2009–10 Sta. Lucia Realtors season
The 2009–10 Sta. Lucia Realtors season is the 17th and final season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).


2009–10 Stade Rennais F.C. season
The 2009–10 season was the 109th season in the existence of Stade Rennais F.C. and the club's 15th consecutive season in the top flight of French football. In addition to the domestic league, Angers participated in this season's edition of the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue. The season covered the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.


2009–10 Stade Rennais F.C. season, Players, Starting 11
Source: Squad stats and Start formations. Only competitive matches. Using the most used start formation. Ordered by position on pitch (from back right to front left).


2009–10 Stade Rennais F.C. season, Players, Disciplinary records
Last updated: 23 NovemberSource: Ligue 1 MatchesOnly competitive matches = Number of bookings;  = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card;  = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.


2009–10 Stanbic Bank 20 Series
The 2009–10 Stanbic Bank 20 Series was a Twenty20 cricket competition held in Zimbabwe from 12–20 February 2010. It was won by the Mountaineers, who defeated the Mashonaland Eagles in the final by nine wickets.


2009–10 Stanbic Bank 20 Series
The competition consisted of a round-robin group stage, followed directly by the final and third-place play-off. The Mashonaland Eagles topped the group stage, winning four of their five games, and faced the second-placed team, the Mountaineers in the final. The third-place play-off was contested between the teams finishing third and fourth in the group, the Desert Vipers and the Matabeleland Tuskers, both of which had won two matches, lost two, and had a match abandoned.


2009–10 Stanbic Bank 20 Series
The tournament was the first contesting of the Stanbic Bank 20 Series to be played following a restructure of Zimbabwean cricket that resulted in five franchises, the Mashonaland Eagles, Matabeleland Tuskers, Mid West Rhinos, Mountaineers and Southern Rocks. These five teams were joined by the Desert Vipers, a team representing Namibia. Hamilton Masakadza of the Mountaineers finished the competition with the most runs, amassing 317 at an average of 63.40, while Tony Palladino of the visiting Desert Vipers claimed the most wickets, taking 12 at an average of 9.66. Masakadza was named as player of the series, and also batsman of the series, and Palladino was chosen as bowler of the series. Masakadza scored the only century of the competition, passing 100 during the Mountaineers group match against the Southern Rocks.


2009–10 Stanbic Bank 20 Series
Following the conclusion of the tournament, Zimbabwe Cricket declared themselves delighted, after the final drew a crowd of approximately 7,500, which was described as "the biggest for a domestic match in living memory." This turnout was significantly greater than the average attendance for cricket in the preceding years which rarely passed 1,000.


2009–10 Standard Bank Pro20
The 2010 Standard Bank Pro20 season was the seventh season of the Standard Bank Pro20 Series, established by the Cricket South Africa in 2010. The series was played between 3 February and 12 March 2010. The tournament was won by the Warriors, who defeated the Highveld Lions in the final.


2009–10 Standard Bank Pro20, Fixtures, Knockout stage
At the end of the group stage, the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. The semi-finals are best-of-three playoffs, with the top seed facing the fourth seed and the second seed facing the third seed. If a match in the knockout stage ends with a tie, a Super Over will determine the winner.


2009–10 Standard Liège season
During the 2009–10 Belgian football season, Standard Liège competed in the Belgian Pro League.


2009–10 Standard Liège season, Season summary
Having won the title the past two seasons running, Liège were looking to make it a hat-trick of title, but very quickly fell off the title pace. Manager László Bölöni resigned in February with the club 19 points adrift of leaders Anderlecht. He was replaced by Dominique D'Onofrio, brother of club vice-president Lucien and Liège's former technical director between 2002 and 2006. However, form failed to improve and the club finished in eighth, two points adrift of the title play-offs - as a result, failing to qualify for European competition.


