul Wellens, and tries from Ade Gardener and Francis Meli and conversions from Jonny Lomax put Saints in a commanding position and leaving the Wolves a mountain to climb. Warrington seems to be panicking as they continued to make mistakes and handling errors. Their mistakes presented more chances for Saints who continued to push forward. St Helens had many more chances for points however failed to take them, notably when Sia Sollila crossed however failed to control the ball and apply adequate downward pressure.

Hodgson gave Warrington hope at the break

This could have been a turning point and when Brett Hodgson scored just before the break, Warrington had hope. Hodgson converted the try to make it 22-6 at the break. It seemed that maybe just maybe the comeback was on. This was even more so when Joel Monaghan crossed 6 minutes after the break and Warrington were well and truly back in the game.  However the Warrington onslaught which was expected any really came as St Helens defended resiliently and only a few times did Warrington truly trouble them. The points were sealed as Solliola scored Saints' five try of the game. Solliola powerfully smashed his way through despite the attempts of Warrington pair Chris riley and Chris Hill. Lomax converted and the game was over and Warrington were condemned to their first defeat since June of last year. Warrington did have the final say with a try on the hooter as Ryan Atkins scored. This defeat costing the Wolves top spot as Huddersfield returned to the summit of the Stobart Super League table after beating Leeds at Headingley 22-12.

On this form St Helens are very dangerous and I expect their rise up the table to continue. For Tony Smiths' Warrington I think they will bounce back, no doubt, and do not envy Widnes who whom they meet on Thursday. This one could be a long night for Widnes and a difficult watch for coach Denis Betts. 

This year's Super League is looking fantastic as so many great games have already been seen and we are only a couple of months into the season. With so much to come it is all set up for another enthralling year of Rugby League

 Fridays Nights Results in Full:

Castleford	34 - 30 (18 - 16)	Hull K R
Tries: Griffin, Youngquest 2, Owen, Dixon, Orr		Tries: Welham 3, Hodgson, Withers
Goals: Dixon 5		Goals: Dobson 5

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Hull	24 - 18 (12 - 6)	Bradford
Tries: Horne 2, Manu, Briscoe		Tries: Lulia, Pryce, Bateman
Goals: Tickle 4		Goals: Sammut 3

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Leeds	12 - 22 (6 - 12)	Huddersfield
Tries: Hardaker, Leuluai		Tries: Crabtree, Chan, Eden, McGillvary
Goals: Sinfield 2		Goals: Brough 3

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Salford	20 - 40 (8 - 30)	Wigan
Tries: Holdsworth, Williams, Patten, James		Tries: Goulding 2, Charnley, Tomkins 2, Carmont, Farrell, Russell
Goals: Holdsworth 2		Goals: Charnley 4

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Warrington	16 - 28 (6 - 22)	St Helens
Tries: Hodgson, Monaghan, Atkins		Tries: Gardner, Wellens 2, Meli, Soliola
Goals: Hodgson 2		Goals: Lomax 4

Weekend Tips

Bore draw predicted at Brighton's Amex Stadium 

Well the last two weeks have brought me little joy as winners seem very hard to come by. This week is extremely tough. In the football it is getting to the end of the season and so strange results are happening as teams are fighting for their lives. As a result when looking through the fixtures it is tough to pick. Although one game has draw written all over it. I few weeks ago I tipped Birmingham/ Middlesborough to be a draw and ended up 3-0 to Birmingham however this week I am sure this one will be a draw. Gus Poyet's Brighton and Middlesborough both score nor let in many goals. As a result I think it will be either 0-0, 1-0, 0-1 or 1-1. Also will both sides seeking promotion and play-offs there is so much on this one that a draw is a logical result. I feel neither will go for the win. Therefore 12-5 (SkyBet) the draw is well worth a punt and is my bet of the day. A longshot is that of Manchester City/Sunderland. I have a feeling this one will not be as straight forward as many are suggesting. At 14-1 (SkyBet) Sunderland are a great price and worth a gamble. The rails I feel are coming off at City and Sunderland is a team no one wants to play.

On the horses it is the beginning of the flat-season and so no real form to go on and many unknowns being seen for the first time. As with last week I will leave the horses alone as just sit and watch.  However if you are betting on the horses the stand out is My Boy Bill in the @Doncaster. At 10-1 with SkyBet is is well worth a go. I expect some big winners on the horses. Also when in doubt stick with the old timers such as Kyllachy Star and The Cheka as they are over run during the season however here is their first outing so maybe worth a few pounds each-way. Also a winning fro me is that of Artic Cosmos, so superior to the small field in the 2.20 at Kempton and for me a cert short price winner.

