Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started

Tag: Declan John

Wales Watch: Harry Wilson is on fire for Derby

Harry Wilson continued his superb goalscoring form for Derby by netting another 2 goals on the weekend against Swansea, including a wonder strike from 30 yards out. Wilson has now scored four goals in his last three appearances for Derby.

In the same match, Tom Lawrence also played 90 minutes, while Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, Dan James and Declan John all started for Swansea in the 2-1 loss against Derby.

James Chester scored again for Aston Villa as they had a shock 3-0 away victory against Middlesborough. Chester has now scored 3 goals in his last 7 games for Villa, a superb run of form for a central defender.

Although Unai Emery does not feel the need to start Aaron Ramsey, the Welsh talisman came on in the North London derby and played a huge part in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory. Ramsey was brought on at half time as Spurs went into the break 2-1 ahead, however the Welshman assisted Arsenal’s final two goals to secure the huge win. Ben Davies played 82 minutes for Spurs in the same match.

Wayne Hennessey kept a second clean sheet in two games for Crystal Palace in their 2-0 win against Burnley. Hennessey also picked up the player of the month award for Palace, voted for by the fans.

Christian Doidge and Lee Evans faced each other on Saturday as Bolton drew 1-1 with Wigan. Although Doidge played as a central striker, he saved Bolton their hard-earned point by clearing Evans’ strike off the line in the final minutes.

Wales regulars Chris Gunter and Joe Allen played 90 minutes on the opposing sides in Reading 2-2 Stoke. Ashley Williams came on for Stoke in the 89th minute.

And our foreign exports:Ā 

Despite not getting on the scoresheetĀ Gareth Bale was back in form for Real Madrid in their 2-0 win over Valencia. Matt Smith and James Lawrence both played 90 minutes for FC Twente and Anderlecht, respectively. Alex Babos came on in the last 15 minutes for Real Union in their 2-0 win against Real Sporting B.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive the latest updates on Welsh football.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ There were so many Welsh goal scorers in the weekend matches!

Advertisement

There were so many Welsh goal scorers in the weekend matches!

On Monday night, Matt Smith scored his first professional career goal for FC Twente against Jong AZ. Smith scored a volley in what happened to be the winning goal for his team.

Sam Vokes scored a stunning long-range header for Burnley against Newcastle, in what was the furthest headed finish for 3 seasons. Paul Dummett was not in the Newcastle squad.

Harry Wilson was on hand to score his third league goal for Derby on Saturday with an excellent volley in the 18 yard box. Ash Baker and Morgan Fox started for Sheffield Wednesday in the same game, both in full-back positions. Tom Lawrence was brought on for Derby for the last 15 mins.

Joe Allen also got his third of the season for Stoke City in a goalmouth scramble and Ashley Williams started in the same game at centre half.

Although he was absent from the Wales squad last week, Ben Davies was back in the Spurs starting 11 as they beat Chelsea 3-1 at home to go third in the Premier League, behind Manchester City and Liverpool.

Wayne Hennessey put in a stellar performance to keep a clean sheet at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Hennessey was tested throughout the game but made some excellent saves to earn Crystal Palace a 0-0 draw away from home.

Gareth Bale started for Real Madrid in their shock 3-0 loss away at Eibar. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey unfortunately continues to be used sporadically by Arsenal manager Unai Emery, only playing for 10 minutes on Sunday.

Swansea were hammered 4-1 at home by league leaders Norwich, but the main consolation was for Dan James, who tapped into an empty net for his first league goal for the Swans. Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts also started in the game, while Declan John was an unused sub.

After winning his first cap in midweek, Keiron Freeman grabbed an assist for Sheffield United on the weekend in their 2-2 draw with Rotherham. Ben Woodburn, who was absent from the Sheffield United squad again, put in an excellent display for Liverpool U23’s in a 1-0 win over Everton.

It was pleasing to see Chris Gunter back in the starting line up for Reading at right-back, following his record 93rd cap for Wales against Albania last week. Reading drew 0-0 with Wigan, for whom Lee Evans was an unused substitute.

