2021/22 FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW - SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2022

 

The draw for the Emirates FA Cup fifth round proper will be made on Sunday 6 February 2022, before the fourth round tie between Liverpool and Cardiff City. That match will kick off at noon so the draw will be around 11:40am a far cry from the regular Monday night slot it used to occupy. Former Manchester United and Newcastle United striker Andrew Cole is given the role of pulling out the balls under the watchful eye of host Seema Jaswal.

The FA having scrapped replays in rounds three and four this season now we have reached the fifth round there will still be no more replays now a decision that was made some time ago now. So all games to be decided on the night. 

In the UK the BBC / ITV will now share the broadcasts of the FA Cup ties, this arrangement will continue until the 2024-25 season at least. BBC Sport will show 18 Live matches per season, with highlights of the FA Community Shield. BBC Sport has second and third picks of matches in the Second Round, Fourth Round and the Quarter Finals, as well as first and fourth pick of matches the First, Third and Fifth Rounds, and first pick of the Semi-finals.

ITV Sport will show at least 20 live matches per season, plus live coverage of the FA Community Shield. ITV has first pick and fourth pick of matches in the Second Round, Fourth Round and the Quarter Finals, as well as second and third picks for the First, Third and Fifth Rounds and second pick of the Semi-finals.

My team AFC Wimbledon got beaten by non league Boreham Wood in round three so I've no longer a personal interest. The #1 ball will be Crystal Palace who saw off Hartlepool while other notable clubs to look for include holders Leicester City (#14) who play on Sunday against Nottingham Forest Forest won that 4-1!) while Premier League leaders Manchester City (#15) beat Fulham 4-1, Liverpool (who played Cardiff Sunday) (#12) plus Chelsea (#7) and West Ham (#9) who both had to survive a scare on the weekend winning 2-1 in extra time to progress. The shock of the weekend coming in the final tie when Boreham Wood defeated Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium to set up a trip against Everton.

The full fifth round draw will appear here during Sunday lunchtime as the ties are confirmed ... These fifth round ties will be played in the week commencing Monday 28th February 2022 according to the FA Website, with winning clubs picking up £180,000 from the competition prize fund. 
Fifth Round Draw
    Luton Town  vs  Chelsea

    Crystal Palace  vs  Stoke City

    Peterborough United  vs  Manchester City

    Liverpool  vs  Norwich City

    Southampton  vs  West Ham United

    Middlesbrough   vs  Tottenham Hotspur

    Nottingham Forest  vs  Huddersfield Town

    Everton  vs  Boreham Wood

Let's see how this plays out later on Sunday. If your side is still involved in the competition then good luck. All the best.

KEMPTON PARK FLOODLIT HORSE RACING 2022 - MEETING #4 WEDNESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse as we begin 2022 with a fresh season of Wednesday evening meetings on the all weather flat track under the lights. We had a decent 2021 here on these Wednesday nights with a profit for the year to SP and shall aim for further success in 2022. My side AFC Wimbledon continue with their fight against relegation with a home fixture to face Shrewsbury Town on the weekend where they came away with another point in a 1-1 draw and will hope for more with another home fixture on Tuesday evening as Cheltenham Town come to visit. While across the pond the NFL play offs continued with the Championship games deciding who will progress to Superbowl LVI which is now two weeks away, and that will now feature LA Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals at the SoFi Stadium the home of the Rams.

Returning to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) we will be keeping a rolling record of profit/loss all the way through from January till the Boxing Day 'King George' fixture in December. Last season saw an overall profit for the year to the tune of +25.465 points to SP. We will continue to keep a record to SP throughout the season again first three meetings were successful which means a +13.575 points profit to take through to week four.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 38/52 (73.07%). We shall reset everything for the new year so that 2022 will begin afresh as it should be. Started well enough in week one with both lays beaten into second, but the second meeting only one beat, the other favourite wins, and a successful lay last time means we are now 4/5 (80%) and hopefully we will have another successful season from January - December.

Tonight's meeting will be our 4th Wednesday evening twilight fixture of the year. This meeting will now begin earlier than expected with an eight race card to enjoy, it would appear that all bar one event is a handicap tonight so we will be busy, especially now that the opening handicap has been divided into two. We will begin late in the afternoon with our opening race which will now commence at 16:55 with our first division of the class six mile handicap, then we should end the card around about 20:30 with the final handicap contest a stayers event over just under two miles.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a somewhat cloudy afternoon, but dry into the early evening while the temperature is not likely to get much higher than around 12C tonight.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

16:55  Unibet Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap (Div One)
1m  [Class 6  9 runners]

A busy day for us with all bar one contest being a handicap, the opening race has been divided where Fact or Fable [WON @5/1] (L Keniry) the only course and distance winner in the line up and Jeremiah Johnson [2nd @4/1] (H Doyle) look the pair for us against the field in the opening handicap contest today. The latter has been going off at huge prices prior to a step up in trip in handicap company, returns to a mile today but this race lacks quality in depth.

Winner - (5) Fact Or Fable @5/1  [L Keniry].

