Manchester City

[mrbojangles]

Well, before the game i'd have settled for a point. But by the looks of it, we could have won. Here from Skynews

Wigley pleased with point

City held Sam Allardyce's side to a goalless draw, although Joey Barton missed an open goal in the second half.

While accepting his side could have won it, Wigley was certainly happy to take a point away from The Reebok Stadium.

"We felt we could have won it in the end to be honest," he told Sky Sports. "But I think they've lost here twice this year and drawn one game so we came out giving them the utmost respect and we're delighted."

On Barton's miss, Wigley said: "It bobbled up and there's no two ways about that but Joey Barton's won us many a game this season and that happens in football.

"He's made up a lot of ground to get there but unfortunately at the last minute it's just bobbled up on him."

City were beaten 2-0 when the two sides last met in December and Wigley believes defensively they were a lot better this time around.

"We've got good defenders and the one thing we did last time we played them was defend sloppily and today our back five were tremendous."

Meanwhile, Wigley insists the coaching staff are not getting overly worried by the lack of goals from their strikers.

City's strikers on Saturday, Bernardo Corradi and Darius Vassell, have netted three times between them all season.

Wigley added: "We're not concerned, they're working very, very hard.

"We've gone five games unbeaten with clean sheets and things like that and they're playing their part at the minute and goals will start for them we're sure of that."

[JacknDanny]

Well, before the game i'd have settled for a point. But by the looks of it, we could have won. Here from Skynews

Wigley pleased with point

City held Sam Allardyce's side to a goalless draw, although Joey Barton missed an open goal in the second half.

While accepting his side could have won it, Wigley was certainly happy to take a point away from The Reebok Stadium.

"We felt we could have won it in the end to be honest," he told Sky Sports. "But I think they've lost here twice this year and drawn one game so we came out giving them the utmost respect and we're delighted."

On Barton's miss, Wigley said: "It bobbled up and there's no two ways about that but Joey Barton's won us many a game this season and that happens in football.

"He's made up a lot of ground to get there but unfortunately at the last minute it's just bobbled up on him."

City were beaten 2-0 when the two sides last met in December and Wigley believes defensively they were a lot better this time around.

"We've got good defenders and the one thing we did last time we played them was defend sloppily and today our back five were tremendous."

Meanwhile, Wigley insists the coaching staff are not getting overly worried by the lack of goals from their strikers.

City's strikers on Saturday, Bernardo Corradi and Darius Vassell, have netted three times between them all season.

Wigley added: "We're not concerned, they're working very, very hard.

"We've gone five games unbeaten with clean sheets and things like that and they're playing their part at the minute and goals will start for them we're sure of that."

Having seen the game, I think a draw was a fair result.

Re Bartons miss, I think Wigley is being generous. The ball originally bobbled when Corradi went to put it in the net, but then it went straight to Barton and it really was a very bad miss.

[JacknDanny]

According to the Sunday Mirror in UK we are about to buy Kepa Blanco (striker) from Sevilla

[Bredbury Blue]

City vs Wednesday - ESPN 2.30 am on 17-01-07!!!

And didn't we do well at Bolton - can't help thinking we should have taken all 3 points though.

[mrbojangles]

From MCFC website

Pearce aware of tough challenge

Manchester City play host to Sheffield Wednesday tonight in an important FA Cup third round replay following a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough first time around.

Going into tonight’s game against the Owls, Stuart Pearce knows what to expect from Brian Laws’ side, after their first meeting nine days ago.

“We’re aware of the opposition a little bit more and I think it’ll be as tough as any Premier League match,” said Pearce.

“We’ll have double respect for them because we know they can play and it’s going to be a very tough game for us.

“There’ll be plenty of away support, which will make it very vocal, so we’re really looking forward to it.”

A home tie with Southampton awaits tonight’s winners in the fourth round and Pearce knows the importance of staying in the cup for as long as possible.

“It’s crucial for us to have a run in the cup and it’ll be a big blow if we go out of the competition.

“I’m not one of those that belittle any cup competition and ever since I’ve been Manager I’ve tried to play my strongest team in every game – that will continue against Sheffield Wednesday.

