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john the tinca

Todays News

Celtic have appointed former captain Neil Lennon to the club's coaching staff and he will be in the dugout for Saturday's SPL game against Motherwell.

Lennon, 36, left Celtic Park last summer and has had playing spells at Nottingham Forest and Wycombe.

"I am overwhelmed at being offered this chance to return to Celtic, a place where everyone knows my heart lies," Lennon said.

"Returning to Celtic and being part of the coaching set-up is phenomenal."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: "Neil is someone who I am proud to have worked with previously and is a man who I have great respect for.
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Crusaders midfielder Stevie Coulter has been voted Harp player of the month for March by the NI football writers.

The 29-year-old former Loughgall player said the award was a superb recognition of how well the seventh-placed Crues had been playing recently.

"If we had shown better form in the league before Christmas we would be much better placed," said Coulster.

"Really we should be pushing for a top five place but we reached two cup finals so it has been a good season."

Crusaders won four of their five league matches in March, hitting four goals against Larne, Newry City and Glenavon.

Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus was runner-up to Coulter in the award voting, with Portadown's Wesley Boyle third.
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Derry City pulled off a great win away to leaders St Pat's Athletic to take over at the top of the Premier Division in the Eircom League.

Midfielder Owen Morrison capitalised on an error by St Pat's Athletic keeper Brendan Clarke to score the 65th-minute winner at Richmond Park.

Clarke's poor clearance came to Morrison who kept his head to find the net from 30 yards out.

Before that, City keeper Gerard Doherty pulled off a fine save from Keith Fahy.

In the first half, unchanged Derry went close as Clarke pulled off a fine reaction save to deny Derry's Clive Delaney.

Then for St Pat's Jamie Harris headed wide from a Fahy cross.

Near the end St Pat's threatened an equaliser when Mark Quigley crossed from the left but Fahy was again denied by Doherty at the far post.
john the tinca

Stephen Kenny lauded his Derry City players after the team moved to the top of the Eircom Premier League by beating St Pat's 1-0 at Richmond Park.

Owen Morrison's 65th-minute goal helped the Candystripes move above previous leaders Pat's.

"We played really, really well. We deserved to win," said Kenny.

"Everyone worked extremely hard. Gareth McGlynn was absolutely excellent and our centre-backs Clive Delaney and Peter Hutton were immense for us."

Kenny believes that the Eircom League's other title challengers will struggle to win points at Richmond Park.

"Pat's are a formidable team and put us under pressure in the last 15 minutes. I don't think many teams are going to go to Inchicore and win."
john the tinca

Linfield 5-0 Newry City  


Linfield maintained their three-point lead in the league title race, running out comfortable winners against 10-man Newry after a scoreless first half.

Aidan O'Kane's shot cannoned off the bar and Glenn Ferguson shot wide in the first period while Tony Anderson and Stephen Garrett had chances for Newry.

Thomas Stewart scored on 48 and Glenn Ferguson netted a penalty on 52 after Emmett Friars was sent-off for a foul.

Peter Thompson headed in on 62 and Mark Dickson (80) and Thompson (86) scored.

Stewart broke the deadlock with a shot into the bottom corner from O'Kane's cross and then Ferguson converted from the spot after Friars was red-carded for bringing down Thompson.

Thompson nodded in from a Damien Curran cross, Dickson thumped in number four and Thompson converted a left-foot finish as the Blues ran out easy winners.
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Wrexham boss Brian Little warned his players that if they continue to make mistakes then they could consign League Two's bottom club to relegation.

A defensive mix-up allowed Macclesfield to take the lead on Saturday before Steve Evans' equaliser, although the Dragons really needed all three points.

"We've got loads of quantity and we're lacking in quality," Little said.

"The quantity is work-rate, commitment, effort, but we make loads of mistakes which is where the quality comes in."

Wrexham are seven points adrift of safety with just six matches remaining this season.

"Ultimitely it's quality that's costing us, is costing us every week and it was another poor goal we conceded," Little added.
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Swansea 1-2 Bournemouth


Bournemouth staged an incredible injury time fight-back at Swansea to keep their League One survival hopes alive.

Leaders Swansea seemed set to move to the brink of promotion when Andy Robinson was gifted a free header in the 50th minute to score from a corner.

But the Cherries swarmed forward and drew level in the 90th minute as Joe Partington headed in from a set piece.

It took just a minute for another dose of drama, as a sweeping attack saw Jo Kuffour bash home Brett Pitman's cross.
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Manager Roberto Martinez challenged his Swansea players to seal promotion at title rivals Carlisle after their shock home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Swansea had led through Andy Robinson until injury time, before an incredible Cherries fight-back saw the relegation candidates score two quickfire goals.

"We need to regroup and bounce back on Tuesday and make sure we get rid of all the frustration," Martinez said.

"Football can be a cruel game sometimes and we didn't get what we deserved
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football referee secretly filmed in charge of a game while claiming disability benefits has been sentenced to a 12-month community order.

Christopher Stockwell, 52, of Kidwelly, was also ordered by magistrates at Haverfordwest to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and will repay the £9,034.

He had admitted failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of changes affecting his allowances.

Department officials filmed him at a game between Ponthenry and Kidwelly.

They had been tipped off that he was officiating in matches.

At an earlier hearing the court heard he had been claiming disability benefits since October 1996.
john the tinca

Barnsley 0-1 Cardiff  

Joe Ledley scored the only goal to end Barnsley's FA Cup run and send Cardiff through to a final against Portsmouth.

Ledley volleyed them in front inside nine minutes after Barnsley failed to deal with a Tony Capaldi long throw.

The Tykes responded well but had keeper Luke Steele to thank for denying Trevor Sinclair from close range.

Steele also kept out a Gavin Rae header but Kayode Odejayi missed a glorious chance to level when he was put clean through on goal only to shoot wide.
john the tinca

Cardiff goal-hero Joe Ledley set his sights on lifting the FA Cup on 17 May after his strike saw off Barnsley in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley.

