Van der Sar Extends United Stay

By Danny Wright

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a one year contract extension.

The 37-year-old was expected to retire after next summer's European Championships, however the Dutch stopper has agreed a deal that will keep him at the club till June 2009.

Van der Sar will now face Ben Foster in a tussle for the United number one shirt, with the later currently on his way back from a lengthy knee injury.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the competetion will be a good thing for the club.

"He is the number one at the moment, so he has a chance being number one next season, but obviously Ben Foster will be back from injury next year, so that's great for competition," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

"You can't guarantee players a position and say that they are definitely going to be in your team. I'm sure Edwin will want to be number one though,"

"That's why he signed his contract. I'm also sure that Ben will give him a good challenge," he added.

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The Mid-week Review

By Danny Wright

Carling Cup quarter finals were completed over the mid-week period to warm us up for the jam-packed festive football fare coming up in the next few weeks. The Christmas crackers began at Eastlands where Tottenham overcame Manchester City in a fiery, controversial encounter. Jermaine Defoe – making a rare start in Robbie Keane’s absence – rounded off a neat passing move to give Spurs the lead; however the out-of-favour England man was substituted after just 20 minutes following Didier Zokora’s sending off. The Ivorian lunged at City playmaker Elano with two feet and studs showing, and despite taking the ball and avoiding contact, Steve Bennett hastily brandished a red card. What smacked of double standards was Steed Malbranque’s horror challenge on Corluka went unpunished, the tackle seemingly worse than his colleague’s challenge moments earlier. The numerical advantage favoured City who piled forward in search of an equaliser, however they were to be denied by two fantastic saves from Paul Robinson, the England man foiling Darius Vassell and Bianchi. This left the Blues exposed at the back in the later stages and when Belgian star Dimitar Berbatov and Jamie O'Hara combined to set Malbranque away, the Frenchman finished the game with a cool finish. The win ended Sven’s 100% home record, and Spurs now face bitter rivals Arsenal in the semi final.

Arsenal overcame their North West away day jitters to see off Blackburn 3-2 after extra time at Ewood Park. Arsene Wenger’s young guns showed a gritty side not usually associated with the Gunners to earn the win, and the youngsters looked like winning the tie comfortably when they took a quick-fire lead through Abou Diaby and Eduardo. However, Roque Santa Cruz rallied for Rovers, the Paraguayan grabbing two goals of his own to level the tie. Denilson saw red for a horror challenge on David Dunn, the tackle another example of the worrying increase of rash tackles being made of late. The visitor’s weren’t dettered though as Eduardo finished off a slick passing move in added time to send the Gunner’s through.

Chelsea cruised past Liverpool to book their place in the semi-finals, the holders never really breaking sweat to beat Rafa Benetiz’s side. Frank Lampard atoned for an earlier miss with a deflected goal; meanwhile Crouch saw red, for yet another ill-mannered challenge, this time Jon Obi Mikel feeling the force of some over-zealous defensive work. Lampooned striker Andriy Shevchenko book a semi-final date with Everton, his goal sealing the win in the 90^th minute as the League Cup winners took a step closer to retaining their crown.

Chelsea’s semi-final opponents Everton take on AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night in the UEFA Cup, with David Moyes leaving out senior stars Tim Howard, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Yakubu and Joseph Yobo. The Toffees are in a rich vein of form at the moment and have already qualified as Group A winners, so Moyes decided to leave his main men at home ahead of the trip to the Netherlands. The hosts need a win to progress.

Bolton qualified to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup thanks to Bayern Munich’s 6-0 demolition of Salonika, but the Trotters slip to third following Braga’s 2-0 win over Red Star Belgrade, which now means Bolton now face one of the group stage winners in the last 32.

Semi-Final Draw:

Chelsea v Everton
Arsenal v Tottenham

Ties to be played across two legs, week commencing 7^th and 21^st January.

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The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

‘Grand Slam Sunday’ turned out to be a tepid, cagey occasion in which there were wins for Manchester United and Arsenal, defeating Liverpool and Chelsea by a 1-0 score line respectively, the football on show somewhat undermining the hyperbole pumped out by Sky over the past week. In a gritty encounter on a glum Merseyside Carlos Tevez effort was enough to sink Liverpool, meanwhile William Gallas’ header against his former club punished Peter Cech’s error to give the Gunners the win. In fairness, the Arsenal Chelsea encounter was a far more engrossing fare, with Cech compensating for his earlier error and Manuel Almunia pulling out the stops to help Wenger’s men earn the win. John Terry is set out be for a spell on the sidelines, the England captain on the receiving end of a cynical Emmanuel Eboue challenge.

