After watching both of this weekend's National League semi finals, I'm predicting that we'll be welcoming Torquay back into the Football League. Which probably means that Hartlepool will win...
The Torquay v Hartlepool game is well worth watching - not for the football purists but exciting, end to end stuff so far. Torquay will be miffed with the ref who disallowed a goal for no apparent reason...
Heroics from Torquay's Brazilian goalkeeper - heads home an equaliser in the fifth minute of added time to send the game into extra time.
Game held up as a Torquay player gets stitches in his leg - have never seen that before. I'm surprised that the ref didn't have him taken off the pitch.
Welcome back Hartlepool. A brilliant game with a nail biting penalty shoot out at the end. It's been a while since I enjoyed a match so much.
We might get through a few managers but least we appoint the replacement quickly. Spurs/Palace and Everton are still waiting to replace theirs having been knocked back by a number of potential managers.
Cup replays back next season. https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/19444699.fa-cup-replays-returning-next-season/
FIFA are apparently contemplating the following rule changes: 1. Unlimited subs; 2. Game duration of 30 minutes per half; 3. Throw-ins to be played with feet; 4. A 5 minute sin bin for a yellow card; 5. Stopping the game clock when the ball goes out of play. Whilst I can see the sense in #4, I seriously question whether the others are really needed - especially as the main reason given is youger fans don't appear to have the attention span required to watch a normal game. As far as I'm concerned, it's time FIFA were given the boot - not throw-ins. https://www.90min.com/posts/fifa-pr...rter-matches-sin-bin-throw-ins-unlimited-subs
Kick ins, as opposed to throw ins, has been tried already in the Belgian second division and in one of the semi pro leagues in England for a season - and was then thrown out. Unlimited subs further strengthens those clubs with larger resources, and makes it even harder for smaller clubs to hold onto their talent - imagine Man City with unlimited subs