Football:
Bet of the game: Brighton/ Middlesborough draw @12/5 (SkyBet)

Longshot: Sunderland to beat Manchester City at 14/1

Horse Racing:
Each-Way- 3.50@Doncaster- My Boy Bill @10/1 (SkyBet)
Win- 2.20@Kempton- Artic Cosmos @5/4 (SkyBet)

Rugby League:
Wigan, Saints, Leeds treble @8-1 (SkyBet)

Good luck with all your bets. Hopefully I have predicts some wins here.

Weekend Tips

So last week was a disaster with only the Rugby Union bets winning (that of the England/Wales double at 4-1). It was a good price and hope you had it. This week presents a very difficult week for gambling. The football is tough to call as when you get to this stage of the season strange results happen. However I expect all the Premier League big guns to be fine and the big game between Chelsea and Tottenham to be a draw @12/5 with SkyBet.

The horse-racing is another tough one as the flat season is starting again and so for many this is the first run of the season. As a result there is no form of real note. Therefore there is a case for just watching today and seeing how they run. For the most part I will be watching however there are a couple possibly worth a punt.

Football:

Poyet faces tough trip the the City Ground.

Outside single bet: Nottingham Forest to beat Brighton @ 23/20 with Skybet. Forest had a fantastic result in midweek and will be brimming with confidence for this one. However Gus Poyet's (right) Brighton are on good form but away from home they are vulnerable. Therefore I would back Forest for this one.

Win Multiple : Arsenal, Manchester United, Swansea, Middlesborough, Southampton @ 6/1 with SkyBet

Horse Racing: 

Win bet:  5.10 @Lingfield - Right Stuff @7/2 with Skybet. Tipping Ryan Moore to win here.

Each-way 4.00 @Lingfield- Dubai Dynamo @13/2 with SkyBet. The best female rider, Hayley Turner is onboard as I expect I decent run from this tough horse.

Rugby League:
Win accumulator: Leeds, Huddersfield Bradford, Catalan and the bumper Castleford @12/1 with SkyBet

Good luck with all your bets. Hopefully I will be far more successful then last week.

Weekend Tips

So another weekend is here and more chances for money to be made. Last week we had a good weekend the bet of the day winning as Sunderland beat Liverpool, this two with the other prediction of Everton beating Tottenham.  Hope you had one of those. However elsewhere Stevenage let down our accumulator and the horses were a disaster.

Dull game predicted for Mowbray's side at St Andrews

This week the Premier League action is limited with only four matches due to the FA Cup however on the plus there are some bumper mid-week fixtures so something to look forward to during the week. This week I would leave the FA Cup alone and just focus on league action. This week for me there is no real stand out bet as there has been in previous weeks. As a result win accumulator and goals accumulator are the way to good. The only one is the game in the Championship between Chris Hughton's Birmingham City and Tony Mowbray's (right) Middlesborough. The game has draw written all over it for me, and @12-5 (SkyBet) could be worth a small punt.

Football:

Win Accumulator: Southampton, Southend, Cheltenham, Sheffield Utd @10-1 (SkyBet)

Goals Accumulator: Ipswich/Peterborough, Notts County/Sheffield Wednesday, Bury/Wycombe, Hartlepool/Stevenage @ 7-1 (Sky  Bet)

Horse Racing:

It has been a fantastic week at Cheltenham and the standard of the racing has been superb. Some fantastic performances and an incredible win for Synchronised and Champion Jockey AP McCoy in the Gold Cup on Friday. This weekened action is not of the same caliber but there are some interesting one there.

Each-way bet: Kempton 2.50-  Soundbyte @12-1 (SkyBet). First ride for this one this season however he is a good horse and one who has won at Kempton before over a similar distance. Is one to watch for the season,

Win bet: Newcastle 2.35- Stormy Weather @3-1 (SkyBet). Beaten favourite last time out however this horse is class and who is constantly improving.

Rugby League: 

This week I cannot see any other outcome then this. Short price but should be a win.

Wins for: St Helens, Hull, Catalan, Wigan, Warrington @ 8/11

Rugby Union:

Wales to beat France and England to beat Ireland @6/5 double (SkyBet)

Wales to win by 6-10 points @4-1 (SkyBet)

Good luck with all your bets this week.