“All you look for as a manager, come Tuesday evening, is to be through and in that cup draw for the next round.

“How we have to achieve it, I’m not particularly bothered, you just say ‘mission accomplished’ and move on.”

[mrbojangles]

And this

Lessons learned for the replay

Nedum Onuoha thinks City will have learned their lessons from nine days ago when they take on Sheffield Wednesday for a place in the FA Cup fourth round tonight.

The Blues were fully tested by Brian Laws’ men at Hillsborough, and the 20-year-old defender is expecting another tough encounter because of the enticing prospect of further progress in this famous competition.

“We know that it’s a very, very hard competition and if we have learned from the first game then we should do well in the replay,” says Nedum.

“We should know (not to be complacent) because whether you have come through the Academy, or from a different country, you know that the FA Cup is just different.

“The way I see it, with Sheffield Wednesday against City, it’s not Championship v Premiership, it’s the FA Cup and anything could happen. We weren’t surprised by them at all at Hillsborough, from what I have seen of them they have looked like a decent side this season. With people like Glenn Whelan and Chris Brunt, you know they are going to play football, and that’s good to see.

“It can be just six games to the final, and in a long season that’s not a lot of games is it? If things go your way, before you know it you could end up winning it.”

[mrbojangles]

And this one from SkySports

Man City v Sheff Wed preview

By Andrew Scurr - Created on 16 Jan 2007

Manchester City host Sheffield Wednesday live on Sky Sports 1, with a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup the prize for the winners.

Click here to vote on the outcome of the game

Steven MacLean's equaliser at Hillsborough set up the replay after Georgios Samaras' penalty seconds earlier had fired City ahead.

The two sides have to try again at The City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Southampton await the winners of the game, with either City or Wednesday hosting George Burley's side in the fourth round at the end of the month.

While City will be undoubted favourites to advance, Brian Laws' men will have set their sights on becoming the third lower league side to knock out Premiership opposition.

Laws should be able to call upon a fully-fit squad for the trip to the North West.

The Wednesday squad have one or two knocks but nothing that is deemed serious enough to keep them out.

Defenders Tommy Spurr and Frank Simek are both available despite picking up their fifth bookings of the season at the weekend.

Wade Small is pushing for a return to Wednesday's starting line-up against City.

Stuart Pearce is again likely to be without defender Hatem Trabelsi, who has a hamstring strain, but Stephen Jordan could be involved after recovering from a virus.

Paul Dickov (toe), Sun Jihai (hamstring) and Dietmar Hamann (back) are all out.

Joey Barton is available after missing the first match through suspension.

[mrbojangles]

And now some transfer talk

City dismiss Barton enquiry

David Moyes has confirmed he enquired about bringing Joey Barton to Everton, but was knocked back by Manchester City.

Reports have claimed that Moyes is looking to activate a £5.5million clause in the midfielder's contract.

Barton has been linked with several Premiership clubs during the January transfer window, but City boss Stuart Pearce insists the England hopeful is not for sale.

Pearce also revealed that he has not received any offers for Barton, or any of his star players.

Everton did test the water with an enquiry, but manager Moyes admits he stopped short of making a bid due to City's stance on Barton's future.

"I can confirm that we have made an enquiry for Joey Barton," Moyes told the club's official website.

"However, Manchester City made it clear he was not for sale and we respect the wishes of the club and Stuart Pearce."

Barton, a boyhood Everton fan, has impressed for City this season, chipping in with five goals from central midfield and he is tipped to be included in England's squad for the February friendly with Spain.

The player's agent Willie McKay, meanwhile, outlined the clause which entitles Barton to talk to other clubs once the £5.5m fee has been matched.

McKay told Sky Sports News: "Joey Barton is entitled to speak to any club that makes an offer of £5.5m.

"Manchester City can't turn that down and refuse him permission to open talks. It's then up to Joey Barton whether he wants to leave or whether he wants to stay."

[mrbojangles]

City linked with Spartak star

Manchester City have reportedly joined the chase for Spartak Moscow striker Fernando Cavenaghi.

