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2020 A Year to Remember for Football

Any fan of sports will have been affected by the surreal circumstances surrounding sporting events around the world in 2020.

#This is a year when nothing can be taken for granted and out of the ordinary things have happened. However, things are all getting back on track now and it’s making a comeback. No one will be more pleased than lovers of football and the Premier League.

Just before football ground to a halt, there was one thing that seemed a certainty – Liverpool winning its first Premier League for 30 years. However, 2 victories before that happened, play stopped, and the outcome was unsure. Would the season be voided – Liverpool having to continue its long wait? Would they decide to declare the current results as final? Liverpool champions but not really officially. Or would play resume at some point. Football and sports betting lovers around the world were thrilled when it was announced the season would resume and everything was still to play for.

Betting on the Results

That meant that not only playing sports but also betting on sports resumed and bookmakers were out in their droves to offer betting offers and promotions to add to the enjoyment of all. One of the standouts is the Betclic promo code, which gives you cashback on your bets – perfect for such an unpredictable year. But, what to bet on with the plethora of great offers back on the table? Well the joy about football betting is that it can go on forever, no matter where we are in the season. True, it’s too late to bet on Premier League champions, but there are other cups and matches still going on – offering just as much excitement for the eager bettor.

The End of the Season

Even when games have ground to a halt and the result are in, there’s still plenty Premier League action to bet on, which is another reason that we love football. 

One of the fun markets to take a punt on is the transfer season. There are always masses of rumors going around about who is leaving one club and who is joining. August wouldn’t be complete without people scrolling through social media to see what might be happening to their club before the start of the next season. The fun thing is that many aren’t truly known until deadline day.  People often stay glued to the news to see the last-minute signings and deals… and which ones fell at the final hurdle. This is exciting enough, but when you add betting to the equation, it makes it next level.

Who Steers the Ship?

Another bet you could make at this time is which managers will be leaving. There will be some that are obviously looking at the chop due to a poor performance that season. However, some are a little more unpredictable. And, once one manager leaves, this could set off a storm with managers leaving their role to fill the vacancy at a bigger and better club.  True, we can’t see Klopp going anywhere just yet, but clubs such as Man U, Spurs and Arsenal and Watford have had turbulent times when it comes to managers. Rarely is their job safe.

 

The Season Ahead

It is well known that the earlier you place a bet, then the better odds you’ll get. So, why not get ahead of the game and start making your predictions already? Who do you think will take the top spot or spots the next season? Which teams do you think will struggle? Who do you think will hit form and get the Golden Boot? The joy of football is that all through the year, whether it’s being played or not, it offers excitement and unpredictability… so it’s always the perfect time to make a bet!

 

7 Easy Football Tricks To Beat Defenders

Football is a game of unbelievably impressive tricks. These tricks are not only great to show off your skills but are also helpful in defeating defenders.

Defenders stop attacks, preventing players from scoring goals. However, with the help of certain moves, you can easily beat defenders. In this article, we’ll cover a few of those iconic tricks.

On that note, if you’re knee-deep in work, catch live football scores here and never experience the fear of missing out. Now, let’s discuss the 7 best moves to beat defenders.

 

  • The Matthew Cut

 

Eponymous to the football legend Stanley Matthews, who championed this move over 50 years ago. This football trick is also known as ‘shoulder feint’ or ‘dropping the shoulder’. The Matthew Cut is easy to pull off and is excellent to mislead defenders.

Execution: Kick the ball lightly with the inside of your foot in a particular direction. Then, with the outside of the same foot launch a kick in a different direction.

 

  • The Cruyff Turn

 

This dribbling move is the legacy of Johan Cruyff. It’s effective when a defender is running close by you to snatch the ball from you.

Execution: Place your supporting foot slightly ahead of the ball and with your other foot push the ball gently behind your supporting leg. Now kick it in the opposite direction and run past the defender.

 

  • The Flip-Flap

 

Also known as the elastico, is a dribbling move, used popularly by football players to trick defensive players. The flip-flap is a quick yet fatal move, which may even cause the defender to stumble over. It may seem that this move is one smooth motion, but it requires a lot of practice to master it.

