April.

Seventeen.

This and that

I've now been back in Cardiff for 6 days and it feels as if I'd never left. I've not actually done much with my time, but the Easter hols now seem so long ago! I have found myself a new addiction, ebay! How I have never used this site before is beyond me. I've only got one item up for sale atm, starting slow and all that jazz, but I've just won my first auction! A fit pair of Topshop shorts for only £8.20 including P&P! Bargain mate. However, I am selling a black Topshop playsuit and it's only had a couple of bids of £1.50 so far, so it better sell for more as this is my new making money scheme! 

Not much has really gone down this week, back to work tomorrow at the Union for the first time in ages! Also going out tonight, even though I'm still recovering from a house party on Wednesday, so not looking forward to a day of serving alcohol on a hangover. But what can you do? Next week should hopefully prove to be more exciting, with Varsity on Wednesday, possibly one of my favourite days on the uni calendar! 

Brap, x

April.

Manchester City V Manchester United

Premier League.

Location: Etihad Stadium.

Match preview.

The biggest game of the season. The title race decider. The local derby. The grudge match. Take your pick. Whatever you want to label it Monday night's Manchester clash is not to be missed - the title will be decided here and one team is going home with knocked pride and a whole host of regrets. 

Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season. It's fare to say that United's squad is not as strong as previous years, especially compared to some of the players City have in their ranks. However, SAF has restored them from a rocky 2nd place back to the top, after an uncertain mid-season dip. While United's team is not as magnificent as older generations, they still boast a whole host of talent, youth and determination - but will this be enough to beat the mighty millions of City? 

It seems that City have the slight edge ahead of Monday's game, having thrashed United at home and come close to humiliating them with 10 men in an FA cup come-back. However, the unstoppable City machine, that was so dominant at the start of the season, has slowed down somewhat. Furthermore, Mancini's questionable grasp on discipline over controversial personalities may prove costly  by the end of the season.  United, who have trailed City for months managed to take advantage of their rivals knock in form to secure the top spot. 

Prior to the shock 4-4 score line against Everton last weekend, a draw at the Etihad would not have been disastrous for United. However, with the points gap closed to a mere 3 and City dominating on goal difference a win is crucial for both sides.  

City's home record this season is impressive and United haven't seemed as confident in the big (and sometimes small) games. With both sides desperate for a win and title glory, the pressure really is on. Will the multi-million pound squad triumph as a result of pure talent and skill, or will the well managed closer-knit team prevail?

Dare I mention the 6-1 defeat and dare I hope of sweet revenge?

Sixteen.

The final term

After a relatively uneventful and boring Easter break I'm back in Cardiff for my final term ever of university! This is possibly the most depressing thing ever, yet I don't seem to have actually registered that it will all be over in less than 2 months! 

This Monday was Matthew's 21st birthday and me and 11 other friends all went down to Nottingham to surprise him! Was such a good night and he was literally stunned when we all turned up at his flat! I sadly paid for this amazing night with a 2 day hangover, and I've literally just about recovered! After a few hours in the libes yesterday I managed to get my final assignment done, and decided to go out to Glam and celebrate (any reason)! However, this has meant today has been a complete write-off and I've not done any work or leaved the confines of my bedroom! What can you do, eh?


Off to the cinema now with the house mates to see Gone! Fingers crossed it's a good'un!


Bizzle, x

Fifteen.

Today is the day

That's right, today is the day I sent off my first application for a ski season job! Got a feeling there will be a lot more too! This one is with a small company called YSE ski and they run chalets in Val d'Isere. So my main job would be cleaning, making the beds, setting the table, serving food etc. But thankfully there won't be any cooking, as my culinary skills are pretty much non-existent and may actually kill someone. So, exciting and scary times! It is all starting to feel real now, can't actually believe or imagine that I'll be living in another country for 5 months! Mental. 