The Argentinian hit-man has been linked with a range of clubs during the January transfer window, and now reports in Russia claim that the 23-year-old has caught Stuart Pearce's eye.

Cavenaghi is believed to be ready to quit Spartak after failing to acclimatise to life in Russia, with a record of just 17 goals in 63 games testament to his struggles.

In comparison his record at former club River Plate read 55 goals from 84 games before his then Russian record transfer of €12.5million (£8.2million) in 2004.

The likes of Milan, Torino, Bordeaux and Lyon have all been slated as potential suitors for Cavenaghi as he looks to end his difficult period with Spartak.

A proposed move to Racing Santander also reportedly fell through due to the Spaniards' refusal to pay €2million (£1.32million) to loan the striker, with a permanent €10million (£6.6million) deal in place at the end of the season.

Now reports in Russia indicate that Pearce is pondering whether to strengthen his goal-shy strike-force with the addition of the three-time Argentinian title winner.

[mrbojangles]

Good performance by the Owl's

City see off brave Owls

Manchester City booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with an entertaining 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Darius Vassell netted the winner for City after Lee Bullen had cancelled out Stephen Ireland's opener in the first half.

City will now take on Southampton in the next round later this month after seeing off the brave challenge of Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday showed they were not afraid to take the game to City and they settled the better of the two sides in the opening stages.

City created the first serious opening on 11 minutes when Barton curled his free-kick from the edge of the area just wide of the post with Mark Crossley well beaten.

Wednesday went close five minutes later when Steven MacLean played in strike partner Marcus Tudgay and he fired in a shot from a tight angle which Nicky Weaver got down well to to keep out.

Crossley had a lucky escape on 19 minutes when he fumbled a harmless from shot from Ireland, but Barton could not get on the end of it to punish the Wednesday goalkeeper.

City should have broken the deadlock on 21 minutes when Ireland sent Darius Vassell scampering clear on goal, but Crossley was quickly off his line to block the striker's shot.

Brunt called Weaver into action on the half hour with a free-kick from the edge of the box which the keeper comfortably collected.

Two minutes later Kenny Lunt found space on the edge of City's box, but his shot lacked the power to really trouble Weaver.

Vassell missed a glorious opening to fire City in front on 34 minutes when Ireland sent him clear on goal with a superb pass, but again his effort was kept out by the legs of Crossley.

Brunt was unlucky not to score two minutes before the break when he unleashed a swerving long-range shot from fully 30 yards which flew just wide of Weaver's goal.

A minute later City made the breakthrough when Barton broke down the right to go clear on goal and unselfishly squared the ball for Ireland to score from close range.

Wednesday really should have drawn level right on the stroke of half-time when Graham Coughlan got on the end of Brunt's free-kick unmarked inside the six-yard box, but the big defender headed his effort over the top.

The home side had a half chance to score straight after the break when Bernardo Corradi headed Stephen Jordan's cross just wide of the target.

Wednesday drew level on 51 minutes when Bullen flicked Brunt's inviting free-kick over Weaver and into the net to send the travelling fans into raptures.

Two minutes later Vassell missed another great opening when Ireland played the England international in on goal, but Vassell saw his effort saved by Crossley.

Crossley injured himself in making the save, but after some lengthy treatment he was able to carry on.

Vassell finally found the net on 56 minutes when Corradi teed him up inside the box and the striker thumped his shot into the top corner past Crossley.

Ireland had a half chance to score on 67 minutes when he worked a neat one-two with Corradi on the edge of the box, but the Republic of Ireland international's shot went straight at Crossley.

City really should have grabbed a third on 71 minutes when Barton sent Vassell clear down the left and the striker cut the ball back for Corradi who saw his flick sail wide of the target.

Weaver almost gifted Wednesday an equaliser when he got involved in a mix-up with Micah Richards fumbling a cross inside the box allowing MacLean a shot at goal and after his shot was blocked Wade Small drove over the top from the edge of the box.

City substitute Georgios Samaras almost got through on goal on 79 minutes when he tried to get on the end of Barton's clever pass, but Crossley was quickly off his line to thwart the big Greek.