Execution: Launch the ball forward with the outside of your foot, then quickly push it to the opposite side with the inside of the same foot.

 

  • The Marseille Turn

 

The Marseille Turn is a dribbling trick popularized in the 1970s by a French footballer, Yves Mariot. Famous footballers Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane are notable executioners of this move, hence it’s also known as the ‘’Maradona turn’’ and ‘’Zidane turn’’. The move is effective when the defender is approaching head-on trying to take control of the ball.

Execution: Place one foot on the ball and slightly pull it back, consequently spin around so your back is facing the defender. While you’re spinning, drag the ball further back and past the defender. Now launch the ball in the direction you want to run.

 

  • The Nutmeg

 

This move is satisfying for the attacker and humiliating for the defender. Owing to its effectiveness, it’s attempted multiple times in a game by players.

Execution: Place your foot on the ball and drag it to the side of the same foot, to trick the defender. Immediately kick the ball between the defender’s legs to get the ball past them. And gain control of the ball again.

 

  • The Inside Touch

 

A player must have fast feet to perform this move with excellency. This move works well against defenders when they expect you to hit the ball inside rather than the outside.

Execution: Push the ball forward with the inside of one foot and quickly do a scissor with the same foot. Now, push the ball away using the outside touch of your opposite foot.

 

  • The Rainbow

 

Also known as Ardiles flick, is an advanced football move used rarely in matches due to its complexity. However, it remains one of the most famous moves in football. It helps you move past a defender while running down the field.

Execution: While moving, push the ball slightly ahead of you and trap the ball with the inside of your back foot and heel of the front foot. Then roll the ball with the back foot onto the front leg. Now lean forward and kick the ball over the head of your defender and run away.

Jonathan Smyth & Crystal Tom win at Cavan

Jonathan Smyth took his first victory in the Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix at Cavan Equestrian on Sunday, as the Co. Tyrone rider and Crystal Tom produced a winning clear round in 41.07 seconds.

Smyth and the ten-year-old Silvano gelding, who were pipped at the post at Barnadown last weekend, now occupy second place on the leaderboard on 18 points, just two points behind the current leader, Susan Fitzpatrick with Verdict De Kezeg.

Jonathan Smyth and Crystal Tom winning at Cavan. Credit: Laurence Dunne/ jumpinaction.net.

Thirty-nine combinations started the fifth round of the series in Cavan, with 16 of them qualifying for the second round against the clock. Six of the 16 competitors delivered double clears while seven partnerships had one fence down against the clock.

National Grand Prix Champion, Liam O’Meara put his first points on the leaderboard, as he took second place with Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight, as they kept all the poles in place in a time of 42.50 seconds.

Egyptian rider Sameh El Dahan followed closely behind with Joanne Sloan Allen’s WKD Aimez Moi and a clear in 42.85 seconds would prove good enough for third place in the line-up.

Joanne Blair and the Irish Sport Horse, Mon Ami, took fourth place with a clear round in a time of 44.42 seconds, while Kildare’s Derek McConnell took fifth with Dothraki Warlord, when going clear in 44.56 seconds.

Last of the double clears and taking sixth place was Richard Kerins and Small Change, when they stopped the clock in 49.20 seconds.

Sunday GAA Club Football Round Up

Another excellent day of club football games across the country. Let’s take you through a round of the GAA football games from Sunday.

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Castlehaven v Carbery Rangers in Round 1 of the Cork Senior Football Championship here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Castlehaven: 0-14
Carbery Rangers: 0-09 pic.twitter.com/fU7Xmgb7sk

In Cork, TG4 cameras were in Clonakilty to show Castlehaven v Carbery Rangers. It was Castlehaven who put in a massive performance with Brian and Michael Hurley steering them to a five point win, 0-14 to 0-09. Offaly SFC then saw Shamrocks turn things around at the break to win by a point. Shamrocks trailed at the break by six points. However, a goal from Paddy Dunican brought them back into contest and they pushed on to get a deserved win. In Wicklow St Patrick’s recorded a comfortable win over Newtown. Tommy Kelly getting the only goal of the game in a 1-18 to 0-11 win. Bray Emmets had a good 2-07 to 0-09 win over Arklow at Aughrim also.