The 21-year-old Wales midfielder's ninth-minute strike, a fine volley, booked a showdown against Portsmouth.

"It's brilliant, I thought everyone played really well and we can go into the final with confidence and try to win it," Ledley said.

"I thought we deserved the win and it's great for the fans as well."
john the tinca

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has said it was a "privilege" to watch Cardiff City reach the final of the FA Cup for the first time since 1927.

The Bluebirds beat Barnsley 1-0 at Wembley stadium on Sunday watched by 35,000 City fans, including Mr Morgan.

He said: "I cannot overestimate how much Cardiff City's appearance in the cup final is going to mean to Wales and Cardiff's profile all over the world."

Cardiff's match-winning goal was scored early on by local boy Joe Ledley.

Mr Morgan added: "Since winning the Grand Slam a few weeks ago, the people of Wales have been coming down very slowly from cloud nine.
john the tinca

Dave Jones has welcomed support from Uefa that could give them a place in Europe if Cardiff City win the FA Cup.

Joe Ledley's goal sealed a 1-0 win over Barnsley on Sunday and booked a place in the final against Portsmouth.

The Football Association says it will not nominate Cardiff as the Welsh club play in England as a 'guest' team.

"Politically it's a minefield because with us getting to this final now there is no way they should stop us if we win it," said Cardiff manager Jones.
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Swansea City have been fined £2,000 for failing to control their players during the FA Cup third-round match against Havant and Waterlooville.

Both clubs were reprimanded for a brawl in the 1-1 draw on 5 January, sparked by Havant player Brett Poate's poor tackle on Swansea's Andrea Orlandi.

Poate and Swansea defender Alan Tate were sent off at the Liberty Stadium.

While the Football Association of Wales has found Swansea guilty, the English FA has yet to decide Havant's fate.

The Blue Square South side beat Swansea in the replay before falling to Liverpool in the following round
john the tinca

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell hopes to increase veteran midfielder Gary Speed's coaching duties next season.

The former Wales captain, 38, has expressed a wish to carry on playing next season and Blackwell thinks he can handle a player-coach role.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I've got to make a decision on the coaching staff for next season.

"And I've already given Gary certain aspects of coaching."

He added: "When you get to a certain age you don't have to flog the body every day, fitness is about maintaining the body at that age."
john the tinca

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has revealed he would like to see the introduction of European referees in the Premier League.

Hughes believes the idea could improve respect for match officials.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Maybe referees that ply their trade week-in, week-out become too familiar with certain players and certain teams.

"Inevitably it will cloud their judgement, so the option of European referees could possibly be looked at."

After viewing the refereeing performance of Dutchman Peter Vink during Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Liverpool, the Blackburn manager admitted he is more encouraged by the continental approach.
john the tinca

Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that top scorer Stuart Fleetwood is unlikely to be at the Nailsworth club next season.

Fleetwood scored 30 goals in the first half of the season and turned down a move to Crewe in January.

"Stuart has said that he will be off in the summer," admitted Harvey.

"Anthony Tonkin would like to try and get back into the league, so there will be a couple of boys leaving and we will need to recruit again," he added.

"If we don't make it [the play-offs] this year it'll be for the reason that perhaps we weren't good enough, so I'll be trying to improve the squad if possible."
john the tinca

Ross County 4-0 Berwick Rangers  
 
Ross County clinched the Second Division title in style with a thumping victory over already-relegated Berwick.

Derek Adams' side secured promotion and the championship with their win at Victoria Park as nearest rivals Airdrie United lost at Brechin City.

Dene Shields poked in from close range and Andy Barrowman shot home from a tight angle before adding a penalty.

Paul Lawson completed the scoring and the home fans went wild with delight when hearing news of Airdrie's defeat.

"It's a wonderful day for the club and all our supporters," chairman Roy McGregor told BBC Sport.

"It was a disappointment to go down last year but we've bounced straight back.

"Congratulations to Dick Campbell for getting the ball rolling and to Derek Adams for finishing it off.

"With a full-time set-up we need to be in the First Division. We've already started our preparations and we have a few new signings in the bag."
john the tinca

Walker signs new Albion contract  
 
Albion Rovers striker Pat Walker has extended his stay at Cliftonhill until the end of next season.

Englishman Walker has scored six goals so far this season for the Third Division club, who currently sit seventh in the table.

Due to the nature of the 23-year-old's employment, he may spend much of the season abroad, but the club says this has been taken into account.

Walker first joined Rovers in 2006 from Scottish Junior side Lugar Boswell.
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Stranraer striker Michael Mullen has agreed an extension to his contract until the end of the 2008-09 season.

The 23-year-old has already scored 13 goals for the Blues this season, helping the club to a play-off place.

Mullen was originally farmed out on loan to Stair Park from Queen of the South in January 2007.

After netting five times during Stranraer's unsuccessful relegation battle, he earned a permanent move, initially on a 12-month deal.
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Dundee's Kevin McDonald and Hamilton's James McArthur are on the shortlist for First Division Player of the Year.

The midfielders are joined by Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie and Livingston forward Graeme Dorrans.

The Almondvale ace will move to West Bromich Albion in the summer after a string of impressive performances.

Dobbie has netted 16 league goals for the Doonhamers, while Dorrans has scored 11 and McDonald has bagged nine so far for promotion-seeking Dundee.
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Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has vowed his side will not relinquish their SPL title easily - despite losing to 10-man Motherwell on Saturday.

Strachan's side are six points behind leaders Rangers, having played two games more and are facing the prospect of a season without a trophy.

"It's going to be near-impossible, but we will keep plugging away," he said.

"I said we couldn't afford to lose any more points, but my opinion has been wrong on a couple of things."

Celtic toiled in front of goal against Motherwell at Celtic Park and failed to take advantage of Bob Malcolm's red card.

"I will have to suffer with the rest of the fans who have Celtic at heart. We didn't take our chances and couldn't keep a clean sheet," Strachan said.
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Rangers manager Walter Smith has been named Clydesdale Bank manager of the month for March.

