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2012-13 Serie A Week 15 Review: The Old Lady is singing again

Posted by ScotM on December 3, 2012 at 3:08 pm Europe, European Champions League, Italy, Serie A

Dec 032012

Serie A Football was spread over three days this weekend with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Only Fiorentina out of the top six failed to win. Juventus beat Torino in the Turin Derby, Napoli hit five past Pescara, Inter edged out Palermo, Lazio did the same with Parma and Roma had Mattia Destro to thank for a win over old side Siena. Fiorentina drew with Sampdoria.

Friday 30th November

The only game on Friday night was AC Milan trip to Catania, this time it was successful as the Milanese base picked up the three points with a 3-1 away win. Nicola Legrottaglie opened the scoring for Catania. But AC Milan hit back with three seconds half goals from Kevin Prince Boateng and two from Stephan El Shaarawy.

Saturday 1st December

Juventus hosted Torino in the Turin derby and got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 home win. Torino had to play the majority of the game with ten men as Kamil Glick was sent off. Andrea Pirlo also missed a penalty. Goals for Juventus came from Sebastian Giovinco and two from Claudio Marchisio.

Sunday 2nd December

Napoli hit five past Pescara in the early kick off game in Naples. Gokhan Inler and Marek Hamsik gave Napoli a 2-0 goal lead but Birkir Bjarnason gave Pescara hope. But then Pescara were reduced to ten men when Antonio Bocchetti was sent off. Then Napoli turned on the style with goals from Edinson Cavani X2 and another one from Gokhan Inler.

Roma came from 1-0 down to defeat Siena, Siena took the lead thanks to a Luis Neto header. But three quick goals in the second half from Mattia Destro and Simone Perrotta gave Roma their third win on the bounce.

Inter managed to edge out Palermo at the San Siro, the only goal of the game came seventeen minutes from time when Andrea Ranocchia cross was diverted into his own net by Santiago Garcia.

Lazio beat Parma in the capital to make it two home wins in five days, Two goals in the first half from Giuseppe Biava and Miroslav Klose gave Lazio the 2-0 lead. But Parma made it interesting in the second half when Ishak Belfodil scored after his penalty kick was saved.

Bologna defeat Atalanta at home 2-1, Bologna took the lead inside fifteen minutes with a brilliant free kick from Alessandro Diamanti. Atalanta equalised four minutes into the second half and it was German Denis who got the goal. The winner came twenty minutes from time with a smart over head kick from Manolo Gabbadini.

It has gotten worse for Genoa and Gigi Del Neri as Chievo won away at Genoa 4-2. Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi scored a first half hat trick, Genoa substitute Ahmed Said did pull one back. Bosco Jankovic pulled one back for Genoa to make it 3-2 to Chievo. Then Chievo were reduced to ten men when Marco Andreolli was sent off. But in the dying minutes Adrian Stoian made it 4-2 to Chievo.

Udinese hit four past Cagliari in Udine. Udinese raced into a two goal lead at half time thanks to goals from Roberto Pereyra and Gabriele Angella. There were two more goals in the second half for Udinese from Danilo and Giovanni Pasquale. Cagliari did pull one back from Daniele Dessena.

The final game was a four goal belter between Fiorentina and Sampdoria in the Florence rain, the game ended 2-2. Stefan Savic opened the scoring with a powerful header in the first half, but Sampdoria hit back in the second half thanks to Nenad Krsticic and a Gonzalo Rodriguez own goal. But Stefan Savic had other ideas with another header from a Manuel Pasqual free kick. Sampdoria then were reduced to ten men when Shkodran Mustafi was sent off.

2012-13 Serie A Week 14 Review: AC Milan strike lucky against Juventus

Posted by ScotM on November 28, 2012 at 2:32 pm European Champions League, Italy, Serie A

Nov 282012

Week 14 in Serie A was spread over four days with the games ending on Tuesday night, we saw Palermo defeat Sicilian rivals Catania, Roma win again and keep yet another clean sheet, AC Milan win in controversial circumstances, Inter lose away at Parma, Napoli and Lazio win comfortably.