2009–10 Standard Liège season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2009–10 Standard Liège season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2009–10 Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team
The 2009–10 Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team represented Stanford University in the 2009–10 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Cardinal, coached by Tara VanDerveer. and a member of the Pacific-10 Conference, won the conference's regular-season and tournament titles, and was the runner-up at the NCAA championship.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
The 2009–10 season was Stevenage Borough F.C. 's 16th season in the Conference Premier. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club played during the season. Their fifth-place finish and subsequent play-off semi-final defeat in the 2008–09 season meant it was their sixteenth successive season of playing in the Conference Premier. It also marked the second year in charge for manager Graham Westley during his second spell at the club; having previously managed the Hertfordshire side from 2003 to 2006.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
The majority of the squad that performed so well in the second half of the club's 2008–09 campaign were retained, with very little transfer activity in comparison to previous seasons. Steve Morison, the club's top goalscorer for the past three seasons, moved to Millwall for a fee of £130,000, while both John Martin and Calum Willock were released in late May 2009. Midfielder Gary Mills was the last departure of the close season; rejecting a contract and instead opting to join fellow Conference rivals Mansfield Town. Five players joined the club during the close season.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
Charlie Griffin was the first signing of the season, joining Stevenage from Salisbury City on a free transfer. Yemi Odubade, Chris Beardsley, and Joel Byrom signed for the club shortly after; the latter commanding a transfer fee of £15,000. The last signing of pre-season was Stacy Long; who joined the club on a free transfer from Ebbsfleet United. No players departed the club during the season, with Tim Sills the only addition – signing for an undisclosed fee from Torquay United in January 2010.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
Stevenage's league campaign got off to a patchy start; with the side recording just one win from their first five games of the season. Following a 2–1 defeat to Oxford United in August 2009, the team went on a 17-game unbeaten run that stretched four months from August to December 2009, propelling the club into the top two. A 4–1 victory against Cambridge United on New Year's Day ultimately meant that Stevenage hit top-spot for the first time in the season.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
However, two defeats on the road within the space of a week in February meant that rivals Oxford United had an eight–point lead going into March 2010. The team responded well, winning eight games on the bounce; including an important 1–0 victory over Oxford United in late March, subsequently replacing Oxford at the top of the table. Borough brushed aside a late challenge from Luton Town, securing promotion to the Football League with two games to spare following a 2–0 win against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough. The team won their last six games of the league campaign without conceding a single goal, and recorded 42 points from a possible 45 from their last fifteen league fixtures. Stevenage finished the season having amassed a total of 99 points from 44 games, winning the league by 11 points.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season
The club also featured in the final of the FA Trophy against Barrow – losing 2–1 after extra–time; it was Stevenage's third visit to Wembley Stadium in four seasons. Yemi Odubade finished as the club's top goalscorer for the season after scoring 16 goals, 14 of which came in the league and two in the FA Trophy. Scott Laird, who played a total of 53 games throughout the season, more than any other player in the squad, was named as Player of the Year.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Pre-season
On 3 June, Stevenage Borough announced that their pre-season campaign would consist of seven friendlies to open the 2009–10 season. Stevenage Borough began their pre-season schedule on 15 July with a trip to Melbourne Stadium in Essex to play Chelmsford City. All five of Graham Westley's summer signings featured in the match, with both Charlie Griffin and Chris Beardsley getting on the scoresheet in a 2–1 victory. Three days later Borough hosted League One outfit Brighton & Hove Albion in their first pre-season friendly at Broadhall Way. Stevenage won the game 2–1 despite trailing at the half-time interval.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Pre-season
Second-half goals from Mitchell Cole and Stacy Long secured the turn-around and a second pre-season victory. With their pre-season schedule well underway, Stevenage then travelled to Southern League Premier Division side Cambridge City for their third pre-season friendly on 21 July. The game ended 1–1, with both sides scoring a penalty a-piece; Lee Boylan successfully converting after David Bridges was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Pre-season
Stevenage then hosted three Football League sides at Broadhall Way within the space of six days. Firstly, Borough entertained Millwall on 25 July as part of the £130,000 deal that took ex-Stevenage striker Steve Morison to The Den in May 2009. Stevenage lost the game 2–1, with a goal from Mitchell Cole sandwiched in between two from Morison for Millwall. Borough then hosted Peterborough United, who annually visit Broadhall Way as part of the deal that took winger George Boyd to the Cambridgeshire based club in January 2007.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Pre-season
Stevenage lost the game 2–0, with Shaun Batt, who came through the youth system at Stevenage, scoring one of the goals. Borough midfielder Mitchell Cole was also stretchered off with an ankle injury in the first half of the same game. Later that week, it was announced that utility player Peter Vincenti had gone on a three-month loan deal to recently relegated Conference South side Woking. On 31 July, Stevenage played League One club Southend United. Stevenage won the game 2–1, with two first half goals from Joel Byrom and Darren Murphy.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Pre-season
The following day, Stevenage played out a 0–0 draw with Conference South side Woking in their final pre-season fixture. Despite joining Woking on-loan, Peter Vincenti featured for his parent club, whilst former Mansfield Town winger Nathan Arnold also played a part in the match. However, it was announced that Vincenti's loan deal to Woking had fallen through after Borough boss Graham Westley decided he wants to keep the player as cover. On 3 August, Championship side Peterborough United announced that left-back Danny Blanchett would start a two-day trial at Broadhall Way. On 5 August, just three days before the start of the new Conference Premier campaign, striker Jerome Anderson joined Southern League Premier Division outfit Brackley Town on loan. On 7 August, Westley announced that Stevenage had signed Danny Blanchett on loan from Peterborough United.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The 2009–10 Conference Premier fixtures were released on 3 July 2009, with Stevenage Borough to open their campaign against Conference North champions Tamworth on 8 August 2009. The game ended 1–1, with Stevenage taking the lead early on in the first-half thanks to a Lee Boylan penalty after Scott Laird was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Tamworth equalised before the interval courtesy of a Bradley Pritchard strike. Manager Graham Westley handed debuts to Stacy Long, Charlie Griffin, Yemi Odubade and Joel Byrom during the game, with the latter being sent-off after receiving a second caution in the closing stages of the match.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
This was followed up with another 1–1 draw at newly promoted Conference South play-off winners Hayes and Yeading on 11 August. Stevenage opened the scoring in the second-half through midfielder Andy Drury, but were pegged back ten minutes later following good work from ex-Borough winger Dale Binns, who set-up Danny Allen-Page to finish from close range. Stevenage then drew their third game within the space of a week, playing out a 0–0 stalemate with Barrow at Holker Street. Three days later, Borough recorded their first win of the 2009–10 season, with a 3–0 victory over Ebbsfleet United at Broadhall Way.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Chris Beardsley scored on his debut after just 10 minutes, with Joel Byrom and Lawrie Wilson adding to Stevenage's tally courtesy of two second-half goals. Stevenage lost their first game of the season on 22 August, losing 2–1 against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, with Yemi Odubade scoring his first goal for Borough deep into injury-time. A week later, Stevenage beat Rushden & Diamonds 2–1, with goals from Lee Boylan and Michael Bostwick after Cliff Akurang had equalised for the away side.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The visitors played the majority of the game with 10-men, having had Michael Corcoran sent-off for a tackle on Lawrie Wilson, which resulted in the latter suffering a dislocated ankle and broken leg in three places. The Hertfordshire side then gained their first away win of the season two days later, with a 2–0 victory against Histon despite playing the majority of the game with ten men after Peter Vincenti was sent-off in the sixth minute for violent conduct. However, goals from both Scott Laird and Eddie Odhiambo secured the three points.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Daniel Wright also missed a penalty for the home side late on. This was followed up with a third successive victory against Eastbourne Borough at Broadhall Way eight days later. Jon Ashton scored his first goal in Stevenage colours, heading in from Joel Byrom's corner. Ronnie Henry then doubled the home side's lead in the second-half following good work from Mitchell Cole.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
A fourth successive victory followed four days later as Stevenage ran out 3–2 winners at Field Mill against Mansfield Town, ending Mansfield's unbeaten home record in 2009. The home side went 2–0 up thanks to two goals from Kyle Perry in the first fifteen minutes. Perry was then sent-off for violent conduct just before half-time; stamping on Stevenage striker Lee Boylan ultimately resulting in the latter having to be substituted. Chris Beardsley pulled a goal back for the visitors in first-half injury time, before substitutes Yemi Odubade and Charlie Griffin scored second-half strikes to complete the comeback.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
A week later, a fifth successive win followed as a Michael Bostwick strike seven minutes into the game was enough to ensure Stevenage beat Chester City 1–0 at the Deva Stadium. The following Tuesday, Stevenage drew 1–1 with Essex outfit Grays Athletic. Petar Rnkovic gave the visitors the lead fifteen minutes into the match, with Lee Boylan equalising later on in the first-half. Another home draw followed, as Stevenage drew 1–1 with Altrincham. New signing Michael Brough started, after joining the club on a month's loan.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Robbie Williams gave the away side the lead in the first half before Michael Bostwick scored an injury-time equaliser following good work down the left-hand side from Scott Laird to ensure Stevenage stretched their unbeaten home record to 23 games. After two successive draws, Stevenage beat Luton Town 1–0 at Kenilworth Road thanks to an 85th-minute strike from Scott Laird, who fired into the top right hand corner of the net on the over-lap. Stevenage made it nine games unbeaten with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against York City at Bootham Crescent. Borough took the lead through a Daniel Parslow own goal in the first-half, before the home side equalised late on in the second period through Djoumin Sangaré.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The Hertfordshire outfit made it 10 games unbeaten with a 4–0 victory over Hayes & Yeading. Striker Charlie Griffin scored twice in the first-half, and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Michael Bostwick added a fourth in injury-time. Another victory followed a week later, as Stevenage beat Salisbury City 3–1 at Broadhall Way. Mark Roberts scored his first goal of the season on his 50th appearance for the club just before the interval, before the visitors levelled through substitute Chris Flood after half-time.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Charlie Griffin scored his fourth goal in two games to give the Hertfordshire outfit the lead, before Chris Beardsley added a third with his first touch after good work from Yemi Odubade. Three days later, the side drew 0–0 with Wrexham at Broadhall Way. Another draw followed 10 days later, as Stevenage drew 1–1 with Kettering Town at Rockingham Road. Joel Byrom gave Borough the lead courtesy of a second-minute free-kick. The home side equalised in the latter stages of the first-half through Moses Ashikodi to ensure a share of the spoils.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
After a two-week break from the league, Stevenage got back to winning ways with a 5–3 win over Gateshead at Broadhall Way. The visitors took the lead seven minutes before half-time, Charlie Griffin heading into his own net following Craig Baxter's dangerous free-kick. Two minutes later Griffin atoned for his error by finishing neatly over Paul Farman. Stevenage took the lead five minutes later; Mitchell Cole providing Yemi Odubade with a simple tap-in; his first goal at Broadhall Way. On the stroke of half-time Griffin headed in Scott Laird's inviting cross to ensure a two-goal lead going into the break.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
However, the away side pulled a goal back through Daryl Clare, before Griffin completed his hat-trick with a drilled free-kick that went in off the post. Clare pounced on a fumbled free-kick to make it 4–3, before Michael Bostwick scored his fifth goal of the season to make it 5–3. Stevenage then travelled to The New Lawn to face Forest Green Rovers a week later. Lee Boylan's fourth-minute goal ultimately proved to be the winner as Borough ran out 1–0 winners.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
This was followed up with a 2–0 mid-week victory over Chester City at Broadhall Way. In what was a comfortable, but unspectacular, game, Stevenage took the lead through Yemi Odubade, who fired in following Mark Roberts' knock down just before half-time. Borough doubled their lead on the hour mark, with Mark Roberts firing home with his back to goal in the box. Four days later, Stevenage won their fourth consecutive league game with a 1–0 win away at Salisbury City, with Charlie Griffin scoring just before half-time.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Borough suffered a second league defeat at the hands of Ebbsfleet United at Stonebridge Road. Stevenage took the lead through a deflected effort from Yemi Odubade, but two second-half strikes from Stefan Bailey secured the home side a valuable victory. Four days later, Stevenage returned to winning ways with a 2–0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers at Broadhall Way, with goals from Jon Ashton and Mitchell Cole.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
As a result of a postponed league fixture at home to Barrow due to snow, which was originally scheduled to be played on 19 December, Borough did not play again in the league again until Boxing Day, away at Cambridge United. Despite going a goal behind early on, Stevenage won the match 3–1. A Danny Crow penalty in the sixth minute put the hosts in front after Mark Albrighton was deemed to have tugged Chris Holroyd's shirt in the box.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Borough responded well and, twenty minutes later, earned a penalty of their own when Yemi Odubade was sliced down in the box. The striker dusted himself down and duly tucked away the spot-kick to draw the visitors level. A minute later, Cambridge were reduced to ten men, when Wayne Hatswell was sent-off for a two-footed lunge on Chris Beardsley. Stevenage took the lead ten minutes into the second-half when Charlie Griffin slotted home from an acute angle, before Chris Beardsley added a third with a neat finish after good work from Ronnie Henry. Two days later, the side drew 0–0 with AFC Wimbledon at Broadhall Way.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
On 1 January 2010, Borough entertained Cambridge United in the reverse fixture from Boxing Day. The game ended 4–1 to Stevenage, with Yemi Odubade, Chris Beardsley and a Lee Boylan brace ensuring the home side earned a comfortable win. Three weeks later, Stevenage beat Kettering Town 2–0 at Broadhall Way. Borough took the lead just after the hour mark when substitute Tim Sills headed the ball into the path of Stacy Long, who rifled the ball past Nathan Abbey from just outside the area. Long doubled his tally in injury-time, rounding Abbey to slide the ball home.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Stevenage lost their third league match of the season at The Lamb Ground; a 1–0 defeat to Tamworth, a game in which both Ronnie Henry and Darren Murphy were sent-off. Three days later, Borough bounced back with a 3–1 victory over Mansfield Town at Broadhall Way. Stevenage trailed at the interval thanks to a Jon Shaw strike just before half-time. But Yemi Odubade, who also missed a late penalty, fired Borough level from 15 yards after the break and his low drive from the edge of the box gave Borough the lead.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Substitute Andy Drury's strike sealed the win and Mansfield's misery was complete when Luke Jones was sent off. Stevenage lost their second successive away game, losing 1–0 at Rushden & Diamonds. Ten days later, Borough picked up a 1–0 win in North Wales against Wrexham thanks to a goal from David Bridges just before the interval.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
A week later, at the beginning of March, Stevenage won their second away game on the bounce; beating Eastbourne Borough 6–0. Captain Mark Roberts gave Stevenage the lead just before the break, following a well-worked free-kick involving both Joel Byrom and Scott Laird. After the interval, Stevenage doubled their lead when David Bridges headed in Joel Byrom's cross. It was three shortly after following a mistake from Eastbourne goalkeeper Danny Knowles, Chris Beardsley blocked the goalkeepers clearance and slid the ball into an empty net.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
It got worse for the home side ten minutes from time when Beardsley chased a long through ball and was hauled down by Darren Baker just inside the area – the defender being shown a straight red. Substitute Mitchell Cole slotted the penalty home, before adding another after good work from Eddie Odhiambo. Cole completed his hat-trick moments later slotting home Stacy Long's through ball. A third successive victory followed in a 2–0 win at home to Crawley Town.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
In a tight game, Stevenage took the lead just after the interval thanks to a rasping effort from Michael Bostwick after a well-worked corner. A second goal came deep into injury-time, Chris Beardsley countering and setting up Lee Boylan to slide the ball into the net. Three days later, Stevenage beat Barrow 4–0 to ensure a fourth consecutive win. In a tight first half, the home side took the lead through Yemi Odubade. Borough doubled their lead shortly before the interval; left-back Scott Laird firing the ball home.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Odubade then scored his second after countering a Barrow corner, and subsequently completed his hat-trick late on with an effort drilled high into the net. Stevenage recorded their fifth straight win, beating Histon 1–0 at Broadhall Way. Jon Ashton scored the only goal of the game when he swept home Stacy Long's corner.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
A week later, Stevenage travelled to Essex to play Grays Athletic. The game ended 2–1 to Stevenage, despite the home side leading at the interval through a Jamie Guy strike. Stevenage turned it around in the second half, with goals from Michael Bostwick and Charlie Griffin. Stevenage followed this up with another away win four days later at Crawley Town; winning the match 3–0. Stevenage started brightly and scored within the first five minutes; Yemi Odubade latching onto David Bridges through ball to slot home.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The visitors doubled their lead on the half hour mark, this time Tim Sills was the provider, as Odubade scored his second. Joel Byrom scored Stevenage's third in the second half, picking up the ball a yard inside the Crawley half and chipped Simon Rayner in goal. Stevenage then followed this up with an eighth consecutive victory, beating Oxford United 1–0 at Broadhall Way.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The only goal of the game came seven minutes into the second half, David Bridges was fouled in the area by Chris Hargreaves; Scott Laird stepped up and subsequently scored to ensure the home side earned three points. Four days later, Stevenage lost 1–0 to Luton Town thanks to a Matthew Barnes-Homer goal in the second half. Stevenage bounced back just two days later on Easter Monday, with a 3–0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The away side took the lead in the ninth minute; Mark Roberts bundling home a Joel Byrom corner after Tim Sills had knocked the ball down. Just two minutes later, Stevenage doubled their lead, again Byrom was the provider, and his lofted ball was met on the half-volley by Lawrie Wilson, who lashed the ball home – making his first start since breaking his leg in August. Stevenage rounded off the victory in injury-time, substitute Eddie Odhiambo slotting the ball home from Charlie Griffin's cross.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Stevenage then faced Forest Green Rovers at Broadhall Way five days later; the game ended 2–0 to Stevenage. The home side took the lead in the tenth minute; Tim Sills broke the offside trap and set up Joel Byrom to lash the ball home. Stevenage doubled their lead in the second half when substitute David Bridges was brought down in the area. Scott Laird calmly stepped up and stroked the ball into the net. A third win followed four days later, when Stevenage beat Altrincham 1–0 in a tight encounter at Moss Lane. Substitute Charlie Griffin scored the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute; Altrincham goalkeeper Russell Saunders fumbled the ball into the path of Griffin who placed his shot in-between the goalkeeper and the post to ensure a valuable three points to the visitors.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
Three days later, Stevenage secured promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history with victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough. Borough won the game 2–0, and took the lead within the space of 70 seconds when Charlie Griffin fired a free-kick past Kidderminster goalkeeper Jasbir Singh. Joel Byrom scored the second 15 minutes into the second half; winning the ball in midfield before cutting inside and curling his effort past the goalkeeper.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
A fifth straight win, and clean sheet, followed just three days later as Stevenage travelled up to Tyne and Wear and picked up all three points against Gateshead. The only goal of the game was scored from the penalty spot by Scott Laird after Gateshead's Phil Turnbull was deemed to have handballed in the area. The club bowed out of the Conference Premier with a 1–0 win against York City; the team's sixth win on the bounce without conceding a goal.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, Conference Premier
The only goal of the game came ten minutes before the interval when Chris Beardsley's high cross evaded the York defence and David Bridges was on hand to head the ball into the net. The win means that Stevenage amassed a total of 99 points from 44 games; finishing 11 points clear at the top of the league table. Had Stevenage's two victories against Chester City not been expunged, the club would have ended the season with 105 points – a Conference Premier record for the number of points accumulated.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Cup
The draw for the 2009–10 FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying was made on 12 October, with Stevenage Borough being drawn away to Conference South outfit Chelmsford City. The game ended 2–1 to Stevenage, despite the visitors trailing for the majority of the game thanks to Rob Edmans goal in the first-half. Charlie Griffin equalised on the hour mark, heading in Scott Laird's cross, before substitute Peter Vincenti scored a 93rd-minute winner after neat work from Yemi Odubade to ensure that Borough progress to the First Round proper.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Cup
The following day, the draw for the First Round of the FA Cup was made, with Stevenage facing another away trip, this time at League Two outfit Port Vale. The game ended 1–1, with Charlie Griffin scoring an injury-time equaliser to take the game to a replay. Adam Yates had given the League Two side the lead just before half-time, before Griffin converted Mitchell Cole's cross one minute into the added-on time. The replay was played at Broadhall Way on 17 November, which Port Vale won 1–0 thanks to a Louis Dodds header in the first-half.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
The FA Trophy First Round draw was made on 23 November; with Stevenage being handed a home tie against fellow Conference Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United. The game was played on 12 December 2009, with Stevenage winning the game 2–0 to progress into the second round. Borough took the lead after just thirteen minutes, a Stacy Long free-kick was played short to Mitchell Cole, who in-turn squared the ball across to Chris Beardsley to side foot home. The home side doubled their lead through David Bridges late on after good work from substitute Yemi Odubade.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
The draw for the second round of the FA Trophy was made on 14 December 2009, with Stevenage being handed another home tie, this time against Conference North side Vauxhall Motors. Stevenage won the match 6–0. First half goals from Mark Roberts and Lee Boylan gave Borough a two-goal lead going into the interval. After the break, David Bridges scored twice in quick succession, before Andy Drury hit a swerving drive from 25 yards and Stacy Long scored his first goal in Borough colours with a neat chip.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
The victory means Stevenage face Conference South outfit Dover Athletic at Broadhall Way on 30 January. Stevenage won the match 4–1. The visitors took the lead midway through the first-half courtesy of Shaun Welford's close range effort. Shortly after, Borough equalised through Tim Sills, his first goal for the Hertfordshire side, who threw himself at Chris Beardsley's cross to restore parity. Just before half-time, Stevenage were ahead; Chris Beardsley slotting home after a mistake from Dover's Ollie Schulz. Michael Bostwick made it three just after, before substitute Yemi Odubade added a fourth; volleying home Stacy Long's cross.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
On 1 February 2010, Stevenage were drawn at home to Conference North outfit Workington, with the game to be played on 20 February. Stevenage won the match 2–1; two goals from Stacy Long ensuring Borough come from a goal behind to progress into the two legged semi-final of the competition – where they faced Kidderminster Harriers.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
On 13 March, the first leg at Aggborough ended 5–1 to Stevenage. Borough took the lead halfway into the first half when David Bridges latched onto a Michael Bostwick cross. Kidderminster equalised shortly after through defender Gavin Caines who drove the ball home from the edge of the area. However, it was not level for long, Mitchell Cole beat his full-back for pace and squared the ball to Yemi Odubade, who bundled the ball home. It was three before the interval; Bridges scoring again, heading in a perfectly weighted Joel Byrom cross.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
Chris Beardsley scored a second half brace to ensure a four-goal cushion for the Hertfordshire side going into the second leg at Broadhall Way. His first came when he met an Andy Drury delivery; his initial effort cannoned off the crossbar, but he was on hand to head in the rebound. His second came when he dispossessed Martin Riley on the touchline, cut in and curled the ball into the corner of the net. The second leg took place a week later at Broadhall Way, which ended 0–0 – ultimately meaning Stevenage progressed to the final at Wembley Stadium after winning 5–1 on aggregate over the two legs.


