I should have perhaps explained the nature of the challenge in a more lucid way in my previous blog. Just to recap, on the weekend of the Champions League final, I bet £25 of my own hard-earned money and recouped £22.50. In other words, I didn't break even.
I want that £2.50 back and fast. So, I've deposited another £10 in my account with the hope of winning at least £12.50 to cover my previous losses.
I am, however, a betting coward. My strategy thus far has seen very mixed results. I've played safe options, betting 20p here and there to win 6p back and it hasn't been getting me any nearer to my goal.
Last night, I did enjoy some creditable success. Rather than bet on match-winners, I've taken to gambling on the number of goals and whether there will be under or over a certain amount.
The dull Argentinian Primera Division served me well with my prediction that Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes would conjure less than two goals at 2/1 pulling in £3. I'd also plumped for a goal-fest between Jamaica and Grenada and should have been less conservative than to say there may only be more a guaranteed two goals scored.
This morning, before today's bets were placed, I was edging back towards the original £10 outlay. Here's hoping there's at least one goal in the game between Japan and the Czech Republic and two between Australia and Serbia and the Faroe Islands and Estonia.
Current Balance-£6.53
Follow me on Twitter @williwycombe for live updates and send me your tips to help me reach my target!
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Wycombe Wanderers Still Living in Hope of the Greatest Escape
Willi's Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
The Good and the Ugly; Wycombe Keep Fans Dreaming
Willi's Wycombe 2.1
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Radio Ga Ga, Football Crazy
It has certainly been a while since I 'blogged'! Back in late 2007 when I last posted, the recession was a mere blip on the horizon, not yet having thrown the world's economy into turmoil. Though a few months on in January 2008, I felt the pinch and a sign of things to come when I lost my job in a call centre, creating leads to sell onto mortgage advisors. The housing market was one of the first areas of a fragile economy to implode and we've all been crunched.
Alas, I digress. Now here we are already hurtling through 2009 at light speed and many find themselves struggling to find any form of employment, let alone something in a field that that they are interested in. Having graduated in 2007 and a few months later packed my bags for Bournemouth, I thought it was difficult enough when contacting media companies to get a foot in the door. A new wave of graduates this summer are no doubt going to find things even tougher. It might sound simplistic to say so but those graduating now really do need to assess their options in advance of leaving university if they hope to find suitable employment. Those lucky souls who will leave with 'vocational' degrees (i.e-those that are generally essential and valued in society, such as engineering, teaching etc) will probably be lucky enough to ride the storm and discover that there are an abundance of employers who need their specialised skills. For the rest of them, those like me who studied English for example, they need to hone their CVs, have completed some form of volunteering or work experience already or have something that they can claim as their niche to wave in front of employers to enable them to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Having presented a few radio shows for the university station in Bangor, I now want to take that experience further. Last July I got involved with Hospital Radio Bedside, a community station for those staying in the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, Poole Maternity, Christchurch and Wimborne hospitals. It's a fantastic opportunity to help those in the local community, gain new skills and give a little something back. I'd recommend Hospital Radio to anyone, there is so many rewarding and fulfilling tasks to carry out that don't just involve being on-air.
This time of year is also a crucial one in domestic and European football. The team I support, Wycombe Wanderers might not be gracing the finest footballing cathedrals of Europe this spring but there is the extremely important matter of a promotion race in England's League 2 (the fourth tier in the national pyramid). For those who take a keen interest in matters further down the ladder, they will know that Wycombe have an unenviable recent history of failing at the last hurdle to clinch promotion. This season has been another rollercoaster, having been 9 points clear at the top at one point, now clawing desperately to the last automatic promotion spot with around 7/8 teams in the mix. This blogger wishes all at WWFC the best of luck and hopefully this will finally be our year. I'm hoping that there will be cause for celebration come the final whistle against Notts County on the last day of the season.
Alas, I digress. Now here we are already hurtling through 2009 at light speed and many find themselves struggling to find any form of employment, let alone something in a field that that they are interested in. Having graduated in 2007 and a few months later packed my bags for Bournemouth, I thought it was difficult enough when contacting media companies to get a foot in the door. A new wave of graduates this summer are no doubt going to find things even tougher. It might sound simplistic to say so but those graduating now really do need to assess their options in advance of leaving university if they hope to find suitable employment. Those lucky souls who will leave with 'vocational' degrees (i.e-those that are generally essential and valued in society, such as engineering, teaching etc) will probably be lucky enough to ride the storm and discover that there are an abundance of employers who need their specialised skills. For the rest of them, those like me who studied English for example, they need to hone their CVs, have completed some form of volunteering or work experience already or have something that they can claim as their niche to wave in front of employers to enable them to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Having presented a few radio shows for the university station in Bangor, I now want to take that experience further. Last July I got involved with Hospital Radio Bedside, a community station for those staying in the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, Poole Maternity, Christchurch and Wimborne hospitals. It's a fantastic opportunity to help those in the local community, gain new skills and give a little something back. I'd recommend Hospital Radio to anyone, there is so many rewarding and fulfilling tasks to carry out that don't just involve being on-air.
This time of year is also a crucial one in domestic and European football. The team I support, Wycombe Wanderers might not be gracing the finest footballing cathedrals of Europe this spring but there is the extremely important matter of a promotion race in England's League 2 (the fourth tier in the national pyramid). For those who take a keen interest in matters further down the ladder, they will know that Wycombe have an unenviable recent history of failing at the last hurdle to clinch promotion. This season has been another rollercoaster, having been 9 points clear at the top at one point, now clawing desperately to the last automatic promotion spot with around 7/8 teams in the mix. This blogger wishes all at WWFC the best of luck and hopefully this will finally be our year. I'm hoping that there will be cause for celebration come the final whistle against Notts County on the last day of the season.
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