I’ve had one of those weeks where the old cigar was ready to be lit several times before lady luck snuffed out the match in no uncertain times.

First up was last week’s tip Stoke who looked set fair for a win after Peter Crouch’s wonder strike.

But before I’d even stopped rubbing my eyes in disbelief at the lanky striker’s volley, Man City scored with a spunky deflection and my 5/1 “winning” slip quickly became confetti.

Barcelona were next up and just under evens for Lionel Messi to score anytime seemed to good to miss.

Unfortunately Lionel couldn’t hit the target and the ref missed one of the more blatant penalties you’ll see as AC Milan resorted to type and put what seemed like 22 men behind the ball to secure a 0-0 shut out.

Time to switch sports and next up was cricket where I managed to secure 6/1 at one stage about our boys getting enough runs in the final innings to pull-off an unlikely victory against Sri Lanka.

At 111/2 overnight we stood a chance and the price had come in a fair bit.

Working the Enquirer means an early start to outwit our rivals so Sky Sports was on in the background as I got on with the morning news.

Pietersen and Bell threw their wickets away in traditional style before Trott and Prior put on a partnership that saw us on course for victory and trading at 2/5 on with the bookies at one point.

Then Prior tried another of the dreaded sweep shots and the whole pack of cards collapsed.

Why are we obsessed with sweeping? It’s a Test match for christ’s sake. We had a day-and-a-half left to chase down the runs.

What was required was a Boycott-esque boreathon as we eeked out the winning runs in between a rock solid defence.

Instead it was a series of wickets tossed away on extravagant sweeps and across-the-line swipes.

I almost put the screen through and even Bob Willis – a man who looks like he’s in a coma even when livid – was grimacing.

I’ve spent a few happy weeks in Galle so I know the conditions are tricky.

But I managed to adapt – black shirts only to hide the sweat stains and never venture too far from a cold beer. So I can’t see why pro cricketers should struggle.

We have the basis of a great side but some of the batsmen are living off their reputations and need a kick up the backside – which me or Bob would be glad to dish out.

After a losing week it’s time to turn the tables and I like the look of Newcastle to win at home against Liverpool.

Alan Pardew’s men look great going forward and Ba and Cisse can run the Red’s back line ragged.

The bookies are still pricing Liverpool as if they are a top-four side.

They are not and Newcastle, who sit 8 points above them in the league, should be hot favourites for this one.

Instead Pardew’s men are available at 15/8 and we’ll have some of that.

Newcastle like to get off to a fast start so let’s also have a go at the Newcastle/Newcastle half time/full time bet which pays 4/1 and should help make-up for a frustrating week.

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Running Total for all 2012 bets to a £10 stake:   +£140.00