Updated: Tuesday, 17 Mar 2015 15:05 | Comments
By Rob Wright
With the Republic of Ireland's crucial Euro 2016 qualification game with Poland now just weeks away, manager Martin O'Neill will have kept a keen eye on his squad members this weekend and may not have been overly impressed with some of what he saw.
Sunderland defender John O'Shea's alarming drop in form continued as he endured a nightmare performance against fellow relegation candidates Aston Villa, who sauntered to a 4-0 win against the Black Cats, a result which led to the sacking of manager Gus Poyet.
O'Shea's drop in form has matched Sunderland's plummet down the table but this was surely his most disappointing display this season.
The former Manchester United defender was personally responsible for Villa's second goal as he hesitated in dealing with what appeared to be a straight-forward ball down the line from Ciaran Clark, letting Gabriel Agbonlahor through on goal before he slid the ball home.
O'Shea made numerous other errors throughout the game and although his side did manage to keep a clean sheet in the second half, that was mostly down to the game being over as a contest by the break.
Clark had a much easier afternoon in a Villa defence that was rarely troubled. As a result he had a licence to get forward and he produced several threatening crosses, as well as helping to create Villa's second goal.
The Irish defender was substituted with 30 minutes to go, initially sparking fears of an injury, but manager Tim Sherwood explained it was a tactical decision designed to protect Clark who is one booking away from a two-game ban due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
"He is on nine bookings, we needed to preserve him. You've got to think about these things," Sherwood said.
He also went on to praise the defender adding: "Ciaran has always maintained his consistency. That's important for a defender. He's responsible and reliable."
At Stamford Bridge Southampton held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw with Shane Long turning in a typical battling performance up front for the Saints.
The Tipperary man was a constant nuisance for Chelsea defenders to deal with as he harried John Terry and Gary Cahill constantly and was always trying to make himself available for a pass, stretching the play and he ran out to the channels.
However for all his hard work, Long had few sights on goal and never really looked like causing any problems for Thibaut Courtois although he was twice denied by last-ditch challenges from Cahill.
Stoke City suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Brom with Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters all failing to impress in a side that never really got going on Saturday.
Wilson was perhaps the best of the three as he was solid at centre-back before showing his adaptability by switching to left-back when Erik Pieters was forced off injured and turning in a solid if unremarkable shift there.
However Whelan and Walters both disappointed. Whelan was never able to get a grip of the game in midfield where Darren Fletcher and James Morrison dominated and the game bypassed him to a large extent.
Walters, meanwhile, was his usual hard-working self but made little headway against the Baggies defence. His best chance to score came on the hour mark when he forced a fine fingertip save from Boaz Myhill with a deft header but the striker was forced off soon after he suffered what could be a fractured checkbone.
Manager Mark Hughes said afterwards: "Jon is our main concern at the moment," he said. "He looks as though he has a nasty bang on his cheekbone, which may well be a fracture and that will have to be checked. We hope it isn't but it's looking as though it could be a serious one that will keep him out for a few games."
If a fracture is confirmed, Walters could well be ruled out of Ireland's qualifier with Poland.
There was better news at Goodison Park where Everton showed signs of battling away from any kind of relegation struggle as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Newcastle in a game in which James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Darron Gibson all shone.
McCarthy, who has struggled with hamstring problems this season, claimed his first goal in close to a year when his low shot from the edge of the penalty area somehow crept under Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.
The midfielder was behind much of Everton's attacking thrust, linking up well with Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone throughout and always seemed to find himself in a yard of space when the ball was played to him.
Gibson was equally as impressive in the centre, playing in a slightly more withdrawn role which allowed him to link up with his back line and collect the ball in space before his accurate passing became the platform on which Everton were able to build many of their forays forward.
Coleman meanwhile had a less attacking role than he may have been used to as he was often left with the responsibility of picking up Sammy Ameobi, keeping the Newcastle striker quiet throughout. The fullback did manage to link-up well with Aaron Lennon although we rarely got to see him running past the winger as he played a more defensive role than usual.
Paul McShane appears to have fully completed his rehabilitation at Hull City, having at one stage appeared to be on his way out of the club after falling out with manager Steve Bruce.
The defender was solid and dependable throughout his side's 0-0 draw with Leicester City, rarely putting a foot wrong in defence and helping to rally the troops when his side were reduced to 10 minute midway through the second half.
Alongside the young and inexperienced Andy Robertson was at left-back, McShane cajoled and encouraged the youngster throughout and was on hand to cover for him when he was caught out of position after breaking forward.
Stephen Quinn and David Meyler were both introduced with 12 minutes to go in order to shore up the game and ensure that Hull held out for a point, a role they both performed well.
Crystal Palace's Damien Delaney will have tougher afternoon in the Eagle's defence as his side romped to a 3-1 victory over second from bottom side QPR.
The centre-back was rarely tested throughout but was solid in the tackle and positionally aware when he had to be. There was little that Delaney or indeed anyone could have done about Matt Phillips thunderous goal-of-season contender and were it not far that cracker, Delaney and the Palace defence would have claimed a well deserved clean sheet.