James Chester and Neil Taylor both got 90 mins in the Second City Derby, as Aston Villa beat Birmingham 4-2 at home.Ā Chris Mepham withdrew from international duty before the Denmark game last Friday, but he was back in Brentford’s team on the weekend, losing to Tony Pulis’ Middlesborough 2-1 at home.

And finally, new Wales-cappedĀ James Lawrence came on as a sub in Anderlecht’s 4-2 loss against Saint-Truden.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive the latest updates on Welsh football.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ Wales v Denmark: Pre-match Press Conference
ā€¢ Wales Watch: Gwion Edwards, Hal Robson-Kanu and Joel Lynch among the goalsĀ 
ā€¢ Ryan Giggs speaks at the squad announcement ahead of Denmark and Albania
ā€¢ Wales Watch: James Chesterā€™s heroics were the highlight of the weekendĀ 

Wales Watch: James Chester’s heroics were the weekend’s highlight

James Chester put in an outstanding performance for Aston Villa on Friday night. He scored the second goal to seal a 2-0 win for the home side, but it was a phenomenal clearance off the line that wowed spectators everywhere.

Harry Wilson scored another free kick for Derby on the weekend. This time it wasn’t quite so impressive as it was heavily deflected, but they all count. Tom Lawrence played 90 mins in Derby’s 3-1 win.

Though Bournemouth lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United, David Brooks put in another strong 90 minutes for the Cherries from a no.10 position.

Gareth Bale went without a goal or assist in the 70 minutes he played for Real Madrid and Aaron Ramsey was only used as a second half substitute for Arsenal.

Paul Dummett played 90 minutes at left-back for Newcastle, as did Ben Davies for Spurs. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Sam Vokes played 72 minutes for Burnley, but they got beat 4-2 by West Ham.

There were clean sheets for Chris Mepham (Brentford), Ashley Williams (Stoke), Neil Taylor (Aston Villa) and Adam Davies (Barnsley).

It was a second assist in as many games for Dan James, but there was no clean sheet this time for Joe Rodon. Connor Roberts played for Swansea in the higher position on the right, Declan John still doesn’t make the match day 18.

George Thomas has become a regular for Scunthorpe since featuring for Wales last month and scored the second in a 3-3 draw, as well as setting up the first goal.

Chris Maxwell was sent off for the first time in his career after a second bookable offence for Preston. Wayne Hennessey was in goal for Crystal Palace’s 3-1 loss on Sunday and stopped Alvaro Morata getting his hat-trick in injury time.

Ben Woodburn returned to the Sheffield United side with a 10 minute substitute appearance. Chris Gunter came on for the last 5 minutes in Reading’s 3-2 win over Bristol City.

FC Twente’s Matt Smith was again on hand to put in another match winning performance in their 3-1 victory.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ The Welsh Wingers are on fire
ā€¢ Doidge opens his account for BoltonĀ 

Wales Watch: The Welsh wingers are on fire

It was a third goal in four games for Bournemouth winger David Brooks, who scored the second in a 3-0 victory against Fulham. The playmaker has been something of a revelation in recent times for Eddie Howe’s side after a goalless start to the season.

Paul Dummett kept a clean sheet at the back for Newcastle in a 0-0 draw with Southampton, as did Ashley Williams for Stoke as they beat Bristol City 1-0 away from home. Joe Allen assisted the only goal of the game with a headed pass.

There wasn’t much action for Aaron Ramsey, who only came on for the last 15 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Wayne Hennessey‘s Crystal Palace. Sam Vokes, who played an hour for Burnley, was part of the team that lost 4-0 at home to Chelsea.

Dan James continued his very impressive form on the left wing for Swansea, grabbing an assist for a second goal to seal a 2-0 win at home. Connor Roberts played in an advanced role on the right, Joe Rodon kept another clean sheet at the back and Declan John came on for the final few minutes in a rare appearance since joining in August.