Monaghan senior star Conor McManus missed a late free as defending county champions Clontibret drew with Ballybay 1-09 each in Group 1. Moreover, also in group 1, Magheracloone had a 2-09 to 1-11 win over Inniskeen. In the Roscommon senior football championship Padraig Pearses struck late to earn a hard earned draw against Boyle. Pearses, who won the title in 2019 trailed by 12 points at one stage in the second half but fought their way back into the game to get an unlikely draw.

Saturday GAA Club Football Round Up

Plenty of games took place on Saturday in the various club championship across the country. Let’s take you through our club football round up below.

In Dublin defending champions Ballyboden St Enda’s had a resounding win over Clontarf. Boden, the 2019 Leinster Champions were level at the break with Clontarf who had Jack McCaffrey and Chris Barrett in their ranks. However, they pulled clear in the second half to in by 4-20 to 2-08. Furthermore, Kilmacud Crokes struck six goals in an emphatic win over Raheny. The Stillorgan based side triumphing by 21 points in the end 6-13 to 1-10. Whitehall-Colmcille tested St Vincent’s but experience of Tomas Quinn and others helped Vinnies to a 2-15 to 1-13 win. Ciaran Kilkenny’s Castleknock had a good win over neighbours Oliver Plunketts. Castleknock winning 2-15 to 1-11 despite Bernard Brogan grabbing a goal for the losers. St Judes had a 1-10 to 0-08 win over Na Fianna.

Ballymun Kickhams had a big win over Skerries Harps. 2012 champions Kickhams secured a 3-18 to 0-12 win in a dominant performance. Lucan Sarsfields proved too strong for Ballinteer St Johns, easing to a 10 point win, 0-19 to 0-09. Three games also took in the Cork SFC. Douglas beat Bishopstown 1-14 to 1-09, Newcestown overcame Ilen Rovers, while Clonakilty had to much fire power for Carrigaline in a 1-12 to 0-08 win. In Roscommon, Clann Na nGael and St Brigids played out an entertaining 1-14 each draw. Elphin had a good win over Strokestown 1-09 to 0-10. Elphin top the group as a result.

In Group B, then Western Gaels beat Roscommon Gaels 0-10 to 0-07, while St Croans held of Fuerty 0-8 to 0-6 in a low scoring affair. In Group C Michael Glaveys held off Tulsk 2-11 to 1-07. The Kerry championship also rolled into town. Kenmare had a good win over Kerrins O’Rahilly’s, 2-09 to 0-13. Paul Geaney kicked a last gasp point for Dingle to secure a 0-15 each draw with Annascaul. Killarney Legion held off Kilcummin 0-15 to 1-10.

 

Saturday GAA Club Hurling Round Up

The club championships continued on Saturday and we can take a look at the round up of the games below. There were games in both games with some entertaining contests.

In the Galway SHC St Thomas’ had a good win over Castlegar. The holders trailed Castlegar by 10 points at one stage but clawed their way back into the game to win 2-23 to 3-18. Oisin Connolly scored 2-03 but a late goal from Galway senior hurler Conor Cooney sealed a narrow win for St Thomas. Liam Mellows had a narrow 1-18 to 1-16 win over Turloughmore. The Tipperary hurling championship also continued on Saturday. Thurles Sarsfields, Loughmore/Castleiney and Drom and Inch all had wins in their respective games. Seamus Callanan’s Drom and Inch held off Roscrea by two points, 2-18 to 2-16, while Thurles Sarsfields enjoyed a 1-19 to 1-13 over Kilruane McDonaghs. The McGrath brothers were to the fore in Loughmore/Castleiney win over Moycarkey-Boris.

