Clint shoots ‘em down!

Monday, 23/01/2012

Premier League

by Daniel Tyler

CLINT DEMPSEY, Fulham

With 35 goals in ten matches it was raining goals in this weekend’s Premier League matches.

There were crucial games both at the top and bottom of the league, but the man of the weekend hasn’t gone to someone from one of those clubs, but to Fulham’s Clint Dempsey.

At half-time The Cottagers were 1-0 down to European hopefuls Newcastle, but Dempsey’s hat-trick helped the Londoners to a 5-2 win in an amazing second half.

His first was pure luck, the ball ricocheting off him from six yards to find the net, but he showed great composure for his second and third, producing quality finishes when put through one-on-one with the in-form Tim Krul.

The American has now hit back-to-back trebles at Craven Cottage and is on 15 goals for the season, a fantastic return for a midfielder.

Championship

DARIUS HENDERSON, Millwall

After striking a hat-trick in the FA Cup win over Dagenham in midweek, Darius Henderson was at it again at the weekend with another treble in Millwall’s 3-1 victory at Barnsley.

The 30-year-old put on a finishing masterclass to record the Lions' first win in four games.

The striker calmly scored his first from the spot, before a close-range second and a powerful strike to complete his spree.

The former Sheffield United man now has 15 goals to his name this season, equalling his best ever total in a season with Watford back in the 2005-06 campaign.

The Number 7’s goals have helped the Lions pull five points clear of Nottingham Forest who occupy the final relegation spot.

Leagues 1 & 2

League One

JOHNNIE JACKSON, Charlton

For the second successive week the man of the moment in League One is Charlton skipper Johnnie Jackson.

Last week his first half free-kick clinched the points at promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday and this week proved a case of de ja vu.

With 21 minutes gone, the former Spurs man produced another quality free-kick to give the Addicks another 1-0 victory, this time against the Owls' city rivals Sheffield United.

In a tight contest the 29-year-old’s tenth goal of the season handed his side a massive three points in the race for promotion for the second week running.

The South-Londoners are now seven points clear of second place Huddersfield, but with a game in hand.

League Two

MICHAEL DUBERRY, Oxford United

Saturday at the Kassam Stadium produced one of the most bizarre moments of the season.

Oxford United defender Michael Duberry managed to score a hat-trick of a different kind.

The ex-Chelsea man notched two own-goals, before finding the net at the right end to grab the U’s a 2-2 draw with Hereford.

It may be strange to give someone that scored two own-goals player of the week, but fair play to the 36-year-old who recovered to secure a result for his side.

The point keeps Chris Wilder’s side in the final play-off spot as they look to gain promotion to the third tier for the first time since 2001.

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