Tom Lawrence and Harry Wilson played 90 minutes for Derby, but were unable to impact the scoreline of 1-1 with Tony Pulis’ Middlesborough side. Chris Maxwell and Andrew Hughes both played 90 minutes for Preston, as did Chris Mepham for Brentford, but neither could keep a clean sheet.

Ben Woodburn returned to the bench for Sheffield United and didn’t make an appearance, however, Keiron Freeman played 90 minutes in their 4-2 win against Wigan. Another Welsh full-back,Ā Morgan Fox popped up with an assist for his club Sheffield Wednesday, but they lost the game 3-1 against Birmingham.

Wes Burns netted his fourth of the season for Fleetwood, and 24-year-old right-back Liam Shepherd scored his second goal of the week for League Two team Forest Green.

Although coming close to scoring on Sunday, Gareth Bale‘s Real Madrid were beat emphatically in El Clasico at the Nou Camp 5-1. Another Welsh expat, Matt Smith, is having a much better time with FC Twente. The Dutch side won again on Friday, taking them to third place in the league table.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive the latest news regarding Welsh football.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ Doidge opens his account for Bolton
ā€¢ Match Report: Rep. of Ireland 0-1 WalesĀ 
ā€¢ Chris Mepham is ā€œlovingā€ his season with Wales and BrentfordĀ 

Ramsey and Brooks hit form at the perfect time

Bournemouth beat Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road on Saturday in their biggest away victory in the Premier League. David Brooks was key in Bournemouth’s victory, scoring the first goal after 14 minutes – his second goal in as many games. He was replaced on 70 minutes, but his overall contribution was magnificent; a perfect way to go into the international break with Wales.

Sam Vokes was another player to get his second in as many games in the Premier League. Burnley drew 1-1 with strugglers Huddersfield and Vokes managed the only goal for the home side with a guided header.

Aaron Ramsey was outstanding in his 25 minute cameo for Arsenal, scoring a world-class goal just 39 seconds into his appearance. He also assisted Aubameyang’s second goal for Arsenal to win 5-1. There is a slight doubt that he could miss either of Wales’ fixtures in the international break, due to his wife being very close to giving birth to twins. However, if he has a 39-second cap for Wales and does something as special as this, none of us will care!

Crystal Palace were fortunate not to concede more than one goal against Wolves on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of ex-Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Meanwhile, Ben Davies came on for the last few minutes in Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Cardiff at Wembley.

Ipswich Town’s Gwion Edwards scored his second goal for the club with a header in a 3-2 win over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and Dan James all played 90 minutes together for the first time this season for Swansea. Like Edwards, James was outstanding in his performance and at the moment, Wales are spoilt for choice with wingers. Although Declan John was called up for Wales this week, he didn’t make the match day squad. Rodon was called up for Wales after Paul Dummett withdrew on Saturday evening.

It was a slight worry to see Gareth Bale come off in the 80th minute with a precautionary injury in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss. It will soon be seen whether he will be fit enough to face Spain on Thursday, but Bale has still travelled to Wales to meet up with the national team regardless.

Tyler Roberts and Chris Mepham played against each other in a promotion-rivals clash. It finished all square at 1-1 and both will travel to the Wales camp in good form.

Derby’s Tom Lawrence played 78 minutes in a 1-1 draw away to QPR. Harry Wilson came on in the 54th minute but couldn’t grab the winner.

Chris Gunter was brought off at 77 minutes for Reading, whilst they were 3-1 against West Brom. Hal Robson-Kanu wasn’t brought on but the game finished comfortably for the Baggies with 4 goals scored.

Neil Taylor played his first 90 minutes in a while for Aston Villa against Millwall, as James Chester was suspended for his red card in the previous Villa match. Steve Morison came on for Millwall, Tom Bradshaw was an unused sub.

Joe Allen and Ashley Williams played 90 minutes together for Stoke in their 1-0 away win against Norwich. Preston pairing, Chris Maxwell and Andrew Hughes also played the full match together in their huge 4-0 victory against Wigan. Lee Evans was an unused sub for Wigan.

