STANDINGS

Sunday 13th September 1998

FA Carling Premiership

Spurs (0) 0        Middlesbrough (2) 3
                   Ricard 25, 32
                   Kinder 87

The second away win in four days for Boro and Bryan Robson`s first ever win in
London as Boro manager.
Despite a high tempo opening to the game by Spurs it was Boro that created the
chances and ultimatly took the lead. Hamilton Ricard, the much maligned
Colombian striker struck twice in eight minutes to dampen the atmosphere at
White Hart Lane. His first on 25 mins was a result of a simple one-two in
midfield with Mikeal Beck that saw Ricard clear on goal and his finish gave
Baardsen to change, his second was similar as his flick was helped back into
his path by Beck again and the first time shot into the corner was clinical.
To be fair it was no more than the visitors deserved, Townsend had earlier
forced the Spurs keeper into a fine save and the rebound was crashed against
Carr by Dean Gordon and Beck himself blasted a shot well wide and had a header
over. Spurs` chances were few and far between and their heavt reliance on
Ginola is a bit too obvious, the Frenchman struck one shot well over and had a
free kick easily dealt with by Schwartzer. The three Boro centre halves were
dealing with the aeriel threat of Spurs with few problems and the home side
left the field at half time to a chorus of boos. The second half saw all three
Spurs substitutions made within the opening 10 mins, Armstrong on for tactical
reasons and both Neilsen and Fox off injured. The half began promisingly for
Spurs with Neilsen forcing a save from Schwarter although they were always
likely to be caught on the break and Beck forced two magnificent saves out of
Baardsen. As the game wore on Spurs pushed more and more forward and Berti was
unlucky when his effort was saved one-handedly by the visiting keeper. Ginola
had a late shot well saved and Armstrong hit the post in stoppage time but by
then the destiny of the points was beyond doubt as Vladimir Kinder, on as a
late sub for Gascoigne, saw his long range effort drop in after Baardsen had
made his only error of the game and simply mis handled the shot into the net.
One final point was the excellent reception that the Spurs fans gave Gazza
when he was taken off with five minutes left, a legacy of the three seasons he
spent at Spurs in the 80`s & 90`s.

Saturday 12th September 1998

FA Carling Premiership

Aston Villa (1) 2     Wimbledon (0) 0
(Thompson miss pen 33) (Leaburn sent off 42)
Merson 43 (pen)
Taylor 57

Amazing first half at Villa Park as Alan Thompson missed his second penalty of
the season, then debutant Paul Merson also missed a penalty but netted the
rebound after an award that had seen Carl Leaburn red carded in the same
incident. A second half goal by Ian Taylor confirmed top spot for Villa
tonight.


Charlton (0) 1        Derby (1) 2
Mendonca 89 (pen)     Wanchope 5
                      Baiano 60

Comfortable stuff for Derby with only a late home penalty spoiling their day.
Has the Charlton bubble burst??


Chelsea (2) 2         Nottm Forest (0) 1
Zola 1                 Darchville 69
Poyet 35

Gianfranco Zola`s scored the quickest Prem goal of the season after just 25
seconds and it set up a first win of the season for Chelsea despite a spirited
second half comeback by Forest.


Everton (0) 0          Leeds United (0) 0
(Dacourt sent off 57)

Ten men Everton looked most likely to win this one even after the dismissal.
Leeds still tough to break down but have only scored once in three away games
this season.


Leicester (1) 1       Arsenal (0) 1
Heskey 28             Hughes 90

Leicester looked to have this sewn up until young Stephen Hughes scored a
stunning late goal to earn Arsenal a point. Heskey`s earlier strike was also a
cracker.


Man United (1) 2      Coventry (0) 0
Yorke 21
Johnsen 47

Two wins in four days for United which will do doubt spark life into the `we
are back` brigade. Dwight Yorke has now scored three in two games as he looks
to repay his transfer fee.


Newcastle (2) 4       Southampton (0) 0
Shearer 6, 35 (pen)   (Dodd sent off 34)
Marshall 89 (og)
Ketsbaia 90

First win for Ruud Gullit although some confusion over the third goal, first
reports gave it to Shearer for a hat trick, that was later changed to Scott
Marshall`s second own goal in five days.


Sheff Wed (2) 3       Blackburn (0) 0
Atherton 18
Hinchcliffe 33
Di Canio 87

Inconsistant Wednesday beat poor Blackburn and a result which Danny Wilson
will hope to kick start Wednesday`s season. Blackburn were dire by all
accounts.


West Ham (1) 2        Liverpool (0) 1
Hartson 4             Riedle 88
Berkovic 51

Liverpool lose top spot as West Ham took full advantage of a sluggish start to
either half by the visitors. Liverpool always looked like scoring but when it
arrived it was too late.

--
Gary Dowden - Joint Administrator (ISFA) Premiership Mailing List
Leeds United and Scotland and proud of it

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