Went out for a nice meal with the Homedawgs last night, to this place called the Old Hall in Sandbatch. Was really nice, however the place is supposed to be haunted by numerous ghosts and Birdsey was sure there was one in the toilet when he went, lol. Also went paintballing with the fam today and it is safe to say I am a massive wuss! There is no chance in hell I could go to war as I was literally terrified of running into the open in case I got hit! Sadly did get hit a few times, and boy does it hurt! But actual respect to everyone in the army, there is no way I could do what they do. I was scared of getting hit by paint, they deal with real bullets. Respect. 

Must dash, my new addiction is calling (Words with Friends - basically Scrabble for Facebook).

Ta ta x

Fourteen.

Holidays

Despite going skiing for a week, this is officially the fist week of the Easter holidays! And so far I've been bored out of my mind! Only two of my friends are back from uni and they always seeming to be working! And I'm not insured on my car anymore, so getting anywhere is a nightmare! However, I came down to Cardiff for a few days on Wednesday night, to see the boyf and pick up assignments and work that I'd missed from the last week of term! I had great intentions of going to the library to get some work done, but ended up having lunch with my house mate that lasted about 3 hours! Also planning on going into town today with her, as it's a really nice day and Bank Holiday's are not meant to be spent in the libes. Fact. 

Laters x

March.

Chelsea V Napoli 



Champions League.
Location: Stamford Bridge.
Match report.

Chelsea's recent fortunes have not been promising, both in and away from the Premier League.  Struggling to keep a firm grasp on 4th place coupled with  the sacking of Villas-Boas and a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at Napoli, provided little hope going into this crucial game. With AVB gone, old Chelsea legend Roberto di Matteo was assigned as manager till the end of the season - would he provide Chelsea with what they so desperately needed?

The Blues started well, with real energy and a clear determination to win. The majority of possession was in favour of Chelsea, with shots from Sturridge, Terry and Ramires failing to find the goal. However, in a matter of minutes Petr Cech had to make 3 decent saves - reminding Chelsea that Napoli could be a dangerous opposition.  Finally in the 29th minute, Dider Drogba's goal placed Chelsea that little bit closer to where they needed to be. However, Napoli were soon on the counter attack, not wanting their lead to slip away from them. They seemed dangerous on the break, and Chelsea conceded 3 free kicks within 5 minutes - one of which resulted in Frank Lampard being shown a yellow card. Solid defending from David Luiz and Ashley Cole secured their 1-0 lead as the game entered half time.

Only 2 minutes into the 2nd half and John Terry grabs a header from Ramires' corner to put his team 2-0 in the lead and 3-3 on aggregate. If it stays like this, then the Blues are through on away goals! Again, the Chelsea goal spurs Napoli to attack and only 6 minutes after their 2nd goal, Gokhan Inler fires a powerful shot and finds the bottom left corner of the Chelsea net. The tables have now turned, Napoli are ahead 3-4 on aggregate and Chelsea need another goal to take the game to penalties. Napoli again launch another attack on goal, however in the 62nd minute, Sturridge is replaced by Fernando Torres, in the hope of finding that winning goal. Instead, it was Frank Lampard who kept Chelsea's dream alive via his 74th minute penalty, due to a handball by Andrea Dossena. With a score line of 3-1 and 4-4 on aggregate the game progressed into extra time, with the option of penalties looming.

The first half of extra time was equal on both parts, yet Napoli seemed to slightly crack under the pressure. Juan Mata and John Terry were soon replaced by Florent Malouda and Jose Bosingwa. However, in the final minute of the half it was Ivanovic who grabed the winning goal for Chelsea. The final half of extra time is marred by 2 yellow cards for a desperate Napoli who could never quite find the back of the Chelsea goal, however not through a lack of effort. 

Chelsea were now through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the only English team to do so this season. Di Matteo, who seemed emotionless throughout, showed real relief and joy at the final whistle, embracing Drogba before congratulating the rest of his team. A cracking start for the temporary manager, but will it last?