Kiladanagan and JK Brackens also played out a draw at Semple Stadium. An injury time free from Bryan McLoughney meant the score was 1-20 to 3-14 at full time. In Waterford De La Salle had a big win over Ballysaggart. De Le Salle comfortably winning 2-21 to 1-11 in a game played at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Sixmilebridge got their defence of the Clare SHC title off to a winning start beating Eire Og 0-17 to 0-12. Alex Morey registering 0-13 for the winners. Cratloe also had a good win over Kilmaley 3-15 to 2-11 in an entertaining contest. Wolfe Tones had to much firepower for Clarecastle as they won 4-19 to 0-16. Feakle had a good win over Whitegate 0-21 to 0-16 and O’Callaghan’s Mills beat Broadford 2-13 to 0-17.

In Wexford St Annes had just one point to spare over Glynn-Barntown. They won 2-17 to 1-19. St Anne’s guaranteed themselves a place in the quarter-finals. Ferns had a good win over Fethard winning 0-21 to 1-15.

St. Thomas’ 2-23 Castlegar 3-18

St. Thomas’ 2-23 Castlegar 3-18

Galway GAA

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship – Group 3

Saturday, July 25th 2020 at Pearse Stadium.

Reigning County Champions and 2013 All-Ireland Club winners St.Thomas’ got the defence of their county title underway against Castlegar at Pearse Stadium at 6pm. The game looked to be going the way of the underdogs Castlegar, until a Conor Cooney goal in stoppage time snatched the win for Thomas’ who had trailed Castlegar by 2-13 to 0-10 at the break.

Castlegar started the stronger as they outscored the holders by six points to three in the opening ten minutes. Brendan Farrell came in for Darragh Burke after just 12mins, when the latter succumbed to an early knock. Farrell’s first involvement in the game was to send the ball over the bar for St.Thomas’. Veteran Ger Farragher replied straight away with a placed ball. The 2005 all-star was deadly accurate from placed balls all day. He also played a vital role in the games opening goal.

Farragher’s free from the left sideline in his own half dropped to Oisin Conolly inside the 21-yard line. He found the net with a sweet strike from the left of the goal. Connor Cooney pointed just prior to the first water break after 18mins. This left the score Castlegar 1-7 St.Thomas’ 0-5.

Two quick St.Thomas’ points after the restart again cut the arrears to three points. However, a second goal for Castlegar changed the momentum of the game. Oisin Conolly laid on a chance which Enda Concannon duly buried. Shortly after Dean Higgins tacked on another point. This was followed up by a brace from Ger Farragher. The first was long-range free from the left touchline. While the second was a tap over from open play much closer in.

A Brendan Farrell point for St.Thomas’ was responded to immediately by a Jack Coyne score at the other end. This pattern repeated itself again as a Conor Cooney pointed free was answered with Dean Higgins’ 4th point from the puck out.
Cillian Callaghan finished off a well-worked team score for Castlegar before another pointed free from Conor Cooney left the score at the break Castlegar 2-13 St.Thomas’ 0-10.

A tally of 1-08 from Conor Cooney helped St.Thomas to a narrow win over Castlegar. Photo credit: Shane Tighe.

Second Half
The champions emerged a different side after the break. St. Thomas’ went more direct with the wind now at their backs. Two Conor Cooney frees, a point from Eanna Burke, David Burke and David Sherry reduced the arrears to six points. Five points in the opening six mins of the half for St.Thomas’ saw the scoreboard now read Castlegar  2-13 St. Thomas’ 0-15.

It wasn’t all good news for St.Thomas, however, as Bernard Burke became their second player to be forced off injured. A Ger Farragher free from a tight angle broke the St.Thomas’ scoring streak. St.Thomas responded from with a point from David Burke. Another point from Oisin Flannery after a turnover cut the gap further. When Connor Cooney pointed another free for St.Thomas’ there was now only two points in it.

When Oisin Connolly fired home his second and Castlegar’s third goal the underdogs looked set to cause an upset. Photo credit: Shane Tighe

A crucial goal for Castlegar, a second from Oisin Conolly, seemed to have put them back in the driving seat. When a goal-line clearance from Castlegar’s Brian Hartnett denied Conor Cooney a certain three-pointer, it looked like it was an upset on the cards.