Saturday 24th November

There was only one game on Saturday in Serie A and it was the Sicilian derby where Palermo took on Catania, Palermo came out on top winning the game 3-1. Fabrizio Miccoli opened the scoring then two goals from Josip Ilicic gave Palermo the three goal lead. But with twenty minutes remaining Francesco Lodi pulled one back with a brilliant set piece.

Sunday 25 November

Roma won away at Pescara thanks to an early goal from Mattia Destro, also Roma kept a second clean sheet in a row, never thought that would happen.

Chievo and Siena played out a goalless draw.

Genoa won away at Atalanta and it was Gigi Del Neri first win in charge of Genoa since he took over back in October. The only goal of the game came with six minutes remaining in the first half from Andrea Bertolacci.

Sampdoria won back to back home games after a 1-0 home win over Bologna, Bologna had to play with ten men for most of the game when Archimede Morleo was given a straight red for a professional foul. The only goal of the game just came after the hour and it was Andrea Poli with the goal.

Torino and Fiorentina played out a 2-2 draw, Torino opened the scoring five minutes before half time and it was former Viola man Alessio Cerci with the goal. Gonzalo Rodriguez equalised from the penalty spot with seventeen minutes remaining. But a minute later Torino took the lead and it was Valter Birsa with a cross shot that evaded everyone. But the equaliser came five minutes from time Mounir El Hamdaoui got the equaliser with a lovely angle drive.

The evening game was AC Milan massive home game over Juventus. AC Milan won the game 1-0 thanks to a controversial incident when Antonio Nocerino header was blocked in the side by Maurico Isla and the referee gave a penalty. Robinho took the penalty and it squirmed past Gigi Buffon and into the bottom corner.

Monday 26th November

There were two games on the Monday night, Cagliari lost at home to Napoli, a late strike from Marek Hamsik gave Napoli a much needed away win.

Parma beat a very disjointed Inter side in the later kick off, the only goal of the game came late in the second half and it was from Nicola Sansone with the goal.

Tuesday 27th November

The final game of the week was in the capital as Lazio took on Udinese on a much worn Stadio Olimpico pitch. Lazio won the game 3-0, goals in the first half from Alvaro Gonzalez and Miroslav Klose and the third was added in the second half from a Hernanes free kick.

Notts County 1-0 Swindon: Consistency shows its ugly head in back to back defeats

Posted by ScotM on November 26, 2012 at 1:38 pm European Champions League, Football League One, Swindon Town FC

Nov 262012

It’s now back to back defeats for Swindon after Tuesday night home defeat to Brentford and on Saturday the Robins lost 1-0 away at Notts County thanks to a goal in the twenty-seventh minute from Alan Judge.

Alan McCormack returned to the starting XI and replaced Nathan Thompson at right back; Danny Hollands, Gary Roberts and Chris Martin were all dropped to the bench and were replaced by John Bostock, Raffa De Vita and Andy Williams who returned to the starting line up after picking up a knee injury a week ago against Yeovil.

Notts County had the first opportunity of the game when the lively Alan Judge cut in from the left and hit a low shot which was comfortably saved by Wes Foderingham.

Swindon then had a chance to open the scoring when Alan McCormack hit a long diagonal free kick which found Raffa De Vita at the back post but James Collins could only slide the ball wide of the goal.

Former Swindon left back Alan Sheehan then tested out Wes Foderingham with a twenty five yard free kick which was tipped over the bar.

Another Sheehan free kick had the Swindon defence in problems and the ball fell to Neal Bishop who on the angle of the six yard box had a goal bound shot which was blocked by Foderingham, who was keeping his side in the game.

At the other end, John Bostock picked up on a defensive mistake and the ball fell to James Collins who played in Andy Williams on the left hand side and his curling effort was parried away by the Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Matt Ritchie then played a lovely cross field ball to Raffa De Vita who then crossed in for James Collins who poked the ball goal wards but his effort was brilliantly tipped on to the post by Bialkowski.

