Respect For 96!!!

The Hillsborough memorial in pictures;

The Liverpool players, paying their respect.

Memoriam wall and many thoughts and prayers.

The famous shankly gates dressed with scarfs.

Liverpool fans show their unity and support.

A memorial stone dedicated to those who lost their lives and lost ones.

Fans on route to the memorial service have 96 printed on their shirts.

Liverpool players, past and present at memorial service today.

And last but not least, the KOP.

We at footballcrazybaby would like to send our prayers and best wishes to all.

We would also like to add that with all the above in mind, it doesn't matter what football team you support, respect is there from everyone.

So we would just like to say

 96 'You Will Never Walk Alone' 96

HULL SHOW CHARACTER TO REACH THE FA CUP FINAL

Hull5

Sagbo 42′Fryatt 49′Huddlestone 54′Quinn 67′Meyler 90′

Sheff Utd3

Baxter 19′Scougall 44′Murphy 90′

• FT 90 +4
• HT 1-2

By Gary RoseBBC Sport at Wembley

Hull City reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history after they staged a second-half fightback to defeat a spirited Sheffield United in a pulsating semi-final.

The Blades took the lead when Jose Baxter stabbed in, and although Hull levelled through Yannick Sagbo's close-range finish, Stefan Scougall smashed in to restore Nigel Clough's side's lead.

Hull turned the game around early in the second half when substitute Matt Fryatt swept in and Tom Huddlestone scored a classy solo effort before Stephen Quinn headed home.

Jamie Murphy's late strike set up a tense finale but David Meyler sealed the win with a composed finish in injury time.

The result means Hull will return to Wembley on 17 May to play Arsenal in the final.

For 45 minutes, Steve Bruce's side had looked as though they were on course to suffer a shock as the League One Blades twice seized the lead.

But ultimately Bruce's tactical nous paid dividends, with his second-half substitutions transforming the game.

Semi-final facts

• Hull City had only once previously reached the FA Cup semi-final, where they lost after a replay to Arsenal in 1930.

• Sheffield United have lost their last five FA Cup semi-finals (against Leicester in 1961, Sheffield Wednesday 1993, Newcastle United 1998, Arsenal 2003 and now Hull)

• Sheffield United became the ninth club from outside the top two divisions to reach the last four - none has reached the final.

The defeat denied Clough the chance to at least replicate the achievement of his father Brian, who had guided Nottingham Forest to the 1991 FA Cup final, where they were beaten by Tottenham.

But he will undoubtedly be proud of his players' efforts as they showed they were not overawed by Premier League opposition.

United took the game to their opponents from the outset as they hassled and harried the Hull defence, looking for a moment to catch out their higher-division opposition.

That arrived midway through the first half when the ball found its way to John Brayford on the right and the defender crossed low towards the near post where Baxter stuck out a boot to poke the ball beyond Steve Harper and send the Blades' fans wild.

Without cup-tied strike duo Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long, Hull looked toothless in attack and United had little trouble dealing with long balls aimed at Sagbo.

But when the Premier League side finally tried to attack with the ball on the ground, it resulted in an equaliser.

Jake Livermore threaded a fine ball through the defence to give Sagbo time and space to smash a shot into the roof of the net.

For a few moments, it seemed that strike would signal the beginning of the end of United's FA Cup dream but they showed superb spirit to respond immediately, this time Murphy crossing low for Scougall, arriving late into the box, to make no mistake with a ferocious finish.

David Meyler's injury-time goal seals Hull City's place in the FA Cup final

Bruce responded to his side's poor first-half display by bringing on Fryatt and Sone Aluko for George Boyd and Maynor Figueroa and the changes had an immediate effect as Hull quickly scored twice to stage a remarkable turn-around.

First, James Chester poked the ball to Fryatt inside the area following a corner and the United defenders could not react quickly enough to prevent the striker from sweeping in from four yards.

Bruce, conscious of the fact his side had switched off immediately after their first goal, urged his players to push on straight from the restart and within a matter of minutes Hull took the lead.

This time, Huddlestone raced into the area after playing a one-two with Meyler before clipping the ball confidently beyond the reach of Mark Howard.

By now Hull were firmly in control as Huddlestone's fierce's low drive forced Blades keeper Mark Howard to gather at the second attempt before Meyler headed wide.

Bruce made his third and final change midway through the half and once again it paid dividends as Quinn headed in from Livermore's ball just minutes after coming on against his former club.

That looked to have knocked the fight out of the Blades but there was still time for late drama as Murphy pounced on a loose ball to volley in.