But St.Thomas dug deep, the resulting 65’ was sent over for Cooney’s 7th pointed free, his 8th, but first from play arrive shortly after. The 2nd water break was then called by referee Alan Kelly. At this stage Castlegar led by 3-14 to St.Thomas’ 0-20 heading into the final quarter.

Thomas cut the gap with a point from Oisin Flannery on the restart. Oisin Conolly hit a fine point in reply from under the stand for the Cashel men, to bring his personal tally to 2-3.

Jason O’Gorman stretched Castlegar’s lead with another point as the scoreline read 3-16 v 0-21 with three mins to go. However, 1-1 in the next two phases of play from Eanna Burke brought St.Thomas level with as the game ticked into the five minutes of Stoppage time added by referee Alan Kelly.

Eanna Burke gets ready to fire home. Photo credit: Shane Tighe.

Stoppage-time drama 

Damien McGlynn gave away a cheap free from where the ball landed for a late push in the back. This gave Ger Farragher an easy free by his standard which he duly pointed. Another Farragher free added a two-point cushion.
Conor Cooney’s goal in stoppage time edged the champions in front and McGlynn atoned for his earlier error with a point. Castlegar came straight down the field and were awarded a 21 yard free when Dean Higgins was taken down as he cut in from the sideline. Ger Farragher saw his effort repelled by the amassed St.Thomas’s defenders as the champions cleared their lines to the sound of the final whistle.

Full-time in Pearse Stadium: St. Thomas’ 2-23 Castlegar 3-18.

In the 2pm throw-in at Pearse Stadium in the Brooks Senior A, Group 2, Round 1 game Turloughmore defeated Liam Mellows by two points, 1-18 v 1-16.

Friday 24th: Group 1, round 1: Tommy Larkins 1-16 Loughrea 0-15.

Keep up to date on this match in our live score feeds at lovingGAA.ie

Team News

Castlegar squad 2020. With thanks to GalwayGaa.ie
Castlegar squad 2020. With thanks to GalwayGaa.ie
St. Thomas' squad 2020. With thanks to GalwayGaa.ie
St. Thomas’ squad 2020. With thanks to GalwayGaa.ie

Friday’s club championship round-up

Plenty of games took place on Friday evening so let’s take you through the club championship round up.

In the Cork senior football championship Nemo Rangers proved to strong for Valley Rovers. Cork senior star Luke Connolly firing in a brace of goals in each to give them a 3-8 to 1-09 win. St Finbarrs had a good win over Ballincollig in a game played at Pairc Ui Rinn with Ian Maguire starring for the Barrs in a 1-13 to 0-10 win.In Kerry Dr Crokes proved to strong for Templenoe in the senior football championship. Crokes coming out on top 1-18 to 0-10. Tony Brosnan amassing a total of 1-08.

In Offaly Ferbane opened their defence of their crown with a four points win over Edenderry, 1-12 to 1-08. A goal in added time from Eoin Carroll helped Cappincur to a one point over Tullamore, 0-12 to 1-08 at full time. The Limerick hurling championship also got underway and Killmallock led by Graeme Mulcahy came out on top 2-16 to 1-17.

In Clare Michael O’Loughlin struck late against Newmarket On Fergus to edge Clonlara into the last 12 as they bid for a first county title since 2008. Inagh Kilnamona also had a good win over Clooney Quinn with County star Aidan McCarthy the tormenter in chief. Ballygunner looking for their 7th county title in a row in Waterford didn’t get out of second gear as they had 19 points to spare over Tallow. The final score was 2-22 to 0-09. Jason Flynn inspired Tommy Larkins to the next round of the championship in Galway as his personal haul of 0-08 was good enough to steer them past Loughrea, 1-16 to 0-15.