Wednesday refused to lie down and Tudgay wasted a good opening ten minutes from time when MacLean slipped in down the left, but the striker blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Tudgay missed another great opportunity on 86 minutes when Glenn Whelan found him unmarked inside the box, but he rushed his shot blasting it wildly off target.

Samaras had a chance to score a third for City on the counter attack in the final minute, but he dragged his shot wide of Crossley's goal.

Wednesday threw everything into attack in the closing stages and substitute Richard Wood should have scored in the dying seconds when he headed Brunt's corner wide from just six yards out.

City were denied a third in the dying embers when Whelan kicked Ireland's shot off the line as City held on to record the victory.

[totlanh]

Im afraid City are about to enter a period of doom and gloom,why??Well because everything is going to well of course!!! : 6 games without defeat,a solid looking defence,Vass gets a goal(!)Barton appearing to commit himself to City and we have progressed through to the 4th round of the FA cup with a home tie against Southampton.HELP things are going to wellllllll

[mrbojangles]

Im afraid City are about to enter a period of doom and gloom,why??Well because everything is going to well of course!!! : 6 games without defeat,a solid looking defence,Vass gets a goal(!)Barton appearing to commit himself to City and we have progressed through to the 4th round of the FA cup with a home tie against Southampton.HELP things are going to wellllllll

Don't worry buddy, we are gonna win the FA cup AND finish in the top 6. Then next season we will be glorious in Europe, whilst at home we will WIN the premiership and...........................................

Oooh, i've just woke up but had a fantastic dream

[totlanh]

Im afraid City are about to enter a period of doom and gloom,why??Well because everything is going to well of course!!! : 6 games without defeat,a solid looking defence,Vass gets a goal(!)Barton appearing to commit himself to City and we have progressed through to the 4th round of the FA cup with a home tie against Southampton.HELP things are going to wellllllll

Don't worry buddy, we are gonna win the FA cup AND finish in the top 6. Then next season we will be glorious in Europe, whilst at home we will WIN the premiership and...........................................

City are relegated and Micah.,Joey,Sylvan,all leave.All investement is withdrawn and creditirs are calling in their money and Alan Ball is reinstated as manager stating that he thinks we could win the Championship within 10 years and....Oh phew...its just a nightmare

Oooh, i've just woke up but had a fantastic dream

[Bredbury Blue]

Im afraid City are about to enter a period of doom and gloom,why??Well because everything is going to well of course!!! : 6 games without defeat,a solid looking defence,Vass gets a goal(!)Barton appearing to commit himself to City and we have progressed through to the 4th round of the FA cup with a home tie against Southampton.HELP things are going to wellllllll

Don't worry buddy, we are gonna win the FA cup AND finish in the top 6. Then next season we will be glorious in Europe, whilst at home we will WIN the premiership and...........................................

Oooh, i've just woke up but had a fantastic dream

Don't know if you heard Martin Tyler's commentary last night, but he said that Wednesday had played and lost to City in the cup on two previous occasions, and City went on to lift the cup both times. I best go and check with the wife's mor doo if it's worth putting a bet on

[Bredbury Blue]

Good to see Stephen Ireland gettign a run. Tyler and Gray didn't notice that all the excellent chances for Vassell and others virtually all came from Ireland who can sniff a pass. Anyone know where Nedum was last night - he's been outstanding since his return. Its just a shame we're carrying italian passengers upfront otherwise we might be going places.

[helicoptor]

I believe we have Spurs in the next round...

[JacknDanny]

I believe we have Spurs in the next round...

Unless you have a crystal ball for the 5th round, we are playing Southampton in the next round

[Bredbury Blue]

I believe we have Spurs in the next round...

Unless you have a crystal ball for the 5th round, we are playing Southampton in the next round

...and we'll win 2-1 with BWP scoring for Soton (and then Spurs?).

[totlanh]

I believe we have Spurs in the next round...

Unless you have a crystal ball for the 5th round, we are playing Southampton in the next round

...and we'll win 2-1 with BWP scoring for Soton (and then Spurs?).