Smith guided the Ibrox side to four consecutive league victories to take Rangers six points clear of Celtic with two games in hand.

March saw Rangers record league wins over Aberdeen, Hibernian, and SLP champions Celtic.

The award is Rangers third manager of the month award, having previously won in August and January.

Rangers will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they travel to face Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.
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Dundee United 3-3 Rangers

Dundee United and Rangers shared the points and six goals in an entertaining game strewn with defensive mistakes.

Christian Kalvenes gave United the lead after 36 minutes when he forced Willo Flood's free-kick into the net.

David Weir's header brought Rangers level, but Noel Hunt headed United back in front after the break. Nacho Novo equalised with a composed finish.

Carlos Cuellar sliced a clearance into his own net, before Kris Boyd's angled drive restored parity in 67 minutes.
john the tinca

Rangers manager Walter Smith expressed relief after his side rescued a point against Dundee United at Tannadice despite some slack defending.

Speaking after the 3-3 draw, he told BBC Sport: "There're a lot of people talking about Rangers being tired - except Rangers.

"We've never said that, only that we want to get through our games without too many injuries.

"It took us time to get started today, but second half we created more."
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Dundee United manager Craig Levein hailed his players after the "fantastic" 3-3 draw with Rangers.

"I thought we were the better team but Rangers were clinical in their finishing and they were a threat at set pieces," he told BBC Sport.

"But in open play that's as good as we've played in a while.

"We passed the ball well and were brave in possession. We created chance after chance. We play as well as that and Rangers still pegged us back.
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Sasa Papac says the pressure is all on Celtic in the title run-in after Rangers extended their lead to seven points with a draw at Dundee United.

Rangers also have a game in hand and are next in league action at Celtic Park on 16 April.

"Maybe we missed an opportunity to go further ahead because we didn't win, but all the pressure is on Celtic now," the defender told the Rangers website.

"We can win the League, and a draw at Celtic Park would be good for us."

The Ibrox side battled back three times to finish at 3-3 in an entertaining encounter at Tannadice on Sunday.

The previous day, rivals Celtic suffered a serious blow to their hopes of retaining the title as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Motherwell.

That left Walter Smith's men with the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table, although they met with a spirited United side.
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Rangers striker Daniel Cousin has been been cleared to return to first team action after missing almost five weeks with a jaw injury.

The news comes at the right time for the Ibrox club, with their Uefa Cup quarter-final tie against Sporting in Lisbon on Thursday.

"It's a big boost as Daniel gives us an extra striking option," Rangers boss Walter Smith told the club website.

"He's done plenty of running, so from a fitness point of view, he is okay."

However, the positive news about Cousin has been tempered by the fact that defender Carlos Cuellar has become doubt for the match in Lisbon.

The Spaniard, who has been in fine form for Walter Smith's team this season, has been floored by a virus.
john the tinca

Aberdeen will welcome back defender Zander Diamond after he missed the last two games with an eye injury.

Jeffrey de Visscher could be in contention following hamstring problems but Jamie Smith, Richie Byrne, Steve Lovell and Derek Young are still out.

Falkirk have no fresh injury worries although long-term absentees Tim Krul and Dean Holden are still out.

Former Crewe striker Michael Higdon will be in the squad as victory for the Bairns would secure a top-six finish.
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Celtic players Aiden McGeady, Scott McDonald and Barry Robson have been shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.

The fourth player to complete the candidate list is Rangers' Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar.

McGeady has also been included in the young player of the year category.

He is joined by Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield, Hibernian forward Steven Fletcher, Motherwell's Ross McCormack and Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald.

Every footballer affiliated to the Professional Footballers' Association Scotland is eligible to vote, with the winners to be announced on 20 April.
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Eleven people arrested following clashes between rival football fans have been released on police bail.

Fighting broke out in the centre of Kettering, Northamptonshire, before and after Kettering Town's match against Telford United on Saturday afternoon.

Three men from the Kettering area, seven from Shropshire and one from Birmingham were arrested. They were bailed until June.

Police say more arrests are likely as CCTV images of the fight are examined.
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Woking manager Frank Gray admitted that his side were fortunate to get away with Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet.

It took Guiseppe Sole's injury-time leveller to stretch the Cards' unbeaten run to three games.

But Gray pointed out: "There have been plenty of occasions this season when we deserved more than what we got.

"This time we have possibly got something from the game that on the balance of play we did not deserve," he told BBC Southern Counties Radio.

"By and large we've defended really well. To come here and get a point is a good result and we'll take that."
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Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter says the Whites will not rest on their laurels after clinching the Ryman League Division One South title.

Parmenter is confident of more progress under player-boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Parmenter told BBC Kent: "It was not that long ago that we were playing at the top of the Blue Square Premier and that is our immediate aim.

"After that we will see if the Football League is a possibility. In a five year plan that would be the ultimate aim."

Hessenthaler has led Dover to promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division - the third tier of non-league football - in his first season in charge
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York City manager Colin Walker has said he was embarassed by his side's 6-1 thrashing at Crawley on Saturday.

It was York's biggest defeat since losing 6-0 at Carlisle three years ago, and Walker said that the performance was unacceptable.

Walker told BBC Radio York: "That can't be tolerated ever again. I'm a very, very angry man.

"We just crumbled, the team went under. It was absolutely and totally embarassing," he added.

"We have been the form team since I took over. Quite recently that's gone the other way, and we have to question why."

Walker was disappointed with his side's defending, particularly from set-pieces, and pointed the finger of blame at his central defenders.

"Dave McGurk, Danny Parslow and Darren Craddock, most of the time they've played as a three [at centre-back] they've done really well," said Walker.
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Aldershot boss Gary Waddock insists his title-chasing side are staying calm ahead of Tuesday's trip to Ebbsfleet.

The Shots will be crowned Blue Square Premier champions if they win and Torquay drop points against Oxford.

But Waddock is not celebrating yet and told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "Our feet are firmly on the ground."

