Episode 2 Late Kick Off South, South West and West

Researchers claim eating curry can improve performance. If that's true,

this show's going to be a cracker. I'm Tony Husband, welcome to Late

Kick Off. Coming up: Mark Saunders has just

days to live so find out how this fan has united the Bristol City and

Rovers supporters. I have h`d a good day.

The thin white line ` who dhd score? Who didn't score by the narrowest of

margins? And Benali could see red on the

pitch but find out why this red hot performance in the curry kitchen is

making scientific headlines. Hello again.

Joining us in the studio three guests: Franny Benali, Southampton

hard man, here to give us hhs football wisdom, of course. He's

also pretty crucial to our curry experiment. And he's alongshde our

resident stopper international defender Ady Williams. And, last but

not least, our third guest, our rail seat ` the fans' answer to safe

standing. More on this later. But first a story that's so

inspirational and so sad. I don t know if you picked up on thd story

last weekend about the termhnally ill Bristol City fan with d`ys to

live. Mark Saunders' dying wish was to give the City team talk before

last week's game. The story's spread all round the world through the web

and social media. Now, with the time still afforded to him, Mark's made

another pilgrimage to a place he's never been before. To the blue side

of the City, to Bristol Rovdrs with his friend Dave Jeal ` well known to

Late Kick Off ` he starred on the programme last year. Both of them

used to square up to each other in the bad old soccer hooligan days,

then things changed drastic`lly To the extent that Jeal is now the

Rovers chaplain. And they'vd become good mates who're now sharing their

final Saturday afternoon together. All green from top to toe who get us

under way. You showed me respect. Unbelievable. Look around, never in

a million years would I dre`m I would be here. The last place op

earth you want to come on a Saturday.

Towards the back! Bristol Rovers have the lead. The messages I got

off the forums is superb. How does it make you feel? I feel hulble so

um bell it's unbelievable. `` so humble it's unbelievable. I didn't

think I would be here this week I am on such a natural high mx doctors

are amazed I look so well. Ht's been brilliant. All blue and white shirts

around me, and not a bad word's been said to me. And my mate, Dave. He is

a mate. He knows he is on hhs last legs. He is burying me.

There's more to life than, xou know, rivalry and match days he is going

to want City to win, I want Rovers to win. At the end of the d`y he is

my mate, I love him to bits. He is putting me in the ground. Only thing

is he is not allowed to wear a Rovers' shirt.

I had a good day. Have you had a good day? That is it. Full`time He

baptised me. When was that? Five weeks ago. Don't start doing that to

me, I won't come again. It's a pleasure and that's what football is

about, going home happy. A win for his rivals and he loved

it. The repeatable bit of Mark's Bristol

City team talk last week gods like this: He tells us, "we pay lots of

money to watch you play so can you please play like a team". They

didn't take offence they've had lunch with him today. By thd way,

more on Bristol Rovers later in the programme with the judicial review

on their plans to move stadhum announced this week. Plus the best

of the action. And the bizarre, too. We reveal the scientific sttdy which

could prove curry is the next red hot thing in pre`match meals for

footballers. Why the Rock of Gibraltar is the pinnacle for an

ex`Southampton defender and an ex`Wycombe plumber. And will England

rugby legend Austin Healy bdat Big Fletch at his own game?

The match of the weekend in the Championship pitted Brighton against

Reading. 1`1 the score. Points shared but who got the best of the

strategic battle? We are gohng to break it down right now. Very much

so. 16 minutes on the clock, Brighton's goal come from nothing

really in all honesty. A big clearance. Headed back in the danger

area. I like this, good link`up play. A third man run. The rest is

history. Great movement. One`touch football.

Hard to defend against. As the ball comes into the box some poor

defending there and lack of communication which is obviously

resulted in the own goal. McCarthy has to take responsibility there.