I agree all thats been said about Stevie Ireland,my MOM against Wed.Takes an Irishman to lead City!!Also agree about Corradi,what a TIT!!!Just heard that Micah says he wants to be at City for 10 years,happy days!!

[mrbojangles]

Good to see Stephen Ireland gettign a run. Tyler and Gray didn't notice that all the excellent chances for Vassell and others virtually all came from Ireland who can sniff a pass.

Absolutely. And it was weird how Vassell missed the easy chances but put away the hardest one

Its just a shame we're carrying italian passengers upfront otherwise we might be going places.

And a Greek (although i'm still optimistic that he'll come through)

[mrbojangles]

Don't know if you heard Martin Tyler's commentary last night, but he said that Wednesday had played and lost to City in the cup on two previous occasions, and City went on to lift the cup both times. I best go and check with the wife's mor doo if it's worth putting a bet on

Please, please, please, let it be so

[marshbags]

Good performance by the Owl's

City see off brave Owls

Manchester City booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with an entertaining 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Darius Vassell netted the winner for City after Lee Bullen had cancelled out Stephen Ireland's opener in the first half.

City will now take on Southampton in the next round later this month after seeing off the brave challenge of Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday showed they were not afraid to take the game to City and they settled the better of the two sides in the opening stages.

City created the first serious opening on 11 minutes when Barton curled his free-kick from the edge of the area just wide of the post with Mark Crossley well beaten.

Wednesday went close five minutes later when Steven MacLean played in strike partner Marcus Tudgay and he fired in a shot from a tight angle which Nicky Weaver got down well to to keep out.

Crossley had a lucky escape on 19 minutes when he fumbled a harmless from shot from Ireland, but Barton could not get on the end of it to punish the Wednesday goalkeeper.

City should have broken the deadlock on 21 minutes when Ireland sent Darius Vassell scampering clear on goal, but Crossley was quickly off his line to block the striker's shot.

Brunt called Weaver into action on the half hour with a free-kick from the edge of the box which the keeper comfortably collected.

Two minutes later Kenny Lunt found space on the edge of City's box, but his shot lacked the power to really trouble Weaver.

Vassell missed a glorious opening to fire City in front on 34 minutes when Ireland sent him clear on goal with a superb pass, but again his effort was kept out by the legs of Crossley.

Brunt was unlucky not to score two minutes before the break when he unleashed a swerving long-range shot from fully 30 yards which flew just wide of Weaver's goal.

A minute later City made the breakthrough when Barton broke down the right to go clear on goal and unselfishly squared the ball for Ireland to score from close range.

Wednesday really should have drawn level right on the stroke of half-time when Graham Coughlan got on the end of Brunt's free-kick unmarked inside the six-yard box, but the big defender headed his effort over the top.

The home side had a half chance to score straight after the break when Bernardo Corradi headed Stephen Jordan's cross just wide of the target.

Wednesday drew level on 51 minutes when Bullen flicked Brunt's inviting free-kick over Weaver and into the net to send the travelling fans into raptures.

Two minutes later Vassell missed another great opening when Ireland played the England international in on goal, but Vassell saw his effort saved by Crossley.

Crossley injured himself in making the save, but after some lengthy treatment he was able to carry on.

Vassell finally found the net on 56 minutes when Corradi teed him up inside the box and the striker thumped his shot into the top corner past Crossley.

Ireland had a half chance to score on 67 minutes when he worked a neat one-two with Corradi on the edge of the box, but the Republic of Ireland international's shot went straight at Crossley.

City really should have grabbed a third on 71 minutes when Barton sent Vassell clear down the left and the striker cut the ball back for Corradi who saw his flick sail wide of the target.

Weaver almost gifted Wednesday an equaliser when he got involved in a mix-up with Micah Richards fumbling a cross inside the box allowing MacLean a shot at goal and after his shot was blocked Wade Small drove over the top from the edge of the box.

City substitute Georgios Samaras almost got through on goal on 79 minutes when he tried to get on the end of Barton's clever pass, but Crossley was quickly off his line to thwart the big Greek.

Wednesday refused to lie down and Tudgay wasted a good opening ten minutes from time when MacLean slipped in down the left, but the striker blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Tudgay missed another great opportunity on 86 minutes when Glenn Whelan found him unmarked inside the box, but he rushed his shot blasting it wildly off target.