2009–10 Stevenage Borough F.C. season, Match results, FA Trophy
Stevenage faced Barrow in the final on 8 May 2010. Stevenage lost the match 2–1 after extra–time. Despite taking an early lead through Andy Drury's curling effort, Stevenage were faced with an uphill task after having David Bridges sent–off midway through the first half. Barrow pressed for an equaliser; and subsequently scored ten minutes from time – substitute Lee McEvilly heading the ball home unmarked in the area. Jason Walker scored the winner in extra–time with a curling strike.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season
The 2009–10 season is Stockport County's 128th season in football, and the second in England's third tier of football since gaining promotion via the League Two Play Offs in 2008. Stockport completed the whole season in Administration. This season ran from 8 August 2009 to 8 May 2010.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season
Gary Ablett was named manager of Stockport for the whole of the season after his Predecessor Jim Gannon was made redundant in the summer of 2009.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2009–10 season, presented in chronological order. This list does not include transfers, which are listed in the transfers section below, or match results, which are in the results section.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
After ending the 2008–09 season in 18th position with 50 points (60 points without the ten-point deduction), Stockport County were placed into administration following a battle to repay creditors. A creditor of the club wrote a petition to repay a loan of around £300,000 to him. The club has also struggled to repay a tax debt of £250,000 to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 17 June the Administrators agreed terms with the Melrose Consortium for the sale of Stockport County. The club also announced that they will play Huddersfield Town away in the League Cup First Round., As well as announcing the fixtures for the season


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 3 July Administrators agree Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) with previous shareholders and creditors.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 8 July Stockport County appointment Gary Ablett as new manager.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 22 July Stockport Announced their new kit for the season which was manufactured my Macron. The home kit was a traditional blue and white, while there was a new away kit which consisted of orange and black.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 27 July Gary Ablett appointed Paul Gerrard as the club's goalkeeping coach, Gerrard also carried on his playing career for the club as he registered as cover for first choice goalkeeper Owain Fôn Williams .