Masterful McCoy in sync as Synchronised wins Cheltenham Gold Cup

McCoy surges to the front as Synchronised wins
the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Earlier today Tony McCoy produced one of the best rides I have ever seen as he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on board Jonjo O'Neill trained Synchronised. The 9-1 shot former Welsh national winner stormed to the front coming up the hill past the 50-1 outsider The Giant Bolster and 7/4 favourite Long Run to win by 2 and 1/4 lengths.

After a rather slow start Synchronised was in need in constant coaxing from McCoy who was working on the horse for the entire race. He settled at the rear as all eyes focused on the brief appearance of Kauto Star. However Synchronised always looked in trouble. With Kauto Star being pulled up the race opened up although Synchronised looked beaten as was flat to the boards four  furlongs from home however when the 2010 Sports Personality of the Year McCoy in in the saddle you can never write him off. Even Richard Hoiles, commentator on Racing UK, quoted that 'Synchronised again is just found wanting for pace'. Synchronised a notorious stayer was resilient as he battled his way into contention and once he came to the last in line there is no one better as a finisher then McCoy, you knew that if he got level he would win as he is so strong in the finish. Long Run had nothing as Synchronised glided past to earn a sensational win. Possibly the greatest jump-jockey of all time and year in year out McCoy proves why he deserves such a title. Champion Jockey 16 years in a row and looks a cert to make it 17 he really is the best. This this second Gold Cup McCoy seems to get better ever year as he looks forward to the chance of gaining a second Grand National next month. I am sure that any other jockey then McCoy would not have won this race with Synchronised. At no stage before the last fence did Synchronised look to have a chance. A truly magical day and incredible race at Cheltenham.

Synchronised now looks set for the Grand National in April.

All week the talk of Cheltenham has been about the Gold Cup and the battle between the great Kauto Star and last years winner Long Run. However it was a miserable day for them both. Long Run was found wanting again however the saddest part of the day was the pulling up of the great Kauto Star. Kauto started well however began to drop back and before long it become clear that he was in real trouble. As he trudged off the huge Cheltenham crowd cheered the great horse. Personally I blame Trainer Paul Nicholls for this. Two weeks ago the said he was a doubt. Now it was clear he was not fit. Therefore why was he run? I know it is the Gold Cup however people have backed that horse. The bookmakers have taken in thousands on that horse. It is completely unfair as these people have been misled into thinking he was ready to run. I hope that he does not retire and that this horse will be seen again as he has proved earlier this year just how good he really is. (Check out the entire Gold Cup race in full below)

It has been an absolutely incredible week at Cheltenham with the standard of races being very high every single day. Some outstanding performances from the likes of the Big Bucks, Rock on Ruby, Quevega ,Salsify and 40-1 outsider Une Artiste to name bit a few. The week had it all. Barry Geraghy was the top jockey with 5 wins including Finians Rainbow and Riverside Theatre and Nicky Henderson becomes the most successful trainer with 44 Cheltenham Festival wins.

Hope you had some winners this week.

Champions League Final set up for all Spanish clash

Where is it heading this year?

This mornings Champions League draw has presented the opportunity for the two spanish giants of Real Madrid and Barcelona to be lining up against each other at the Alliantz Area in Munich on the 19th May.  Obviously this is not a certainty and Bayern Munich who home ground is the Alliantz Area will be eager to be there and after their demolition of FC Basel they are certainly a contender.

Can anyone stop Messi?

Barcelona have drawn AC Milan in the quarters in the stand out tie of the draw. They met in the group stage and played out two very entertaining matches, with Barcelona winning 3-2 at the San Siro and it being a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. I expect these two matches to be similar after the way that both sides play. Milan will need all their big players to be at their best in this one. The likes of Robinho, Kevin Prince-Boateng, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato will need to cause Barcelona trouble if they are to progress. However personally I cannot see Barcelona struggling in this one. Milan second leg performance against Arsenal was poor and I know they had a four goal lead however they were dismal. They will be found out by Barcelona and can see them being on the end of a classic Barcelona hammering. For many Barcelona are the best team in the world and after seeing this draw I cannot see them not making the final. The irrepressible Lionel Messi (above right) will have a field day if Milan are as open as they were against Arsenal. With 12 goals already in this competition Milan must be afraid of this man who is quite simply the best in the world. Beating Milan will lead them to either Chelsea or Benfica. Neither of which will worry them in the slightest.