In Wexford reigning champions St Martins got off to a good start beating Cloughbawn in miserable conditions. The Piercestown outfit now with John Meyler at the helm came out on top 0-23 to 0-15. Naomh Eanna, the 2018 champions also got their campaign underway and managed to win by the skin of their teeth in Wexford Park. A penalty in second half stoppage  from Conor Mcdonald helped them on the way to a 2-11 to 1-13, 1 point over Rapparees. Rapparees now exit the championship.

Cork SFC round 1

Nemo Rangers 3-8 Valley Rovers 1-9

St Finbarr’s 1-13 Ballincollig 0-10

Kerry club SFC round 1

Dr Crokes 1-18 Templenoe 0-10

Offaly SFC round 1

Ferbane 1-12 Edenderry 1-8

Cappincur 0-12 Tullamore 1-8

Carlow SHC round 1

St Mullin’s 2-17 Naomh Eoin 1-11

Clare SHC round 1

Inagh-Kilnamona 2-17 Clooney-Quin 0-14

Clonlara 0-19 Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-14

Galway SHC round 1

Tommy Larkins 1-16 Loughrea 0-15

Limerick SHC round 1

Kilmallock 2-16 Na Piarsaigh 1-17

Waterford SHC round 1

Ballygunner 2-22 Tallow 0-9

Wexford SHC round 2

Naomh Eanna 2-11 Rapparees 0-16

St Martin’s 0-23 Cloughbawn 0-15

Connacht GAA Air Dome to open in September

The Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan, Co Mayo is set to open in September. The multi million sports facility is moving a step closer to completion which covers a four acre site.

Awesome indoors of the Air Dome what a magnificent facility massive credit to @PruntyPitches @ireland_sis #ConnachtGAA pic.twitter.com/buXNkedLDs

— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) July 23, 2020

The development includes a full 4g playing pitches, a running surface and training facilities such as gyms and dressing rooms. RTE state that the centre will be the biggest indoor playing facility in the world. The inflatable covering has been since pulled over the site, work began on Friday of filling the air and that has since been completed.

The dome itself can be used for a variety of additional training facilities in the province. It can be used as a conference centre, while other options on a larger scale could also be considered down the line. CEO of the Connacht Council, John Prenty said, work was ongoing to future-proof the development, with the GAA offering naming rights and sponsorship options to interested businesses.

The €3.1m cost of the dome has been funded by €2.1m by the Exchequer, with Croke Park contributing a further €700,000.The remaining balance and  costs are being paid for by Connacht GAA. The dome itself covers and area of 150m x 100m. It will also see energy conserved and will see a low level of running costs.

Henderson named FWA footballer of year

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been named FWA footballer of the year. The midfielder was the outright winner of the award ahead of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

Henderson made history when he skippered the Reds to a first Premier League title in 30 years. Liverpool have one remaining game left which is away to Newcastle on Sunday and they are 18 point clear at the top of the Premier League standings. The Sunderland born 30 year old also spearheaded the #playerstogether initiative which saw players link up with NHS Charities to raise money for The NHS.

In a statement Henderson said, “I’d like to say how appreciative I am of the support of those who voted for me and the Football Writers’ Association in general”. He continued, “You only have to look at the past winners of it, a number of whom I’ve been blessed to play with here at Liverpool, like Stevie (Steven Gerrard), Luis (Suarez) and Mo (Mohamed Salah) to know how prestigious it is”.

Henderson who has played over 50 times for England, said “But as grateful as I am I don’t feel like I can accept this on my own. I don’t feel like anything I’ve achieved this season or in fact during my whole career has been done on my own”. He thanked all the players in the squad and said “He accepts the award on behalf of the whole squad”. “I accept it on behalf of this whole squad, because without them I’m not in a position to be receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player – a better leader and a better person, Henderson said.

Chair of the FWA, Carrie Browne said,” Leadership is intangible and often unquantifiable unless it is inarguable. Jordan Henderson is both the ultimate professional and now a bona fide Liverpool legend”. The voting criteria for the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is one who leads by precept and example and in this country’s darkest moment, Jordan, unprompted, personally rallied club captains to establish #PlayersTogether

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