In League One, Ched Evans won and converted a penalty for Fleetwood in a 4-0 away win against Doncaster. There was another 4-0 away thumping in League One; Adam Davies captained Barnsley against Peterborough and Ryan Hedges was brought on for the last 15 minutes to see out the huge win for Barnsley.Ā Joe Jacobson also scored a penalty for Wycombe in their 2-1 win against Burton.

Matt Smith played 90 mins in FC Twente’s 1-1 away draw, while Real Union’s Alex Babos made a 10 minute appearance at the end of the match with Real Sociedad B.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive the latest news regarding Welsh football.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ Mitchell Clark “surprised” at not being named in the Wales U21 squad
ā€¢ Ryan Giggs announces his squad for the fixtures against Spain and Rep. of IrelandĀ 
ā€¢ Wales Watch: Tyler Roberts shines again for Leeds in midweekĀ 

Three Welsh players net their first club goals this season

Cardiff-born Andrew Hughes is doing all that he can to capture the attention of Ryan Giggs. The Preston left-back scored his first goal for the club from a free kick after signing in the summer. With Paul Dummett currently injured and other left-backs Neil Taylor and Declan John not getting regular football, Hughes could be in contention for his first international call up next week.Ā Chris Maxwell was in goal for Preston but couldn’t stop West Brom scoring three goals to win the game 3-2.

It was the perfect day for Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium as they beat QPR 3-0. Connor Roberts scored his first goal for the club, following his first career goal just three weeks ago for Wales. Joe Rodon kept his place at the back and could be another player to earn his first Wales senior call up. Daniel James was an unused substitute for the Swans.

Tyler Roberts maintained his good form with Leeds as they drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday. Roberts played the full match and bagged an assist for the stunning Leeds equaliser. Ash Baker played an hour for Sheff Weds at left back.

It was a first goal of the season for Sam Vokes, who headed in Burnley’s winner against Cardiff to win 2-1. Jazz Richards was an unused substitute for Cardiff in the same game.

Keiron FreemanĀ is another player who will be looking to impress Ryan Giggs ahead of upcoming internationals, as he remains first-choice right-back for Sheffield United. He played 90 mins in a dramatic 3-2 away win against Millwall, where veteran Steve Morison captained the home side. Tom Bradshaw was an unused sub for Millwall and Ben Woodburn was not in the 18 for Sheff Utd.

Ashley Williams and Joe Allen started together in the Stoke team for the first time this month, but were unable to guide the team to their third league victory of the season. Stoke conceded two goals again and sit in 17th position after drawing 2-2 with 18th placed Rotherham.

Brentford’s Chris Mepham and Reading’s Chris Gunter played 90 minutes against each other on Saturday in a game that finished 2-2 at Griffin Park. Meanwhile, Derby’s Harry Wilson couldn’t quite match the excellent level he displayed at Old Trafford in midweek against Man Utd. Derby lost against Bolton 1-0 away from home and Tom Lawrence made his first appearance for The Rams after returning from suspension. Christian Doidge came on for the final 15 minutes for Bolton.

James Chester played his regular 90 minutes for Villa, but failed to keep a clean sheet again. The game finished 1-1 with Bristol City and Marley Watkins appeared for a few minutes to see out the match.

Lee Evans‘ Wigan lost 1-0 away from home against Norwich, where Louis Thompson made a second half appearance in midfield for the Canaries. Evans is a likely candidate to be called up next week because Andy King and Joe Ledley are not getting any first team football currently.

Aaron Ramsey will have been massively disappointed to be taken off after an hour for Arsenal. The breakdown in contract negotiations became public news this week and will have no doubt influenced Emery’s decision in the game to bring Ramsey off early. Ramsey is rumoured to move to Serie A, either in January for a fee or next summer when his contract finishes.

