Something for the weekend April 16, 2015 EAT! THE BULL AND GATE It took its time, but the Bull and Gate in Kentish town finally returns this weekend after a meticulous renovation. Head upstairs to the Boulange Bar for a salubrious mix of velvet upholstery and the finest in British seasonal cooking. bullandgatenw5.co.uk LAUGH! BAC FUNDRAISER Last month’s fire at Battersea Arts [...]
Ballance tips Test towards England win April 16, 2015 BATSMAN Gary Ballance celebrated a century that made up in value what it lacked in fluency after steering England towards probable victory in the first Test against the West Indies last night. Ballance’s resilient 122 helped the tourists to a second-innings tally of 333-7 declared and ultimately a lead of 339 at the end of [...]
Ghosts of Wembley suffering haunt Wenger April 16, 2015 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger has called on his players to learn the lessons of last season’s Wembley ordeals when they face Reading in tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final. The Gunners ultimately ended a nine-year silverware drought by lifting the trophy, but only after being forced to come from behind to beat both second-tier Wigan, on penalties, [...]
Hazard pitted against Kane for PFA awards April 16, 2015 CHELSEA midfielder Eden Hazard and Tottenham striker Harry Kane are both in contention to sweep the board at the PFA Awards after the players’ union revealed this season’s nominations yesterday. Hazard and Kane are among four men shortlisted for both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year honours, along with Manchester [...]
“We’re not happy with being second. That’s not being arrogant, just the belief we have” April 16, 2015 Mike Brown explains to Ross McLean why England believe they can win World Cup ENGLAND full-back Mike Brown is not prepared to sidestep the question of what constitutes the minimum requirement for his side at this autumn’s World Cup on home soil: “Winning it. Winning it or else none of us will be happy.” His [...]
Reading put 30,000 shirts on making history against Arsenal April 16, 2015 READING plan to festoon Wembley with 30,000 blue and white T-shirts tomorrow in the belief that fan power can propel them to a famous win over Arsenal and their first ever FA Cup final. Royals manager Steve Clarke credits a rousing atmosphere at the Madejski Stadium for inspiring his team to a 3-0 victory over [...]
Sego Success can put smile back on Alan King’s face April 16, 2015 BILL ESDAILE PREVIEWS THE BEST OF TOMORROW’S RACING ACTION THERE is just over a week left of the current National Hunt season, which means that opportunities to see the great AP McCoy in action are running out fast. The 41-year-old will be crowned champion jockey for a record-breaking 20th time at Sandown Park next Saturday, [...]
Belardo to stake Guineas claim in Greenham Stakes April 16, 2015 ALTHOUGH the flat season started at the end of March with the Betway Lincoln, this is the week where racing on the level really steps up a gear. The Guineas trials don’t always reveal live Classic contenders but that isn’t true of tomorrow’s Aon Greenham Stakes (2.50pm), which looks like a fantastic race. Richard Hannon’s [...]
Chelsea and Man United set to share the spoils in west London April 16, 2015 BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEWS CHELSEA V MAN UTD AND THE WEEKEND’S FA CUP SEMI-FINALS IF MANCHESTER United can come away from the sternest of fortnights with six points from matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, then their supporters might dare to dream of more than just a Champions League place and a pinch of restored pride. [...]
FA Cup big guns look to have safe passage to the final April 16, 2015 FOLLOWING what has become a trademark poor start to the season, Arsenal fans can’t have too many complaints as the campaign draws to a close. The team is closing in on successive FA Cup trophies and, after eight straight league wins, hold on to the slim hope they can catch Chelsea in the race for [...]