AWAY GOALS RULE SCRAPPED

The Football League have announced that the away goals rule will be scrapped in favour of penalties for this season's play-off semi-finals.

If the aggregate scores are level after two legs, extra time will still be played but will be followed by a penalty shoot-out if necessary.

The decision appears to have been made with last season's First Division play-off semi-final in mind, when sixth-placed Bolton advanced to Wembley at the expense of third-placed Ipswich by virtue of scoring more away goals.

Football League spokesman John Nagle said: "It was felt that it was unjust for a team that finished sixth to beat a team that finished third on away goals and it would be better for it to go to a penalty shoot-out.

"It was a decision that was made at board level and they considered what had gone on and ways to improve things for maximum fairness in the play-offs."

Hang on...how is any fairer for it to go to a penalty shoot-out? How is that any less harsh if sixth beats third? I would've thought that was worse if anything, at least away goals isn't about one kick of the ball. Not relevant to NUFC or anything (not to say it won't be season after next, har har), just thought it was strange and wanted to share with the group...

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

Answers

That's b*ll*x (the article, not what you said Dan). At least away goals are a long established way of sorting things out and you have the incentive in an away match to try to score. With a penalty shoot-out, all too often we see teams shut up shop and play for the draw, hoping their star spot-kickers can do the biz that they were unable to do in open play.

To me this smacks of commercialism. Makes far better TV if we have a penalty shootout - especially if the Mackems are involved ;-)) whereas if we have the away goal rule, you've only got the two matches to worry about. Nah - give me away goals anytime - unless you offer me replays on nuetral grounds. They were fun, but obviously in a competition over a short period (as in the playoffs) this would not be feasible. Can;t have the little darlings playing too many games, can we.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2000

Bit rich to complain about a 6th place team beating the 3rd place in the playoffs...thought that was the whole idea that the 3-6 teams have a chance to make it!

Who shouted "FIX!"?

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000

Gosh! How about giving the third promotion spot to the team with the third most points? That would be stupid, though, wouldn't it?

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000

Softie,

Your idea has merits but as I'm certain you remember this idea was tried once but was a miserable failure cos the FA got less money....

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000

Gav,

Now you've put it like that, I can redily see the major flaws in such a system. After all, fairness would suggest equality, and it is our duty as a capitalist state to prevent equality in all its nefarious forms and thus leave a healthy margin for profit :-)

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000