1`0 down. Second one was thd main talking point. A red card for the

Brighton Captain. A mistake there. That's a yellow card. This one is

out of position, slightly spuare on, how would you go about this one He

is in unfamiliar territory. He had a little dip in there. Minimal

contact. It's a bit harsh. That s the modern game. If you are going to

dip in and you are walking that tight`rope already you are playing a

dangerous game. He's alreadx been booked, he has... You got to be

careful. Win the ball. Four changes for the starting 11. This is a

little bit of luck. Brighton are off the hook on that one. Not this one.

Two or three yards is too mtch in this area of the pitch when you are

inside your own box. He cut back to his stronger foot. Maybe a bit of

communication, but better ddfending needed Should you be prepardd for

that? You know that's his strength. Shouldn't you be ready for that You

should after seeing the first bit of action. You know he is left`footed.

It's like a wand, keep him on his right, get him away from thd goal.

Brighton are down to ten men at this stage. They've to throw in deep into

Reading's half. Keep the ball. They give it away sloppily. A hopeful

ball up to the pitch here. Bruno has one. Cusack maybe redeemed himself?

Yeah, gad save. The defence are all over the place. Bruno I think is

unaware that the player's on his shoulders. A good save. Reading win

that game. I think so. They had the momentum, they were having the

possession. They can't quite string it together

can they these two? Which is going to be in the top? It's a totgh one.

There's nothing between thel. Brighton two points behind with a

game in Franked. It's tough. It s getting to the business end of the

season now. The three points can make a huge difference winnhng those

games. That 6th place changds every week.

Let's stay chatting for a moment, there were 11 international players

on show in that match. A few could be Brazil`bound. But worth larking

Southampton's contribution to the England squad with Franny hdre.

Lallana looks a shoe`in. But who of the other three, youngster Shaw

Lambert's journey via Bristol Rovers would be remarkable? But ard he and

Rodriguez doubtful? Who is going? I would love to see all four go. Which

ones? Adams with his recent performances, but I also believe

Luke Shaw and Lambert will be on the plane, as well. Roy Hodgson has

Cole, Baines and Shaw. Shaw and Baines. How good is Shaw? You have

broke broken into the team `t Southampton. Look how he's done it.

He is a fabulous footballer, to show the calmness on the pitch at a

tender age, he is getting bdtter. He stepped up to the international

stage and didn't stand out whatsoever. He raised to thd

occasion. He deserves to be there with his performances It's

interesting to be interesting the next few weeks. What do you think?

Which Saints' players will lake it to Brazil? You can continue the

debate via social media. How many of those four will make it

on the plane? Bournemouth are moving closdr to

securing their championship status for another season after thhs win at

Blackpool. Two successive victories for

Bournemouth. A huge win for Yeovil at thd bottom

of the Championship. Miller towards the bottom of the screen, on his

heels, he is not expecting ht. Flat`footed. This is is a dhfferent

matter. He is expecting it to fall to him. He is alert, bright and

makes no mistake. Buries it top corner. Miller already on the score

sheet. He is thinking of nothing else when he gets the ball to run at

the defence. Looking to get his second of the game. This is a

sublime finish. He will enjoy this one. Great finish. Reading back move

to the top six. At the bottom, plenty still to do for Yeovhl. Not

helped by the fact that although they won the teams around them also

did this weekend. I predictdd Bournemouth were safe last week

Surely they are now? On the subject of Bournemouth, fellas, thex've got

tighter at the back. They'rd giving less away even though this hs a side

that likes to play fluid football. I am sure you can remember those

times where you have been vdry hard at work, shape and discipline on the

training ground that must bd the key. Very much so. That givds you a

solid foundation. You work object a training ground, start with a clean

sheet. Keep things tight and don't give anything away. They're a

naturally positive side to play football. If they can keep things

shut up at the back they've a great chance of getting results. Reading `

Yeovil five unbeaten as well, they're looking to improve on that

in weeks to come. In league one is Swindon's play`off

chase running out of steam? Their manager suggest it is might be.

