Football weekend to forget for Williams and Schwarzer

AUSTRALIAN Rhys Williams has returned to his English Championship League side Middlesbrough following suspension, only to leave the pitch injured during a 2-0 loss to Leeds United.

Following two first-half goals from Leeds on Sunday, Williams produced his side’s best attempt with a bullet header in the 53rd minute which went just wide of the post.

A short time later the Australian international was involved in a clash with Leeds striker Luciano Becchio.

Despite attempts to play on, a struggling Williams was substituted for his injury in the 63rd minute.

The West Australian midfielder missed his side’s 2-0 victory over Barnsley on Tuesday after being suspended last Saturday for a second bookable offence in a match against Portsmouth.

Boro remain in fourth position on the ladder after Sunday’s home-ground loss.

In English Premier League an uncharacteristic fumble by Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer saw Fulham concede a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Aussie saved a attempt by Gary Gardner in the final minutes of play but failed to hold the ball, allowing substitute Andreas Weimann to find the net with a well-directed right foot shot, producing Villa’s first home win in four months.

Fulham remain in 10th place on the Premier League table. – AAP