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 3 September Carl Baker became the first Stockport County player to score consecutive away hat-tricks, after he scored Three in a 4–2 win over Brighton in the League and also three in a 4–1 win over Crewe in the Football League TrophyDue to Carl'shat -trick against Crewe, Stockport advanced to the second round where they faced Port Vale However a day later Assistant Manager John Ward left the club to take up same position at Colchester United.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 18 September Gary Ablett was handed a one match touchline ban after he was dismissed to the stands against Leeds United away from home.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Background
On 16 December 2009 the team's training ground was put up for sale.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Summary, Results summary
Last updated: 5 June 2010. Source: SCFC League One Results


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
During Stockport's Pre-Season campaign they wore a limited edition kit containing the colours of pink and black which was manufactured by Prostar. This was worn until the official kits were announced. The pink and black kits were used to raise money for leukaemia research. These kits were then auctioned off after pre-season.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Stockport began pre-season with a 0 – 0 away draw against Barrow in Gary Ablett's first match in charge. Stockport's next Pre-Season match was away to Nostell Miners Welfare in which Stockport won 5 – 0. With Goals coming from Oli Johnson, Peter Thompson (Northern Ireland footballer) (Who scored two) and Tom Fisher (footballer) (Who also scored two). Four Days later Stockport won their third consecutive Pre-Season match when they won 1 – 0 away to Vauxhall Motors. Craig Roberts scored the only goal of the game for Stockport from 30 yards.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
On 25 July Stockport won their first Pre-Season home game when they beat Grimsby Town 1 – 0. David Poole scored the only goal for Stockport. Matty Mainwaring would suffer a serious leg injury in this match ruling him out for the season. Stockport would then travel to Belfast to play against striker Peter Thompson's former club Linfield in Glenn Ferguson's testimonial match. Stockport ran away with a 3 – 1 win with, Greg Tansey, Danny Pilkington and Adam Griffin scoring for Stockport. Glenn Ferguson scored the home sides consolation. Stockport's final Pre-Season match was against La Liga outfit Real Valladolid in a match they lost 3 – 1. Gianluca Havern scored Stockport's only goal after 20 minutes.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, August
Stockport earned a point in their first League match of the season with a 0 – 0 draw against Oldham Athletic. Stockport exited this season's Carling Cup in the first round when the lost 3 – 1 away to Huddersfield Town. Jordan Rhodes scored 2 for the home side and Theo Robinson extended the lead to 3. David Poole scored a consolation for Stockport in the 88th minute. Stockport then lost 2 – 0 at home to Bristol Rovers. Danny Coles and Jo Kuffour scored the Rovers goals.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, August
Three days later, Stockport then lost for the second time in succession in the league when they lost 2 – 1 at home to Carlisle United. Kevan Hurst opened the scoring but one minute later Stockport were lever via a Richard Keogh own goal. Joe Anyinsah rounded off the scoring to give Carlisle the points. Stockport won their first match of the season when they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4 – 2, in a match that was full of instances.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Review, August
Three of Stockport's four goals were scored by Carl Baker (One of which was a penalty) the other was scored by Oli Johnson. Liam Bridcutt was sent off on his Stockport début. Nicky Forster and Former Stockport star Liam Dickinson scored while Tommy Elphick and Colin Hawkins were sent off for the home side. Stockport finished the month with a 1 – 1 draw at home to Southampton. Carl Baker scored his second penalty in a week to salvage a point in second half stoppage time. Former Stockport midfielder Rickie Lambert scored a penalty for Southampton in first half stoppage time.


2009–10 Stockport County F.C. season, Team
Due to Stockport starting the season in Administration, the club had to sell some of its best players to accommodate everyday running costs and wage budget. Tommy Rowe was the first to leave after he was bought by Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee 10 days after the previous season ended. Four days later Leon McSweeney left for Hartlepool United on a free transfer


