Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
Bolton narrowly won their close encounter away at Birmingham City: the fast-paced game saw both sides create many chances but it was Bolton who took the lead after 21 minutes. Despite losing two defenders within 30 minutes to injuries, Birmingham levelled just before half-time.
Bolton regained their lead through a penalty before the Blues levelled once more. Owen Coyle’s side was too strong for the spirited Birmingham side though, with Lee scoring a 90th minute winner to put Bolton through to the semi-finals with a 3-2 win.
Manchester City took on Reading at Eastlands and fought out a scrappy 1-0 win to book their place in the last four. Tevez and Silva linked up well and created some great chances for City but they failed to capitalize. The goal came courtesy of defender Richards after 75 minutes and City held on against a determined Reading side as they keep their hopes alive of winning their first trophy since 1976.
Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford for their quarter-final match and, with midfield injuries galore for the Red Devils, they faced a team fielding seven defenders. Full-backs Rafael and Fabio da Silva adapted well to their temporary positions, however, and Fabio gave his side the lead just before the half hour mark. Only minutes into the second half Rooney scored United’s second, looking more like his former self with each game.
The game looked far from over though, as Arsenal were lively and forced numerous fantastic saves from Van der Sar. They couldn’t find a way past the experienced keeper and United’s solid back four, however, and the final score was 2-0 to United.
In the last quarter-final, Stoke faced West Ham. The Potters took an early lead, with Huth heading home after only 18 minutes. Their lead was cancelled out on the half hour mark by West Ham’s Piquionne, with cries for hand-ball against him being ignored by referee, Jones. Jones came into the spotlight again just after half-time when he awarded a soft penalty to Stoke, which Green saved.
Higginbotham’s fantastic, curling free-kick restored Stoke’s lead with just less than half an hour to play and proved to be the winner, though Hull came close to earning a replay as they hit the crossbar in injury time. Stoke’s 2-1 win sees them progress to their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years.
The draw for the semi-finals saw Stoke drawn against Bolton and Manchester City face Manchester United, setting up two thrilling matches. United, who defeated City 2-1 last time they played them, will hope they can stop their bitter rivals from reaching the final. Only six points separate Bolton and Stoke in the Premier League, promising a close game.
The semi-finals are to be played on 16th/17th April at Wembley.
FA Cup semi-finals:
Bolton – Stoke
Man City – Man Utd
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