The Sporting Hack

England 1-0 Sweden England wrapped up a pleasing 2011 in satisfactory fashion by beating Sweden 1-0 just days after defeating world champions Spain. The sparsely populated crowd at Wembley witnessed Gareth Barry’s 23 rd minute header brush Daniel Majstorovic to record England’s 2000 th international goal. In truth there was little else to celebrate as Fabio Capello reshuffled his pack dramatically from Saturday’s win to see his side get the better of the Swedes for the first time in over 40 years. Kyle Walker’s full international debut – alongside returning skipper John Terry - was one to savour for the Spurs right back (above) who has as good a chance as anyone of cementing his place in that position in time for next summer. Walker’s link up play with Theo Walcott showed signs of promise and looked far more inventive and fruitful than messrs Baines and Downing’s efforts on the opposite side. The Merseyside based players seem to lack an extra gear with which to step up to...

Leeds United 0-5 (five) Blackpool Npower Championship Elland Road Att: 22423 Blackpool loanee midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (left) bagged a hat-trick as Ian Holloway’s men ran riot in West Yorkshire to inflict one of Leeds United’s heaviest ever league defeats. The Bloomfield Road outfit leapfrogged the hosts – who have now lost only twice in 10 league games. Former Tangerine’s boss Simon Grayson was helpless as he watched a first half horror show from his keeper Paul Rachubka – who was consequently substituted at half time. Rachubka, who is deputising in the absence of first choice Andy Lonergan, was unable to hold on to Shelvey’s 14 th minute drive and spilled in to the path of debutant forward Lomana Lua Lua who tapped home from eight yards. Scottish veteran Barry Ferguson caught the eye with his passing, however it was England under-21 Shelvey whose performance that will make people sit up and take note. His first came courtesy of a retaken spot kick which was awarded after...

Doncaster Rovers 1-3 Middlesbrough Npower Championship Keepmoat Stadium Att: 9792 The tragic loss of Doncaster striker Billy Sharp’s two day old son invariably dominated proceedings and occupied the thoughts of everyone through the evening. The game itself was settled by Scottish midfielder Barry Robson, whose double lifted Middlesbrough to third and ensured Doncaster sank to the foot of the Championship. Amid a backdrop of boos for Doncaster’s latest recruit El Hadji Diouf from Boro fans, there was a united and sympathetic approach to Sharp’s situation, with both sets of supporters admiring and applauding his bravery for even playing. It was perhaps fitting that after 14 minutes, Sharp (above) scored the first – and arguably best goal of the night - a left footed volley which flew over Jason Steele and prompted the goalscorer to display a printed message on a t-shirt which poignantly read: “THAT’S FOR YOU, SON.” Middlesbrough showed their resilience however, and prov...