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season
The 2009–10 season was Stoke City's second season in the Premier League and the 54th in the top tier of English football.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season
After a successful first season in the Premier League, Stoke were looking to establish themselves in the top tier and spent just over £20 million on Diego Arismendi, Danny Collins, Robert Huth, Tuncay and Dean Whitehead. Stoke began the season with victories over Burnley, Sunderland, and West Ham United, and a 1–0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in October. Their form dropped off in December as they managed just a point and two goals in five matches.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season
Stoke began 2010 in fine form going eleven matches unbeaten, which included wins against Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, whilst draws were earned against Liverpool and Manchester City. The run also included FA Cup wins against York City, Arsenal and Manchester City before City lost to Chelsea in the quarter final stage. Stoke had no relegation battle to be concerned with and finished the campaign in 11th position with 47 points.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Pre-season
Stoke began their preparation for the 2009–10 season with two Stoke XIs playing matches simultaneously against local non-league sides Newcastle Town and Nantwich Town. Both matches were surprisingly lost, 2–1 at Newcastle and 2–0 at Nantwich. Stoke then spent a week at a training camp in Austria where they played twice. Firstly against German side St Pauli in Irdning, Dave Kitson scoring in a 3–1 defeat.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Pre-season
The other match was against Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv where Stoke had to play in a green strip due to a colour clash, Salif Diao scored Stoke's goal in a 1–1 draw, a lob from 40-yards. On their return to England, Stoke completed the signing of Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead for a fee of £5 million. Two goals from Neil Mellor saw Preston North End beat Stoke 2–1 with Richard Cresswell scoring for the Potters against his former employers.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Pre-season
Stoke then played back to back games against East Midlands opposition. Firstly they drew 1–1 at Nottingham Forest on 29 July with Dave Kitson cancelling out a strike from Nathan Tyson. Then against Derby County despite taking the lead twice via Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller goals from Stephen Pearson and Arnaud Mendy earned Derby a 2–2 draw. Stoke's final match of pre-season was against Spanish side Real Valladolid at the Britannia Stadium where they made a bright start scoring through Abdoulaye Faye after two minutes before Dave Kitson converted a 32nd-minute penalty. However goals from Borja and Alberto Bueno saw that match end in a 2–2 draw and leave Stoke without a victory in pre-season. On 14 October 2009 a Stoke City XI lost 1–0 in a friendly against American sister club Austin Aztex at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, August
For the season opener against Burnley Stoke gave new signing Dean Whitehead his debut. Newly promoted Burnley started brightly and went close through Robbie Blake. However City soon took control of the match and went in front after 19 minutes through Ryan Shawcross, before a trademark Rory Delap long throw-in was glanced into his own net by defender Stephen Jordan to put Stoke into a 2–0 lead. The away side improved in the second half but failed to trouble Sorensen and Stoke could have added a third with Dave Kitson hitting the post and Richard Cresswell narrowly shooting wide.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, August
Stoke travelled to Liverpool for three away games back to back. Stoke line up in an unusual 4-5-1 formation in an attempt to stop the threat of Liverpool's attacking full-backs. The change in tactics backfired as Liverpool comfortably won the game 4–0 with the goals coming from Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson and David N'Gog.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, August
Another newly promoted side were next opponents for Stoke in the form of Birmingham City at St Andrew's. Stoke suffered an early blow as James Beattie was forced to come off due to injury, meaning that Dave Kitson would have a chance to impress. There were few chances during the match with both sides cancelling each other out and the match finished 0–0.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, August
New signings from Middlesbrough Robert Huth and Tuncay were on the bench for the visit of Steve Bruce's Sunderland at the end of August. Stoke opened the scoring just before half time through a goal mouth scramble which Kitson managed to put past Craig Gordon. Both sides continued to create chances in the second half but Stoke were the stronger of the two teams and were able to see out the win.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, September
For the visit of Chelsea Pulis decided to play a 5-3-2 formation with new signing Danny Collins making his debut. Stoke suffered an early setback as James Beattie again was forced to come off after falling awkwardly. Stoke took the lead after 32 minutes after a mix up in the Chelsea defence allowed captain Abdoulaye Faye to head into an empty net. Stoke were dealt another injury this time 'keeper Sorensen, who was replaced by Simonsen. Chelsea equalised in stoppage time in the first half through a goal by Drogba. Chelsea dominated the second half without troubling Simonsen and it looked that it would finish all level but Malouda gave Chelsea the three points deep into injury time to leave Stoke with a sense of deja vu as Chelsea beat in them in the same fashion last season.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, September
Stoke then made the trip to the Reebok Stadium looking to avenge last seasons 3–1 defeat in what was City's first game in the Premier League. Stoke were the better side in the first half as they dominated possession and created a number of half chances, Bolton on the other hand were awful and were booed off at half time. Stoke took the lead early in the second half through the improving Kitson, Wanderers then brought on Ricardo Gardner and Ivan Klasnić to try and rescue a point for the home side. They did get a draw via the penalty spot after Danny Collins carelessly tripped Sam Ricketts in the final minute.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, September
Following the epic 4–3 League Cup win over Blackpool Stoke faced the league champions, Manchester United. Pulis decided to go with the same formation and system he used against Chelsea, however the change didn't work as the visitors were able to claim a comfortable 2–0 win.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, October
Stoke reverted to their usual formation for trip to Everton and gave a surprise start to Salif Diao after the midfielder's injury. Everton were the better team in the first 45 minutes without troubling Sorensen, Stoke improved in the second period and took the lead through Robert Huth's powerful header, his first goal for the club. The lead didn't last long as Leon Osman scored from long range and the match ended all square.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, October
The next match was against Gianfranco Zola's West Ham United at the Britannia Stadium. James Beattie scored twice for Stoke in a 2–1 win. The first came via the penalty spot after Etherington had been brought down in the area by Julien Faubert. West Ham levelled though a Matthew Upson header before Beattie tapped in from close range following good work by Fuller. Huth was given a retrospective three-match ban by the FA after video footage showed him hitting Upson in the face.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, October
Stoke then made the trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham and were handed a blow before kick off with Thomas Sorensen unable to play meaning that number two Steve Simonsen started in goal. Tottenham were also hit by injuries with Jonathan Woodgate being forced off after 14 minutes. Tottenham dominated the match and had numerous chances to open the scoring but they were repeatedly denied by Simonsen. With the match looking to heading to a goalless draw, Stoke scored via a counter-attack with Glenn Whelan curling a shot past Heurelho Gomes to secure a 1–0 victory.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, October
In the match against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke dominated the first half and scored through Beattie and a volley by Matthew Etherington his first league goal for the club put Stoke 2–0 up before half time. In the second half Wolves were the dominant side and also scored twice with two identical goals from former City player Jody Craddock as the match ended in a 2–2 draw.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, November
Stoke made the trip to Hull looking for a second consecutive away win; despite a slow start City took the lead through Etherington's powerful drive past Matt Duke. Stoke could have extended their lead through Shawcross but his header clipped the crossbar. Hull then equalised through former City player Seyi Olofinjana and Stoke were on the back foot even more when Abdoulaye Faye was sent off for two bookable offences meaning Tuncay who had just come on had to be replaced by Wilkinson in order to fill in the gap in defence. However Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored in the final minute to condemn Stoke to a disappointing defeat.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, November
Paul Hart's relegation threatened side, Portsmouth were next to arrive in Staffordshire and had the chance to take the lead early on after Delap had fouled Aruna Dindane but Kevin-Prince Boateng's penalty was saved by Sorensen. It turned out to be a very poor game and Stoke scored the only goal through a well worked move resulting in Fuller scoring his first goal of the season.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, November
Stoke travelled to Blackburn and had a number of chances to win the match with Whitehead and Beattie both missing from just 5 yards, Blackburn were also guilty of poor finishing and the match ended in a 0–0 draw.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, December
The first match in December came away against Arsenal; Stoke started the match brightly and looked comfortable but Delap again gave away a penalty after fouling Andrey Arshavin in the area but Sorensen saved Fabregas' spot kick. However Arsenal were not to be denied and went on to win the match 2–0 with goals from Arshavin and Aaron Ramsey. The results was however overshadowed by media reports of a dressing room argument between Pulis and Beattie.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, December
Stoke then faced Wigan Athletic in an early kick-off at the Britannia Stadium it what turned out to be an entertaining match. Wigan took the lead in confusing circumstances, Emmerson Boyce headed the ball past Sorensen taking out the keeper in the process and Salif Diao unavoidably kicked Boyce in the head and the referee belatedly awarded the goal. Stoke equalised through Tuncay's first goal for the club just before half time. Wigan went back in front through via a 50-yard strike by Maynor Figueroa but Stoke scored instantly through a Shawcross header. Wigan had the chance to win the match in the final minute when Huth was adjudged to have fouled Jordi Gomez despite the Wigan player being offside, however Sorensen saved Hugo Rodallega's spot kick.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, December
City travelled to Villa Park and thought they had taken the lead through Mama Sidibé out-jumped Stephen Warnock but referee Lee Probert gave a free-kick to Villa. Stoke were the better side and created a number of chances to score but were unable to find the net. Villa claimed all three points when John Carew headed past Sorensen.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, December
The boxing day fixture saw Stoke make the trip to Manchester City where Roberto Mancini was taking his first game in charge for the home side. His new side made a bright start and two goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez gave Man City a 2–0 win.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, December
City ended 2009 on a disappointing note as they were defeated 1–0 by Birmingham City at home. Stoke were the dominant team throughout the match and only some top class saves from Joe Hart kept Stoke out. Birmingham took advantage through a scrappy goal from Cameron Jerome.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, January
The first league match of 2010 was the re-arranged fixture against Fulham; the match went ahead despite heavy snow. Sorensen failed to recover from an injury he picked up in the win over York City at the weekend, meaning that Simonsen started and youngster Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton appeared on the bench. Stoke controlled the first half and Fulham the second. Stoke opened the scoring 13 minutes when Tuncay met Robert Huth's flick on from Etherington's corner and powered the ball beyond Mark Schwarzer from 3-yards to put the hosts into the lead.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, January
A rampant City side didn't have to wait long to double their advantage though as skipper Faye was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net after Etherington's deep corner evaded a packed out 6-yard box. The majority of the Britannia Stadium had barely recovered from their celebrations by the time Sidibé had fired the Potters into a three-goal lead just three minutes later.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, January
The Malian international striker latched onto Higginbotham's clever flick on, as the Potters laid siege to the Fulham penalty area, and smashed the ball into the roof of the net with a clinically taken half volley to put Stoke into a 3–0 lead. In the second half Fulham scored twice through Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, January
A weak Liverpool side were next to arrive at the Britannia and were content to sit back and play for a draw. Stoke suffered an early injury problems with both Abdoualye Faye and Rory Delap being forced to come off. Liverpool took a surprise lead through Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the second half, Stoke then applied intense pressure on the Liverpool goal and in the 90th minute Robert Huth scrambled in the equaliser.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
After five home games in a row City finally had an away game at Sunderland. However the match was a very disappointing affair and finished in a poor 0–0 draw.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
Stoke were back at home for the visit of Blackburn Rovers on a day dedicated to Sir Stanley Matthews. Stoke produced a fitting performance to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of the wizard of dribble by producing arguably City's best performance in the top flight since winning promotion in May 2008. Stoke opened their account through Danny Higginbotham after eight minutes with the left back volleying an Etherington corner.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
City made it two just before half time after Mama Sidibé tapped in from close range and Etherington finished of a man of the match outing by skilfully beating Robinson to make the score line 3–0, Stoke's largest Premier League win and biggest top flight win since 1984. After the match it was reported that a visiting Blackburn Rovers supporter had died at the match. His death was later ruled as 'misadventure' by the coroner after eyewitnesses stated that he had 'headed' a 25lb bin.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
In the next away game at the DW Stadium Wigan made a bright start and took the lead through Paul Scharner after 14 minutes. Stoke improved greatly in the second half and equalised via a header from Tuncay and the match finished one apiece.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
Following the FA Cup draw against Man City at the weekend, they were again the opposition this time at the Britannia Stadium in the League. Stoke made a confident start dominating the match and should have opened the scoring in the first half but the scores were level at half time. Stoke were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Abdoulaye Faye brought down Adebayor, Man City then took control but Stoke surprisingly took the lead through a volley from Glenn Whelan. Man City drew level via a scrappy goal from Gareth Barry, City thought they won the match with seconds left when Shawcross headed in a Delap throw in but Alan Wiley wrongly disallowed the goal.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
Stoke then made the long trip south to face relegation bound Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Pompey were the better side in the first half and took the lead through the Frédéric Piquionne after 35 minutes. Stoke were better in the second half and Robert Huth levelled just after the half time break before Andy Wilkinson was sent off for a second bookable offence. With Pompey looking for a vital winner City snatched the win right at the death with Salif Diao scoring his first goal in seven years.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, February
Following Stoke's FA Cup replay win over Man City at the Britannia, Arsenal were next to arrive and City took the lead through Danny Pugh via another Delap throw in, however Nicklas Bendtner equalised just before half time. In the second half Shawcross was sent-off for a tackle on Aaron Ramsey, which left the Arsenal midfielder with a broken leg. Arsenal made full used of their numerical advantage with goals from Cesc Fàbregas and Thomas Vermaelen.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, March
After their FA Cup exit at Chelsea, Stoke faced struggling Burnley in the re-arranged match at Turf Moor. The match was a keenly contested affair and the result was a fair 1–1 draw with goals from Tuncay and Dave Nugent.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, March
Stoke then had a hard-fought goalless draw with Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium and both sides could have easily won the match.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, March
Following a lethargic opening 45 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur the second half exploded into action as Eiður Guðjohnsen fired the visitors ahead just 30 seconds after the interval, before Dean Whitehead was dismissed by referee Mike Dean three minutes later for an innocuous looking challenge on Luka Modrić. The Potters had to stand firm to soak up some heavy Spurs' pressure, but managed to pull themselves back into the game on the hour mark when Etherington calmly converted from the penalty spot, after David Kitson had been dragged to the ground by Benoît Assou-Ekotto. Ricardo Fuller then spurned a glorious opportunity to turn the game on its head as he blazed over from 6-yards, before the Londoners ensured all three points would be theirs with little over ten minutes remaining as Croatian international Niko Kranjčar lashed home after Assou-Ekotto teed him up.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, March
Stoke then made the trip to West Ham and came away with all three points thanks to a piece of individual piece of brilliance from substitute Ricardo Fuller. He had only been on the pitch two minutes by the time he beat two men and rifled the ball beyond Robert Green with little over twenty minutes of the game remaining. Prior to his introduction chances had been few and far between for both sides, with Egyptian Mido going closest for the Hammers, whilst Liam Lawrence had spurned the visitors best chance early on after blazing over from 12-yards. The Potters had to soak up a late onslaught from the desperate hosts, but they managed to hold on for all three points and elevate themselves up to tenth place in the league table; moving to within one point of the magic '40-point target'.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, April
Relegation threatened Hull were next at the Britannia Stadium and Stoke came away with a comfortable 2–0 win. Fuller struck in the sixth minute to give the Potters a flying start against Iain Dowie's men before Liam Lawrence slotted home the second in the final minute to ease his side to the three points.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, April
There was great excitement for highly awaited derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux prior to the match, however the game was a total anti-climax and finished in a drab 0–0 draw.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, April
City's penultimate home match saw Bolton Wanderers make the short trip south. Stoke dominated the match for 80 minutes and took the lead through Dave Kitson after 13 minutes. However Matthew Taylor somehow managed to score twice in the final few minutes to condemn Stoke to a surprise defeat.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, April
In the next away match at Chelsea Stoke suffered early setbacks with both Faye and Sorensen being taken off injured. Everything seemed to go wrong for Stoke and Chelsea scored seven goals without reply.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, May
In the final home match of the season Stoke picked up a well-earned point against in-form Everton. Neither side were able to find a breakthrough throughout the clash as Delap missed City's best opportunity in the second half whilst the Toffees thought they had won it through Phil Jagielka, only for Howard Webb to chalk it off for an infringement by Victor Anichebe late on.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, May
Stoke's penultimate game of the season was against UEFA Europa League finalists Fulham at Craven Cottage. Stoke won the match 1–0 with Matthew Etherington scoring the only goal in the 83rd minute.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, Premier League, May
Stoke finished off the 2009–10 season with a 4–0 loss against Manchester United at Old Trafford.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, FA Cup
Stoke were drawn at home to Conference Premier side York City at home in the third round of the FA Cup. The non-league side started the better side despite arriving late for kick-off and took a shock lead through Neil Barrett. However Stoke quickly turned the game around with two Rory Delap throws which led to Daniel Parslow putting through his own net and Ricardo Fuller scoring a minute later. Stoke sealed their place in the fourth round when Matthew Etherington curled in a free-kick just before the hour mark.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, FA Cup
Arsenal were the next opponents for City and they made the perfect start, another Rory Delap throw caused panic in the Arsenal penalty area and Fuller took advantage. Arsenal slowly came back into the game and equalised through a lucky deflected Denílson free-kick just before half-time. In the second half both sides were attacking and after 78 minutes Fuller got his second of the game heading in a Mamady Sidibé cross. Dean Whitehead then got his first goal for Stoke confirming a fifth round tie.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, FA Cup
Stoke were handed a tough test against Manchester City in round five. At a surprisingly sparse City of Manchester Stadium Man City took an early lead after Shaun Wright-Phillips took advantage of some awful Stoke defending. Stoke struggled in the first half and their cause was not helped by injuries to Matthew Etherington and his replacement Liam Lawrence. In the second half Stoke became more threatening and the equaliser came after 57 minutes after a Rory Delap thrown was headed in by Fuller. Both sides could have won afterwards but it finished 1–1 meaning that a replay would be needed.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, FA Cup
In the replay Man City made a flying start putting the Stoke defence under a considerable amount of pressure with Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy and Pablo Zabaleta missing good chances. In the second half it was Stoke who began to take control of the match and took the lead through Dave Kitson ten minutes from full-time. However Bellamy equalized moments later sending the tie into extra time. Man City were reduced to ten men when Adebayor was shown a red card after an altercation With Shawcross. Stoke re-took the lead through a Shawcross header from a Delap thrown and then Tuncay finished the game with a fine solo goal.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, FA Cup
Stoke made into the Quarter Final of the FA Cup for the first time since 1971 and were drawn away at the holders and favourites Chelsea. Stoke made a good start almost taking the lead through Dean Whitehead after ten minutes. This was as good as it got for City as Chelsea produced a commanding display and took their place in the semi-final with goals from Frank Lampard and John Terry.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, League Cup
Stoke started their League Cup campaign away to Leyton Orient. It was the first time the two sides have met in the League Cup and the first time since 1993. Stoke made 11 changes to the side that drew 0–0 with Birmingham City as manager Tony Pulis kept with his normal League cup side. Ryan Shotton made his first Stoke start and on the bench a number of youngsters such as Dave Parton and Matthew Lund appeared for the first time. In the first half Orient had the best chance when Adrian Pătulea should have scored but failed.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, League Cup
Richard Cresswell should have done the same before Dave Kitson headed against the bar. With both teams failing to break the deadlock the match went into extra time. The winning goal came from Kitson a brilliant 35-yard strike his first in Stoke colours, sent City to the Third round to play Blackpool.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, League Cup
In the Third round against Blackpool two of Stoke's summer signings Diego Arismendi and Tuncay made their first starts. Blackpool scored the game's opening goal just before half time when ex-Crewe player David Vaughan was allowed to run and shot to put the Tangerines in front. It got worse for City as after half-time Billy Clarke one of the smallest players on the pitch managed to out jump a static Stoke defence and but Blackpool 2–0 up. That goal seemed to lift Stoke as they went all out to get back in the game.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, League Cup
Alex Baptiste fouled Tuncay in the area and Liam Lawrence took the spot kick which was easily save by Matthew Gilks. Higginbotham pulled one back before Etherington scored his first goal for Stoke. Fuller and Tuncay combined to put Stoke in front however minutes later Ben Burgess made it 3–3 and it looked like it was going to extra time before Andy Griffin sealed a 4–3 win for Stoke.