The opening goal of the game and the only goal came after twenty seven minutes when Alan Sheehan played a long ball to Chris Iwelumo who knocked down the header to Alan Judge who then hit a brilliant effort which swerved into the corner from twenty five yards out and it left Wes Foderingham flat footed.

Moments later Swindon had a goal disallowed when Andy Williams left footed cross from the right hand side was headed in by James Collins but it was ruled out for offside.

The second half was played at a less tempo and Notts County nearly made it 2-0 but was denied with a brilliant diving safe by Wes Foderingham, Chris Iwelumo header was instinctively parried away by the former Crystal Palace keeper.

Bartoz Bialkowski then pulled off two really smart saves to deny Swindon the equaliser, first he denied Matt Ritchie whose left footed effort was parried away. Then from a Ritchie corner, Darren Ward had a header from the back post which was goal bound was clawed away by the Polish keeper.

The four minutes was played out in the pouring rain in Nottingham and Swindon couldn’t get an equaliser.

There is a two week rest for Swindon as there is no game for the Robins next Saturday as they got knocked out of the FA Cup. So the next game is against Doncaster on the 08/12/2012.

(above picture was my view from the away end on a wet and windy day in Nottingham)

Swindon 4-1 Yeovil: Home Form Hoodoo is over

Posted by ScotM on November 19, 2012 at 1:47 pm European Champions League, Football League One, Swindon Town FC

Nov 192012

Swindon recorded their first win at home since late September with an emphatic 4-1 home win over Yeovil on Saturday at the County Ground

Goals from Andy Williams, two from James Collins and Darren Ward, James Hayter got the goal for Yeovil.

Two new loan signings of Chris Martin and Danny Hollands made the Swindon Town bench while Captain Alan McCormack returned to the side at right back instead of Nathan Thompson. That being the only change to the starting XI.

The opening goal of the game came after twenty four minutes when Andy Williams flicked the ball over the Yeovil defender on the half way line and used his pace to go one on one with the Yeovil keeper Marek Stech and calmly side footed the ball past the keeper.

It was 2-0 just four minutes later when centre back Joe Devera intercepted the ball and went on an powerful run on the left hand side and played a brilliant cross to James Collins who got in front of his defender and poked the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

There was some concern for Swindon as Andy Williams went down with a knee injury after a collision with the Yeovil Keeper the rebound fell to James Collins but his effort was blocked. Williams would return on to the pitch for about ten minutes or so but had to be replaced and Norwich loanee Chris Martin came on.

Yeovil pulled one back just four minutes before half time when substitute winger Keanu Marsh-Brown crossed in for James Hayter who headed goal wards and his effort cannoned off the underside of the cross bar and bounced over the line, the linesman gave the goal.

But the lead was short lived, as a free kick from Simon Ferry was curled in and Joe Devera effort was saved by Stech but the rebound fell to Darren Ward who fired past Stech and Swindon lead was back to two goals.

Swindon nearly added a fourth when on the counter attack and Simon Ferry played in Chris Martin but his left footed low shot went the wrong side of the upright.

Matt Ritchie then played in James Collins but he had his first effort well saved by Marek Stech then the rebound blocked by the Yeovil defence.

Danny Hollands then flicked the ball to Collins who hit a first time instinctive volley which was acrobatically parried away by Stech.

In stoppage time Swindon added a fourth and it was a brilliant goal, substitute Raffa De Vita played a defence splitting ball to James Collins on the left hand side and he cut in from the left and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner.

A fantastic home win, which meant that Swindon jumped quietly up to third in the league table. We don’t wait longer for the next game, which is Brentford at home on Tuesday night.

2012-13 Serie A Week 12 Review: Lazio Derby Delight

Posted by ScotM on November 14, 2012 at 3:01 pm Europe, Global Headlines, Italy, Serie A

Nov 142012

It was the Rome Derby on Sunday afternoon and Lazio won their third successive game against their city rivals with a 3-2 victory in the pouring rain. Juventus hit six against Pescara; Napoli hit four away at Genoa. Both Milan clubs suffer defeats. Inter away at Atalanta and AC Milan at home to Florentina.

