Rooney rocking

Monday, 09/01/2012

Premier League

by Daniel Tyler

FA CUP: WAYNE ROONEY, Manchester United

Swindon produced a brilliant display to beat Wigan and show that the magic of the FA Cup is still very much around.

But however much of a great display it was by Paolo Di Canio’s men the player of the round has to go to Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker has endured a couple of difficult weeks, suspended by the club for disciplinary reasons and substituted at the thrashing by Newcastle all of which have led to media reports claiming the No. 10’s Red Devils' career was over.

But on Sunday the England international again proved why he is one of the world’s best with a majestic performance in United’s 3-2 victory over fierce rivals Manchester City.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring with a thumping header and notched the third after reacting quickest to the rebound after a missed penalty.

His positioning and movement proved too much for City too handle as he often drifted back into midfield to receive the ball to create opportunities for his team mates.

Championship

No championship games played this weekend

Leagues 1 & 2

League One

JORDAN RHODES, Huddersfield

Prior to Huddersfield’s game with Wycombe striker Jordan Rhodes was talk of the terraces, with West Ham and a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up the in-form forward.

But just 90 minutes later and the Terriers chairman’s phone must have been ringing off the hook as Rhodes grabbed a magnificent five goals in a 6-0 romp.

They were all confident finishes from a man who currently has the best scoring rate in the top four divisions.

The 21-year-old has 27 goals in just 22 games, including four hat-tricks.

Boss Lee Clark insists his prize asset isn’t for sale as Town look for a promotion push, but as time goes on it will prove a tough task to keep hold of the Scotland cap.

League Two

AKWASI ASANTE, Northampton

Northampton entered the weekend joint bottom of League Two with Plymouth and facing a tough trip to play-off hopefuls Morecambe.

However the Cobblers put in a brilliant performance to grab all three points in a 2-1 win.

The winning goal game courtesy of on-loan Birmingham City striker Akwasi Asanti.

His vital long range strike was magnificent; one that could have won any match and most importantly found his side a first win in six games.

The Sixfields outfit are now in the drop zone only by goal difference and with four points separating 18th and 23rd. Any more away performances like this would soon see the Shoe Army shooting up the table.

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