Can Di Matteo save Chelsea's season? 

Chelsea the only English representative left and have been drawn against Benfica. This is definitely a winnable fixture and one that I am sure they will feel confident going into.  Their performance against Napoli was one that Chelsea fans have rarely seen this season. However I am still not convinced by them and will be interested to see their next two games in the FA cup and then a massive premier league battle against Manchester City next wednesday. Roberto Di Matteo (left) I think will have trouble with the egos of the dressing room. The image of John Terry shouting orders from the touchline on wednesday night was perfect image of how Chelsea works. The player power is enormous. You would never see any Manchester United or any player from any team doing that no matter how passionate/experienced that player may be. Despite what they say the players did get Andre Villas Boas  the sack it was clear to see. In fact it made for rather disgusting viewing. I have never been a John Terry fan and have previously expressed my views of the person he is, and for me is a major problem for Chelsea along with the others. Chelsea remind me of Real Madrid a few years ago when they won nothing and managers were constantly sacked due to player power, notably from Raul. However on the pitch Chelsea have progressed and I expect an interesting tie against Benfica. As with many Portuguese sides the away leg is key. At home I think Chelsea must and will win. If they can come back from Benfica with either a 0-0, 1-1 or even 2-1 down I would still have faith that they will win and progress to the semis. However I have no confidence in them going any further then that.

The  'special one' eyes more success

The other side of the draw sees two, for me, straight forward ties. Although it sets up a fantastic semi-final. Bayern Munich are the only team who can trouble either of the Spanish duo. Neither Apoel or Marseille will trouble these two European giants of Munich and Madrid. This Bayern team play with real style and have plenty of class through the likes of Robben and Muller. They are on scintillating goalscoring form recording seven goals in their last two home wins over Hoffenheim and FC Basel in the past week. However they will need to be even better to beat a well drilled and organised Madrid side coach by the 'special one' Mourinho (left). Madrid are currently 10 points clear in La Liga and looking certain to win the title for the first time since 2008. Their squad is superb and in Ronaldo have one of the World's best. It is set to be a magnificent two games.

Quarter Final Draw: (ties to be played on 27/28 March and 3/4 April)

Apoel Nicosia v Real Madrid

Marseille v Bayern Munich

AC Milan v Barcelona

Benfica v Chelsea

Semi-Final Draw: (ties to be played on 17/18 April and 24/25 May)

Marseille/Bayern Munich vs Apoel Nicosia/Real Madrid

Benfica/Chelsea vs AC Milan/Barcelona

Napoli left stunned as Chelsea progress

Last night Chelsea produced a display of grit, determination and resilience as they completed an emphatic comeback to win 5-4 (aet) on aggregate and progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Branislav Ivanovic was the hero with the goal in extra-time after a well worked move, in which Drogba turned brilliantly before finding Ivanovic whose finished with real power past De Sanctis.

'Pick that out' - Ivanovic smashes home in extra time

After early pressure by Napoli the game changed and in the 29th minute as Drogba made it 1-0 with a powerful header. From this moment on Chelsea began to dominate the game. Early in the second half Terry made it two with another headed goal. At 2-0 it was enough to see Chelsea through due to their away goal however only 7 minutes later Gokan Inler fired a 20-yard strike past the helpless Petr Cech to put Napoli in the lead again. Chelsea however did not crumble as I thought, they fought back piling on the pressure. Napoli were struggling and gave away a penalty in the 75th minute to which Frank Lampard cooly stepped up to hammer home. Napoli were increasing on the back foot and rarely a chance came their way. Into extra-time and Napoli looked spent. They were visibly tiring by the second as Chelsea continued to pour forward.  Fernando Torres almost scored however was unable to convert as his time without a goal heads past the 25 hour mark. Then after a terrific turned and cross by Drogba, Ivanovic rifled home to send Stamford Bridge into euphoria.  

After a poor display in the first leg I felt that Chelsea had very little chance of progressing. Their performances in the League were poor and the team looked disinterested and lacking confidence. However since the sacking of Andre Villas Boas they seem to have a new lease of life, a willingness, a drive to succeed.