Saturday 10th November

The first game of the weekend between Cagliari and Catania ended goalless.

Juventus travelled away to Pescara and after Wednesday Champions league win they hit 6. Juventus raced into a two goal lead after twenty two minutes thanks to goals from Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella. Pescara pulled one back after twenty five minutes thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Cascione. But Juventus hit back with four with no reply thanks to Kwadwo Asamoah, Sebastian Giovinco and two more from Fabio Quagliarella.

Sunday 11th November

The lunch time game was Palermo home game against Sampdoria. Both teams needed a win and it was Palermo who got the win. Both goals came from young Argentine star Paulo Dybala; this was Sampdoria seventh straight loss.

Parma and Siena played out a 0-0 draw.

Lazio defeated Roma in an intense Rome Derby. In the pouring rain the floodlights went out after six minutes, Erik Lamela gave Roma the lead, but two goals before half time from Antonio Candreva and Mirolsav Klose gave Lazio the lead. Just before half time Daniele De Rossi was sent off for punching Stefano Mauri. Mauri then gave Lazio the lead two minutes into the second half. Then with five minutes remaining Stefano Mauri got sent off for two yellows. From the resulting free kick 40 yards out Miralem Pjanic caught out Federico Marchetti and made it 3-2. Roma nearly snatched a draw in stoppage time when Marquinho poked volley went inches wide.

Napoli hit four away at Genoa but had to came back twice to clinch the points. Ciro Immobile gave Genoa the lead. But former Genoa player Giandomenico Mesto equalised, Genoa re-took the lead when Andrea Bertolacci. Edinson Cavani equalised for Napoli ten minutes from time. But two goals in stoppage time for Napoli the victory, goals from Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo insigne.

Torino picked up a nice home win against a struggling Bologna side, a second half header from Danilo D’Ambrosio gave Torino the three points.

Chievo and Udinese played out a four goal thriller with Udinese nicking a point one minute into added time. Marco Andreolli gave Chievo the lead but four minutes later Gabriele Angella equalised. Luciano missed a penalty for Chievo, but two minutes from time Danilo was sent off and Alberto Paloschi converted from the spot kick. But a minute into stoppage time Gabriele Angella equalised.

Fiorentina beat a woeful looking AC Milan side at the San Siro, Fiorentina took a two goal leads thanks to goals from Alberto Aquilani and Borja Valero. Alexandre Pato missed a penalty when it was 1-0 for AC Milan. Giampaolo Pazzini pulled one back for AC Milan against his former club, but Fiorentina got a third from former Ajax striker Mounir El Hamdaoui.

The final game of the weekend was a five goal thriller between Atalanta and Inter with the homeside edging out the Milan side 3-2. Giacomo Bonaventura gave Atalanta the lead, then Inter equalised in the second half with a fantastic free kick by Fredy Guarin. Two goals from German Denis including one from the penalty spot increased Atalanta lead. With seven minutes remaining Rodrigo Palacio pulled one back but it wasn’t enough.

Walsall 0-2 Swindon Town: The Perfect Away Performance

Posted by ScotM on November 14, 2012 at 3:01 pm European Champions League, Football League One, Swindon Town FC

Nov 142012

Swindon made it four points from six on Saturday with a fantastic 2-0 away win at Walsall. Goals from each half from Simon Ferry and Matt Ritchie gave the Robins the three points.

Simon Ferry continued as captain due to the absence of both Alan McCormack and Tommy Miller due to injury. John Bostock returned to the starting XI and replaced Louis Thompson, the on loan Spurs midfielder made a return after a few weeks out due to injury.

Swindon made the perfect start after fifty seven seconds they were 1-0 when Gary Roberts cross in from the left hand side found Simon Ferry fifteen yards out and he blasted into the back of the net.

Joe Devera played a defence splitting ball over the top for Matt Ritchie who then crossed in for James Collins and his low effort was well saved by David Grof.
A brilliant counter attack by Swindon nearly made it 2-0 when Simon Ferry chipped the ball to Gary Roberts at the back post that played it back across goal to James Collins but his goal bound effort was blocked by the Walsall defence.

