Sloppy United get the Blues!

Biggleswade United 1-3 Hertford Town

Molten Spartan South Midlands League, Premier Division.

In front of 59 paying spectators, the miserable start to the New Year continued for United, as they went down to fellow strugglers Hertford Town at a blustery Second Meadow. In what can be described as a lacklustre performance, the sloppiness, which had reared its ugly head in the previous match at Royston, continued in abundance. 

In a forgetful first period, after having to make 2 substitutions to replace injuries to Martin Russell and Russell Preston, a clueless United found themselves deservedly languishing to a brace of Mark Draper goals at the interval. 

Things did seem improve a little for the home side in the early exchanges of the 2nd period with one or two nice build-up plays, but sadly due to reasons out of their control, it wasn't to last for long. 

In the 54th minute the referee, who had struggled to keep control of a bad tempered match, awarded the Blues a somewhat questionable penalty. To the chagrin and dismay of both home players and supporters alike, keeper Adam Lawrence was adjudged to have brought down Bangura in the box and the over zealous official didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot. 

Draper stepped up to slot home the kick and complete his hat-trick, sending the incensed Lawrence the wrong way in the process. To all intents and purposes the game was over.

Jason Darvall managed to get a scrappy consolation goal for United, but they were never really at the races and posed little further threat on the Hertford goal for the remainder of the match.

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United's next match is on Tuesday 10th January, when they entertain Haringey Borough at Second Meadow in the Challenge Trophy Quarter-Final, ko 7.45

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Royston Town v Biggleswade United Pictures

A bit late in posting, but here are some images from last Monday's Royston Town v Biggleswade United MSSML match at Garden Walk. A rather one sided match with the Crows of Royston easily overcoming their opponents by 7-0. United didn't play that badly in my opinion, they just were taken apart by a far superior outfit (thats why Royston are top of the league).

This afternoon United are at home to Hertford Town, where both clubs will be anxious to gain 3 points to ease relegation worries.

COME ON UNITED

Tatty's Racing News and Tips - Sunday 18th December 2011

Before we go any further, The mighty Biggleswade United came up with a super performance, gaining an excellent 2-1 success against a very impressive Berkhamsted outfit yesterday. 

In front of 51 people (Mrs Tatty and yours truly being 2 of which), two Stuart Richardson goals (the 1st being as good a goal as you would see in the Premier League), brought the points to Second Meadow. Next up is AFC Dunstable on the 27th, when sadly I will not be able to attend.

As for the old nags, a 9/1 winner was welcome yesterday - today it's back to Kempton Park for a pretty desperate looking pre-Christmas card (sorry about the pun).

• 1.40  Kai Mook - unplaced
• 2.10  Focail Maith - non runner
• 2.45  Lutine Charlie - unplaced
• 3.15  Intomist - 2nd 100/30
• 3.45  Oratorian - unplaced
• 4.15  Land Hawk - 3rd DH 9/2
• 4.45  White Shift - unplaced
• 5.15  Fault - unplaced

Just one last note, I got up during the night to watch the final of the Super Six between Brit Carl "The Cobra" Froch and American Andre Ward. Hoping for a British win, I could only be impressed with the American who won a unanimous points victory. 

Andre Ward - superstar in waiting?

I get the impression that the man from Oakland is a superstar in the making, but what now for Froch? After the fight he seemed to think that given the right circumstances, he could beat Ward. To be honest, he was totally out of his depth and, if they met again, I think the American would win in an easier fashion.

Tomorrow (Monday) is Tatty's birthday and to celebrate this monumental occasion, I am going to give you all a rest from my hopeless horse selections and have a day off.

And on further thought, I have decided to take a Christmas break. 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Saturday 17th December 2011

A strange day yesterday, albeit profitable if backing each-way or place only (but remember, these are horses only to watch. I'm not proposing anyone investing their life savings on them). The highlight (for me anyway) was Canadian Danehill coming 3rd at odds of 28/1 in the 5 furlong handicap at Wolves. In a 10 runner race where the winner went off at 18's, it says very little for the rest of them.

Lingfield today - I've had a few problems at the leafy one of late, so let's try to find a couple that may spark the odd glimmer of something.

• 12.20  I'm Still The Man - unplaced
• 12.50  Not Bad For A Boy - won 9/1
• 1.20    Roman Flame- unplaced
• 1.50    Elna Bright - unplaced
• 2.20    Circumvent - unplaced
• 2.55    Trend Line - unplaced
• 3.30    Picansort - 2nd 3/1

The mighty Biggleswade United return home to Second Meadow today after an excellent away win last Saturday. Today's opponents are Berkhamsted, who currently lie up in 7th place in the table. It won't be easy, but we are playing decent football at present so fingers (and toes) crossed.

Come on United

Thoughts on Sport and Tatty's Tips - Sunday 10th December 2011

Yesterday was somewhat confusing. With only 1 winner at both of my favoured courses (Southwell and Wolverhampton) and each of those going off at odds of 6/4, I was beginning to despair, especially with 7 unplaced runners on the bounce. This was until the last 2 races when we landed 2nd place in both at 11/1 and 16/1, which restored my faith a little, shall we say?

Wolverhampton's Racecourse at Dunstall Park

One of the winners, namely Guava in the 7.50 at Wolverhampton, gave its trainer Richard Hannon a record 217 winners in a calendar year. Click here to read the Racing Post's take on the achievement.

