Thompson bemoans smash and grab defeat

Wasteful City shocked by Glovers

A dejected Steve Thompson at the final whistle

Promotion chasing Manchester City were dealt a major blow on Saturday night as they slipped to a shock defeat against struggling Burton Albion at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves City's title hopes hanging by a thread with just 7 league fixtures remaining with the gap between them and current league leaders Northampton Town now at 7 points.

City fell behind inside the first minute through Burton leading scorer Rubén CASTRO 0-1. City laid siege on the Burton goal but keeper Kenneth Vermeer was in inspired form making a number of crucial saves which enabled his side to enter the break 0-1. 

The second half started as the first finished with the home side in the ascendancy but this time the pressure paid off as the game was levelled thanks to some quick reactions from City top scorer Lionel MESSI who prodded home from close range after a save from Vermeer 1-1. 

City continued to pile forward and Vermeer continued to keep them at bay and just as it looked as though the game would be heading for a draw Burton grabbed a late winner on 89 minutes to stun the 34,000 plus inside the Etihad the goal coming from Spanish midfielder Francisco PORTILLO 1-2. That proved to be the last action of the game as Burton claimed what could be a vital 3 points come the end of the season whilst City must be wondering just how they had come away with nothing. FULL TIME 1-2.

After the match a dejected City Boss Steve Thompson give his thoughts on the result

"Where do you begin with that result. Effectively two lapses in concentration at the beginning and the end of the game has cost us. We have created enough chances to win two matches but once again that ruthless edge that i spoke about previously just wasn't there although their keeper has has a superb game to go along with it. 
We can't allow ourselves to get too downbeat about this result. We take the good points away with us and then review the two goals and see what we can do better, every point is vital now we just have to approach every game like a cup final and see where it takes us come the end of the season.

We are back on the road next with a trip to the West Ham, they have not had the season they would have liked but they are a dangerous team to play and we will pay them the ultimate respect. Nial their manager is a bit of a legend down there. He has a very healthy points per game average and i expect them to be up there next season"

City welcome struggling Burton

Thompson calls for ruthless edge

Manchester City top scorer Lionel Messi will be looking to add to his 19 goals

Manchester City head back to the Etihad tonight looking to maintain the impressive form which has seen them come to within 4 points of top spot in division 3. Steve Thompson's men have lost just once in their previous ten matches and are currently the joint leading scorers across all 4 divisions along with Norwich City with an impressive 66 goals. Currently leading the scoring charts for City is Argentine international Lionel Messi who has bagged an impressive 19 league goals scoring in each of his last 6 league games the striker also boast an impressive 19 assist.

City welcome back defender Branislav Ivanovic after the Serbian served a 1 match suspension. Midfielder Axel Witsel has been rated 50/50 for the game. The Belgium international missed the midweek draw at Reading through injury and only returned to training on Friday.

Thompson spoke the the media ahead of the game.....

"We have 8 massive fixtures remaining and tomorrows game against Burton will be as tough as any. They are fighting for their lives down at the bottom end of the table and will be going all out for the win very much like ourselves. Our recent form has been very pleasing but we cannot lose our focus. We need to maintain our form right till the very end and hopefully that will be enough to see us promoted back to division 2. 

I have a full squad to pick from with only Axel Witsel a doubt but he has trained and could play some part in the game. I don't really envisage having to make any changes to the side, our recent form has been down to a consistent squad selection and everybody knowing their jobs. 

I have called on the boys to show our ruthless edge in games, all good teams do it and that is how you gain promotion and win trophies"

TEAM of the DAY (Match 27)

TEAM OF THE DAY

SAT 21stJUNE 2014

MATCH 27

Spanish starlet Sergio Canales arrives at Chesterfield with point to prove

Highly coveted Spaniard Sergio Canales is determined to prove his worth at Chesterfield

 

 

Chesterfield secured the signature of Spanish starlet Sergio Canales from Liverpool for $7 million. Considered one of the greatest coups in recent memory, the Spireites beat a late bid from relegation rivals Rochdale to secure the  highly coveted 23 year old’s signature but with personal terms already agreed with the Spaniard and it was a mere formality that the transfer would be completed.

 

Canales, 23 is considered a prodigious Spanish talent at Ipswich Town where his talent and abilities were on display and he enjoyed three splendid seasons however his career has stuttered when he moved to Swansea City and Liverpool where he received limited opportunities to play. This season, Canales made a loan move to Division Three Burton Albion where he made 10 appearances but returned to Merseyside after being recalled by Liverpool. The young Spaniard signalled his intention to move on and to look for a permanent move in order to play first team football.

 

An immensely talented footballer blessed with great technical ability, solid passing and excellent dribbling skill, the transfer may be a suitable fit for both parties as Canales is searching for first team opportunities while manager Glory Days has a reputation of giving youngsters an opportunity to shine. 

 

Fans will hope that Glory Days can bring the best out of the bourgeoning starlet similar to Turkish creative playmaker Mehmet Ekici, Serbian talent Miraleum Sulejmani and English starlet Adam Lallana. However due to Chesterfield’s financial restraints, Canales arrival may spell the potential departure of Koo Ja Cheol, Mehmet Ekici or Pablo Hernandez but time will tell as to what Glory Days decides to do.