Steve Cotterill's starting to get Bristol City fired up.

A massive victory for Bristol over one of the other teams at the wrong

end of the table. He won't forget that in a htrry On

his top ten goals DVD. Unfortunately, City couldn't

maintain their lead. What a strike that is. I like this a lot. Keep an

eye out for Sam. He gets a little bit of luck. Head up once, twice,

puts it in there. An OG puts them in front. Bristol City got the winner.

Fantastic leap here at the far post. Up nice and early. The referee says

it's a goal. It's a goal. No need for goalline technology.

Three points and four places above the relegation zone.

Here is the winner of the e`sy goal of the weekend award. Doesn't get

simpler than this. He is allost too embarrassed to celebrate. Ntmber 24

on the edge of the box in the white shirt, absolutely free as you like.

Disappointing goal to give `way If that was me I would be fuming.

Swindon lost the match in stoppage time. Five without a win now. They

play each other, who is going in as favourites? For me it's a strange

one. Bristol I think are slhght favourites. It's a local derby. The

fans will be up for it but City nr good form. Swindon aren't. For me

possibly City. City have perhaps that kind of inventive, the bit

between the teeth at the molent A bit of form going into the game and

confidence plays a huge part. It's going to be probably down to the

bravest team who probably come out on top one day. That will bd our

feature next week. Back to Bristol Rovers now.

A long, drawn out planning row should come to a conclusion this

week. The current plan to sdll their Memorial Ground to a superm`rket

will be given the go ahead or stopped in it's tracks when a judge

rules on the proposal. Rovers need the deal and thd money

to make this vision come to life ` a 20,000`plus stadium built ott of

town. Protesters claim the supermarket deal will bring traffic

chaos, pollution and would harm local businesses. With the decision

imminent, Rovers supporters, led by Conservative Bristol North West MP

Charlotte Leslie, have been giving the decision makers a nudge ` a

13,000 signature petition ` handed in to Number 10.

We have listened to the comlunity. We have developed a mixture scheme.

It's not all about a superm`rket. It's about affordable housing, it's

about parking for local people. It's about community space, it's about

refurbishing and maintaining the memorial gates and building a garden

around them, pedestrianising them. Listening to the local people. We

have had dozens of consultation processes on both projects to get to

the he final step, just abott to start, and to get this, it just

makes you feel uncomfortabld. An all`seater stadium could be on

the way, then. Here's the irony. When you're

building a brand new stadiul, you can't have one of these, a rail

seat. Brilliant response last week to your thoughts on safe st`nding.

Here's some of them. Andy McCallum says, "It's all about giving fans

the choice to stand. It's mtch safer than standing in all`seated stands."

Paul Andrews, "I used to st`nd in the Milton Road Stand at thd Dell

back in the '80s '90s. St. Mary's doesn't come close to that

atmosphere." True? I'd agred. Niall Otway is a Plymouth fan, he says, "I

love Home Park. I don't see why people would need to stand, apart

from block three, where we have lads standing." Bournemouth fan Daniel

Lee says there should be a choice, "I want to stand. In my opinion

supporters create a better atmosphere when standing." Thanks

for all your reactions. Next week, we're at Bristol City and hdre in

the studio we'll be hearing both sides of the argument as we talk

more about our rail seats. Now, we reveal a bit of scidnce

which could get every Sundax League footballers' Hearts and taste buds

racing. Solent University scientists are midway through a study which is

examining if curry could be the new pre`match meal of choice for

footballers. And the study hs being run in partnership with us. It just

seemed the polite thing to do. And why has Franny Benali been ` key

part of the experiment? Let's find out with our reporter Andy Steggall.

The tests have lasted a fortnight for three volunteers, fans of food

and football. 1402g of lean chicken and spices precisely for evdry

person. Right, we've got the guinea pigs.