Samaras had a chance to score a third for City on the counter attack in the final minute, but he dragged his shot wide of Crossley's goal.

Wednesday threw everything into attack in the closing stages and substitute Richard Wood should have scored in the dying seconds when he headed Brunt's corner wide from just six yards out.

City were denied a third in the dying embers when Whelan kicked Ireland's shot off the line as City held on to record the victory.

Thanks for the positive comments re this match that Sheff. Wed. contributed to, and they are much appreciated.

As you will all know Stuart Pearce and Brian Law are old mates and they obviously still have a lot of respect for each other.

A small part of the BBC article on url http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6258825.stm

with their after match comments displays what sporting managers they are.

Quote:-

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce:

"It was a very open game. There wasn't much between the two sides.

"We are delighted to be through to the next round. Darius has won the tie and deserved a goal for his hard work."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws:

"It was fantastic to watch, particularly the second half which was end to end.

"The excitement of the Cup still remains, that is clear.

"Of course I am disappointed we have not gone through but if I am going to lose to anyone I don't mind losing to (City boss) Stuart Pearce."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man City: Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Sinclair, Barton, Ireland, Dabo, Vassell (Beasley 90), Corradi (Samaras 76).

Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Johnson, Miller.

Booked: Sinclair.

Goals: Ireland 44, Vassell 56.

Sheff Wed: Crossley, Simek (Wood 88), Bullen, Coughlan, Spurr, Tudgay, Lunt (Folly 46), Whelan, Brunt, MacLean, Burton (Small 46).

Subs Not Used: Adamson, Graham.

Booked: Coughlan, Whelan.

Goals: Bullen 51.

Respect where it is due in my opinion to both of them.

Thanks again to you all and should your Martin Tyler,s omens work out, again, we will all be delighted for you.

marshbags and good luck for the rest of the competition...and season of course

[JacknDanny]

Good performance by the Owl's

City see off brave Owls

Manchester City booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with an entertaining 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Darius Vassell netted the winner for City after Lee Bullen had cancelled out Stephen Ireland's opener in the first half.

City will now take on Southampton in the next round later this month after seeing off the brave challenge of Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday showed they were not afraid to take the game to City and they settled the better of the two sides in the opening stages.

City created the first serious opening on 11 minutes when Barton curled his free-kick from the edge of the area just wide of the post with Mark Crossley well beaten.

Wednesday went close five minutes later when Steven MacLean played in strike partner Marcus Tudgay and he fired in a shot from a tight angle which Nicky Weaver got down well to to keep out.

Crossley had a lucky escape on 19 minutes when he fumbled a harmless from shot from Ireland, but Barton could not get on the end of it to punish the Wednesday goalkeeper.

City should have broken the deadlock on 21 minutes when Ireland sent Darius Vassell scampering clear on goal, but Crossley was quickly off his line to block the striker's shot.

Brunt called Weaver into action on the half hour with a free-kick from the edge of the box which the keeper comfortably collected.

Two minutes later Kenny Lunt found space on the edge of City's box, but his shot lacked the power to really trouble Weaver.

Vassell missed a glorious opening to fire City in front on 34 minutes when Ireland sent him clear on goal with a superb pass, but again his effort was kept out by the legs of Crossley.

Brunt was unlucky not to score two minutes before the break when he unleashed a swerving long-range shot from fully 30 yards which flew just wide of Weaver's goal.

A minute later City made the breakthrough when Barton broke down the right to go clear on goal and unselfishly squared the ball for Ireland to score from close range.

Wednesday really should have drawn level right on the stroke of half-time when Graham Coughlan got on the end of Brunt's free-kick unmarked inside the six-yard box, but the big defender headed his effort over the top.

The home side had a half chance to score straight after the break when Bernardo Corradi headed Stephen Jordan's cross just wide of the target.

Wednesday drew level on 51 minutes when Bullen flicked Brunt's inviting free-kick over Weaver and into the net to send the travelling fans into raptures.