Waddock says playing Ebbsfleet adds more motivation, adding: "They took a major dream away from us when they beat us in the semi-final of the FA Trophy."
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Northwich Victoria striker Lee Steele has been named as the Blue Square Premier player of the month for March.

Steele, 34, topped a fans' poll after scoring eight goals in March as the Vics moved out of the relegation zone.

The former Shrewsbury and Oxford forward's award made it a double for Northwich after Dino Maamria also won the manager of the month prize.

Kettering forward Craig Westcarr and St Albans City keeper Paul Bastock won the prizes in the North and South.
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Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough was once again furious with his side's sloppy defending after seeing them lose 3-2 at home to Grays Athletic.

The Brewers lost 3-1 to Forest Green Rovers last week and Clough told BBC Radio Derby his defenders had not learned the lessons.

"To concede two goals from long throws is exceptionally poor," Clough said.

"We've conceded six in two matches and you've got to go some to even get a point when you're conceding that many."
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Stockport County manager Jim Gannon says the poor state of their Edgeley Park pitch is making life harder for his promotion hopefuls.

County moved to fifth after beating Darlington 1-0 on Saturday less than 24 hours after Sale Sharks, with whom they share the pitch, played on it.

"The lads were fantastic today because the condition of the pitch is making things so difficult for us," he said.

"I'm disappointed... we're trying to play but the pitch is killing us."

After seeing Liam Dickenson's winner take Stockport to within three points of automatic promotion, Gannon's joy was tempered by his worry over the condition of the playing surface.
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Eddie Johnson has told BBC Radio Leeds he wants to stay at Bradford City.

The midfielder is one of a number of players out of contract at Valley Parade this summer and wants a new deal from manager Stuart McCall.

"I've just got to wait and see. I'm like a number of players in the team, I've got to talk to the manager and see what he thinks," said Johnson.

"I've got to prove I'm worth a new deal in the final games we have and if he offered me a new deal I'd take it."
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Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson labelled Town's defending as "pathetic" after Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Chesterfield.

Town are now just six points above the relegation zone with five games left.

Simpson told BBC Radio Shropshire: "The first three goals are just absolutely pathetic defending. If we don't cut out the mistakes, we'll get punished.

"We shouldn't have to rely on anybody else but at the moment maybe we are going to have to until we can get our finger out and get a result."
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Accrington chairman Eric Whalley has revealed why he rejected an attempt by former Blackburn-based businessman John Batchelor to buy the club.

Batchelor had tabled an offer of £1.5m for the League Two side as well as proposing moving a newly-formed Lancashire United to Leigh.

"He made us an offer and I told him we weren't interested," Whalley told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I would have been stupid to consider taking it as a franchise to Leigh."

Batchelor, former owner of Blue Square Premier side York City, recently had a separate bid to buy struggling Mansfield turned down.
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Charlton defender Sam Sodje could be out for the season after he was injured during Saturday's 2-1 win at Plymouth.

The 28-year-old, who has been on loan from Reading since August, was forced to come off after 36 minutes.

Addicks boss Alan Pardew told BBC London 94.9: "We think he broke his toe and did some ligament damage so he will be struggling to play this campaign."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Darren Randolph is to return from his loan at Bury to cover for the suspended Nicky Weaver.
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Dagenham and Redbridge manager John Still believes his fourth-bottom side are capable of avoiding relegation from League Two.

The Daggers' 1-0 defeat at Accrington on Friday left them five points above the relegation zone with teams below them having games in hand.

Still told BBC Essex: "We've got to keep going and battling hard.

"They're all big games now with twelve points to play for and we'll be doing all we can to stay up."

The Daggers were promoted as runaway winners of the Blue Square Premier last season but have found life in the Football League, with a restricted budget, difficult.
john the tinca

Hereford United captain Ben Smith said he was bitterly disappointed after Saturday's 2-2 draw to Chester City.

The Bulls were 2-0 up at half-time but conceded a late penalty from which Chester's Kevin Ellison equalised.

"Even though we've gone back into the automatic promotion places, it feels like a loss," Smith told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Their lad scored a great strike, and then they've got a penalty with the last kick of the game."
john the tinca

Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott says a more attacking style of play is the main reason for their improved form.

Vale have won their last three League One games, including Saturday's 3-2 victory at Brighton, to delay their impending relegation to League Two.

"My joke about wishing the season would begin in March is starting to ring true," Sinnott told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We're showing what we can do as an attacking force, and I'm full of admiration for the players."
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Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is adamant midfielder Adam Miller will play again this season after coming off injured in the 1-1 draw with Millwall.

The 26-year-old failed to come out for the second-half in Saturday's game after aggravating a hernia.

"Miller's season is definitely not over. He should be back next week," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent.

"His discussion with me at half time was quite heated. He didn't want to come off."
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Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling felt Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Leeds reflected the size of the two clubs.

The victory improved Leeds' hopes of reaching the play-offs but the O's promotion hopes are now all but over.

Ling told BBC London 94.9: "The gulf in class showed, we are in and around them in league position in League One but not in size of club and personnel.

"We have run out of steam so if we are a little bit worse and they are a little bit better then the gulf shows."
john the tinca

Swindon belief impresses Malpas  

Saturday's win was Swindon's fifth in 18 games under Malpas (Getty)
Swindon boss Maurice Malpas welcomed his side's change of luck in Saturday's 3-0 win at home to Oldham, but he believes they can still play better.

"We scored the goal, you could see the belief went up in the players and we scored another one quite quickly after that," he told BBC Radio Swindon.

"It's like two different teams. We get a little bit of luck and the confidence starts flowing among the players."

Town are now 15th in League One with five games left this season.

Malpas found Saturday's win particularly welcome after he had hit out at his critics in the local media in the build-up to the match.
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Brighton centre-half Joel Lynch (knee) is a doubt and his obvious replacement, Guy Butters, missed their last game because of illness.

Matt Richards (hamstring), Adam El-Abd and Adam Hinshelwood (both knee) are also sidelined along with Gary Hart, who could miss the rest of the season.
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Brighton manager Dean Wilkins says he is still optimistic about making the League One play-offs.

Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "The challenge is not beyond us - it is a challenge to be relished."

Albion, who are four points behind sixth-placed Leeds with five games left, travel to play fifth-placed Southend on Tuesday.

"We must not forget the jobs we have done on the top sides," Wilkins added. "We will go there full of confidence."
john the tinca

Nottingham Forest could be without defender Julian Bennett, who tweaked a hamstring against Cheltenham.

Striker Nathan Tyson, who is nearing fitness after a muscle strain, may not be risked but midfielder Kris Commons hopes to return after a thigh injury.

Rovers' right-back Danny Coles is likely to miss out after injuring his knee against Hartlepool.

Left-back Aaron Lescott will switch sides to fill in for him with Joe Jacobson coming in for Lescott
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Carlisle striker Scott Dobie hopes his goal against Yeovil after coming on from the bench will be enough to earn him a place in the starting line-up.

Midfielders Paul Thirlwell and Jeff Smith (both ankle) are still missing but hope to play again this season.

Swansea's Marcos Painter returns after five games out with a hamstring injury but Ferrie Bodde (groin) and defender Garry Monk (back) remain sidelined.

Paul Anderson is available and striker Febian Brandy is aiming to start
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Paul Trollope is confident that his Bristol Rovers team will be playing League One football next season despite having gone nine games without a win.

"We've got half an eye over our shoulder but are by no means panicking about it," the Rovers head coach told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We've still got the confidence and belief that we can win quite a few games before the end of the season."

"We've deserved to win the last six or seven, so there's no major panic."
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Cheltenham Town striker Damian Spencer could be out for the last four matches of the season with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old may face surgery later this week after struggling to play 15 minutes as a substitute on Saturday.

But Town manager Keith Downing has told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that he is hopeful midfielder Alex Russell may return against Walsall on Saturday.

"He's probably only had half a week's training, hopefully a full week will put him into contention for Walsall."
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Bournemouth's future looks a little brighter after two new bids to buy the cash-strapped club were tabled minutes before a creditors' meeting on Monday.

The League One outfit had faced possible liquidation after a consortium led by chairman Jeff Mostyn broke down.

But Mostyn told BBC Radio Solent: "There are now two firm bids and a possible third. My future will be decided in the next 24 hours."

The investment should see the Cherries through until the end of the season.

Administrator Gerald Krasner is expected to make a decision by Tuesday lunchtime and said a resolution would mean Cherries boss Kevin Bond will not have to sell any players.
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Millwall's board have rejected a call for an Extraordinary General Meeting by their largest single shareholder, Graham Ferguson Lacey.

Lacey, who owns a 28.9% stake in the club, wants shareholders to have a bigger say in the board's plans to regenerate their New Den stadium.

Lions chief executive Heather Rabbatts said: "The motions proposed would make it impossible to manage this club.

"One has to question his motives for trying to impose restrictions on us."

Millwall's chairman John Berylson added in a statement: "We will take every necessary step to fight this proposal.

"Mr Lacey is trying to use his minority stake in Millwall to wrest control of the club and the company away from the board and prevent us from implementing our plans for the further development of the club.
john the tinca

QPR's veteran winger Gareth Ainsworth has said he has ambitions to be a coach or manager once his playing days end.

The 34-year-old, who has been helping manager Luigi de Canio this season, told BBC London 94.9: "The boss asked me to be his right hand man.

"I help out in team talks and get his messages across on the pitch and I'm happy to do that.

"I'm learning so much everyday so hopefully I'll pick up a few badges and one day be a coach, or a manager even."

But Ainsworth, who scored in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Preston North End, says he is still enjoying his time on the pitch.
john the tinca

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has insisted the club does not dare to dream of the Premier League after their crushing 2-0 defeat at Southampton.

City blew the chance to move four points clear at the top of the Championship and Johnson branded it his side's worst performance of the season.

"It was tough, a poor game on our part and not what we planned," he said.

"If anything that game will keep our feet on the ground. There will be no talk of the next level at this club."

Bristol City now sit one point clear of second-placed Stoke and two points ahead of Hull and Watford, though all three clubs have a game in hand on the leaders.
john the tinca

Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws has confirmed that young midfielder Sean McAllister will not play again this season.

The 20-year-old has a calf injury and is another key loss for the Owls.

Laws told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It's a massive blow to us, we're taking injuries left, right and centre and at wrong times."

McAllister is the fourth first-team player to be ruled out in recent weeks as the Owls battle to avoid relegation.

Akpo Sodje, Marcus Tudgay and Frank Simek are already ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite the loss of McAllister, Laws is remaining positive and said: "We'll soldier on with what we've got.

"At least the players aren't sulking about it, they're still going out there to win games."
john the tinca

Colchester striker Scott Vernon was delighted his two goals against Ipswich Town helped them to three vital points.

Vernon's brace at Layer Road meant the U's avoided the indignity of being relegated by their East Anglian rivals.

He told BBC Essex: "Any striker is delighted to be scoring two goals in one game.

"As a footballer, you go out and play and obviously after the game you think about things like that, but for the fans it gives them bragging rights."

The former Blackpool forward, who moved to Layer Road in January, also paid tribute to strike partner Kevin Lisbie's performance.

"I felt we've played well together," he said. "He did well for my first goal and I like playing with him for the whole game."
john the tinca

Sheffield United will give late fitness tests to Rob Hulse (groin) and Paddy Kenny (back) ahead of the derby match.

Neither played in Saturday's 3-0 win over Leicester when they were replaced by Ian Bennett and James Beattie.

Wednesday will leave it late to decide on the fitness of Mark Beevers (knee), who missed out last time out.

On-loan midfielder Frank Songo'o also needs a late test on a thigh problem and Wade Small is a doubt with a groin injury.
john the tinca

Promotion-chasing Stoke can call on top scorer Ricardo Fuller and defender Ryan Shawcross for Crystal Palace's visit as both have completed two-match bans.

Midfielder Salif Diao (torn hamstring) is out and central defender Leon Cort faces a fitness test on a calf strain.