Republic of Ireland Under-19 international striker Reece Grego-Cox was introduced late on as QPR tried to salvage something from the game, but he had little service up front and no real time to make an impact.
In the Championship, Wes Hoolahan's fine form for Norwich continued as he helped them to a 1-1 draw with fellow promotion hopefuls Derby, after he was accidentally cut from the Ireland squad to face Poland.
Hoolahan was not included in the original squad sheet handed to journalists but it was swiftly discovered that his omission was an error and a squad of 34 became 35 as the midfielder was added to the list.
Against Derby there could be no such oversight of Hoolahan as he was his side's most creative player and can consider himself unlucky not to have been on the winning team. Cameron Jerome really should have scored when Hoolahan played him in with a slick through-ball with the game scoreless, however he was put under pressure by Richard Keogh and poked his effort wide.
It wasn't long before Norwich hit the front however and the Irish midfielder started a move that ended in Jerome taking his chance and giving the Canaries the lead on 31 minutes before a second-half own-goal wiped that advantage out.
Keogh and Jeff Hendrick both featured for Derby and while Hendrick was left in the shade compared to Hoolahan, Keogh was quietly impressive. The Derby skipper was instrumental in keeping his side in the game when, at times, it appeared they would be overrun.
While Derby and Norwich both sit in the play-off positions after that draw, Ipswich have dropped out, falling to seventh after a 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough.
Daryl Murphy bagged his 23rd goal of the season when he tapped in from close range after 11 minutes to cancel out a fourth-minute goal from Daniel Ayala but that was as good as it got for Mick McCarthy's men.
Murphy went within a whisker of scoring a second but saw his shot come back off the inside of the post and straight into the arms of the Boro goalkeeper. Meanwhile. it was an afternoon to forget for a tired looking Luke Chambers who struggled playing out of position at fullback, while in midfield Jay Tabb at least looking dangerous with his crossing from the left, even if much of the game did bypass him.
It was a similar situation for Reading who suffered a 4-1 defeat to Watford. Simon Cox was handed a starting place but turned in a disappointing display as he struggled to make an impact and was replaced just before the hour mark.
Brentford's promotion hopes also took a blow as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff that leaves them sitting in sixth place, just a point above Ipswich.
Monaghan striker Jonathan Douglas had the ball in the net inside the first 10 minutes for Brentford but was unfortunate as he adjudged to have fouled a defender just before he headed home. Douglas was also denied by a last-gasp challenge by Sean Morrison just when he looked certain to score.
The Brentford forward then had a late chance to equalise but could only blast the ball over the bar when afforded a clear chance on goal.
It was honours even between Birmingham and Huddersfield, thanks in the most past to Blues goalkeeper Darren Randolph who was on top form to ensure his side took a point with a 1-1 draw.
After conceding an equaliser when his defenders failed to clear a bouncing ball, Randolph produced a stunning diving save to deny Joel Lynch's header before he turned in a commanding second-half display that ably dealt with anything Huddersfield could throw his way.
Sean Scannell was introduced from the bench early on for Huddersfield. After a early season purple patch, Scannell appeared to lose his way somewhat but while his performance against the Blues wasn't up the high standards he set earlier in the season, he at least is showing signs of improvement.
Kieron Westwood put in a decent display for Sheffield Wednesday in their 1-1 draw with Fulham but will have been disappointed with the concession of a late equaliser.
The Irish goalkeeper was rarely tested early on and there was little he could do about Matt Smith's goal from point-blank range but he made several impressive saves after that the keep the scores level, most notably saving with his feet from Smith in what was the last chance of the game.
Sean Kavanagh started for Fulham, with the defender being deployed as more of a left winger but his impact was limited and while he did manage to get into decent positions at times, his crossing was poor and he was replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Millwall sank further into the relegation zone with a 2-0 defeat to Bolton in which David Forde, Alan Dunne, Sean Williams and Aiden O'Brien all featured for the Lions.
Paddy McCarthy, on loan at Bolton from Crystal Palace, again excelled for Wanderers. For a player who has recently just joined the club, he showed no fear in barking orders to his team-mates and did a fine job in organising the defence, albeit against a Millwall side who offered little threat.
The biggest concern for Ireland fans will be the number of goals Forde continues to ship. He's conceded 15 goals in his side's last seven games and even if he has been let down by his defence has confidence has to suffering.
Against Fulham the Irish shot-stopper did produce several decent saves, including a great fingertip save to deny Tom Walker from a 25-yard free-kick but conceding goals can be a hard habit to break and Forde's place in the Ireland team could be under threat if Millwall continues to ship so many goals.
Fellow strugglers Wigan at least game themselves a chance of pulling out of the relegation zone with a desperately needed 2-1 win away to Rotherham
James McClean worked hard throughout and although his final ball was often lacking he did manage to win the free-kick which led to the game's opening goal. Paul Green started for Rotherham but was largely anonymous and was replaced before the hour mark.