Two minutes later Vassell missed another great opening when Ireland played the England international in on goal, but Vassell saw his effort saved by Crossley.

Crossley injured himself in making the save, but after some lengthy treatment he was able to carry on.

Vassell finally found the net on 56 minutes when Corradi teed him up inside the box and the striker thumped his shot into the top corner past Crossley.

Ireland had a half chance to score on 67 minutes when he worked a neat one-two with Corradi on the edge of the box, but the Republic of Ireland international's shot went straight at Crossley.

City really should have grabbed a third on 71 minutes when Barton sent Vassell clear down the left and the striker cut the ball back for Corradi who saw his flick sail wide of the target.

Weaver almost gifted Wednesday an equaliser when he got involved in a mix-up with Micah Richards fumbling a cross inside the box allowing MacLean a shot at goal and after his shot was blocked Wade Small drove over the top from the edge of the box.

City substitute Georgios Samaras almost got through on goal on 79 minutes when he tried to get on the end of Barton's clever pass, but Crossley was quickly off his line to thwart the big Greek.

Wednesday refused to lie down and Tudgay wasted a good opening ten minutes from time when MacLean slipped in down the left, but the striker blazed his shot over the crossbar.

Tudgay missed another great opportunity on 86 minutes when Glenn Whelan found him unmarked inside the box, but he rushed his shot blasting it wildly off target.

Samaras had a chance to score a third for City on the counter attack in the final minute, but he dragged his shot wide of Crossley's goal.

Wednesday threw everything into attack in the closing stages and substitute Richard Wood should have scored in the dying seconds when he headed Brunt's corner wide from just six yards out.

City were denied a third in the dying embers when Whelan kicked Ireland's shot off the line as City held on to record the victory.

Thanks for the positive comments re this match that Sheff. Wed. contributed to, and they are much appreciated.

As you will all know Stuart Pearce and Brian Law are old mates and they obviously still have a lot of respect for each other.

A small part of the BBC article on url http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6258825.stm

with their after match comments displays what sporting managers they are.

Quote:-

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce:

"It was a very open game. There wasn't much between the two sides.

"We are delighted to be through to the next round. Darius has won the tie and deserved a goal for his hard work."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws:

"It was fantastic to watch, particularly the second half which was end to end.

"The excitement of the Cup still remains, that is clear.

"Of course I am disappointed we have not gone through but if I am going to lose to anyone I don't mind losing to (City boss) Stuart Pearce."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man City: Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Sinclair, Barton, Ireland, Dabo, Vassell (Beasley 90), Corradi (Samaras 76).

Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Johnson, Miller.

Booked: Sinclair.

Goals: Ireland 44, Vassell 56.

Sheff Wed: Crossley, Simek (Wood 88), Bullen, Coughlan, Spurr, Tudgay, Lunt (Folly 46), Whelan, Brunt, MacLean, Burton (Small 46).

Subs Not Used: Adamson, Graham.

Booked: Coughlan, Whelan.

Goals: Bullen 51.

Respect where it is due in my opinion to both of them.

Thanks again to you all and should your Martin Tyler,s omens work out, again, we will all be delighted for you.

marshbags and good luck for the rest of the competition.

Thanks marshbags. I hope we get some luck for a change

[mrbojangles]

Good performance by the Owl's

Thanks for the positive comments re this match that Sheff. Wed. contributed to, and they are much appreciated.

marshbags and good luck for the rest of the competition.

Thanks marshbags. I hope we get some luck for a change

Yeah cheers marshbags and all the best in your promotion campaign. Carry on playing like that and at the very least you'll be in the play-off's

[mrbojangles]

City where <deleted> on saturday, I don't like football anymore

But then, Thierry Henry's late winner reinstated my passion

Bitter til the end

[muckypups]

In my opinion we were shi*te too Mr B.. It seems to me that twice this season we've failed to take Arsenal seriously and look at the two results! Trying to protect a 1 goal lead at the Emirates for that long was folly.. Apologies for the rant but I'm I'm still pi**ed off at the result... Oh, and you're right, City were sh*te.. thanks for that; screwed my Prem League predictions right up..