2009–10 Stoke City F.C. season, League Cup
In the Fourth round Stoke were handed an unwanted trip to Portsmouth. Stoke took the decision to fly to the South coast to avoid the long journey. It didn't have the desired effect, as Portsmouth with the help of some comic Stoke defending easily won the match 4–0. It didn't get any better as on the flight back the aircraft had to make an emergency landing due to an oil leak.


2009–10 Stony Brook Seawolves men's basketball team
The 2009–10 Stony Brook Seawolves Men's Basketball Team was a college basketball team which represented Stony Brook University in the 2009–10 college basketball season. This was head coach Steve Pikiell's fifth season at Stony Brook. The Seawolves competed in the America East Conference and played their home games at Pritchard Gymnasium. They finished the season 22–10, 13–3 in America East play to win the regular season championship. They lost in the semifinals of the 2010 America East Men's Basketball Tournament but received an automatic bid to the 2010 National Invitation Tournament as the regular season champions. The NIT berth was Stony Brook's first ever postseason bid as a Division I school. They hosted Illinois in the first round and lost 76–66.


2009–10 Storhamar Dragons season
Storhamar Dragons played in the GET-ligaen for the 2009–10 season. The finished fifth in the league and reached the semi-finals.


2009–10 Storhamar Dragons season, Roster
This is the Storhamar Dragons roster of the 2009/2010 season.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season
The 2009–10 The Summit League men's basketball season is the 28th college basketball season in the conference's existence. The conference features ten teams that are competing for The Summit League regular season and tournament titles.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Pre-season
Oakland University was picked to win The Summit League championship, receiving 34 of the 35 first place votes. The vote was conducted by league coaches, SIDs and media. Oakland senior point guard Johnathon Jones was chosen as Pre-season Player of the year. The complete preseason poll was as follows:


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Pre-season
Jones was joined on the Pre-season All-League First Team by Oakland center Keith Benson and forward Derick Nelson, Southern Utah guard Davis Baker, South Dakota State guard Garrett Callahan and IUPUI forward Robert Glenn. Named to the second team were SDSU forward Anthony Cordova, Oral Roberts forwards Kevin Ford and Dominique Morrison, North Dakota State forward Michael Tveidt and IPFW forward Deilvez Yearby.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Records
Oakland's Jones became The Summit League's all-time leading assists leader with 11 assists against Central Arkansas on November 28, 2009. Jones broke the record of 626 held by Bryce Drew of Valparaiso.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Records
Oakland tied the league record for consecutive regular season win with their 16th victory in a row against South Dakota State. The 16 wins span two seasons and tied the Cleveland State team that won 16 in a row in 1992 and 1993.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Non-conference games
In non-conference wins against "major" conferences, Oral Roberts defeated No. 12 ranked and undefeated New Mexico 75–66. ORU also defeated Stanford (Pacific-10 Conference) 83–81 on Stanford's home court. ORU's victory over Stanford was the third consecutive season and fourth in the last five seasons that a Summit League team has defeated a Pac-10 Conference team. Oakland defeated Oregon in 2007–08 and 2008–09, ORU beat USC in the 2005 Great Alaska Shootout and Southern Utah defeated Washington State in 2003–04. In its third "upset" of the season, ORU defeated Big 12 Conference opponent Missouri 60–59.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Non-conference games
South Dakota State is the only other Summit League school to defeat a "major" conference team, defeating Wyoming (Mountain West Conference) 77–61.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Non-conference games
Through February 9, 2010, the conference as a whole is 32–61 (.344) in Division I non-conference games and 20–0 in games against non-Division I opponents.


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Player of the week award
The following table lists each of The Summit League's players of the week award winners (number of weeks won in parenthesis):


2009–10 Summit League men's basketball season, Post-season
The conference tournament will take place in Sioux Falls Arena in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from March 6 through March 9, 2010. This is the second year the conference tournament will take place in Sioux Falls and is under contract to continue to host the tournament through 2012.


2009–10 Sun Belt Conference men's basketball season
The 2009–10 Sun Belt Conference men's basketball season marks the 33rd season of Sun Belt Conference basketball.


2009–10 Sun Belt Conference men's basketball season, Preseason
Blue Ribbon magazine predicted Western Kentucky University to win the East Division. The Hilltoppers are returning from a season in which they came within one second of upsetting Gonzaga and advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. In addition, Hilltopper star A.J. Slaughter was named the Preseason Player of the Year.


