Zola hoping Franco factor gives Hammers cup boost September 21, 2009 NEW West Ham signing Guillermo Franco is set to be thrust into action as Gianfranco Zola looks to ignite his side’s stuttering start to the season in the Carling Cup. The Hammers have struggled thus far in the Premier League, winning one from five, and sit just above the drop zone on goal difference. Franco, [...]
Benitez wary of Leeds threat September 21, 2009 LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is refusing to underestimate tonight’s Carling Cup opponents Leeds. Despite their current standing in League One, Benitez is expecting a difficult contest. He said: “We know it’ll be tough. It’s a massive club despite the division they are in.” Reds defenders Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger are back in contention following [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF September 21, 2009 Flower’s Pietersen hopes wiltCRICKET: England coach Andy Flower admits star batsman Kevin Pietersen may miss this winter’s tour of South Africa through injury. The 29-year-old batsman is currently recovering from Achilles surgery but a subsequent infection in the area has slowed his rehabilitation. “We’re still taking it day by day,” said Flower. “We’re still not [...]
Owen strikes late to snatch derby spoils September 20, 2009 SEETHING Manchester City manager Mark Hughes railed at referee Martin Atkinson after seeing his side sunk in arguably the most scintillating Manchester derby ever by Michael Owen’s controversial last-gasp strike. Hughes was fuming after substitute Owen steered home the winning goal in the 96th minute, despite Atkinson having indicated there would be only four minutes [...]
Drogba dazzles but injury mars milestone victory September 20, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his side can cope without Didier Drogba after the talismanic striker was carried off in the win over London rivals Tottenham. Drogba continued his impressive early season form, setting up Ashley Cole for the opener and scoring himself to seal a club-record 11th successive Premier League victory that keeps Chelsea [...]
Murray: GB not good enough September 20, 2009 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray refused to commit to Davis Cup duty after defeat to Poland saw Great Britain relegated to the competition’s third tier. Murray won his second singles match to set up a decider, only for 19-year-old debutant Dan Evans to lose in straight sets to Polish No2 Michal Przysiezny. World No3 Murray’s commitment [...]
Fulham slain by Wolves September 20, 2009 FULHAM boss Roy Hodgson blasted a sloppy performance after slipping to a fourth defeat in six games. Summer signing Kevin Doyle headed his first goal for Wolves to open the scoring after 18 minutes, and midfielder David Edwards rattled in a second just after half time. Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy pulled one back from the [...]
Police quiz Rover Diouf September 20, 2009 BLACKBURN forward El-Hadji Diouf was quizzed by police over allegations he racially abused a ball-boy in yesterday’s 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park. The controversial Senegal international, 28, was allegedly involved in a flare-up during the first half of a convincing Everton victory. Striker Louis Saha netted twice in what was only the Toffees’ second win [...]
Floyd returns with a win September 20, 2009 SIX-TIME world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr refused to rule out a match-up with welterweight king Shane Mosley following an impressive comeback win over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. Mayweather, fresh from stretching his unblemished record to 40 fights with a unanimous points victory over Marquez, had a face-off with Mosley during his post-fight [...]
England avoid Australia ODI whitewash September 20, 2009 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss has urged his side to change their attitude and play without fear in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, despite dodging a series whitewash against Australia. Graeme Swann starred with a five-wicket haul as England limped to a four-wicket win at the Riverside that was sufficient to avoid a [...]