17:30  Unibet Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap (Div Two)
1m  [Class 6  10 runners]

The second division doesn't look that much better but a winner here two starts back Pedestal [2nd @11/2] returns to handicap company now and with 5lb claimer Harry Burns back in the saddle ought to go close once again off this mark. The 5yo mare Disarming [6th @10/1] is given another chance here, been running off slightly higher at Chelmsford needs to improve her starts though. Not a race to get too heavily involved.

Winner - (7) Recuerdame @10/3f  [Hollie Doyle].

18:30  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Fillies' Handicap

1m 2f 219y  [Class 5  7 runners]

Fillies handicap now, eight were declared on Monday headed by Nuble [3rd @3/1] who has won her last four races and this is her second appearance at Kempton running into third over a mile back in November. No reason to think she cannot score again here today and one to follow while in good form. At the end of the handicap today is Typewritten [Non Runner] who is likely to be the main challenger from trainer Andrew Balding. The lightly raced 4yo filly has only raced three times and placed twice at Chelmsford before now.

Winner - (3) How Hard Can It Be @13/8f  [Hollie Doyle].

19:00  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap

1m 2f 219y  [Class 4  9 runners]

Elmejor [5th @7/2] has improved since stepping up to the middle distance trips, winner at Chelmsford on two of his last three runs, upped another 3lb as a result yet expected to continue his good efforts.  Hat trick chasing Almufeed [WON @7/4f] is another to keep a close eye upon, young Grace McEntee has been in the saddle for those wins, pushed out to score again last time at Wolves and another strong bid expected tonight.

Winner - (9) Almufeed @7/4f  [Grace McEntee]

19:30  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap

7f  [Class 4  10 runners]

Epsom Faithfull [WON @9/1] won a fillies contest here over this trip and also in a higher grade so should expect another good effort here tonight off a 2lb higher mark with 3lb claimer Rhys Clutterbuck keeping the ride. Enduring [5th @4/1f] has been consistent without winning, regularly placed and continues off this mark beaten less than a length on two occasions at this track in the past month or so and Georgia Dobie claims 3lb again on the 4yo and available at 10/1 so a place bet might also be in order.

Winner - (3) Epsom Faithfull @9/1  [Rhys Clutterbuck].

20:00  Unibet New Instant Roulette Handicap (3yo)

6f  [Class 5  6 runners]

A six furlong sprint for 3yo's is next up, a contest that top weight Sassy Rascal [3rd @16/5f] can use her all weather experience at another new course, slightly dropped in class and has Tom Marquand in the saddle replacing a 7lb claimer. Last time Red Showgirl [WON @4/1] raced she was a head second here at a big price with Hollie Doyle riding once again, lightly raced over these sprint trips but clearly well thought of by the yard and connections (tried in listed company quite early after a Lingfield win).

Winner - (3) Red Showgirl @4/1  [Hollie Doyle].

20:30  Join Racing TV Now Handicap

1m 7f 218y  [Class 6  7 runners]

The finale is for the stayers and must keep an eye on Smith [3rd @7/2] already a three time winner over this trip albeit at Lingfield was not too far away when last seen here and only couple of pound higher for the latest of those wins sure to give another good account with William Carson on board again. Elsewhere in the line up we give another chance to This One's For Fred [2nd @3/1] who was only denied by a nose here last time out when sent off favourite and trainer Alan King does well here with his all weather stayers and Martin Harley rides.
Winner - (5) Prince Abu @15/8f  [Cam Hardie].

Staked - 14 points.       Returns - 24.75 points.

Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. All results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. A winning start to 2022, now up +13.575 points to SP returns coming into week four. Another winning week nice few winners tonight creating a +10.75 point profit tonight which means we are now +24.325 points ahead to a 1pt stake at SP.

Lays - 4/5 having let the 100% start slip with a winning favourite in the second meeting we at least got back to a beaten lay entry last time. Looking for another good season with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. Single lay tonight was well beaten means we are 5/6 now.

The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps.

Tonight's Lay(s);

18:00 - Queen's Fair  [1m Fillies Novice Stakes]. Lost 4th @5/1

We will have more midweek floodlit meetings in 2022, our next meeting will be held here on Wednesday 9th February 2022. Keep well.

AFC WIMBLEDON vs CHELTENHAM TOWN - LEAGUE ONE HOME FIXTURE 2021/22 SEASON [1st FEBRUARY]

Tuesday 1st February 2022  KO 7:45pm
AFC Wimbledon will host their latest League One game at Plough Lane for the 2021-22 season against Cheltenham Town. With both sides in the bottom half of the table it's an important game for survival after the recent run of form and lack of firepower up front, we will certainly need to find a plan B for the latter part of the season. We haven't made a great start to 2022 so far and after the 1-1 draw on Saturday against Shrewsbury we are currently in 20th position in the League One table on 29 points after 27 games played. 

Mark Robinson stressed that there’s no panic in the ranks after another victory opportunity eluded his side today.  “We know where we carry a threat, where we need to put the ball and what areas we need to get into,” said Robbo. “The first goal was really pleasing, and it shows that you don’t have to be big to score one like we did today, it’s all about timing and movement. It was a really well worked goal.