2009–10 Sun Belt Conference men's basketball season, Regular season, Non-conference
In terms of upsets over the six major conferences, Western Kentucky beat Vanderbilt University 76-69 on December 11. A.J. Slaughter scored 27 points to lead the Hilltoppers to their first win over Vanderbilt since 1946. Western Kentucky led for the final 16:33 of the game, though Vanderbilt cut the lead to one twice. This was Vanderbilt's second consecutive loss.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season
The 2009–10 season is Sunderland's third consecutive season in the top division of English football, the Premier League.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season
Ricky Sbragia was replaced by Steve Bruce in the close season. His aim is to improve on the club's 16th position the previous season.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season
Darren Bent was the top scorer in the Premier League with 24 goals. Andy Reid was the top scorer in the League Cup with two goals. Fraizer Campbell was the top scorer in the FA Cup with two goals. Darren Bent was the top scorer in all competitions with 25 goals.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season
At the end of the season, Darren Bent won both the club's official Player of the Season and the SAFC Supporters' Association awards. Jordan Henderson won both the club's official Young Player of the Season and the SAFC Supporters' Association Young Player of the Season awards.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season, Season summary
Sunderland broke their transfer record with the £10 million signing of Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent. This proved to be a wise investment as Bent scored 25 goals in all competitions during the season, all but one of them in the league. No other player outside the top eight clubs managed even half as many as Bent, who was only outscored by Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2009–10 Sunderland A.F.C. season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2009–10 Super League Greece
The 2009–10 Super League Greece was the 74th season of the highest football league of Greece and the fourth under the name Super League. The league consisted of 16 teams. Participants are the 13 best teams from the 2008–09 season and three teams that have been promoted from the Beta Ethniki. On 11 April 2010, Panathinaikos defeated Iraklis 2–0 to secure their 20th Greek title and their first one in six years.


2009–10 Super League Greece, Changes from 2008–09, Other changes
Due to Greece having ascended in the UEFA league coefficient rankings, the 2009–10 champions will enter 2010–11 UEFA Champions League at the group stage instead of the third qualifying round. Every other European spot remains unchanged, meaning that the winner of the European play-off group will reach the third qualifying round of the Champions League while the runners-up and third-placed team of this group will enter 2010–11 UEFA Europa League.


2009–10 Super League Greece, Play-offs
In the play-off for Champions League, the teams play each other in a home and away round robin. However, they do not all start with 0 points. Instead, a weighting system applies to the teams' standing at the start of the play-off mini-league. The team finishing fifth in the Super League will start the play-off with 0 points. The fifth placed team's end of season tally of points is subtracted from the sum of the points that other teams have. This number is then divided by five to give the other teams the points with which they start the mini-league.


2009–10 Super League Greece, Play-offs
The teams started the play-offs with the following number of points:


2009–10 Superliga Femenina
The 2009–10 Superliga season was the 22nd since its establishment. Rayo Vallecano were the defending champions, having won their title in the previous season.


2009–10 Superliga Femenina, League expansion and format changes
On 26 May 2009, the Royal Spanish Football Federation presented a project to improve the Superliga, based in an expansion of the league from 16 to 24 teams, by inviting professional men's teams to join the tournament.


2009–10 Superliga Femenina, League expansion and format changes
Eight teams agreed to join the league: two of them from La Liga (Sevilla and Valladolid), four from Segunda División (Las Palmas, Murcia, Gimnàstic and Eibar), one of Segunda División B (Jaén) and one from Tercera División (Cacereño). However, economical difficulties forced Cacereño and Murcia to withdraw before the start of the competition.


2009–10 Superliga Femenina, League expansion and format changes
This project was rejected by the majority of participant clubs and players of the league. However, despite this strong opposition, on 14 July 2009, the new format was approved.


2009–10 Superliga Femenina, League expansion and format changes
The teams were divided into three groups attending to geographical criteria. The winner and runner-up of each group and the two best third qualified teams would join the Group A in the second stage, for the title. The two first teams of the group A played the final of the league.


2009–10 Supersport Series
The 2009–10 Supersport Series was a first-class cricket competition held in South Africa from 17 September 2009 to 28 March 2010. Cape Cobras won the tournament for their first time, winning six of the ten matches and drawing three. On the opening day of the final round of matches, Eagles batsman Rilee Rossouw scored the fastest triple century in South African domestic cricket, reaching the mark in just 276 deliveries against Titans.


2009–10 Sussex County Football League
The 2009–10 Sussex County Football League season was the 85th in the history of Sussex County Football League a football competition in England.


2009–10 Sussex County Football League, Division One
Division One featured 16 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with four new clubs.


2009–10 Sussex County Football League, Division Two
Division Two featured 13 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with five new clubs.


2009–10 Sussex County Football League, Division Three
Division Three featured twelve clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs:


2009–10 Swansea City A.F.C. season
The 2009–10 season was Swansea City's 81st season in the Football League. It was their second consecutive season in the second tier following an eighth-placed finish in the previous campaign.


2009–10 Swansea City A.F.C. season
Swansea finished the season in seventh place, one place higher than the previous season, having just missed out on a play-off place to Blackpool.


2009–10 Swansea City A.F.C. season, Events
This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2009–10 season, presented in chronological order.


2009–10 Swansea City A.F.C. season, Players, Disciplinary record
Source:Only competitive matches = Number of bookings;  = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card;  = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.


2009–10 Swansea City A.F.C. season, Awards, Championship Team of the Week
The following Swansea players have been selected in the official Championship team of the week.


2009–10 Swedish Figure Skating Championships
The 2009–10 Swedish Figure Skating Championships were held at the Cloetta Center in Linköping between December 17 and 20, 2009. Skaters competed in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies' singles, and pair skating on the senior and junior levels, as well as two age-group levels of novice: Riksmästerskap (RM) and UngdomsSM (USM). The results were among the criteria used to choose the teams to the 2010 Winter Olympics, 2010 World Championships, and 2010 European Championships.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season
The 2009–10 season saw Swindon Town FC, managed by Danny Wilson, finish in fifth place and reach the League one play-off final where they were ultimately beaten by Millwall FC.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, Pre-season
For the third consecutive year, Swindon Town ventured to Austria for pre-season training. This was manager Danny Wilson's first summer as Swindon manager as he took over in late December 2008, replacing Maurice Malpas.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, Pre-season
15 players from the previous season, including influential forward Simon Cox, had either been released by Wilson or in the case of Cox sold. Trialist Cherno Samba joined Town during the trip.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, Pre-season
The rest of the summer consisted of Town playing against familiar opposition such as Wiltshire outfits Chippenham Town and Swindon Supermarine. Championship club Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion and Plymouth Argyle were named as Town's home opposition.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, F.A. Cup
After losing the First Round to Non-League Histon last season - Town were once again given the task of meeting Non-League Woking a year on. Despite a less than convincing display, Billy Paynter's first half goal was enough. The Second Round saw Swindon beat Wrexham in Wales a couple of weeks later, Gordon Greer scored the only goal ten minutes time.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, F.A. Cup
Town were knocked out of the competition in the Third Round to Premier League outfit Fulham, Bobby Zamora scoring for the Cottagers.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, League Cup
Swindon Town entered the League Cup in the First Round and were drawn to play Milton Keynes Dons. Swindon had recently lost 5–0 at Gillingham on the opening day of the league season. Town beat the Dons comfortably at Stadium:MK by four goals to one.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, League Cup
Town's next game was away from Wiltshire against Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves manager Mick McCarthy fielded an under strength team but did enough to beat Swindon Town 6–5 in a penalty shoot-out after 120 minutes of football without a goal. Swindon Town captain Gordon Greer missed the only penalty.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, Football League Trophy
Swindon Town were drawn to play Exeter City at St James Park where a late Stuart Fleetwood strike cancelled out Anthony McNamee's goal in the first half. The game won by Swindon 5–3 on penalties with Phil Smith saving two of the spot kicks.


2009–10 Swindon Town F.C. season, Football League Trophy
Swindon were knocked out in the next round by Norwich City, penalty kicks settled the tie again - the only missed penalty was taken by Craig Easton.


2009–10 Swiss Cup
The 2009–10 Swiss Cup was the 85th season of Switzerland's annual football cup competition. It began on 17 September with the first game of Round 1 and ended on 9 May 2010 with the Final held at St. Jakob-Park, Basel. The competition was won by FC Basel, who defeated second-level side Lausanne-Sport, 6–0. Since Basel also won the 2009–10 Swiss Super League, Lausanne qualified for the second qualification round of the UEFA Europa League.


2009–10 Swiss Cup, Participating clubs
All ten Super League teams and fifteen Challenge League clubs (FC Vaduz are from Liechtenstein and thus play in the 2009–10 Liechtenstein Cup) entered this year's competition, as well as thirteen teams from 1. Liga and 26 teams from lower leagues (their level within the Swiss league pyramid is given in parentheses below). Teams from 1. Liga and below had to qualify through separate qualifying rounds within their leagues.


2009–10 Swiss Cup, Round 1
Teams from Super League and Challenge League were seeded in this round. In a match, the home advantage was granted to the team from the lower league, if applicable.


2009–10 Swiss Cup, Round 2
The winners of Round 1 played in this round. Teams from Super League were seeded. In a match, the home advantage was granted to the team from the lower league, if applicable.


2009–10 Swiss Cup, Round 3
The winners of Round 2 played in this round. In a match, the home advantage was granted to the team from the lower league, if applicable.


2009–10 Swiss Cup, Final
The final was played on 9 May 2010 between the two semi-final winners and took place at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.


