Football League round-up

SPL match postponed

Scottish League review

FA write to Ferguson and Queiroz

Yeovil sign Christophe

Brenford appoint Bullivant

Davies installed at Chester

Burns faces new cancer scare

McGarry signs new deal

Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool beat 10-man Inter Milan at the San Siro to go through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League 0-3 on aggregate.

The big game in the Championship saw table toppers Bristol City and promotion chasing Watford play out a goalless draw at Ashton Gate. Darius Henderson could have won it for the visitors but saw his spot-kick saved by Adriano Basso. Elsewhere, Stoke City won 0-1 at Norwich City to move into second place, Sheffield Wednesday are out of the bottom three after coming from behind to beat bottom club Colchester United 1-2 at Layer Road while Leicester City dropped into the relegation zone after Stern John struck to give Southampton a 1-0 win over the hapless Foxes at St Mary’s Stadium.

In League One, Tranmere Rovers earned a 1-1 draw against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, Carlisle United earned their fifth consecutive victory by beating Luton Town 2-1 at Brunton Park and struggling Cheltenham Town boosted their survival hopes with a 1-2 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Peterborough United returned to the top of League Two with a 1-2 win at Brentford while the bottom two both lost - Wycombe Wanderers beat visitors Wrexham 2-1 while Hereford United beat Mansfield Town 0-1 at Field Mill.

This evening’s Scottish Premier League game between Gretna and St Mirren at Fir Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Scottish First Division leaders Hamilton Academical were held to a 1-1 draw by Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park. This allowed second-placed Dundee to close the gap to three points with a game in hand after a 2-0 victory over 10-man Livingston at Dens Park. St Johnstone maintained their unbeaten home record with a 2-1 success over Queen of the South at McDiarmid Park and Clyde and Greenock Morton drew 1-1 at Broadwood Stadium.

Second Division leaders Ross County slumped to a surprise 2-4 home defeat against Ayr United and there were nine goals at Shielfield Park where Cowdenbeath beat Berwick Rangers 4-5 - with Denis McLaughlin scoring four for the Blue Brazilians.

Forfar Athletic climbed off the foot of the Third Division with a 1-0 win against Arbroath at Station Park.

The Football Association has written to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant Carlos Queiroz to ask them to explain their comments made after the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth at Old Trafford. Both men criticised referee Martin Atkinson while Ferguson was also highly critical of Professional Game Match Officials Board manager Keith Hackett for his apparent lack of action in dealing with under-performing officials. Both parties have until March 19 to respond.

Yeovil Town have signed 20-year-old Portsmouth midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe on a month’s loan.

Brentford have appointed former player and coach Terry Bullivant as their new assistant manager.

Chester City have appointed 33-year-old Simon Davies as their manager until the end of the season. The former youth team boss told Chester’s website: “I am as pleased as Punch to have been given the job, and I am pleased that the club’s owner has given me the opportunity.”

Celtic have confirmed that first-team coach Tommy Burns is to receive continued cancer treatment. The 51-year-old was diagnosed as suffering from a melanoma in March 2006 and had responded well to treatment.

Motherwell midfielder Steven McGarry has agreed a new deal, tying him to the Fir Park club until the summer of 2010.

Nathan Davies

MK Dons back on top

York beat Exeter

FA charge Blackburn

Saints discipline duo

Gretna move towards administration

The draw for the FA Cup semi-final has been made. Barnsley tackle Championship rivals Cardiff City while West Bromwich Albion face Portsmouth - the only Premier League club left in the competition. The semi-finals will take place at Wembley Stadium on April 5 and 6.

Milton Keynes Dons went back to the top of League Two with a 1-2 win over Chesterfield at the Recreation Ground.

In the Blue Square Premier, York City beat Exeter City 3-2 at Kit Kat Crescent.

The Football Association have charged Blackburn Rovers with “failing to ensure that their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” during their 0-1 victory against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on March 1. The charge relates to an incident involving Newcastle defender Habib Beye and Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen tussled over who had been awarded a throw-in which led to a mass confrontation involving both benches. Both players received yellow cards at the time. Blackburn have until 25th March to respond to the charge.

Southampton have disciplined Nathan Dyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips after footage reportedly taken from a Portsmouth nightspot’s CCTV cameras in the early hours of February 28 emerged in a newspaper. Allegations of theft have also been made, and the club are now awaiting details of a police inquiry.