The weekend’s more entertaining games were reserved for Saturday’s football, with Wigan and Blackburn sharing an incredible eight goals at the JJB Stadium, the home side coming up trumps with a 5-3 win. Denny Landzaat got the ball rolling after just ten minutes meanwhile Marcus Bent headed his first of three. Paul Scharner then nodded the Latics into dream land and put them 3-0 up, however the game was far from over despite a Benni McCarthy penalty miss thanks to the efforts of Roque Santa Cruz, who’s superb hat-trick gave Rovers a lifeline. The drama was just beginning though as Mark Clattenburg controversially sent off Brett Emerton and the ref’s assistants failed to a spot a suspicion of offside in the build up to Bent’s second. The Everton man then sealed the win and gave manager Steve Bruce his first three points as Wigan manager.

A further six goals were shared at Eastlands where Manchester City preserved their 100% home record in the Premier League by beating Bolton 4-2. Rolando Bianchi punished some slack Bolton defending to give City the lead but the nation’s favourite El Hadj Diouf levelled. Kevin Nolan notched an excellent goal to give Bolton the lead however City were determined not to blemish their home copy book as Didi Hamann’s effort deflected in off Lubo Michalik, and the Blues retook the lead when Darius Vassell scored. The visitors’ pushed hard for a leveller and were always vulnerable to the counter-attack and their lax defending cost them dear as Kelvin Etuhu’s late effort sealed the win.

Everton beat West Ham for the second time in a week as Yakubu and Andy Johnson combined to sink the unlucky Hammers, 2-0 the final sore at the Boleyn Ground, meanwhile Tottenham picked up a much needed win at Portsmouth thanks to Dimitar Berbatov’s strike. The goal was Berbatov’s first since October and Spurs’ first away win of the season.

Middlesborough lifted the “pressure” surrounding manager Gareth Southgate by notching their second win on the spin, Derby on the receiving end of a thumping Tuncay effort in a 1-0 win at Pride Park. The defeat leaves the Rams propping up the league, Paul Jewell’s men trailing 19th place Wigan by six points. Fulham’s festive prospects also look bleak as they were sunk by a late Joey Barton penalty that gave Newcastle a priceless win. A dour affair came into life when Elliot Omozusi was adjudged to have fouled Alan Smith in the 90th minute, controversial midfielder Barton scoring his first goal for the club.

Sunderland came close to unearthing a much needed win but were foiled by Shaun Maloney’s sublime free-kick as Aston Villa snatched a point in a 1-1 draw. Craig Gardiner was lucky to be on the pitch after a horror challenge on Dwight Yorke, the Villa midfielder kon-fu-kicking the T&T start right in the midriff - referee Steve Bennett deemed a caution sufficient punishment. Danny Higginbottom headed the Black Cats in front but Maloney rescued a point when his set-piece wrong footed keeper Darren Ward, although manager Roy Keane will be furious the way Paul McShane needlessly conceded the decisive free-kick.

Birmingham found Marcus Hahnemann an impenetrable force as Alex McLeish’s men could only draw 1-1 with Reading. Mikel Forssell bundled his way through after four minutes but the Blues couldn’t get past the big American, who saved from Cameron Jerome to keep the scores level. The woodwork also denied Birmingham who were denied by Stephen Hunt’s penalty kick.

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The Mid-week Review

By Danny Wright

Liverpool completed a miraculous turn around of their Champions League fortunes to qualify for the knock out stages. A 4-0 win over Marseille on Tuesday night saw the Reds qualify in second place in Group A, a situation that seemed far from likely three weeks ago as Liverpool languished fourth in the group with just one point to their name. A ferocious start from both sides saw the challenges go flying in and the game rose to a boil, however Steven Gerrard's spot kick settled the visitors and there was no looking back from then on; Fernando Torres showed great poise and power to score a superb individual goal, meanwhile Dirk Kuyt notched a third to put Liverpool is cruise control. Ryan Babel capped a terrific display with a fourth goal to send the Reds through in style.