That briefly gave Clough's side hope but moments later Meyler finally ended their giant-killing run when he raced on to Ahmed Elmohamady's through-ball to finish.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Hull City

• 22 Harper
• 02 Rosenior
• 03 Figueroa (Aluko - 45' )
• 08 Huddlestone
• 05 Chester
• 06 Davies
• 27 Elmohamady
• 07 Meyler Booked
• 20 Sagbo (Quinn - 64' )
• 14 Livermore
• 17 Boyd (Fryatt - 45' )

Substitutes

• 04 Bruce
• 10 Koren
• 12 Fryatt
• 16 Jakupovic
• 23 Faye
• 24 Aluko
• 29 Quinn

Sheffield United

• 01 Howard
• 04 Brayford
• 03 Harris (Hill - 94' )
• 17 Coady
• 05 Maguire
• 15 Collins
• 07 Flynn
• 08 Doyle
• 11 Baxter (Davies - 83' )
• 21 Scougall (Porter - 83' )
• 23 Murphy

Substitutes

• 06 Hill
• 09 Porter
• 14 McGinn
• 22 Davies
• 25 Long
• 28 Freeman
• 32 Kennedy

Ref: Andre Marriner

Att: 71,820

Above article courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk

CHELSEA SEE OFF TOUGH SWANS

                         SWANSEA 0 - 1 CHELSEA

                         Chico sent off 16        D BA 68

                                            HT 0 - 0         FT 0 - 1

Demba Ba proved to be Chelsea's goalscoring hero for the second time in a week after his second-half finish secured a 1-0 win over 10-man Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Just a few days after poaching the goal which sent Chelsea into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, the striker's crucial effort in south Wales kept Jose Mourinho's side firmly in the title race after Liverpool had beaten Manchester City 3-2 earlier in the day.

Best of the Match:

• Man of the Match: Demba Ba. The striker made the decisive contribution in the match to cap an excellent week for him.
• Save of the Match: Petr Cech did well to keep out a powerful Wilfried Bony header in the first half.
• Moment of the match: The early sending off,of Chico Flores was the key incident after the Swansea defender was booked twice in as many minutes.
• Talking point: Chelsea dominated for long periods and the win keeps them on course for the big showdown at Liverpool in a couple of weeks

Mohamed Salah side-footed an excellent early chance wide for Chelsea before Swansea defender Chico Flores was sent off on 16 minutes following two quick bookings.

Flores was first cautioned for bringing down Willian as the Brazilian tried to launch a quick counter-attack and was then shown a second yellow card, following lengthy deliberation by referee Phil Dowd, for a trip on Andre Schurrle just outside the penalty area.

Chelsea, though, struggled to take advantage of their numerical superiority for long periods, with half-time substitute Samuel Eto'o flashing an opportunity off target before the breakthrough goal arrived on 68 minutes.

Ba's low shot from the edge of the area packed too much power for Swansea keeper Michel Vorm to ensure Chelsea are still two points behind Liverpool with four games to play, and a decisive meeting at Anfield to come in a fortnight's time.

For Swansea, Garry Monk's side are still sweating on their Premier League status following a run of two wins in 11 games which has left the club just three points above the relegation zone.

A fast opening saw Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech save low down from Pablo Hernandez, before Salah missed a golden sixth-minute opportunity for the visitors when he side-footed wide from inside the penalty area.

Swansea enjoyed the lion's share of territory, and Cech was called on again to deflect a Wilfried Bony header over the bar before Flores became an unwanted center of attention.

He was cautioned for a foul on Willian, then he pulled down Schurrle just outside Swansea's box, and referee Phil Dowd brandished another yellow, leaving the home side down to 10 men.

John Terry admits Chelsea were not at their best whilst match-winner Demba Ba says he has never stopped believing in his ability.

Swans head coach Monk was left fuming by the decision - Dowd appeared to take a long time before he brandished a card - and he cut an animated figure on the touchline before a sense of order was restored and a reshuffle meant Jordi Amat going on for Hernandez.

It meant Swansea were left with a mountain to climb, but despite their disadvantage in terms of personnel there was an assuredness about the Welsh club, exemplified by skipper Ashley Williams.

Chelsea displayed their trademark patience in attempts to break Swansea down, but keeper Vorm had still to be seriously troubled as the game moved towards half-time.

Williams' first mistake saw him concede a needless corner five minutes before the break, but Branislav Ivanovic headed over after climbing highest among a melee of players.

And then Cech was forced into action, turning a powerful Nathan Dyer shot around his left-hand post as Swansea continue to be unfazed by the challenge they faced.