2009–10 Swiss Super League
The 2009–10 Swiss Super League is the 113th season of top-tier football in Switzerland. The competition is officially named AXPO Super League due to sponsoring purposes. It began on 11 July 2009 and has ended in May 2010. FC Zürich were the defending champions. The title was won by FC Basel.


2009–10 Swiss Super League, Promotion and relegation
Liechtenstein side FC Vaduz were relegated after finishing in 10th and last place in 2008–09 Swiss Super League. They were replaced by Challenge League 2008–09 champions FC St. Gallen.


2009–10 Swiss Super League, Promotion and relegation
9th-placed FC Luzern and Challenge League runners-up FC Lugano competed in a two-legged relegation play-off after the end of the 2008–09 season. Lucerne won 5–1 aggregate and thus remained in Super League .


2009–10 Swiss Super League, Results
Teams play each other four times in this league. In the first half of the season each team played every other team twice (home and away) and then do the same in the second half of the season.


2009–10 Swiss Super League, Relegation play-offs
AC Bellinzona as 9th-placed team of the Super League played a two-legged play-off against Challenge League runners-up AC Lugano.


2009–10 Sydney FC season
The 2009–2010 season was Sydney FC's fifth consecutive season in the A-League since its inception. It was an historic year for the club taking out the domestic double by winning the premier's plate and the championship during the season.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
After a disappointing 2008–09 season, Sydney FC went straight into action, sacking coach John Kosmina. A week later, Czech coach Vítězslav Lavička was signed as Sydney's fifth manager in as many seasons.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
Sydney had a friendly match in China, with new sister club Shanghai Shenhua. Sydney FC lost the match 2–1, with their goal coming from striker Alex Brosque, who scored halfway through the second half to level the scores at 1–1. John Aloisi, who had a poor last season, showed he had hit form, but being very unlucky to have two goals disallowed during the first half. It was the first game for former Sydney and Socceroos Tony Popovic as caretaker coach.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
On 3 April, it was confirmed that new coach Lavicka had signed his first player, former Slovakian International Karol Kisel, who had played under Viteslav when he coached AC Sparta Prague.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
Sydney was thrown into scandal involving new signing Sebastian Ryall, who was charged with the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, while he was playing with Melbourne Victory. He was stood down by the Football Federation Australia (FFA) from the Sydney FC, and national team until 3 September. These charges were later dropped.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
When the FFA announced that the usual A-League pre-season cup wouldn't be held due to financial reasons, it meant that teams would have to organise their own friendlies in the months before the start of the season. This opened up many possibilities. Across the A-League, a few teams managed to bring over some well known sides. Sydney was linked with English Premier League side Everton for their Asian Tour, and recently relegated Middlesbrough FC, who both pulled out in the last minute, and stated that if they were to tour Australia, they would want to play more than one team.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
At one stage, Spanish team Barcelona FC were being rumoured to be coming out. Nevertheless, the new coach organised a dozen friendlies with strong New South Wales Premier League and New South Wales Super League teams. Despite the opposition being weaker than expected, Sydney had a fantastic start. Sydney also trialled several overseas players and on 25 June Lavicka signed South Korean Left Back Byun Sung-Hwan.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
Along with the new outfits, Sydney FC also welcomed a new major sponsor, Japanese electronic company Sony, who signed a contract with Sydney. They replaced JVC, who decided not to renew their sponsorship due to the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. New South Wales-based electronics retailer Bing Lee continued to sponsor Sydney FC.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, Pre-season
Bing Lee's logo was featured on the front of the home jerseys and on the front and back of the right leg of the away jerseys, whilst Sony will now take up the away jersey, and the front and back of the right leg of the home kit. Coach Vitezslav Lavicka signed his last player of the season, Stephan Keller, on a one-year contract, who had recently been released by then Eredivisie club De Graafschap after they had been relegated. He played in the final trial game against the Jets and impressed significantly in the 1–1 draw.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Round 1: North Queensland Fury (away at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville)


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Sydney flew to Townsville to face newcomers North Queensland Fury, boasting an impressive squad that included all their VISA players. Just after 4 minutes, marquee man John Aloisi put last season's troubles behind him, opening the score on the back of a counter-attack that came off a saved Robbie Fowler free kick down the other end of the field. Sydney would double that lead to 2-0 20 minutes later through Kofi Danning, before North Queensland managed to get back into the game shortly before half time with a headed goal through a corner.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
The scoreline would be drawn to 2-2 several minutes after the resume of play, when Shannon Cole fouled Jason Spagnuolo in the box. God stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Bolton who remained glued to the spot. It seemed like it would end a draw, but with 17 minutes remaining John Aloisi slotted a ball straight into the box, and a chasing Alex Brosque was tripped by a beaten Paul Henderson. John Aloisi calmly sent the keeper the wrong way and put the penalty straight down the middle, to give the visitors their first win of the season.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Round 2: Adelaide United (home at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney)


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
In front of a decent first home crowd of nearly 15,000, Sydney came up against archrivals Adelaide. Always a fiery and closely contested contest, there was again nothing between the two teams. Both teams were looking very dangerous and despite some close opportunities to take the lead from both sides, they went into the half-time break locked at 0–0. The second half looked to be a battle for fitness with Sydney dominating possession in the second half and a tired Adelaide struggling to stay in the contest.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Former Jets striker Mark Bridge proved to be the difference between the two clubs substituting Steve Corica midway through the half. A few minutes after coming on played a 1–2 move with Kofi Danning and belted the ball past the Adelaide goalkeeper. After almost conceding minutes from time, Sydney managed to escape with a narrow victory and move into second on the ladder behind Gold Coast United with two wins from as many games.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Round 3: Central Coast Mariners (away at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford)


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
The South NSW derby was again play out in front of a smallish crowd of 10,000 on a warm Gosford afternoon. The game turned out to be once more a stalemate, similar to the 0–0 draw played at Leichhardt Oval a few months beforehand. Both sides had their chances, and despite Sydney looking fitter, it seemed to be a typical A-League style long-ball game as both sides never really gaining the upper hand. Sydney's main striker and marquee player John Aloisi came close to scoring on 76 minutes, denied by the fingertips and reflexes of the Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
However, the sky blues custodian Clint Bolton went one better pulling off a wonder penalty-save after John Hutchinson was brought down in a clattering tackle by Simon Colosimo and Byun Sung-Hwan. The Sydney defensive pair were both lucky to not be booked. Adam Kwasnik took the penalty and was denied by Bolton, regaining the faith and trust of some Sydney FC supporters who believed was past his prime. He would save Sydney yet again minutes later, pulling off another fantastic save from Dylan MacAllister, earning himself man of the match in what was ultimately a dull match.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Round 4: Wellington Phoenix (home at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney)


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
The Sydney v. Wellington Trans-Tasman matches had always proven to be Sydney's bogey, especially at the SFS. Wellington had won 2 of the 3 matches played there since their inaugural season and Sydney knew it would be a tough battle. The first half was locked in a difficult stalemate as both sides were feeling each other out, each struggling to gain the upper hand in possession. Midfielder Terry McFlynn was subbed off early for Brendan Gan with what looked to be an unfortunate thigh injury.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
Despite the loss of McFlynn, Sydney remained strong and dominated the possession early in the second half. Options seemed to be running out for coach Lavička when he put Steve Corica on for Kofi Danning. However, in the 77th minute Sydney gained the lead through a corner. Karol Kisel whipped the ball in and Brendan Gan (who managed to lose his defender) buried his header into the back of the net.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, August
What little air was left in Wellington's sails blew away only minutes later, when a counter-attack from a Wellington corner had Alex Brosque crossing the ball into the box where marquee striker John Aloisi angled the ball past a tired Wellington shot stopper for Sydney's well-deserved second goal. Aloisi would be subbed minutes after the goal for Matthew Jurman but the Sky Blues held on for a convincing 2–0 win. The win leapfrogged them into number one on the ladder after the Newcastle Jets defeated Gold Coast United 1–0 in Newcastle earlier in the round.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, September
Round 5: Gold Coast United (away at Skilled Park, Gold Coast)


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, September
Sydney travelled to the Gold Coast's Skilled Park for the top-of-the-table clash, one point clear of opponents Gold Coast United. Gold Coast were with without Socceroo marquee player Jason Culina whilst Sydney was without Northern Irish midfielder Terry McFlynn who was replaced with former National Youth League player Rhyan Grant. The first 10 to 20 minutes saw Gold Coast dominate but Sydney's strong-knitted defence held them off.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, September
Joel Porter made a promising start to the game for the home team but in the 19th minute he was forced to be substituted due to a calf injury and was replaced by Brazilian import Robson. Alex Brosque should have scored for Sydney in the 30th minute following a clever one-two with John Aloisi but the attacking midfielder sprayed his shot wide. It took a piece of magic from Shane Smeltz just before half-time for the crowd to erupt.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, September
Matt Osman's free kick was directed towards Shane Smeltz, whose header gave goalkeeper Clint Bolton little chance as the ball looped into the corner of the net. In the 56th minute, Smeltz finished off the contest by beating Shannon Cole to an awful Karol Kisel back-pass and calmly slotting the ball past the keeper.


2009–10 Sydney FC season, Preview, September
Sydney FC gave themselves a chance of saving a draw when substitute Steve Corica headed home a Shannon Cole cross in the 75th minute and then John Aloisi had a free kick just outside the box in the 89th minute, but he slammed the ball into United's wall. The final score was 2–1 to Gold Coast United in front of another disappointing Gold Coast crowd of 6,406. Gold Coast United over took Sydney FC on the table to sit in first place with Sydney slipping down one spot to second.