Palace striker James Scowcroft is doubtful after being forced off against Blackpool with a hamstring strain.

Full-back Lee Hills is available after overcoming a shin injury while Clint Hill is able to face his former club.
john the tinca

Leicester City say they expect the Football Association to rescind the red card given to Patrick Kisnorbo in the 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

The Australian defender was sent off for a professional foul, but replays seemed to show there was no contact.

Ian Holloway told BBC Radio Leicester: "Hopefully the referee will put justice right, because that was the biggest blunder I've seen in a long time."

Kisnorbo is facing a two-game ban, with just four matches of the season left.
john the tinca

Hull City boss Phil Brown has been named Championship manager of the month for March.

Brown beat off the challenge of Preston's Alan Irvine, Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock and Wolves manager Mick McCarthy to land the award.

Hull picked up six victories in their eight league games during the month.

Saturday's 3-0 victory against fellow high flyers Watford put them third in the table within one point of the automatic promotion places.
john the tinca

West Bromwich Albion are offering supporters tickets for just £10 for the final two home games against Watford and Southampton this month.

The club are also offering a "kids for a quid" deal for both matches, which are live on television.

Baggies manager Tony Mowbray said: "Our supporters have a huge part to play in helping us get to where everyone wants to be.

"It will be a massive boost to us if fans pack out the Hawthorns."
john the tinca

Sheffield Wednesday have extended midfielder Adam Bolder's loan spell from QPR until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old initially joined the Owls in an emergency loan deal at the start of February and has started eight games for Brian Laws' side.

Bolder joined Rangers from Derby in January 2007 and started the current campaign as the London club's captain.

But he is among several players to have fallen out of favour since Luigi De Canio took over as QPR boss.
john the tinca

Middlesbrough 2-2 Man Utd  
By David Ornstein  




Rooney's 11th league goal of the season could prove crucial
Wayne Rooney earned Manchester United a draw and extended their lead over Chelsea to three points after a pulsating encounter at the Riverside.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the visitors an early lead when he converted Michael Carrick's cross.

Afonso Alves's cool strike, his first for Middlesbrough, hauled the hosts level and he put them ahead just after half-time with a fine curling effort.

But Rooney turned in Ji-Sung Park's cross from the right to save United
john the tinca

Derby County boss Paul Jewell said the spirited performance in Sunday's 1-0 loss at Everton shows there is plenty of reason for optimism for next season.

"Everton are a good side who are trying to get in the Champions League," Jewell told BBC Radio Derby.

"But we passed the ball and frustrated the crowd and with a bit more thought and a bit more craft in the final third we could have punished them.

"We didn't but there is a lot to be hopeful of in the future."
john the tinca

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants more consistent displays from Stiliyan Petrov after his excellent performance in Saturday's 4-0 win over Bolton.

"I'm aware of what he is capable of but it is something the Villa fans have seen all too seldom," said O'Neill of the 28-year-old midfielder.

"Bolton was a big, big day for Stilian and he got a great reception because he played very well.

"I'm pleased for him because he can play like that and he was excellent."

Petrov has struggled to impress since his move from Celtic in August 2006.
john the tinca

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor insists his three-month scoring drought was not a cause for concern after he netted on Saturday against Bolton.

The 21-year-old scored the second in the 4-0 win, his first goal since striking against Wigan on 29 December.

"It really hasn't been on my mind. As long as the team scores it doesn't matter who gets the goals," Agbonlahor told BBC WM.

"But as a striker you want to be scoring, the confidence is key."

His strike against Bolton was his eighth of the season, leaving him just one behind the club's top scorer John Carew.
john the tinca

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has spoken of his pride at the return to form of midfielder Joey Barton following Saturday's 3-0 win against Reading.

"Manchester City is a big club but this is a massive club. He came with a big fee and he had his own private problems," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Fair credit to him, he's handled everything as well as anybody could in those circumstances.

"He's played like he can in the last few games and I'm pleased for him."
john the tinca

Rio Ferdinand provided manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a new injury concern after limping off in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

The England defender left The Riverside with his foot in a protective plastic case as a precaution.

"Hopefully it's not serious but he was limping for too long," said Ferguson, who is without fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic for two to three weeks.

An update on Ferdinand's injury is expected within the next 24 hours.

With Vidic sidelined and crucial Premier League games against Arsenal, Blackburn and Chelsea following Wednesday's Champions League return match against Roma, Ferguson can ill afford to be without his other first-choice central defender
john the tinca

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson would love owner Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.

The 28-year-old is said to be unhappy at Barca and could leave in the summer.

His brother and representative Roberto De Assis were entertained by Manchester City directors on Saturday and they hope to tempt the forward to the club.

"It was the first time I had heard such a thing, so I really hope it is true," said Eriksson.

"We would be able to find a place in our team for him, I can guarantee that.
john the tinca

Sami Hyypia has agreed an extension to his Liverpool deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2009 season.

The 34-year-old Finnish defender, who had been linked with a move, will enter his 10th season at Anfield.

"I would have had options to go elsewhere but everything has been great and I have enjoyed everything here," Hyypia told the club website.

"I have a good relationship with everyone at the club, so it would have been a big wrench for me to leave."

Hyypia, who has 90 international caps, signed for Liverpool in May 1999 from Dutch side Willem II for £2.6m.

He shared the Reds captaincy with Robbie Fowler in 2000-01 while Jamie Redknapp recovered from a long-term injury.
john the tinca

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch says he will decide on his future at the end of the season.

The club have offered the 27-year old a new contract, but he believes he needs to be playing regularly.

Crouch said: "I'll have to look at it at the end of the season. Now I'm concentrating on winning something.

"I've got to be realistic, if I want to have any aspirations of playing for England, or furthering my career, then I have to be playing."

Crouch bagged Liverpool's goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and despite not being able to win a regular starting place, maintains he is happy at the club.

He said: "I'd love to stay, it's a fantastic club and I love everything about it, but I've got to be realistic."
john the tinca

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has undergone surgery following a training ground accident that left him with cuts to his lip and chin.