Walsall then played their way into the Swindon half and on loan West Brom midfielder Sam Mantom dragged a shot wide from just outside of the area.
Swindon nearly doubled the lead just before half time when Gary Roberts who back an attack and hit a low drilled effort from twenty five yards out that hit the post.

Walsall then had two opportunities to level the contest but Adam Chambers had a volley that fizzed over the bar. Then Wes Foderingham had to make a fine save to deny Malvind Benning with a low save that was sneaking into the bottom corner.

Swindon then doubled their lead just after the hour when Miles Storey goal bound effort was blocked and the ball fell to Matt Ritchie twenty yards out from goal and he drilled low into the bottom corner and gave Swindon the 2-0 lead.

Andy Williams had two fantastic chances to add to Swindon lead but he was denied on both times by Walsall Hungarian keeper David Grof.

Another clean sheet for Swindon keeper Wes Foderingham that is two in a row now after the 0-0 draw in midweek against Sheffield United.

After the final whistle Paolo Di Canio saluted the away fans for their support. Up next is a home game against Yeovil

Swindon 0-0 Sheffield United: Robins held by leaders

Posted by ScotM on November 8, 2012 at 2:06 pm European Champions League, Football League One, Swindon Town FC

Nov 082012

It was back to the league on Tuesday night as Swindon entertained leaders Sheffield United. It was the return of former Swindon boss Danny Wilson who had a successful first two years at the club but succumbed to the sack in the spring of 2011. Swindon tasted two successive defeats in both cup competitions, first to Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup then to Macclesfield in the FA Cup.

Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio had to make changes due to suspensions and injuries. Aden Flint was starting the first game of his four game ban and Tommy Miller has been sidelined for six weeks due to a leg injury. So a lack of midfield cover meant that youth team player Louis Thompson made a first start for the club alongside Simon Ferry at the heart of the midfield. Joe Devera was restored to the centre of defence after player either on the right side or the left side of defence.

In the opening minutes of the game Swindon had a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring when a long range effort from Matt Ritchie cannoned of the crossbar. Simon Ferry then had a low curling effort brilliantly tipped away by Sheffield United keeper George Long. Nathan Thompson then was booked for a horrible challenge; it could have been a red card.

Early in the second half Swindon hit the woodwork again when Andy Williams played in Gary Roberts on the left hand side and his deflected angle drive hit the post.

Louis Thompson played a cross field cross to James Collins who got ahead of his marker and headed inches wide of the upright.

Sheffield United made two chances for themselves first effort was cleared off the line and the second fell to the big central defender Harry Maguire but his effort was blocked and he had appeals for handball turned down by the referee.

The game ended goalless and it was good to see a good performance after the horrid performance on Saturday against Macclesfield in the FA Cup.
It wasn’t for trying as Swindon had two efforts which hit the woodwork and Sheffield United had an effort cleared off the line. But the last fifteen minutes of the second half was like watching the ball in the air which was a pain to watch.

Up next for Swindon is a trip to the Midlands on where Swindon will entertain Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

2012-13 Serie A Week 11 Review: Inter end Juventus unbeaten run

Posted by ScotM on November 5, 2012 at 6:51 am Europe, Italy, Serie A

Nov 052012

It was the Derby D’Italia at the weekend as Juventus took on Inter at the Juventus stadium and Inter ended Juventus unbeaten run at 49 games like Arsenal with a brilliant 3-1. Next week is the Rome derby and both teams had different weekends; Lazio got thumped at Catania 4-0 while Roma won 4-1 at home to Palermo. AC Milan hit five and Napoli was held at home.

Saturday 3rd Nov

AC Milan entertained Chievo in the early evening kick off and found some form by beating the Flying Donkeys 5-1. Goals from Urby Emanuleson gave AC Milan the lead then Sergio Pellissier equalised a minute later for Chievo. Riccardo Montolivo added a second. AC Milan added three more from Bojan, Stephan El Shaarawy and Giampaolo Pazzini.

