Classic Premiership Matches

June 9, 2009 by Aylesburyblue · 1 Comment
Filed under: Aylesburyblue Articles, Classic Matches 

Another match “from the archive.” Is there one you want to remind us of? Let us know here.

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Charlton Athletic vs Birmingham City 2003 – Sitting at the wrong end.

This game took place on Easter Saturday 2003 during our first season in the Premier League.  It’s memorable for me because I was living in South East London at the time just a short bus ride from the Valley.  I didn’t get to many games that season but this was one I wasn’t going to miss even though I couldn’t get a ticket in the away end.  Instead I got on the 54 bus and sat towards the bottom of the East Stand with the Charlton fans.

Blues went into this game with six points clear of the relegation zone after a comfortable home win against Sunderland.  They stuck with the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ front pairing of Christophe Dugarry and Geoff Horsfield with Damien Johnson joining Robbie Savage in midfield.  Blues started the game brightly creating some early openings and could have been awarded a penalty when Horsfield appeared to be tripped in the box.  It was mostly one way traffic and the breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Horsfield turned on the edge of box and pulled the ball back towards the near post where Dugarry flicked it in the back of the net with his heel.  It was a brilliant bit of skill but fortunately for me I didn’t have a great view of it so managed to resist the urge to jump up into the air which would have blown my cover amongst the Charlton faithful.

Charlton came back into the game at the start of the second half but the Blues defence held firm.  Then in the 55th minute Robbie Savage was put through by Horsfield and had a coming together with Chris Powell in the box.  To my surprise, and I had an excellent view of this one, the referee pointed to the spot.  Savage duly dispatched the penalty and while the fans around me were berating the referee I allowed myself a secret fist clench in celebration.  That made the game safe but there was one more great chance that nearly blew my cover.  Man of the match Horsfield played a one-two with Stern John to put himself clear but then fired the ball narrowly over the crossbar.  I instinctively raised my arms in anticipation of the net bulging but saved myself by swiftly moving into a big yawn.  Further chances for Horsfield and John could have made the win even more emphatic.

The game finished to chants of ‘The Blues are staying up!’ as I trudged out with the remaining Charlton fans trying my best to look unhappy.  Once outside my frown turned into a massive grin celebrating a good performance and an excellent three points.  I was also blessed to have had a chance to watch first hand the genius that was Christophe Dugarry.

Blues went on to win their next two games to secure their Premier League future with two games to spare.

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Classic Premiership Matches

May 25, 2009 by KevB8ll · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blues News, Classic Matches, Kev's Ramblings, Match reports, Matches 

This classic match, takes us back to the 30th of April 2005 when we played Blackburn at St Andrews.

We were already safe from relegation however emotions were running high because a certain Mr Savage decided to move further away, sorry closer to his parents. He decided to go to Blackburn.

Apparently there was some sort of agreement that Mr S wouldn’t play – a point denied by Blackburn – anyway he didn’t. (Coward ;-) ).

I think this was the period of time when we were probably playing our best football under Brucie, and the 1st half started with us having plenty of possession. I do remember that Blackburn were very physical and we didn’t get much protection from the ref. (Some things don’t change!)

If I remember correctly we hit the post in the first half, but it was Blackburn who struck first with a goal from Jonathan Stead. I was in the Main stand with my son, and I can remember there was one bloke who was NOT impressed. He shouted abuse at anyone he could. By the end of the first half I was  sure he was going to explode, we had several penalty appeals turned down. (Some things don’t change!)

The boos in the main stand as the officials went off, were very loud. I was a bit concerned because despite our possession, Blackburn looked quite organised at the back.

I remember us not starting the second half too well, and I feared for the health of the chap nearby. On the hour however, things changed. Bruce bought Blake on and within a minute he had scored to draw us level. Nearly exploding man went ballistic!!!! (Mind you most of us did :-D )

The crowd were straight onto things and the chant of the day was sung, One Robbie, there’s only one Robbie!!!

The second half progressed with both sides having chances. However, with 10 minutes to go Heskey scored the winner with a cracker 20-25 yards out.

Cue celebrations, nearly exploding man actually exploded and everyone went home happy.

There is a footnote to this. This was my sons first game at St Andrews. After the game, after speaking to security he had his photo taken sitting in Steve Bruce’s match seat and we had our picture taken together on the pitch. This was only the 2nd time I had ever been on the pitch in 35 years of supporting the Blues.

On the way out, we then met Mr Gold who was very friendly and interested in my son’s first visit to St Andrews.

That was my memorable match from the Premier League. Do you have one because of the game or because of something you experienced. If you would like it published here on J&S, contact us through the contact page.

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