Premier League
Anthony Pilkington (Norwich 2-1 QPR): An Anthony Pilkington goal helped Norwich beat 10-man QPR 2-1 yesterday. Pilkington, who is eligible for Ireland, but has indicated he may still play for England, was praised by manager Paul Lambert, who told Sky Sports: “It was a brilliant goal from Pilkington. I thought he was excellent the whole game.”
Stephen Ward (Wolves 1-2 Chelsea): The ex-Bohemians player’s goal was not enough to prevent Wolves from avoiding defeat against Chelsea, as a late Frank Lampard strike ensured the Londoners got back on track following their shock loss to Aston Villa last week, leaving ex-Ireland boss Mick McCarthy fuming at his side’s costly late slip-up.
James McClean (Sunderland 1-0 Man City): The Derry-born player, who has chosen to represent Ireland at international level despite having played for Northern Ireland’s U21s, started a game for the first time in his Premier League career. And McClean performed with distinction, posing numerous problems for the opposition’s back four, while exerting considerable effort defensively also.
Npower Championship
David Connolly (Southampton 0-3 Brighton): The veteran Irish striker endured a miserable afternoon, as league leaders Southampton suffered a rare slip-up against Brighton. Connolly’s side are now only top of the league on goal difference, with Sam Allardyce’s West Ham breathing heavily down their neck.
Andy Reid (Nottingham Forest 3-1 Ipswich): Andy Reid provided the assist for Marcus Tudgay’s third as Forest secured a much-needed win against fellow strugglers Ipswich. They now only remain in the relegation zone on goal difference, just behind Bristol City.
Darren O’Dea (Leeds 2-1 Burnley): The centre-back played all 90 minutes as a last-gasp Ross McCormack goal helped Leeds to keep up with their promotion rivals at the top end of the Championship. O’Dea, who is on loan from Celtic, has made 15 appearances for Leeds so far this season.
League One
Darren Potter (MK Dons 1-0 Colchester): The ex-Wolves midfielder helped MK Dons earn a 1-0 victory against Colchester, as they maintained their push for promotion.
Scottish Premier League
Anthony Stokes (Celtic 3-o Dunfermline): Stokes scored a stunning first goal as Celtic outclassed Dunfermline. It was the ex-Arsenal man’s ninth goal of the season, as Celtic secured their tenth win on the trot.
Paul Heffernan (Kilmarnock 2-1 St Mirren): The 30-year-old scored his side’s first goal, as Kilmarnock came from behind to beat St Mirren. Heffernan’s sharp turn and shot from ten yards helped inspire his side to victory, enabling them to leapfrog their opponents in the table in the process.
Pat Fenlon (Hibernian 1-3 Hearts): There was more misery for Pat Fenlon, as his Hibs side failed to win an Edinburgh derby for the ninth consecutive occasion. Fenlon’s side are currently second from bottom in the Scottish Premier League, one point ahead of Dunfermline. The ex-League of Ireland manager has so far failed to win a game at the club since taking over last November.