The students who are going to be involved. We have got the

ingredients, we have the schence and now we need someone to bring it

together, someone who knows all about football and curry. And I ve

got the answer. The Benali Biriani is named after the Southhampton man,

Francis Benali, at top`flight defender for more than a decade A

red card assassin on the football field and pretty brave in the

kitchen. So it's lucky therd are no referees here. The scientists have

their own rules. Each plate for each participant has a certain alount of

curry, measured by body weight, with the same amount of curry powder in

it. The students are in a phlot study. They signed up to eat several

plates of lean chilli chickdn in very measured conditions. Gtys, I've

got to applaud you to begin with. Not just eating a meal laced with

chillies but the fact that ly cooking skills are as good `s my

goal`scoring record when I played, and that's not too good. So, how's

the meal? Really nice. It's hard work. It's in the name of science.

Sportsmen all around the cotntry are thinking they can have a curry

before any sporting event and that performance will be improved is

quite exciting and interesthng to know. Next, they have to walk for 20

minutes from restaurant to science lab.

Sit down, rest, and digest. Then back to the treadmill for a

gruelling five kilometre run. In an ideal situation, you'd like to see

some form of potential analgesic effect, a painkilling effect. If you

think about, in any sport, the difference between the first and

second place, obviously, winning and losing a game, it comes down to the

tiny changes you can make and nutrition is one of those things

that can make a big difference. The first... Four or five minutds, all I

could taste was curry. And then I wasn't sure if I was going to carry

on. But then that subsided `nd I was hanging on.

One of the things that drew our attention to this was that the idea

that back in the Beijing Olxmpics, there were four athletes

disqualified for eating capsicum. And they were all horses. The data

is being collated now. And the results of curry power will be hot

off the press very soon. Can't wait to know what thex are as

well. Well done to all the volunteers. We salute you. We might

be looking more for a proper trial because the university are looking

at extending their trial. So, Fran, we saw you there, did you ever have

a curry before a game? I didn't I steered well clear of it. It was too

lively from me for a pre`match meal. What was your pre`match meal?

Beans on toast or spaghetti Bolognese in the later years. And

Ade, you had a food fiasco. When I was 17, just trying to break into

the squad, I wasn't in the squad in that name, I got myself a phe,

chocolate heart and drink, but the manager came in looking for me. I

was the pie as he came lookhng for me, one of the boys got changed in

the warm up and I had to go out and play. I survived. Jimmy Casd back in

the day in Southampton, what did eat? Players like Jimmy, I remember

he was eating a steak during a pre`match meal. It seems cr`zy, but

he was a great player so it must have worked. Now, what did fans

think about the game? I lovd it gasp Berger, the best on the ment. Just a

pasty for me. Definitely a vindaloo. Hot!

League Two now. We'll talk `bout Torquay in just a moment. Fhrst

though, a few of our clubs `re looking over their shoulders and, in

Portsmouth's case, they're looking to score.

A third successive clean shdet for Portsmouth and a second successive

goalless draw. Cheltenham h`ve now drawn ten of the last 20 le`gue

fixtures. A couple of weeks ago Pompey were hammered 5`1 ag`inst

Scunthorpe. Since then, Richie Barker's men have shown ten`city.

Three clean sheets on the bounce, including giving Chesterfield the

scare last Monday evening as you saw on Late Kick Off. Like Pompdy,

Exeter store have some work to do to secure their football leagud status.

Exeter, one win in 12. Tom Nichols alert to put them in front. Exeter

almost threw it away although sometimes you just have to `dmire a

goal, even if it is through gritted teeth. The Daggers, their sdcond

goal, very soft penalty to give away. Easy to throw the towdl in

when decisions like this go against you. Look at the body langu`ge. It

says it all. Did they show some character coming back? Absolutely.

Talk about character, they'd dug deep and you take what you can,

including this absolute howler on a Dagenham goalkeeper. Watch this one.

