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Deadly duo ensure win for ‘Boys from the Boro’
MANCHESTER City were Premier League top dogs once again in 2020/21.
The Blues regained their status as league champions, and also won a fourth successive Carabao Cup.
But the season was tinged with disappointment when, after reaching the Champions League final for their first time in their history, City fell at the final hurdle by losing to Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola will be determined to finally win the European Cup during his time at City while retaining the domestic title, and the club’s hierarchy have signalled their intention to help him by strengthening the squad with world-class talent.
As such, the summer transfer market has seen City heavily linked to Harry Kane and Jack Grealish. No matter which new stars turn out in sky blue, it looks like being a tumultuous season at the Etihad.
To look forward to the 2021/22 season, our City writers have teamed up to produce a comprehensive guide to the new campaign.
They’ll be bringing you all their insight to offer unique, personal perspectives on what Blues supporters should look out for over the next nine months.
It’s one of 41 special edition club annuals being produced by Reach PLC to mark the return of fans to stadiums across the Premier League, Championship, League One and the Scottish Premiership.
Fans can order these one-off titles in print to arrive at their doorstep before the campaign kicks off with all the details on the new season, new signings and how their club has been preparing to go after glory again. Every annual includes a full club-by-club breakdown of the competition, key stats and the latest information around the grounds as football puts fans back at the heart of the action.
IT promises to be a huge season for Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side showed improvements to finish second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
But the last campaign ended trophyless once again - a big disappointment after reaching the latter stages of the FA Cup and EFL Cup, and the final of the Europa League.
It means Solskjaer will be determined to finally get his hands on silverware next season and this summer’s transfer window is expected to see him strengthen his squad.
Jadon Sancho will join the Reds after Euro 2020, while the likes of Raphael Varane, Kieran Trippier and Eduardo Camavinga are among the names that United are also interested in bringing to Old Trafford.
To look forward to the 2021/22 season, our United writers have teamed up to produce a comprehensive guide to the new campaign.
They’ll be bringing you all their insight to offer unique, personal perspectives on what Reds supporters should look out for over the next nine months.
It’s one of 41 special edition club annuals being produced by Reach PLC to mark the return of fans to stadiums across the Premier League, Championship, League One and the Scottish Premiership.
Fans can order these one-off titles in print to arrive at their doorstep before the campaign kicks off with all the details on the new season, new signings and how their club has been preparing to go after
glory again.
Every annual includes a full club-by-club breakdown of the competition, key stats and the latest information around the grounds as football puts supporters back at the heart of the action.
●● LITTLEBOROUGH v East Lancs, July 24
A MAGNIFICENT unbeaten 3rd wicket partnership of 160 between Travis Townsend and Clinton Perren secured an, in the end, comfortable eight-wicket victory for the ‘Boys from the Boro’ – but will the turning point of the season be the last three balls of the East Lancs innings as the home side claimed an unlikely crucial two extra bowling points?
After 49.3 overs East Lancs had accrued/been gifted a total of 209/7. Next ball Ratnaweera hits it to Townsend at mid wicket, Townsend to Miskella run out, 209/8.
Next ball the same duo combine to run out Bristol, 209/9. Miskella then bowls Hussain and the Boro claim an unlikely two bowling points.
Unlikely, you ask? From the moment Townsend lost his 80th toss of the season, this young Littleborough side failed to bowl with any consistency,
Unsworth apart, every bowler will admit they have bowled better. Too many four balls, two sides of the wicket and a lack of control made it a long day in the field for skipper Townsend.
Highlights were two important catches.
Firstly Clinton Perren caught a massive skier to dismiss opener Finch for a decent ‘chance your arm’ 68, and Lewis Easdsforth caught an important catch at long on with the score on 170/5 with just five overs left. Credit were credit is due. Yes, the home side can and will bowl better but at the end of the day, as a collective, they bowled the opposition out, when not bowling at their best. That is the mark of a good side, so job done. It’s getting to the stage of the season where it’s how many and not how.
On to the batting and, as last week, 200 is 200 and needs chasing down.
Last week’s centurion Pye and Zac Perren opened up sprightly and raced to 31/0 off seven but then the visitors put four decent overs together and you could sense something was going to happen.
Pye chipped one to mid off for 22 and then young Perren was harshly adjudged lbw for 18. Both batsmen need to weather the storm and play with a little more patience and they will be fine, especially young Perren who is still very much learning his trade. The next two hours was a pleasure to watch. Townsend the aggressor on his way to a magnificent 91 not out, his highlight being three lofted back foot cover drives, which were a joy to watch. Meanwhile, at the other end, Clinton Perren helped himself to 64 not out in an effortless knock which signified his return to form after last week’s 77 – and if he continues with this form then Littleborough will be right in the mix.
Still by far the best batsman in both divisions and if anyone had witnessed one back foot cover drive for four off a decent ball then they will know why.
Seven games to go and eight points cover the top five.
The next few weeks are going to be fantastic.
The place was rocking Saturday, just ask half the East Lancs team who decided to stay.
Next stop – Enfield away.