Swansea boss Garry Monk hailed his side's effort and commitment as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea having been down to ten men for the majority of the game.

Schurrle was then cautioned for a lunge on Angel Rangel in the final notable action of a scoreless opening period.

Jose Mourinho made a double substitution for the second half, sending on Oscar for Ramires and Eto'o instead of Schurrle.

Eto'o had a glorious chance to fire Chelsea ahead in the 58th minute, yet his miss from just 10 yards out epitomised the Blues' blunt attacking threat as Swansea remained on level terms.

And then a thrilling break out from a prolonged spell of defending almost produced the opening goal as Wayne Routledge's shot deflected off Chelsea skipper John Terry and bobbled wide.

But Ba finally destroyed Swansea's hopes of a point, to ensure Chelsea retain hopes of title silverware as they survived a late Swans flurry that saw Cech pressed into action.

All off the above from skysports

FLYING REDS CONTINUE THEIR TITLE CHARGE!!!!

KICK OFF FROM ANFIELD AT 13:37

 LIVERPOOL 3-2 MAN CITY

                                              Sterling  6                               Silva 57, 

                                              Skrtle 26                                  Johnson og 68

                                              Countinho 78       

 HT 2-0  FT 3-2

League Table and Liverpool VS Man City preview

Position	Team	Played	GoalDifference	Points
1	Liverpool	33	50	74
2	Chelsea	33	41	72
3	Man City	31	55	70
4	Everton	33	22	66
5	Arsenal	33	16	64
6	Tottenham	34	0	60
7	Man Utd	33	18	57
8	Southampton	34	5	48
9	Newcastle	34	-14	46
10	Stoke	34	-10	43
11	West Ham	33	-7	37
12	Crystal Palace	33	-15	37
13	Hull	33	-6	36
14	Aston Villa	33	-14	34
15	Swansea	33	-4	33
16	West Brom	33	-11	33
17	Norwich	34	-27	32
18	Fulham	34	-40	30
19	Cardiff	34	-34	29
20	Sunderland	32	-25	25

The game of the season as Flying Liverpool take on Man City!!!!

What a game we have to look forward to.  Many are calling it the premier league decider and the stats tell the same story.

Lets start with Liverpool......

The reds are looking to get hold of their first premier league title and to be crowned league champions since 1989/1990. Such a long time, in fact way too long for a club with so much history, so many great players and a club with such a massive stature within the glorious game.....And obviously the reds fans. Who are up their with the best.

Obviously this years title is in Liverpool's hands, will they deal with the pressure? We believe pressure isn't a factor within the reds camp. To be honest Liverpool were looking to qualify for the champions league this season, so a top four was their main objective.
We feel that because Liverpool have certainly nailed down champions league football for next season by already what looks like at least a top three finish, they have time to enjoy their football.

However because of their history, the clubs stature, the quality of players and of course the reds fans, they have a little pressure now, as they are so close to winning the premier league.
Club captain and talisman Steven Gerrard would love to finish off his already impressive trophies and accolades with the premier league.

For the reds to win the league this year, it wouldn't just be their fans, the team, the coaches etc who would be celebrating, but the neutrals out their, who have spoken up via many Internet sites of their admiration for the reds.

With great attractive football, exciting players, and plenty of goals it is understandable why so many would like to see the reds lift the premiership.

So will the red hot SAS partnership run riots tomorrow? We can see Man City struggling with the reds defensively as Man City, like Liverpool, only like to attack and attacking is their defending, however this opens the game up and this will suit both teams especially Liverpool.

Liverpool's Likely Line Up;

                                                                  Mignolet,

                                        Johnson        Skrtle         Sakho       Flanagan

                                               Lucas          Gerrard(c)        Henderson


                                            Suarez            Sturridge                Sterling

Brenden Rogers will want a lot of balance tomorrow, to help deal with the Man City attack. So we believe Lucas, if fit enough will get the nod instead of countinho, Or it could be Joe Allen in this position.
Also Agger is doubtful of starting due to match fitness, so Rogers will prob stick with Sakho to partner Skrtle.

Now Man City.......

With the changes at City's fierce rivals Man Utd, City are looking to clinch the premier league title this season to help them become the power house of Manchester and a win at Anfield could well be the most defining moment of their season / future.

It's well documented that City have the finances to become the most feared side in Manchester, if not the world. However, money can only take you so far.

