As I predicted the fate of Community Shield was decided by a penalty shoot-out on Sunday, after a fairly uninspiring ninety minutes of football. Ryan Giggs had put Manchester United ahead but Florent Malouda hit back for Chelsea just before half time. The second half was goalless and so penalties began. It was here that Edwin van der Sar, whose future as United's first choice keeper has been a talking point for some weeks, gave a timely reminder of his talents as he saved successive penalties from Pizarro, Lampard and Wright-Phillips. Admittedly he was helped by all three placing their kicks in fairly nice positions for him, but even so. Ferdinand, Carrick and Rooney made no mistakes with their efforts, and so United took the shield home for the sixteenth time.
Shortly after their rivals had won the first official silverware of the new season, Liverpool continued their quest for a pre-season trophy as they faced Feyenoord in the Port of Rotterdam Tournement. A 2-0 win over Shanghai meant a win would be enough to secure the trophy but Liverpool missed out as they could only draw 1-1. Royston Drenthe had put the hosts in front, but Gerrard equalised before the match fell into a bit of a squabble, with the Liverpool captain perhaps being lucky to stay on the field after seemingly hitting one of the opponents, although he was booked along with six team-mates. The tournament was won by Porto after they beat Shanghai 3-0.
Tonight sees two more Goldline Trophy games. In Group 3 Breightmet United host Atherton LR. Both sides have already qualified so this match will just determine who wins the group. Anything but an Atherton win will see the hosts take top spot. More interesting is the match in Group 4 in which Elton Vale host Ashton Athletic. The home side are already eliminated and Athletic will qualify for the next round with a draw. Even a defeat may be okay, providing that Ashton Town beat Tempest United tomorrow, with even a low scoring draw in that game perhaps being enough for Athletic. However it will of course be easiest for them to do their own work tonight.
The West Lancashire League continues tonight with early leaders Blackpool Wren Rovers hosting local rivals Poulton Town, who will be hoping not to lose as heavily as they did on Saturday. Other matches of note include Haslingden St Mary's trip to Turton and Garstang's long trip to Dalton United. Bottom side Fleetwood Hesketh will be hoping for better luck today as they host Preston-based Fulwood Amateurs.
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