Rangers crashed into the UEFA Cup places with a disappointing home defeat to Lyon. Needing just a point to qualify, things got off to a disastrous start when the visitors took the lead through Sidney Govou, who finished from close range. Lyon came with the intention to attack and did just that by spurning further chances, sealing the game with two late strikes from Karim Benzema. The UEFA Cup provides some consolation for Rangers; however Walter Smith's men will be bitterly disappointed with their fate having amassed 7 points from their opening three games.

Arsenal beat Steaua Bucharest 2-1 at the Emirates but still managed to finish second in Group H. Jens Lehmann made a rare start for the Gunners who had one eye on Sunday's clash with Chelsea, making a handful of changes that meant Arsene Wenger's fringe players were given a run-out; the second string didn't disappoint as they took the lead through Abou Diaby and Nicklas Bendtner added a second. Steaua offered little but mustered a consolation through Dorel Zaharia.

A much changed Manchester United side drew 1-1 with Roma; however off the field incidents marred the encounter as five visiting United fans were stabbed in violent exchanges prior to the clash. Trouble erupted in both legs of the tie in April of this year, but reports claim things inside the stadium were comparatively calm this time around. The composure in the stands transferred onto the pitch as a dull first half was ignited by Gerard Pique’s goal, the Spaniard's second Champions League goal. Mancini thumped home a leveler in the second half as Roma then hit the woodwork, however the result will seem some irrelevant in light of the violent clashes outside the Stadio Olimpico.

Chelsea completed their group games with a tepid 0-0 draw against Valencia. Avram Grant's men wasted a handful of chances and were denied by a combination of visiting keeper Santiago Canizares and the woodwork; the Spaniard denied Frank Lampard, Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro meanwhile Joe Cole hit a post and Solomon Kalou rattled an effort against the cross-bar when it seemed easier to score. It mattered little though as Valencia seldom threatened Peter Cech's goal, with the Blues already safely through to the next stage.

In the solitary Carling Cup tie taking place on Wednesday, Everton snatched a semi-final berth from West Ham right at the death. Carlton Cole scored a rare goal to put the Hammers in the lead, but the Toffees responded through Leon Osman and hitman Yakubu capitalised on a horrible mix-up between Rob Green and Danny Gabbidon to give Everton the win in the 88th minute, 2-1 the final score.

Also on the domestic scene, five FA Cup second round replays took place on Tuesday night, with Midlands outfit Chasetown upsetting Port Vale 1-0 in what proved to be the shock of the round. Luke Rodgers missed two penalties - blazing one high over the bar and having the second saved by Lee Evans - as Vale dominated, however in a rare foray forward Danny Smith headed a historic goal for the non-league side, who now take on Cardiff at the Scholars Ground in the next round.

Elsewhere, Southend dispatched Oxford with a 3-0 win and Walsall come up trumps in the all-League Two affair, defeating Northampton 1-0 at the Bescott. Barnet ended Burton Albion's cup dreams - beating Nigel Clough's men 1-0 at Underhill - and cash-strapped Luton picked up a much-needed win over Nottingham Forest to earn a third round berth and a January pay-day against Liverpool on the Sky cameras; the Hatters players' haven't been paid for several weeks and the 1-0 triumph over Forest will provide a £250,000 windfall for the club come the new year.

Three Championship matches were on the menu on Tuesday night as strugglers QPR picked up a vital three points Burnley, 2-0 the final score at Turfmoor, with Cardiff beating Blackpool 1-0. Ipswich extended their impressive home record with a 3-1 win over Leicester.

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Bye Bye Boruc

By Danny Wright

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc has revealed he wants to leave the club in the summer.

The Polish international's contract runs out in 2009 but reports in the Herald claim Boruc plans to leave sooner.

“I have decided I am going to leave Celtic in the summer,”

“Celtic want more than £10million for me but I think it is too much,” he added.

Boruc is currently out of the side due to a knee injury, however an operation on the injury has proved to be a successful one and the 27-year-old is targeting the Old Firm derby against Rangers on January 2nd as his return match.

“The operation went very well and I should be back next month,”

"I cannot say for certain that I will be back for the game against Rangers but I will try really hard to be back in time because I enjoy playing in these games.”