The 25-year old Czech goalkeeper had the operation on Sunday after colliding with another player.

Cech has missed the last nine games with an ankle injury and will now miss Tuesday's Champions League quarter final second leg against Fenerbahce.

Chelsea told BBC Sport they would be making no further comment.
john the tinca

Sunderland defender Danny Collins said the players will not rest until the club's Premier League safety has been mathematically secured.

Saturday's 3-1 win at Fulham established a 10-point gap from the drop zone but Collins believes their job is far from complete.

"Until it's definite we've got to still dig in," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We've got Manchester City next week coming to our place and that's not going to be easy."
john the tinca

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp says he never imagined the club would become so successful when he joined them in 2001.

On Saturday Pompey reached the FA Cup final for the first time in 69 years and they are also flying high in sixth place in the Premier League.

"I've got to be honest, when I went into the club I couldn't really see where the club was ever going to go in the long term," he told the BBC.

"You couldn't ever see a Premier League club emerging, you know."

Redknapp, 61, first joined Portsmouth in 2001 as director of football, when they were struggling in the Championship, and took over as manager in March 2002.
john the tinca

Brazilian Fifa world player of the year Kaka believes any of the four English clubs could win the Champions League.

English teams have won the trophy only twice in the 15 years since the Premier League was formed but the AC Milan midfielder, 25, expects that to change.

He told BBC Sport: "Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all excellent and any of them could win it.

"I believe all the four English clubs have a great chance of making it all the way to the final in Moscow in May."


All four English teams have a chance to progress when the quarter-final second legs take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with only one definitely going out because Liverpool face Arsenal.
john the tinca

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant will miss the game against his old side Arsenal after suffering a hamstring injury against them on Saturday.

Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell remain long-term absentees but otherwise boss Rafa Benitez has a full squad and Javier Mascherano is certain to play.

Robin van Persie is named in Arsenal's 18-man squad despite injuring a thigh in the first leg.

Abou Diaby is also back as his domestic suspension does not apply in Europe.
john the tinca

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists there is no problem between him and England Under-21 coach Stuart Peace over the handling of Craig Gardner.

O'Neill admitted he was disappointed that Gardner was not substituted quicker in the recent game with Poland after complaining of being injured.

But he told the club's website: "There hasn't been any spat.

"I was disappointed that he [Gardner] got injured in a game that was really meaningless," he added.

Gardner's injury meant he missed Villa's 4-0 defeat at Manchester United as Nigel Reo-Coker filled in at right-back but O'Neill's not blaming anyone else.

And O'Neill added: "I've not had any run-ins with Stuart Pearce, he's trying to do his job."

"If anyone at the FA wants to enquire after the health of Craig Gardner that's alright but I won't be chasing anybody."
john the tinca

Laurent Robert has signed for Major League Soccer side Toronto, after his contract at Derby was cancelled by mutual consent.

The French winger was one of several players signed by Paul Jewell during the January transfer window, but made just three appearances.

Robert, 32, played under current Toronto coach John Carver at Newcastle.

Carver said: "I've spent a lot of time with Laurent and know about his game. He'll be a big asset to the team."

Robert, who also played for Portsmouth, has not started a game since early February.

But Toronto general manager Mo Johnston, the former Celtic, Rangers and Scotland striker, said: "We are thrilled to have Laurent join Toronto FC and become part of our club.

"He's a tremendous player with a lot of talent, and we expect him to come in and make an impact with our club straight away."
john the tinca

Derby County boss Paul Jewell says the club's solid financial base means relegation will not see them forced to off-load their best players.

"That's the beauty of the situation I'm in," Jewell told BBC Radio Derby. "I haven't got to sell players and we haven't got to make dramatic cut-backs.

"Of course we are going to have to trim our wage bill but it's going to be a sustained effort to get back."

The Rams' relegation from the Premier League was confirmed last weekend.
john the tinca

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady believes the supporters have been too quick to turn on the team.

A run of one victory in seven matches has seen Celtic crash out of Europe and the Scottish Cup and fall seven points behind Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers, who have a game in hand.

However, McGeady believes successive titles and qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League two years running should not be forgotten.
john the tinca

Rafael Benitez has insisted the Champions League is Arsenal's only chance of winning a trophy this season.

The Liverpool boss engineered a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with the Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday that all but finished the north Londoners' title challenge.

Being out of the title race is a situation Benitez and Liverpool have accepted weeks ago, but the Spaniard now believes that Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger are in the same boat.

That makes Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg a winner-takes-all showdown for the two English giants.

And the outcome of the tie will dictate the success of failure of both clubs and their managers this season.
john the tinca

Portsmouth striker David Nugent has pleaded with Harry Redknapp to give him the chance to prove he is worthy of an FA Cup final spot by unleashing him at West Ham on Tuesday.

Nugent, 22, was called from the substitutes' bench for the final 19 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 semi-final win over West Brom at Wembley.

The England striker has not started a Premier League match since August and is without a league goal since his £6million summer move from Preston.

Nugent, competing with Kanu and Milan Baros for a place in next month's final line-up in place of the cup-tied Jermain Defoe, admits he has under-performed since arriving at Fratton Park.
john the tinca

Roma have confirmed Francesco Totti will not travel with the squad for Wednesday's Champions League return with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti announced on Saturday that he hoped his captain would be available for the quarter-final clash, which Roma trail 2-0 after the first leg.

Spalletti said: "I don't think he will make it. Of course I would like to have a player like Totti available."

But Totti's name was a notable absentee from the squad list announced on their club website on Monday.

The club's top scorer has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury during a 1-1 draw with Cagliari on March 29.
john the tinca

Barnsley defender Rob Kozluk assured team-mate Kayode Odejayi he need not apologise for the glaring miss which cost his side an equaliser in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Cardiff.

The Tykes were chasing the game after falling behind to Cardiff winger Joe Ledley's ninth-minute volley when big target man Odejayi found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Peter Enckelman in the 66th minute.