[JacknDanny]

Just a thought. I am like most of you a true blue and have been all of my 45 yrs.

I remember in the mid 70s having a season ticket for the Platt Lane End and for 2 seasons going to EVERY single home and away game.

We have always been inconsistent ,promising and not delivering, but when I look back at the teams we had then and compare it to the one we have now, there is NO comparison. Then although we won the League cup, we never seriously challenged for the title. But lets just compare teams.

Defence....Now Weaver/Jordan/distin/Dunne/Richards

..............Then Corrigan/Donachie/Watson/Doyle/Clements.

In my opinion a far better balanced and reliable defence back in the day.

Midfield (this is where the difference starts)

..........Then Hartford/Owen/Power

........Now@#$%.Dabo/Ireland/Barton/

Forwards

Then................Tueart/Barnes/Royle

Now.................Vassell/ Corradi/Sinclair

In my opinion far better then, and even though we had nothing to show for it, I used to love watching City, such was the entertainment.

If anybody can recall ANY game this season where City have remotely been entertaining, then please tell me.

I dont mind losing, but at least entertain me.

I am thoroughly depressed with the s#it on show right now. It really is a joke

[totlanh]

Just a thought. I am like most of you a true blue and have been all of my 45 yrs.

I remember in the mid 70s having a season ticket for the Platt Lane End and for 2 seasons going to EVERY single home and away game.

We have always been inconsistent ,promising and not delivering, but when I look back at the teams we had then and compare it to the one we have now, there is NO comparison. Then although we won the League cup, we never seriously challenged for the title. But lets just compare teams.

Defence....Now Weaver/Jordan/distin/Dunne/Richards

..............Then Corrigan/Donachie/Watson/Doyle/Clements.

In my opinion a far better balanced and reliable defence back in the day.

Midfield (this is where the difference starts)

..........Then Hartford/Owen/Power

........Now@#$%.Dabo/Ireland/Barton/

Forwards

Then................Tueart/Barnes/Royle

Now.................Vassell/ Corradi/Sinclair

In my opinion far better then, and even though we had nothing to show for it, I used to love watching City, such was the entertainment.

If anybody can recall ANY game this season where City have remotely been entertaining, then please tell me.

I dont mind losing, but at least entertain me.

I am thoroughly depressed with the s#it on show right now. It really is a joke

Totally agree with you and BTW Dennis Tueart is my all time favourite City player.Mr Bo did,nt like to say this but TOLD YOU SO

[mrbojangles]

Mr Bo did,nt like to say this but TOLD YOU SO

yep

[mrbojangles]

City confirm Reyna release

Manchester City have confirmed that Claudio Reyna has left Eastlands after having his contract terminated.

The midfielder is believed to be keen to return to the United States after spending over ten years plying his trade across Europe, and his passage has now been secured after the club agreed to cancel his current deal.

The former Rangers and Sunderland man made 15 Premiership appearances for City this season and has now been linked with a move to Red Bull New York after returning home due to family concerns.

"Manchester City can confirm the club has agreed with Claudio Reyna to terminate his contract," read a statement on City's official website.

"The former US international joined City for £2.5m in August 2003 from Sunderland and during his time with the Blues made 77 starts and scored four times.

"Reyna played his final game for City in the 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in December, and after playing for many years around Europe, the 33-year-old is expected to return to America."

Reyna's departure leaves a gap in City's squad and Stuart Pearce is keen to strengthen in what remains of the January transfer window.

Even a recent run of six games without defeat - which was brought to an end by Blackburn on Saturday - has failed to dim the City boss's enthusiasm for new faces.

"I don't think that myself, the coaching staff or the players think that we are the finished article. We all know that there are shortcomings in the side, but then again you could say that about anyone outside of the top four," said Pearce.

"It shows how tight things are, and things became even more condensed this weekend but we know exactly where we are. With the financial situation as it is, we will have to be cute to bring players in.

"My focus never changed, even during the run of six games before Saturday, because I know where we stand and I know where the team needs to be strengthened.

"Myself and the Chief Exec have rung many, many phone numbers in regard to improving what we have and making competition for places in the squad a bit better."