Whoops! Oxford without a in four now. Was it offside or wasn't it? It

doesn't matter. It ends up hn the back of the net. The second one for

me, the goalkeeper, but when you are against form, when you are scrapping

for points, it often goes to the opposing player. 2`0 down bdfore you

know it. The Oxford goalkeeper, he redeems himself. This is a stonewall

penalty. Ryan Clark, he guesses the right way. Strong risk, but 2`0

never a good scoreline. Ryan Williams goes through here. A tidy

finish, but Oxford are back in the game. This is what I talk about when

things are not going your w`y. A couple of months ago, this would

have ended up in the back of the net. It doesn't, it hits thd post

and it falls to safety. Absolutely gutted. Oxford should get in the

play`offs but we all know about teams blowing their chances as the

end of season approaches. Ldt's hope it's not them.

Oxford haven't won since mid`February and they've now slipped

to sixth. Plymouth may have lost that Bristol Rovers but thex're just

outside the play`off race whth a game in hand.

outside the play`off race whth a game in Do Oxford need a permanent

manager? There is too much uncertainty for the fans and

players. Maybe now is the thme to appoint someone permanently. A lot

of talk about finances and new directors, some shares in the clubs,

so, on field, what are their chances? They are in with a shout.

It is that stage where you have to keep your nerve. Be brave and go for

it. Confidence plays a huge part. Home form is a big thing as well so

they've got every chance. Wd have seen the top of the table btt the

bottom is ugly if you're a Torquay fan, are they all but down `lready?

Our cameras were at Plainmoor for the game against Fleetwood, and we

did try our best to lift sphrits but there was doom and gloom evdrywhere.

That is the best chance of the game so far. Another nail in the coffin,

we are doomed! Here comes the strike! Great save!

Time is up, you've got to start preparing for the worst. Into the

back of the net! No passion, no fight, gave up when they scored

Fleetwood Town, good block by the goalkeeper. I can't see us going up

for a minimum of five years. Exeter are backpedalling, Portsmouth and

Wycombe, a better off. The consequences of going down, look

at who you've got there. Te`ms that have been used to playing in the

football the. Ten points adrift 11 if you look at their goal

difference. Exeter, your old team`mates, they are going

backwards. The run of form hs a worry lately. And they've got to be

mentally strong because the consequences of dropping into

relegation, you don't even like to consider it. They will need the

expense of another team`matd down now. So, fingers crossed. They

haven't won at home since they beat Plymouth, would they swap that now?

Before we go, a search around the clubs to see what's odd and

interesting. I'm starting whth Wycombe and, as Franny's in the

studio, another Southampton back four link. Missing from Wycombe s

2`1 win over Hartlepool at the weekend was Reece Styche. The

striker has been on international duty with the world's newest

football nation, Gibraltar. You are an international football play

against teams that are going to be playing in the European

Championships, in the World Cup so I am enjoying it while it l`sts

because you never know when your career could be cut short. Gibraltar

would lose to the Faroe Isl`nds but not before Danny he came bottom run

the rule over his team`mates. `` Danny Higginbotham. That pl`yers now

the fattest player Gibraltar have ever produced. It might not ever get

better for Gibraltar. They have Germany, Poland, Republic of

Ireland. Their first game is against Poland as well. What have you

found? A complete mismatch, an England superstar, well, yot'll see.

Austin Healey has been down at Bournemouth and he's up for a

challenge. A crossbar challdnge against Cherries legend Steve

Fletcher. Rugby to go first, Healey going with the drop kick. On the

money, perfect. That is why they call me the magician. He is looking

for a seven iron, a little bit of angle. He has another go, exactly

the same result. Look. He dhd know it was a crossbar challenge?

Steve Fletcher, he is a legdnd. Don't forget, you can follow all

this week was Mac football on radio, but we are back next Monday at

11:20pm. `` all this week's football on