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The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright

Liverpool were upset by a buoyant Reading side at the Madejski. With one eye on Tuesday’s crunch clash with Marseille, Liverpool were all at sea as a much changed side – fielding youngster Jack Hobbs at centre half – slumped to defeat. It was Hobbs’ experienced partner Jamie Carragher who was found wanting at the early stages though as he karate-kicked Brynjar Gunnarsson to give Reading a penalty. There were questions as to whether the foul take place in or outside the box, but Stephen Hunt had no such qualms about dispatching the resultant spot-kick, the Liverpool players looking very non-plussed indeed. Steven Gerrard hauled the Reds level but the Royals seized the initiative in the second half with Kevin Doyle glancing past Pepe Reina, and James Harper rounding the beleaguered keeper to add a fine third. Gerrard almost burst into tears when he was substituted for Ryan Babel late in the day, the ‘world class’ midfielder seemingly thinking he is too good to be brought off; although Rafa Benetiz’s decision did seem a bizarre one when they were trying to get back into the game.

Newcastle picked up a much needed and a much deserved win over Birmingham. The Blues thought their dream start under the management of Alex McLeish was going to continue when a long ball forward was dispatched by Cameron Jerome, who caught out a flat footed David Rozehnal to take the lead. Newcastle weren’t deterred though, and, spurred on by boisterous (non-violent) support and Sam Allardyce’s funky head-gear; they chalked up an equaliser from Obefami Martins’ fortunate spot kick. The Magpies plugged away and it looked like their luck was out when James Milner rattled the cross bar, but they persevered and were rewarded in the final minute when Habib Beye nodded home from an Emre corner. The win comes as a big boost to Newcastle, who now have four points from two on the back of a useful draw against Arsenal.

Manchester United cruised past sorry Derby with a 4-1 win at a rainy Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs scored his 100th league goal to get the ball rolling; meanwhile Carlos Tevez hit a handy double to put the result beyond all doubt. Derby powerhouse Steve Howard bundled home his first Premiership goal, their first away from Pride Park this season but Ronaldo was on hand to dispatch a spot kick he won for himself with a dive. Chelsea cruised past Sunderland 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to keep up the pressure on United and leaders Arsenal, Andriy Shevchenko and Frank Lampard on hand to complete the win. The Black Cats had Liam Miller sent off and left record buy Craig Gordon on the bench in favour of 33-year-old veteran Darren Ward, with manager Roy Keane telling Gordon he is happy for the keeper to have a mid-season holiday – “as long as he doesn't go out in a canoe.”

Everton demolished sorry Fulham 3-0 at Goodinson Park to continue the Cottagers away day woes, the run extended to 25-games without a win. The classy Toffees carried on where they left off from Wednesday’s win over Zenit St Petersburg and put Fulham under lots of early pressure, forcing Anti Niemi into some outstanding saves to keep the scores level. The break through came in the second half though, Yakubu scoring his first of three goals with a tepid left foot effort that crawled over the line. The Nigerian hit man then struck again with a glancing header and the £11m buy completed his ‘perfect’ hat-trick with a text book finish. Lawrie Sanchez’s men seldom troubled the Everton goal, their only real chance coming from Danny Murphy whose shot was saved well by Tim Howard.

Aston Villa were defeated 3-1 by Portsmouth at Villa Park, but Martin O’Neil’s men can feel aggrieved that they didn’t get anything out of the game. Villa fell behind when Craig Gardner prodded past a beleaguered Scott Carson, who was no doubt going into cold sweats at the sight of Croat Niko Kranjcar. Martin Laursen must have also been feeling uneasy as he inexplicably headed wide two glorious chances to turn the game, as Sully Muntari thumped Pompey ahead with a delicious left footed strike. In fairness Villa dominated but couldn’t convert as Muntari struck again in the second half, a terrific hit finishing off a fine passing move to seal the game for Harry Redknapp and his men. Papa Bouba Diop entered the Miss of the Season competition as he failed to convert with the goal at his mercy; meanwhile Gareth Barry notched a late consolation with a belated penalty kick.