In League One league leaders Bristol City were held to a scoreless draw by Gillingham. In a game of few chances Ireland Under-21 international Derrick Williams was forced off injured early on with what appeared to be a groin strain and was replaced Galway defender Greg Cunningham who ably deputised at the back.
Jay O'Shea was on the mark for Chesterfield but his side were defeated 3-2 by Coventry in a game that saw the Sky Blues maintain their two point gap over Leyton Orient in the relegation zone.
O'Shea's goal came just before half-time courtesy of a deflected shot while Adam Barton impressed in midfield for Coventry with good use of the ball and some crunching defensive challenges. The former Irish Under-21 went close to scoring himself with a header from a corner of 31 minutes.
Fleetwood are keeping their hopes of a play-off place alive after a 1-0 win over Rochdale left them two points off sixth place. Liam McAlinden was a second-half substitute for Fleetwood, coming on just after the restart and impressed with his surging direct runs and ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the game.
With his side leading, McAlinden went close to sealing the result when he caught goalkeeper Jermaine Jones in possession inside his own penalty area but Jones just about managed to get back to scramble clear.
Barnsley now sit in that final play-off place thanks to a 3-1 victory over Oldham in which Conor Hourihane netted his first goal since January. A close range finish from the Cork native helped the Tykes to their sixth successive win.
In League Two, Burton Albion went three points clear at the top courtesy of a convincing 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley. Damien McCrory put his side in front from the penalty sport in a quiet first-half and from then on out, Burton were in complete control.
Accrington's former Sligo Rovers defender Seamus Conneely was introduced after just eight minutes for the injured Andy Proctor and while he wasn't personally at fault for any of the goals, he didn't stand out.
Michael Timlin and Barry Corr both started in Southend's 3-1 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge, a result which saw the Shrimpers move to within three points of the automatic promotion places.
Corr netted from the penalty spot for his side's third goal, putting in another lively performance and went close to adding to his tally with a well saved header and a fine curling effort at goal which goalkeeper Liam O'Brien was just about equal too.
Timlin was quietly effective in midfield, helping to keep things ticking over before he was replaced late on by Gary Deegan.
Former Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison proved there is still life in the old dog and as he won a penalty that proved to be crucial in Exeter's 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon. Morrison used all his experience to draw a foul from Dave Winfield, while allowed Tom Nichols to score from the spot.
Patrick Hoban was left to rue his missed opportunities as Oxford United were held to a 0-0 draw with Plymouth in front of 8,057 at The Kassam Stadium.
The former Dundalk player was lively throughout and had his side's best chances, smashing the ball over the bar on 38 minutes when he should have kept his composure and again lifting a left-footed effort of the top in the second half.
In Scotland, the SPL's top goalscorer Adam Rooney must be wondering what more he can do to force his way into Martin O'Neill's squad as he was left out of the 35-man group for the qualifier with Poland.
Rooney responded in the right way, showing some great anticipation and awareness to pounce on a mix-up between goalkeeper and defender and score the winning goal in Aberdeen's 2-1 victory against Motherwell.
It was a result that moved the Dons to within three points of Celtic as the Champions were in League Cup final action.
Celtic's Anthony Stokes was selected in O'Neill's squad and picked up a winner's medal in that League Cup final as his side overcame Dundee 2-0. Stokes was lively throughout, operating on the left hand side and he helped to create several decent chances for his side with some neat crossing and incisive passes.
It was a disappointing day for Dundee United's Sean Dillon was off the pitch having treatment on a leg injury when Kris Commons opened the scoring for the Bhoys and he was then shown a red card in the 56th card for a reckless challenge on Emilio Izaguirre.
Further afield and Sean St Ledger enjoyed a winning start to life in the MLS as his Orlando City edged to a 1-0 win over former Ireland international Owen Coyle's Houston Dynamos. St Ledger, playing in the same team as Kaka - bet you never expected to read that sentence - brought some defensive maturity and calmness to the Orlando back line and they rarely looked to be in trouble.
Robbie Keane captained LA Galaxy as they claimed a 2-2 draw away to Portland Timbers. It was one of Keane's more subdued displays and his best chance came on 38 minutes but he fluffed his lines when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
In Australia, Perth Glory's are now eight games without a win as they lost 2-1 to Wellington Phoenix finally surrendered top spot in the A League. Seven points clear at the top in January, Glory have gone on a miserable slump which has coincided with a goal drought from Andy Keogh.
Keogh had his chances against Wellington, most notably on 77 minutes when he embarked on a surging run, leaving two defenders behind him only to finish it off with a weak shot.
Cillian Sheridan was back in the APOEL starting line-up as they claimed a 1-1 draw away to Omonia Nicosia.
Finally Eamon Zayed's fortune has turned in Malysia. Having opened his scoring account in last week's 4-1 win against KL SPA, he went on to score both goals in their 2-0 win over Pahang Kuantan.
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