It was a slight worry to see Gareth Bale brought off at half time in the Madrid derby for what was thought to be a minor muscular injury. Here’s hoping he is fit for the matches against Spain and Rep. of Ireland in a couple of weeks.

In League One, Adam Matthews came on very early in the first half for Sunderland as they drew 1-1 with Coventry. Adam Davies remains as Barnsley no.1 and played 90 mins in their 3-1 win against Fleetwood. Tom Lockyer came off injured after 38 minutes for Bristol Rovers.

Alex Babos made his first appearance for Spanish Segunda side Real Union on Sunday evening, coming on in the 76th minute. 18-year-oldĀ Matt Smith played in central midfield in FC Twente’s 2-1 comeback win.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢ Wales Watch: Harry Wilson shows his quality in the League Cup
ā€¢ Wales Watch: Ramsey and Wilson hit formĀ 
ā€¢ Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek gamesĀ 
ā€¢ Club football restarts: Welsh player updatesĀ 

Tyler Roberts was the star player of the midweek games

It was a night to remember for Tyler Roberts on Tuesday night. Roberts ensured he marked his second introduction with two brilliant second-half goals, following his debut appearance for Leeds on the weekend. The first finish was a delightful chip over the keeper to go 2-0 ahead, and the second was a trademark striker’s header to finish 3-0.

Real Madrid comfortably beat Roma 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and Gareth Bale was once again amongst the goals. He scored Madrid’s second of the night by running on to a world class pass from Luka Modric and finishing into the bottom corner.

Swansea lost their second game of the season, thanks to ex-Swansea graduate Joe Allen. It is rare that Allen scores for Stoke, but this was a vital win against his former club. Swansea only kept Connor Roberts in the team from Saturday, as Joe Rodon and Declan John were dropped to the bench. Welsh winger, Daniel James played 72 minutes for the Swans.

James Chester captained Aston Villa to successfully attaining their first clean sheet of the season. After playing 90 minutes against Blackburn on the weekend, Neil Taylor was dropped from the squad of 18 altogether. Chris Gunter got another 90 mins for Reading but failed to keep a clean sheet.

Ben Davies was back in the Tottenham side for their first Champions League game against Inter Milan on Tuesday. Spurs conceded two very late goals to lose the game 2-1 at the San Siro.

Chris Mepham got his usual 90 minutes for Brentford in their 1-1 draw against Ipswich. He came up against Ellis Harrison, who was brought off at half time and Gwion Edwards was brought on for the second 45.

Lee Evans bagged another assist for Wigan in their 2-1 win against Hull. Evans missed out on the Wales squad this month, but delivering balls into the box like this will ensure he stays in Giggs’ plans.

Harry Wilson returned from injury to play 20 minutes for Derby in their 0-0 result against Blackburn. Tom Lawrence was suspended and Joe Ledley wasn’t in the squad.

Welsh full-backs Ash Baker and Morgan Fox both got 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday in a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground.

Tom Bradshaw was replaced at half time by Steve Morison in Millwall’s 2-0 loss against QPR. Millwall have only scored 7 goals in 8 games this season and sit 21st in the Championship table.

It has been a tough start to the season for young Welshman Ben Woodburn, who was unable to impact the scoreline again in Sheffield Utd’s goalless draw on Wednesday night. Sheff Utd face 23rd placed Preston on Saturday afternoon, which will hopefully provide a great opportunity for Ben to make his mark at Bramall Lane.

Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu were both left out of the Arsenal and Chelsea squads for their Europa League ties on Thursday evening.

Follow the blog on Twitter to receive all of the latest updates.

ReadĀ more:
ā€¢Ā Cardiff suffer defeat for the third time this season: Video analysis
ā€¢ Club football restarts: Welsh player updatesĀ 
ā€¢ Denmark 2-0 Wales: Video analysisĀ 
ā€¢ Wales 4-1 Rep. of Ireland: Video analysis of the four Welsh goalsĀ 
ā€¢ Are we witnessing the birth of another ā€˜golden generationā€™?Ā