Arsenal went down to their first defeat of the season at Middlesborough, 2-1 the final score at the Riverside. The home side were in need of a win and they got just that when Gareth Southgate’s strugglers raised their game to stun a lacklustre Arsenal. Kolo Toure tripped Jermaine Aliadiere to give Boro a penalty, which Stuart Downing tucked home to send his side on their way. Tuncay grabbed his second goal in as many goals to hand Boro the fire, his shot finding the roof of the net as Tomas Rosicky notched a late consolation.

Bolton thrashed fellow strugglers Wigan at the Reebok 4-1 to lift Gary Megon’s men out of the bottom three. Paul Scharner gifted Lancashire rivals Bolton an early goal, the home side thinking Christmas had come very early indeed. Denny Landzaat looked to give the Latics a reprieve with an equaliser however the visitors soon capitulated in a scruffy game as Kevin Nolan, Kevin Davies and Nicolas Anelka killed the hand Megson a priceless three points.

And finally, Tottenham bounced back from their defeat to Birmingham by beating a descending Man City 2-1 and Dean Ashton’s tap in was enough for West Ham to beat Blackburn 1-0 at Ewood.

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Almunia for England?

By Danny Wright

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has not ruled out the possibility of playing for England.

The Spaniard has yet to be capped by his native country and could play for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland if he were granted dual nationality.

The England number one is by no means set in stone at the moment following Paul Robinson's recent form and Scott Carson's shaky debut against Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifying, meaning the prestigious jersey is well and truly up for grabs.

"If I can lend England a hand once the time comes for me to be eligible - and I want to thank the country for the support it has shown me - I don't see why I shouldn't play for them. I don't rule it out," Almunia told El Mundo.

The 30-year-old has made 19 starts for Arsenal this season, and has kept a disgruntled Jens Lehmann out of the Gunners side following the Germans’ shaky start to the season.

Alumina arrived in England three years ago from Celta Vigo and is keen to repay the affection shown towards him by helping the national side.

"I would never close the door on people who have shown me so much affection," he added.

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Lehmann Must Leave Gunners - Kahn

by Danny Wright

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has told rival Jens Lehmann he must leave Arsenal in order to resurrect his flagging international career.

Lehmann has been out of the Arsenal side since August, with Manuel Almunia deputising for the out-spoken German.

The 38-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg known to be interested in the former Borussia Dortmund stopper.

Lehmann has himself hinted at a move away from London and wants to be involved in Germany's Euro 2008 campaign; however Kahn doesn't believe that will happen if his rival doesn't play regular football.

“Jens Lehmann's services to the national team have been impeccable, but you can't play in a European Championship when you are not in the team," Khan told DSF.

Kahn and Lehmann have not seen eye-to-eye over the years and have enjoyed a well publicised duel for the national number one shirt, but it appears Kahn believes regular football will be good for his adversary, adding:

"That's why it would be best for him to go and play where he will be in the team."

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The Mid-week Review

by Danny Wright

Everton go through to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Cup after they beat Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 at a boisterous Goodison Park. The game was given extra spice following visiting manager’s Dick Advocat’s comments about the Toffees style of play, branding them a “long ball team” and “physical,” and David Moyes’ men refuted the claims perfectly as piled on the pressure from the early stages. The troublesome Mikel Arteta almost broke the deadlock after two minutes, his effort cleared on the line meanwhile Nicolas Lombaerts was harshly sent off for a suspicious looking handball. Arteta blazed the resulting spot kick over the bar but Everton weren’t deterred as the Spaniard brought the best out of Vyacheslav Malafeev from a free kick and Lee Casrley struck the upright.

Pavel Pogrebniak and Konstantin Zyrianov wasted good chances for Zenit as Everton struggled to break down the ten men of the Russian side in the second half, but the breakthrough finally came when Tim Cahill pounced on a lose ball from a corner. The result, combined with Nuremburg’s 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar, means the Toffees go through as winners of Group A and avoid the Champions League fall-out in the new year.

On Tuesday night Celtic also progressed through to the next stage of their respective competition, a defeat in Milan enough to send into the knock out phase of the Champions League. Filippo Inzaghi’s record breaking strike was enough to condemn Celtic to a 1-0 defeat as AC looked to top the group with aplomb, dominating the encounter as the Bhoys held on. News of Benfica’s 2-1 over Shakhtar Donetsk filtered through the San Siro, and despite the defeat Celtic progressed in second place. The news provides a big boost to Scottish football, with rivals Rangers in a healthy position to qualify next week.