But with all the time he needed to pick his spot to level the match the 26-year-old Nigerian - match-winning hero against Chelsea in the quarter-final - steered a right-footed shot wide of the near post.

The Bluebirds held on to their slender advantage to reach their first FA Cup final in 81 years.

Kozluk agreed it was the game's turning point, but said: "Chances fall to strikers and they're there to miss them as well as score them.
john the tinca

Rangers manager Walter Smith has hailed the never-say-die attitude of his players after Sunday's dramatic 3-3 draw with Dundee United.

Smith believes his side have answered questions about their ability to end an epic season in style by emerging from Tannadice with a point.

The Tayside venue has not been a happy hunting ground in recent times, with Craig Levein's men the last side to inflict a domestic defeat when the two clubs met there back in October
john the tinca

Everton match-winner Leon Osman believes the battle for fourth spot with rivals Liverpool could go to the last minute of the last match of the season.

Versatile midfielder Osman bagged his seventh goal of the season to clinch the points against relegated Derby in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.

It was hardly a vintage performance from injury-hit Everton, but it achieved the objective of cutting fourth-placed Liverpool's lead over the Toffees to just three points.

Liverpool's vastly superior goal difference effectively makes their lead four points, but Osman believes that Everton will push their Anfield neighbours right to the limit.
john the tinca

Robin van Persie is back in contention for Arsenal ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield.

The Holland striker had been struggling with a thigh muscle problem and missed the 1-1 Premier League draw against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday but was included on Monday in the 18-man squad which travelled to Merseyside.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger rested several players at the weekend, and is likely to recall leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, Alexander Hleb, Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos to the starting line-up on Tuesday.

Midfielder Abou Diaby is available as his suspension only applies to domestic games, but full-back Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) remain sidelined.
john the tinca

Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant will miss Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final second leg against the Gunners at Anfield on Tuesday.

Pennant sustained a hamstring injury in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at the Emirates and is out of the tie, also delicately balanced at 1-1 after last week's first leg in north London.

Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell are both still long-term injury absentees but otherwise manager Rafael Benitez has a full complement to chose from and will bring back the host of senior players rested for Saturday's match.

Javier Mascherano, suspended for the league clash, is certain to play.
john the tinca

Cardiff boss Dave Jones insists his side have "just as good a chance as Portsmouth" of lifting the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds will arrive at Wembley on May 17 knowing victory would hand them the famous trophy for the first time since 1927 after they brought Barnsley's giant-killing exploits to an end yesterday.

They had local lad Joe Ledley to thank after his early volley proved enough to earn them a 1-0 victory.

Barclays Premier League Pompey were run close by another Coca-Cola Championship side, West Brom, in the other semi-final but will still begin the final as clear favourites.
john the tinca

Afonso Alves has warned that the goals will flow after the Brazilian striker finally broke his duck.

Alves scored a superb double in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, his first goals for Middlesbrough, though he came close against Chelsea the previous weekend hitting both post and bar.

The 27-year-old broke numerous records at previous club Heerenveen in the Dutch leagues where he scored 45 goals in just 39 appearances, and insisted he never had any doubts about making it in the Premier League.
john the tinca

Charlton defender Sam Sodje could miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken toe during Saturday's 2-1 win at Plymouth.


The centre-half, who is on loan from Reading until the end of the campaign, may have played his last game in an Addicks shirt after sustaining the injury during the first half at Home Park.

"We think it's a bad injury. He's broken his toe and suffered some ligament damage so that probably is the last time we will see him this season," said boss Alan Pardew.

"Luckily for me, Madjid Bougherra carried on from where he left off when he was injured, and it was nice for him to get a half under his belt."

Pardew must also decide whether to recall goalkeeper Darren Randolph from his loan spell at Bury, with Nicky Weaver suspended for Saturday's clash with Southampton.

Youngster Rob Elliot made his debut against Argyle after Weaver saw red in only the third minute.
john the tinca

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists that Peter Crouch has played himself into contention to start against Arsenal on Tuesday.


Crouch has started just once in their last six games as Fernando Torres supported by Steven Gerrard has become the preferred option for Benitez.


However, the England striker started against Arsenal on Saturday and scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw.


Now Benitez insists that although Torres and Gerrard have been in scintillating form, Crouch is now very much in the reckoning.
john the tinca

Italy defender Marco Materazzi has accepted a public apology over a claim that he had used vile racist abuse to goad former France captain Zinedine Zidane into headbutting him during the 2006 World Cup final.

The Inter Milan centre-back, who scored Italy's equaliser and one of the crucial match-winning penalties in the shoot-out, was at London's High Court for the settlement of his libel action against Express Newspapers, over articles in the Daily Star.
john the tinca

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech underwent surgery on Sunday following a training ground accident that left him with lacerations to his lip and chin, the club have confirmed.

In a statement on their official website the Stamford Bridge club added: "Petr will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing as soon as possible."

Cech has been out of action since the beginning of March with an ankle injury suffered in training.
john the tinca

Bournemouth's immediate future appears to have been secured after administrator Gerald Krasner revealed he has received two written offers for the club.

An administrators' sale will now take place after attempts to get a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) failed at a meeting with creditors and shareholders this morning.

The two bidders will now hold talks with Krasner and will be given until tomorrow afternoon to alter their bids.

The former Leeds chairman hopes to announce the successful bidder by Wednesday and he confirmed the cash-strapped Cherries should avoid liquidation if one of the bids is accepted.

Deposits of £100,000 have been provided by both consortiums to keep the club running until the end of the season with the unsuccessful bidder refunded their deposit.

Krasner told the club's official website: "Within 20 hours of this meeting I hope to have sold the club."
john the tinca

Arsenal will host European heavyweights Real Madrid, Juventus and Hamburg in the pre-season Emirates Cup in August.

The event, being staged for the second year, will be held on August 2 and 3 at the Emirates Stadium.

"We are delighted at the calibre of the three visiting teams to this year's Emirates Cup," said Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman

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