Juventus entertained Inter in the Derby D’Italia and took the lead after Eighteen seconds with a goal from Arturo Vidal, the goal was controversial as Kwadwo Asamoah was offside when the ball was played. Inter then struck in the second half from the penalty spot as Diego Milito was fouled by Claudio Marchisio. Milito took the penalty and dispatched it and then he added a second with fifteen minutes remaining. With a minute to go Rodrigo Palacio added a third and ended Juventus unbeaten run at 49 games.

Sunday 4th Nov

Pescara got a well needed home win over Parma; both goals came in the second half. The first games from Elvis Abbruscato and the second was added in stoppage time from Vladimir Weiss.

Napoli struggled at home against Torino and was held to a 1-1 draw. But it was a good start for Napoli as after six minutes Edinson Cavani scored from close range. But in stoppage time after a horrible defensive mistake by Salvatore Aronica, Gianluca Sansone pounced and equalised for Torino.

Bologna and Udinese played out a 1-1 draw, goals from Alessandro Diamanti for Bologna. Udinese equaliser came from who else but Antonio Di Natale.

Catania found some form as they dispatched Lazio 4-0. The Catania goals came from Alejandro Gomez x2, Francesco Lodi penalty and Pablo Barrientos.

Fiorentina fine form to the season continues as they dispatched Cagliari who has been in good form themselves. Fiorentina won the game 4-1. Gonzalo Rodriguez opened the scoring for Fiorentina, but Federico Casarini equalised for Cagliari. But Fiorentina hit three more goals from Stevan Jovetic, Luca Toni and a delightful chip from Juan Cuadrado.

Sampdoria have now lost six in a row after a home defeat to Atalanta. Atalanta opened the scoring after two minutes with a lovely flicked finish from Giacomo Bonaventura. Sampdoria equalised in the second half with a goal of the season contender from Enzo Maresca who got a brilliant bicycle kick. But with thirteen minutes remaining Atalanta regained the lead thanks to a goal from Giuseppe De Luca.

It’s now three defeats in three for new Genoa boss Gigi Del Neri after Genoa lost away 1-0 to Siena. Massimo Paci header gave Siena the three points.
Roma trounced Palermo in the Sunday night game. The game ended 4-1; Roma took the lead with a Francesco Totti header. A defensive mistake doubled Roma lead as Goalkeeper and defender collided and Pablo Osvaldo tapped into an empty net. The third was added by Erik Lamela who has been in form this season for Roma. Mattia Destro scored his first goal for Roma and then was sent off after he took off his shirt to celebrate, he was booked five minutes before hand and was on the pitch six minutes. Josip Ilicic got a consolation goal six minutes from time.

2012-13 Serie A Week 9 Review: Roman Capitulation in the Capital

Posted by ScotM on October 29, 2012 at 3:14 pm European Champions League, Italy, Serie A

Oct 292012

Week 9 was a bit of a controversial weekend with some questionable refereeing decisions, especially in the Catania vs. Juventus game where Catania had a legitimate goal harshly disallowed by the linesman. Both Milan clubs won, AC Milan struggled at home against Genoa while Inter are firing and won 3-1 away at Bologna. For the Roman clubs it was a different story as both clubs had bad days at the office.

Saturday 27th October

The opening game of the weekend which was Siena vs. Palermo ended up goalless.

AC Milan struggled at home against Genoa and a late second half strike from former Genoa player Stephan El Shaarawy gave AC Milan the win.

Sunday 28th October

The lunch time game provided to be a controversial one, Catania lost at home to Juventus thanks to a second half goal from Arturo Vidal. Catania thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Gonzalo Bergessio had a goal ruled out for offside, but on replays it showed that the Argentine striker was clearly onside. To make matters worse Giovanni Marchese was sent off in the second half for picking up two yellows.

Cagliari made it two wins in two games with a 1-0 win at Sampdoria and it was former Sampdoria midfielder Daniele Dessena who got the winner with a fine header.