Di Matteo showed a lack of class

Chelsea's celebrations at the end were that of pure delight however if not somewhat unsavoury. Roberto Di Matteo (left) went running on the pitch, jumping of players in deight. This only days after the man who brought him to the club was sacked. To me this showed a real lack of class on Di Matteo's part. For me no matter what the likes of Frank Lampard and John Terry say the players did get Andre Villas Boas the sack. It was evident. Where was the fight against West Brom that they showed yesterday? answer nowhere. Yesterday there was a key moment where ITV showed the touchline where none other then John Terry was barracking orders at the players. Even ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley stated 'by the way if case you were wondering the man in the suit is the manager'. Now I know people will say he is just passionate however this is appalling. I do not care how experienced, how passionate you are no player from any other team would do this. Could you imagine a Manchester United or City player standing behind Ferguson or Mancini shouting instructions? I do not know what was worse the complete lack of respect by Terry or the lack of backbone by Di Matteo not to say anything.  For me it shows who runs Chelsea and as with Real Madrid a few years ago its the players. I do feel for Villas Boas as they were not with him and I agree with him that the old guard need to leave Chelsea. Despite this result and whatever they achieve this season they need to leave for Chelsea to progress. This is why Di Matteo must also go as he is not the man to rebuild this team. 

So this performance left me wondering and probably what many Chelsea fans thought as where has that performance been this season? Is Chelsea's season to be saved as the fans look at a top four place and FA Cup and  Champions League success will optimism? This is all still to be seen, however one thing is for sure on this form and this attitude Chelsea are definitely ones to watch. Personally I think they will fall short but they have proven me wrong before.

The draw for the quarter finals of the Champions League is on Friday.

Weekend Tips

So I had an indifferent week last week with the bets. The bet of the day won as I  correctly predicted a win for West Brom and @ 3/1 it was a great one. However elsewhere we were unlucky due to Van Persie 90th minute goal and Back Bob Back coming in second. I will be hoping for better this week. It is a big week coming up with Cheltenham starting on tuesday so it will be an exciting week.

Back O'Neill for another upset 

Two football fixture stands out this week. One is that of Sunderland at home to Liverpool. O'Neill (right) has done wonders at Sunderland and I expect this run to continue. It will be a tough game for Liverpool and there inability to score will hurt them again. I am going to be bold and back a Sunderland win however the draw also look a good bet. At 3/1 it is too good a price not to give it a go.

The second is that of the late game between Everton and Tottenham. Everton are playing very well and at Goodison always prove difficult opponents and  @ 9/5 it is very tempting. Tottenham need to recover after last weeks defeat by Manchester United but I think they will struggle again.

Football:

Bet of the day: Sunderland to beat Liverpool @3/1 (SkyBet). Continued success for O'Neill as liverpool continue to struggle.

Multiple wins: MK Dons, Wrexham, Stevenage and Southampton @4/1 (SkyBet)

Racing:

Each-way bet: 2.50 at Ayr - Artic Night @8/1 (SkyBet)

Win bet: 3.05 at Cheptow- Minella Stars @11/10 (SkyBet)

Good Luck with your bets. 

Weekend Tips

This weekend presents another opportunity to back more winners. With a full football fixture list and racing from Newbury and Doncaster today chances are a plenty to pick more winners.

Football:

West Brom to add to Chelsea's misery

Two Saturday Premier League fixtures stick out for me. Blackburn at home to Villa looks worth a gamble. Blackburn are 11-8 (SkyBet) for the home win and I will be taking this. The other game is that of West Brom/Chelsea. A terrific result last week for Roy Hodgson's (Left) West Brom and I think them winning this one is great odds (3-1 with SkyBet) . Despite Chelsea's win last week I am still not convinced by them. This is be a tough one for them. The big match between Arsenal and Liverpool will be close and for me a draw (11-5 SkyBet).

On Sunday, I predict a very tough tyne-wear derby with Newcastle just having another to win (11-10 SkyBet). However the huge game between Spurs and Manchester United will be a draw for me at 12-5 (SkyBet).

Accumulator Wins: Man City, Sheffield United, Cheltenham and Crawley at 3.5-1 (SkyBet) looks good to me.

Bet of the Day: West Brom 3-1 with SkyBet.

Longshot of the day: Three Draws -> Stoke/Norwich, Wigan/Swansea and QPR/Everton

Horse Racing :

Each -Way -> Mad Max in the 3.10 at Newbury (8-1 with SkyBet)

Win -> Back Bob Back in the 4.55 at Newbury (9-2 with SkyBet)

Good luck with your bets this week.