In the Premiership Newcastle turned the form book on its head to a snatch a useful point of high-flying Arsenal. On the back of back-to-back defeats to Blackburn and Liverpool respectively, Newcastle needed a result to lift the gloom around St James Park, however things couldn’t have got off to a wore start as Emmanuel Adebayor put the Gunners ahead after four minutes with a stunning volley. The home side rallied, and buoyed by a lively crowd, gradually came back into proceedings as Geremi and Charles N'Zogbia went close. The Newcastle hero proved to be an unlikely one as local lad Steven Taylor rescued a point with a fine low strike in the second half. The result provides under-fire manager Sam Allardyce with a much need reprieve, with the Magpies now facing winnable ties against Birmingham, Fulham and Derby in the next three weeks.

A win would have taken Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premiership, and they will rue the missed opportunity as Manchester United beat Fulham at a canter on Monday night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s double proving enough to earn the win. Disappointingly for the Portuguese trickster, he was booked for diving following a clash with Cottagers keeper Anti Niemi.

Elsewhere across the land Championship action took centre stage, as Barnsley, Bristol City, Charlton, Watford, Norwich, Preston, Crystal Palace, Stoke and Coventry all picked up wins, with Blackpool tying with Scunthorpe on Monday night.

Tonight, Bolton take on Red Star Belgrade needing a win meanwhile Tottenham travel to Anderlecht in UEFA Cup action.

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Harper & Given Reject Rift Claims

by Danny Wright

Newcastle goalkeepers Steve Harper and Shay Given have rubbished claims regarding a rift between manager Sam Allardyce and senior players at the club.

Reports in the media had suggested key players at the club were planning a revolt, but the Magpies’ goalkeepers have poured cold water on the issue and say they are in full support of their manager.

“The story that has appeared is total and utter nonsense. Sam Allardyce has the full backing and support of every Newcastle United player and we are all working together as one to bring success to the football club,” the pair told Sky Sports News.

Newcastle are experiencing a lull in form of late despite making a good start to the season, and they face a tough test against Arsenal tomorrow on the back of defeats to Blackburn and Liverpool respectively.

This has inevitably lead to pressure being piled on Allardyce, who has been cited as the man to take the long-suffering club forward and bring silverware to St James Park.

The two also slammed claims about so-called ‘player power’ at the club, explaining communication between playing staff and the manager took place via a players committee.

"Far from that being "player power" or any other ridiculous description, this is sensible and constructive communication and a key part of the process of helping to build a stronger football club which will take us forward,”

"It is fair to say both of us are absolutely furious at what we have read today. It is mischief-making of the highest order and appears designed to unsettle everyone on the eve of our big game against Arsenal on Wednesday night."

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The Weekend Round-up

by Danny Wright
The FA Cup Second Round got under way in earnest this weekend, and League Two Peterborough taught non-league Staines a lesson in finishing, 5-0 the final score at Wheatsheaf Park. Having dumped Stockport out in the last round, the hosts were in a confident mood ahead the visit of Posh, however their cup dreams soon crumbled as four goals from Craig Mackail-Smith helped Darren Ferguson’s men on their way to a healthy win. Shaun Allaway did his best to keep the score down by pulling off some fine saves, but it wasn’t enough as Aaron McLean sealed a comfortable win for Boro.

Bristol Rovers also hit five goals but they were given a real scare by Blue Square Premier (Conference) side Rusden and Diamonds at the Memorial Ground, a 50-yard cross-cum-shot from Marcus Kelly deceiving home keeper Steve Phillips to give Rusden the lead. The Pirates soon hit back though as the heavens opened, with Andy Williams, Craig Disley, Craig Hinton and a brace from Rickie Lambert completing a 5-1 win.

At the Coral Windows Stadium – that’s Valley Parade to me and you – Bradford succumbed to a convincing 3-0 defeat to Tranmere, meanwhile across Yorkshire Huddersfield dashed Grimsby’s hopes with a routine win by the same score. Hartlepool were left red-faced by giant-killing Hereford, 2-0 to the home side at Edgar Street as Havant and Waterlooville upset the apple-cart to beat Notts County 1-0 at Meadow Lane. It is the first time the non-league minnows have ever reached the Third Round proper.