Saturday's game also saw newly signed left back Lee Brown make his first start for the club after he joined from Portsmouth on Friday, and our Head Coach was impressed with what he saw from the number 55.  “He was really solid,” added Robbo. “He didn’t get hurt down that side at all and he provided everything that we knew he would. Really composed on the ball, really confident, and he’s been great with the lads after the game. He’s going to be a big influence as we move up the table.”

Team News - will update as and when news is available, Lee Brown came in last week and looks like could be a solid addition. As the transfer window closed on Monday we at least brought in two more signings with Nathan Broome arriving as a back up goalkeeper from Stoke on a two and half year deal, along with striker Sam Cosgrove from Birmingham who ticks the boxes as the target man we were after, has also had experience at Aberdeen and is here on loan till the end of the season. Neither signing is available for this evening's match though.

Recent League One Results
AFC Wimbledon 1 - 1 Shrewsbury Town
Cheltenham Town 0 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Looking at today's game itself this Tuesday evening in League One and our opponents today; Cheltenham Town are currently managed by former Northern Ireland International Michael Duff who has been in the position since September 2018. They currently reside in 17th place in League One, having accrued 32 points in 28 games so far. A win and we would move up a few places which would be welcome. Cheltenham also drew at the weekend, holding the then leaders Wigan to a goal less draw so very likely hard to break down. They had wing back Ben Williams sent off late in the game so might have to change things for their trip to Plough Lane.

Men to watch for the opposition; Striker Alfie May is certainly one to keep an eye on, already has 10 goals this season and recently signed a new deal to stay with the club he joined in 2020 from Doncaster Rovers. 

Head to Head

Our head to head form against Cheltenham Town since our return to the league as AFC Wimbledon amounts to an even spread of results, nine games played three wins apiece and three draws too. This is our first meeting in League One and an important one given our current league positions. The latest match was in this season's FA Cup where the Dons secured a 4-3 win in the second round.

Starting XI's [Confirmed]

AFC WIMBLEDON 

Win Odds - 7/5 [William Hill]

Tzanev (Gk),  Alexander,  Heneghan(c),  Nightingale,  🟨Brown,  Hartigan,  🟨Marsh,  ⚽Assal,  McCormick,  Rudoni,  Ablade

SUBS - Oualah (Gk),  Csoka,  Chislett,  Awokoya-Mebude,  Osew,  Kalinauskas,  ⚽🟨Cosgrave

CHELTENHAM TOWN
Win Odds - 19/10 [William Hill]
Evans (Gk),  🟨Raglan,  Pollock,  Boyle(c),  Blair,  🟨Sercombe,  Bonds,  Wright,  🟨Hutchinson,  Etete,  ⚽x2 May

SUBS - Flinders (Gk),  Freestone,  Williams,  A Ramsey,  Colkett

Selected Bets On This Match;

• Over 1.5 goals in 1st half @5/2.
• Ayoub Assal to score at any time @4/1
• Penalty to be awarded and scored @9/2.
• Bookings over 45 points @12/5.

⚽Half Time Score - 1 - 2    [Assal 8']  [May 31' 34'(pen)]

First Half Comments;

Kick Off 7:45pm today at the Cherry Red Records, Plough Lane Wimbledon stadium. The visitors kick off this evening for this important game. The Dons are on the front foot early and take the lead on 8 mins when Ayoub Assal pokes home from a corner and a great start let's hope we can build on it. Liam Sercombe picks up the first booking for our visitors for a foul on our striker Terry Ablade. And the good start did not last long, within minutes we go from one up to two-one down. Alfie May the expected danger scores twice, one from the penalty spot having been brought down by Nik Tzanev in goal.

⚽Full Time Score - 2 - 2    [Cosgrave 80']

Match Summary;

The Dons fought hard in the second half to get it back to 2-2 but couldn't find the winner, still feels like a game we could have won and fear that draws are not going to be enough to keep us up, for now we are still just above the drop zone. Aaron Cosgrave scored the equaliser late in the game. 

Mark Robinson saluted the impact of Aaron Cosgrave after the striker’s first competitive goal for Wimbledon rescued a vital point. Speaking enthusiastically about his ability afterwards;

"I think he’s going to be a real talent for us. I’m really excited for him. It’s going to take him time to adapt because he hasn’t played at this level, but he came on tonight and was a real threat. Moving forwards, he will be a real asset for this football club.”

My Man of the Match - Ayoub Assal.

Attendance - 6,138.

Today's Referee - Our match referee for this afternoon will be Mr Sam Purkiss a London based official who also work in the legal industry, so should know his stuff. Has been officiating in the lower leagues for a few seasons now, averages around three bookings a game plus more than the usual number of reds too. Will have assistance on the side lines from both Stephen Brown and Daniel Bonneywell while on fourth official duties is Nicholas Dunn.

Next league one fixture;
  vs Charlton Athletic (Away)
  Saturday 5th February @3pm.