Still at least United managed to gain an excellent 2-1 away win at Oxhey Jets.

It is fairly unusual to have AW racing on a Sunday, but the 3rd day of the Southwell meeting takes place. Here are a few that may be of interest.

Southwell

12.30  Xpres Maite - unplaced

1.00     Sky High Diver - won 15/8

1.30     Ambitious Icarus - unplaced

2.00     Flying Pickets - won 4/1

2.30     Autumn Blades - 2nd 8/1

3.00     Patriotic - unplaced

3.30     Takajan - unplaced

On to a different subject namely the noble art, or more specifically the controversial (if not outrageous) Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson WBA/IBF World light-welterweight title bout, at Washington Convention Center last night.

Khan lost his title in an action packed contest after being controversially deducted 2 points by the referee for 2 incidents of pushing in rounds 7 and 12. The three judges scored the fight 113-112, 113-112, 110-115. But how can 1 judge believe the British fighter won by 5 rounds, whereas the others shaded it to Peterson. I personally gave the fight to Khan by 2 rounds which, with the referees (interesting, let's say) deductions, would have made it a draw on my card.

No longer King Khan!

"It was like fighting two people in the ring, the referee and Lamont," Khan said afterwards. "I can see why there hasn't been a big fight in Washington in the last 20 years, because of decisions like this." 

For a comprehensive report on the bout by respected Telegraph boxing correspondent Gareth A Davies, please click here

So where does Khan go after this? Maybe a rise in the weights is on the cards or will he want a rematch with Peterson to try and put the record straight? All that can be said is that King Khan cannot claim his crown anymore, or at least not at the moment.

Tatty's Racing Tips - Wednesday 7th December 2011

Well what a rather splendiferous day yesterday was with 4 winners going off with prices ranging from 7/2 to 7/1. They certainly increased my betting bank balance, I hope yours as well.

Two all weather meets today – this afternoon at Lingfield (always a bit dodgy) and later under the lights at Kempton (occasionally has its moments, but generally a nightmare!).

Here are a few to consider.....

Lingfield Park

• 12.40     Cristal Gem - 2nd 2/5
• 1.10        Stevie Gee - 2nd 9/2
• 1.40        Grudge - unplaced
• 2.10        Ivory Silk unplaced
• 2.40        Beat Route - 2nd 11/2
• 3.10        Grand Theft Equine - 2nd 7/2
• 3.40        Gallantry - unplaced

Kempton Park

• 3.50        Black Baccara - won 8/1
• 4.20        Quizzed - won evs
• 4.50        Emerald Wilderness - 2nd 8/1
• 5.20        Amber Heights - 2nd 9/4
• 5.50        Next Cry - unplaced
• 6.20        El Libertador - unplaced
• 6.50        Cut The Cackle - unplaced
• 7.20        Ghost Dancer - unplaced

The mighty Biggleswade United are at home tonight in a friendly against Kent Athletic. As I have a previous engagement sadly I will be unable to attend, but I will pass on the result, hopefully in Thursday's posting.

Come on United

Tatty's Racing Tips - Monday 5th December 2011

Off to Lingfield Park today where, if I'm honest, my record of success is questionable to say the best. Some of these are a little speculative maybe, but well worth keeping an eye on.

• 12.30 Instrumentallist - won 7/2
• 1.00   Multi Blessing - unplaced
• 1.30   Tiradito - 3rd 7/1
• 2.00   Caldercruix - 3rd 10/1
• 2.30   Roman Flame - unplaced
• 3.00   Holyfield Warrior - unplaced
• 3.30   Prince Of Thebes - 2nd 14/1

Good luck with any punting you undertake today.

A super result for Biggleswade United on Saturday with a welcome 2-0 win over Harefield United. With both goals from captain Sean Murray, it brought a well needed 3 points to Second Meadow. 
Below is a quick snap I made of the action (just to prove I was there this time). 

An away day at Oxhey Jets next Saturday which will be testing, but our recent good form may help us give them a good game.

Tatty's Racing Tips - Monday 28th November 2011

Well Saturday’s selections at Wolverhampton were pathetic and that’s being kind. At least my suggestion of Don McCain’s OVERTURN for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle came up trumps, going off at odds of 9/4. Should you have checked earlier in the day, you would have joined me in getting a better value 7/2. I thought Binocular actually ran quite well, considering how much he generally needs his first run of the season.

OK then, on to Monday’s little lot, again at Wolverhampton’s Dunstall Park. 

• 2.10 Storm Hawk (E/W or place) - Unplaced
• 2.45 One Way Or Another - Won 3/1
• 3.20 Atlantic Beach - Won 5/1
• 3.50 Griffin Point - Unplaced
• 4.20 Masters Club - Won 3/1
• 4.50 Dutchman’s Field (E/W or place) - 3rd 14/1
• 5.20 Boa - Unplaced
• 5.50 Yellow Printer - Unplaced

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Lastly, I said that on Saturday afternoon I was going to Biggleswade United’s Second Meadow stadium to watch their Spartan South Midlands League clash against high flying Haringey Boro’. Somehow, the visitors from North London managed to scrape a 2-1 victory, much to the amazement of most people there. On the balance of play, United definitely deserved at least a point.

Here are a couple of snaps I took before the match got underway.

View from the Main Stand

Players lining up before kick-off (United in Red)