Fiorentina managed to overcame Lazio who were in fine form and the Viola won the game 2-0.Adem Ljajic got the opening goal of the game with a brilliant strike, the Serbian hit a wonderful effort which was a goal of the week contender. Luca Toni added a second with a brilliant piece of individual skill by the big man. Lazio ended the game with nine men when Hernanes and Cristian Ledesma were sent off.

Pescara and Atalanta ended up goalless but Atalanta was reduced to ten men just two minutes into the second half when Federico Peluso was sent off for two yellow cards.

Inter won away at Bologna and their fine form continues, Andrea Ranocchia gave inter the lead with a looping header. Diego Milito doubled the lead after a fine counter attacking goal. Nicolo Cherubin pulled one back for Bologna, but it was short lived as Esteban Cambiasso got Inter third with a fine deft chipped finish.

Parma won away at Torino 3-1 with all four of the goals coming in the second half, Torino were reduced to ten men when Gianluca Sansone was sent off for two yellow cards. The second was for simulation. Parma scored three goals in a space of sixteen minutes, goals from Nicola Sansone, Amauri an Aleandro Rosi gave Parma a 3-0 lead. In stoppage time Torino pulled one back thanks to Migjen Basha.

There were two Sunday night games. Napoli took on Chievo in Naples and won the game in the second half thanks to a goal from Marek Hamsik. There was a red card in this game for Chievo as Kamil Vacek was sent off for two yellows after blocking off Marek Hamsik.

The second of the Sunday night games was a right tale of two halves. Roma raced into a 2-0 goal lead inside twenty five minutes at home to Udinese. Both goals came from Erik Lamela. But Udinese hit back as Maurizio Domizzi pulled one back. Then four minutes into the second half Antonio Di Natale equalised before with minutes remaining, Di Natale won the game from the penalty spot with a Paneka penalty past Maarten Stekelenburg. It got worse for Roma when they were reduced to ten men when Panagiotis Tachtsidis was sent off for picking up two yellows in the space of five seconds for dissent as Roma lost their heads.

Stevenage 0-4 Swindon: Robins firing on all Cylinders

Posted by ScotM on October 29, 2012 at 2:17 pm European Champions League

Oct 292012

Swindon Town produced a fantastic away performance at second place Stevenage winning 4-0 and ending a three game winless streak.

Goals from Raffaele De Vita, Matt Ritchie, Miles Storey and Adam Rooney gave the Robins the three points. Swindon even had a Tommy Miller penalty saved.

Swindon started the stronger and came out of the blocks a lot quicker than the home side, Miles Storey had a turn and swivel shot comfortable saved by Steve Arnold in goal for Stevenage.

But Swindon took the lead after seventeen minutes when a cross in the left found Matt Ritchie at the back post who headed across goal to found Raffaele De Vita who turned and hit a lovely left footed volley into the bottom corner. This was the winger fourth goal of the season, his second in two games.

On the half hour Swindon doubled the lead when a cross by Alan McCormack was punched away by Arnold and it fell to Matt Ritchie who hit a low drive through the bodies in the penalty area and it went through the Stevenage keeper legs into the back of the net.

Swindon had the chance to add to their lead just minutes later when Alan McCormack run from the back was ended right inside of the penalty box by Bondz N’Gala. Tommy Miller then stepped up but he had his spot kick saved by Steve Arnold who guessed right and parried the effort away.

But seven minutes before half time Swindon added a third and was in dream land. John Bostock played in Matt Ritchie on the right hand side who crossed in to Miles Storey who headed home and scored his first senior goal for Swindon. Swindon keeper Wes Foderingham had one save to make all game and it was an important save. The home side only had three shots on goal all game.

Swindon was on the attack again in the second half and Miles Storey had his header brilliantly tipped over the bar by Arnold from a Tommy Miller cross.

On the hour Swindon hit a fourth and it added a gloss to the score line. John Bostock played a through ball to sub Adam Rooney who hit a first time left footed effort into the bottom corner.

This was a brilliant display by the Robins who are now 7th in the league after this 4-0 away win. This was Stevenage first defeat in the league at home for eighteen games.

Up next for Swindon is a mouth watering League Cup home tie against Premiership side Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

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