Professional Billy Knocked Out

Billy Jones couldn’t stop Preston North End crashing out of the Carling Cup to Morecambe last night, but Darren Kempson caused an upset for Shrewsbury Town.

Billy Jones (mk 1) started his first professional game in Preston colours in last night’s Carling Cup first round. However, his ‘professional’ new club couldn’t beat Football League new boys Morecambe.

Neil Sorvel turned out for Morecambe, but Preston must have been playing at ‘half-pace’ from the off as the Shrimps opened the scoring after just 6 minutes. It took a strong Preston side over an hour to get back into the game, with Sean St Ledger equalising for PNE on the 73rd minute.

However, Billy’s new team mates failed to push on for the win and were punished on the 84th minute when David Artell buried the winner. We can only guess Billy over did himself as he watched Saturday’s game from the bench.

Meanwhile, real Alex legend, Dele Adebola, helped Coventry City to a comfortable 3-0 win over Notts County. The former Alex striker opened the scoring, whilst last season’s trialist Isaac Osbourne also played.

Darran Kempson headed in a 2nd half extra time goal against Championship side Colchester to send his new team onto the 2nd round.

Efe Sodje saw a second half red card and helped Gillingham’s downfall at Watford. The bandanna man elbowed Watford midfielder Rinaldi just after half time. Anthony McNamee, last season’s least impressive loanee [of League One], started the game for Watford which they won 3-0.

Jon Otsemobor played at right back for Norwich as they ran out 5-2 winners against Barnet. The Canaries were 5-0 up within the first 30 minutes.

Luke Rodgers, meanwhile, nearly saved Port Vale’s blushes. After Wrexham had taken the lead after just 10 minutes, Rodgers equalised from the penalty spot (surprise surprise) on the 33rd minute. It stayed that way till after extra time. Vale were subsequently knocked out 5-3 on penalties, Rodgers scoring yet again from the spot.

Lee Bell couldn’t help Mansfield from falling to a 4-1 thrashing at Oldham, whilst Justin Cochrane saw the same scoreline as he played the second half of Yeovil’s cup tie against League Two Hereford. Unfortunately for Cochrane, he too was on the receiving end.

Finally, Saturday’s league opponents Bristol Rovers were taken all the way to penalties by Crystal Palace, before winning 4-1 from the spot. It’s unlikely to make any difference though, with our game against Hull kicking off a day later anyway – plus the four hour trip down to the West Country on Saturday.