Cup competitions (title updated)

[Darragh]

Paul Mullin's deflected shot gave Accrington Stanley a shock victory over four-times winners Nottingham Forest in the first round of the Carling Cup. Stanley took the lead on 61 minutes when Mullin's shot hit Forest defender Danny Cullip and bounced into the net. Forest had plenty of chances late on and Neil Harris went closest to equalising with a close-range header. But Stanley held on to claim a memorable victory - their first ever in this competition.

Accrington have won only one League Two game this season following their return to the Football League after a 44-year absence. In contrast, former European champions Forest have made a flying start to their League One campaign, winning all four of their League games. Forest boss Colin Calderwood had made five changes to the side that beat Brighton on Saturday but the visitors were still big favourites to triumph here. Stanley had other ideas, and even before Mullin's goal, Gary Roberts and Rommy Boco both tested Forest keeper Paul Smith. The Lancashire club were hanging on by the end but Stanley keeper Ian Dumbavin pulled off three top class saves to ensure his side progressed.

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman:
It is not a shock to me that we won. I always think we will. If you put us up against Manchester United tomorrow, I would have a game plan to beat them. I hope it encourages the players to relax - Why be scared of anyone in our division now? And I think we can play better than that too.

Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood:
Congratulations to Accrington. They have claimed our scalp. I ask myself if it was a setback or a catastrophe. I have to say it was a setback because we just did not perform well enough. We are doing well in the league but there is always something that comes up and bites you on the backside.

Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/5266226.stm

[EDDIE CLERKIN]

We were utter S**** we need a central midfield player i.e Sean Thornton :grin:

[Colm O'Sullivan]

Forest are in League One........whats our priority?

League Cup - bothered?

[Stewart]

Of course the cups should matter, the team should go into every game to win it.


It is not a shock to me that we won. I always think we will. If you put us up against Manchester United tomorrow,I would have a game plan to beat them. I hope it encourages the players to relax - Why be scared of anyone in our division now? And I think we can play better than that too.

Let's not get carried away now John.

[Kevin Reidy]

Of course the cups should matter, the team should go into every game to win it.


It is not a shock to me that we won. I always think we will. If you put us up against Manchester United tomorrow,I would have a game plan to beat them. I hope it encourages the players to relax - Why be scared of anyone in our division now? And I think we can play better than that too.

Let's not get carried away now John.

I saw that! Did you see him on Sky last night, talking about revenge for Forest getting a dodgy penalty in the 78 league cup final against Liverpool. Scouse bastard!!!!! :grin: :grin: :grin: Although I'm glad we still upset the scousers!

[forest 79/80]

cup run would be nice but gettin out of league one is more important

[Stewart]

I take it you won't be buying Aldridge's single if/when it's released then Kevin.

[cloughno1]

ok not a nice result, but it happens. I would prefer to win 1st 4 leauge games and b out of leauge cup , than lose 2 or 3 and b in the next round.. Regardless of all us getting a slagging in work , our skin has got very thick skinned over the recent years so last night result will b sore but nothing a plaster wont fix.Its at the end of this season that if we dont get out of this division thats were the real hurt will be and emergency surgery will b needed and if that happens we might b in intensive care for a very ,very long time.............................................. ..............................................

[Stewart]

Which would you prefer?

A: Forest to reach the 2nd round of the League Cup.

Or

B: Forest to win promotion to The Championship.

Now if the poll read something like this, I would understand the "promotion's what counts" comments.

[cloughno1]

fa cup only matters, no other cup

[Kevin Reidy]

fa cup only matters, no other cup

The Johnstones Paint Trophy is the only important cup this season lads....

"Don't just crown it, johnstone paint it!!!"

[cloughno1]

other cups to forget;

simod cup

zenith data systems cup

i think stewart likes these though........... :oops: :oops: :oops:

[Stewart]

i think stewart likes these though.

Absolutely. Right when Forest were considered cup specialists also reaching the final of the League Cup in both respective seasons and winning one of those. With the club at it's lowest ebb, I would gladly welcome the L.D.V Vans Trophy (or whoever sponsors it now.) I don't think we can afford to be too choosy at the moment, we are light years away from any semblance of European or Premiership honours.

Back to the point I was making. If the team can get into a winning run, the player's confidence increases, as will revenue in terms of ticket sales, sponsorship, and additional television income with the prospect of more lucrative fixtures with evener greater financial rewards. We can all be content and say ah, it was only the league cup, but I would rather see the players play to win every game until the final day of the season. I expect the "players could get injured" posts to follow.

[Darragh]

When's the last time we made the quarter final of any cup tournament (the UEFA cup against Bayern)?? I'm on Stewart's side & don't care once we get to Wembley or Cardiff ! - updated - sorry, looks like we are only down to the last 16 and not the last 8 overall.

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Nottingham Forest have admitted their lowest ever crowd of 2,013 for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy 2-1 defeat of Brentford was not a surprise. To offset costs, the club opened only two parts of the City Ground stadium, which also had no police presence and the minimum number of stewards. But a club spokesman told BBC Sport: "We are serious about the competition. "Early rewards are not high, but it would be great for our fans if we reach the final at the Millennium Stadium." This season the Football League has stipulated that teams are required to play at least six of the 11 players that have appeared in most of their matches this season. Any club failing to do so risks a fine of up to £5,000 - with S****horpe and Hartlepool already falling foul of the law. As a result S****horpe were fined £4,500 of which £1,500 is suspended for a year, while Hartlepool were fined £1,500, with the full amount suspended for a year. So despite claims that the competition is being taken seriously - and the prospect of each finalist earning more than £250,000 for an appearance in Cardiff, some clubs are not complying with the new rules. And fans are also opting to stay away - as was the case at The City Ground on Tuesday. However, League One leaders Forest, who knocked out Brentford thanks to goals from Nicky Southall and Grant Holt, are expecting crowds to improve. But reduced ticket prices - as offered by Forest - and stronger line-ups do not seem to be having the desired effect. The Football League has told BBC Sport it will issue a statement later on Wednesday.

http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/d3/c7/0,,10794~3000275,00.jpg

Area Quarter-Final - Week commencing November 27th, 2006
Area Semi-Final - Week commencing January 8th, 2007
Area Final (1st leg) - Week commencing January 29th, 2007
Area Final (2nd leg) - Week commencing February 12th, 2007
Final - Takes place on April 1st 2007

[Forest74]

cups are a nice money spinner but getting out of league1 is a must