Man City with out a doubt have a fantastic squad, that has international quality throughout, but we fear the impatience of the owners could ruin City's chance to become the football worlds strongest club.
The owners have transformed the club, from building a team worthy of beating anyone, to building top class facilities at the Etihad and surrounding areas.

They brought in Mancini of whom was building a very strong team, and a team of real force (OK defensively minded) but because he faulted in a few cup competitions (the champions league) he was shown the door.
Our fear for Man City is the owners loosing patience with the managers and showing them the door before any manager can instill their ideas, their players and their philosophy, just because of the elimination of a cup competition.

Look at Chelsea, another club who had a new billionaire owner in Roman Abramovich.
He chopped and changed things and before we knew it the special one was back at Stamford Bridge, dictating that he would go back to Chelsea but the team is his to manage not the owners. And Yes Mourinho got his hot seat back at Stamford Bridge. Did it cost Chelsea????? Of course it did.

So should City want the trophy cabinet of a major football club, the only way forward is to keep Pellegrini and see how he does for a few years. City are inexperienced with regards to the champions league, but should they be there season after season obviously they will have more chances to win it, but most important they will gain a lot of experience, players and coaches. In turn eventually winning the mighty Champions League.

City this season have been in excellent form and like Liverpool find themselves in a great position to win the league and break records at the same time.

Again like the reds, City will go to Anfield to attack. As simple as that.
With both teams looking to attack, both teams with players like Suarez, Sturridge, Gerrard, Nasri, Dzeko, Yaya Toure the out come will certainly be goals, goals, goals.

Suarez has 29

Sturridge has 20

Gerrard has 13

Nasri has 9

Dzeko has 11

Yaya Toure has 18

Total between 6 players that look certain to start is, 100 league goals. 

                                                        
City's Likely Line Up;

                                                                            Hart

                             Zabaleta      Kompany(c)        Demichelis     Kolorov

                                                 Toure          Fernandinho

                        Silva                                                                    Navas

                                                              Nasri

                                                                            

                                                             Dzeko

Aguaro is back from injury but is doubtful due to match fitness, but should play a part at some point of the game. In the middle of the park Pellagrini could do with Garcia, Toure and Fernandinho (maybe dropping Navas) but we think the above is most likely.

BREAKING NEWS.......... KOMPANY MAY BE OUT FOR THE CLASH AT ANFIELD!!!
Reports show that Kompany landed awkwardly after jumping up for a header during training.
Report can be found here;
                                          Kompany may miss game of season

Our Prediction.......

Liverpool to win 3-2.

Footballcrazybaby would like to send our prayers to all, with regards to Hillsborough.

We will stand silently tomorrow before kick off as we did today, to pay tribute to the fallen, but not 

forgotten, victims of football's worst tragedy.

96  YNWA  96

Today's Footy Results

Full time results....

Crystal Palace  1-0  Aston Villa

        Fulham  1-0  Norwich

    Southampton  0-1  Cardiff City

                      Stoke  1-0  Newcastle Utd

   Sunderland  0-1  Everton

          West Brom  3-3  Tottenham  

FA Cup semi final full time result....

Wigan  1-1  Arsenal

Arsenal win 4-2 on penalties

More to follow shortly.....

The Premier League Is Hotting Up Now People!!!!!!!

Todays Fixtures;

Crystal Palace  VS  Aston Villa

        Fulham  VS  Norwich

     Southampton  VS  Cardiff City 

                    Stoke  VS  Newcaslte Utd

 Sunderland  VS  Everton

       Westbrom  VS  Tottenham

All above matches kick off at 15:07

The FA Cup with Budweiser todays Fixture;

Semi Final;

Wigan Athletic  VS  Arsenal

Kick off at 17:07

Hillsborough: Matches to kick off seven minutes late.....

Matches in leagues across England will kick off seven minutes late this weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. 

Fixtures include Saturday's FA Cup semi-final between Wigan and Arsenal at Wembley which will start at 17:07 BST.

On Sunday, Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League at 13:37 BST.

The delayed starts apply to the top eight divisions in England, the FA Cup and the Welsh Premier League.

Hull face Sheffield United at 16:07 BST on Sunday in the second FA Cup semi-final.

There will also be a minute's silence before all matches, held six minutes after the originally scheduled kick-off time.

Scarves from every club in the top four divisions will create a number 96 at Anfield as a "sign of unity" while fans will also hold up a mosaic tribute.

On 15 April 1989, at the start of an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, a crush on the terraces of Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium resulted in the death of 96 Liverpool fans and left hundreds more injured.

That match ended at 15:06 BST.

Above is from www.bbc/sport.co.uk