Cambridge saw off Weymouth and Bury beat Exeter, Millwall, Brighton, Oldham and Dagenham and Redbridge also picking up wins to go into the Third Round pot. Elsewhere, replays are to be played between Burton Albion and Barnet, Northampton and Walsall and Oxford and Southend.

Harrogate Railway’s cup run came to on an end on the BBC cameras as they were defeated by Mansfield Town 3-2 at Station View. In an entertaining game the Stags took the lead through Gareth Jellyman with Michael Boulding increasing their advantage. Railway hit back though in the second half, Danny Davidson the scorer only for Boulding to strike away. Harrogate piled on the pressure and rewarded with another Davidson goal, but the visitor’s held on to book a Third Round date with Brighton & Hove Albion. Port Vale and Chasetown are set to replay after a 1-1 draw at Vale Park.

In the Premiership Aston Villa were defeated by the incumbent Arsenal at Villa Park, the visitors going five points clear at the top of the Premiership. Villa had taken a surprise early lead following Craig Gardner’s surprise effort but Mathieu Flamini hit back with a riffled effort, and powerhouse Emmanuel Adebayor nodded what proved to be the winner. The home side rallied in the second half and John Carew whacked the bar with a thumping header but the Gunners held on to claim a priceless away win.

Chelsea are next line behind the imperious Gunners after they beat West Ham 1-0 in a tight affair at Stamford Bridge. The Blues had Joe Cole to thank for the win as his tidy finish was enough to give Chelsea the points to lift Avram Grant’s men further up the table. Manchester United can leap frog Chelsea on Monday, should they beat Fulham at Old Trafford.

Wigan ended their eight-game loosing strike with a useful point against high-flying Manchester City. Steve Bruce’s reign couldn’t have got off to a worse start though when Titus Bramble’s miss-kick allowed Geovanni to stroll through and score after just thirty seconds. Paul Scharner saved the day for the Latics with a powerful first-half header as the home side had a loud penalty shout turned down, however they finished the game with ten men after Mario Melchoit lunged at Stephen Ireland.

Another new manager in the hot seat this weekend was Paul Jewell, who made his return to this week after being appointed Derby boss in light of Billy Davies’ sacking. There was to be no fairy tale start here either as the Rams went down to an unfortunate Antony Stokes goal at Sunderland, the young Irishman scrabbling home a headed effort that was brilliantly saved by Steven Bywater. Roy Keane made several changes to the side thrashed by Everton last week, including record buy Craig Gordon who had to be content with a place on the bench in place of Darren Ward.

Troubled Harry Redknapp couldn’t end the week on a high as his Portsmouth played out a dour stalemate against Everton. Reading and Middlesborough tied 1-1 at the Madejski, a near punch up between Royals Marcus Hahnemann and Ibrahima Sonko the only worthy incident of note.

David Bentley piled the misery on Newcastle and Sam Allardyce as Blackburn defeated a beleaguered United 3-1 at Ewood. Obefami Martins headed the Toon ahead but Bentley struck with two fine strikes to set Rovers on their way as Tugay sealed the win with a typically classy finished. The Magpies had chances but wasted them as their inability to defend cost them dear.
Liverpool cruised past Bolton to return to the top four, 4-0 the final score at Anfield meanwhile Birmingham upset Tottenham with a thrilling 3-2 win at White Hart Lane on Alex McLeish’s managerial debut for the Blues. Gary McSheffery put Birmingham ahead from the spot but two a quick fire double from Robbie Keane put Spurs in control. Keane’s joy then turned to pain as he was controversially sent off for a tackle on Fabrice Muamba and things got worse for Tottenham when Cameron Jerome slotted a tidy finish and Seb Larsson notched a terrific injury time winner.

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Sorensen On His Way?

by Danny Wright

Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen could be on his way to Middlesbrough in January, according to the Daily Mail.

The out-of-favour stopper has apparently turned down two German sides to pave the way for a move to Gareth Southgate's men in the upcoming transfer window.

The Dane - who has lost his place to on-loan Scott Carson - rejected a switch to Wolfsburg and another unknown Bundesliga outfit and now is believed to be on his way to Teeside to revive his faltering career.

Boro are currently without first choice Mark Schwarzer and back-up Brad Jones, so Sorensen's arrival could provide some much needed goalkeeping cover for Southgate's side.

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