Gretna have begun formal proceedings to move into administration after illness to owner Brooks Mileson has cut off his significant contributions.

Nathan Davies

Baggies hit five

Premier League round-up

Wrexham beat Chester

Holland given caretaker role

Scottish Cup round-up

Championship side Cardiff City sensationally reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Premier League side Middlesbrough 0-2 at the Riverside Stadium with first-half goals from Peter Whittingham and Roger Johnson. The later game saw Ishmael Miller bag a hat-trick as West Bromwich Albion of the Championship beat League One outfit Bristol Rovers 1-5 at the Memorial Stadium.

There were three Premier League games today. Arsenal dropped two points after being held to a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium, Everton won 0-1 at Sunderland thanks to a second-half effort from Andy Johnson and Tottenham Hotspur beat West Ham United 4-0 at White Hart Lane - the third time in eight days that the Hammers have conceded four goals with no reply. To make matters worse for Alan Curbishley’s men, they had Luis Boa Morte sent-off before half-time for a second bookable offence.

In League Two, bottom-placed Wrexham gained a crucial three points in their bid to avoid relegation with a 0-2 victory against local rivals Chester City at the Deva Stadium. Paul Hall and Michael Proctor scored for the visitors.

Mansfield Town have named assistant boss Paul Holland as caretaker manager following Billy Dearden’s departure by mutual consent after the 0-4 drubbing by Rochdale at Field Mll yesterday. Goalkeeper Carl Muggleton and youth coach Ivan Hollett will assist Holland.

Aberdeen and Celtic drew 1-1 at Pittodrie in their Scottish Cup quarter-final clash. The home side took the lead after 78 minutes through Jeffery de Visscher but Celtic ensured a replay when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink grabbed a last-minute equaliser. Meanwhile, Chris Burke scored the only goal of the game on 39 minutes as Rangers beat Hibernian in their fifth-round replay at Ibrox. Rangers substitute Nacho Novo was red-carded in the 79th minute following a reckless lunge on Thierry Gathuessi. Gers boss Walter Smith was also sent to the stands but the home side hung on to set-up a quarter-final tie with Partick Thistle at Ibrox on March 19.

Nathan Davies

Premier League round-up

Scottish Cup review

Vaughan could miss rest of season

Preston sign Priskin

Dearden leaves Mansfield

Gascoigne released

Cousin suffers broken jaw

An amazing day of FA Cup quarter-final action saw both Manchester United and Chelsea crash out of the competition. Portsmouth beat United 0-1 at Old Trafford with Sulley Muntari scoring the only goal of the game 12 minutes from time from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded by referee Martin Atkinson after United’s substitute keeper Tomasz Kuszczak upended Milan Baros. This foul resulted in Kuszczak, who replaced Edwin van der Sar at half-time, being sent off. Rio Ferdinand took over in goal but could not save the penalty. This was Pompey’s first win at the Theatre of Dreams for 50 years.

Later in the day, Championship side Barnsley beat Chelsea 1-0 at Oakwell with the decisive goal coming from Kayode Odejayi on 66 minutes to put the Tykes into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1912.

In the Premier League, Liverpool beat Newcastle United 3-0 at Anfield. Jermaine Pennant, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were all on target for the Reds. The result means Kevin Keegan is still searching for his first win on his return as Newcastle manager - after eight attempts.

Shane Long and Dave Kitson both scored to help Reading climb out of the relegation zone as they beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Madjeski Stadium while Fulham held Blackburn Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park thanks to an 89th minute free-kick from Jimmy Bullard.

Scottish First Division outfit Queen of the South are through to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after dispatching Dundee 2-0 at Palmerston Park. Stephen Dobbie scored on 50 minutes before Ryan McCann sealed the result with an injury-time effort from 70 yards. St Johnstone and St Mirren drew 1-1 at McDiarmid Park in the day’s other Scottish Cup quarter-final with the replay arranged for March 18.

Meanwhile the Scottish Cup semi-final draw has been made. Queen of the South will play the winners of tomorrow’s clash between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie while St Johnstone or St Mirren face an encounter with Rangers, Hibernian or Partick Thistle.

Everton striker James Vaughan is set to undergo a knee operation in the USA on Monday and could miss the rest of the season. The 19-year-old suffered the injury in training.

Preston North End have signed Watford striker Tamas Priskin on a month-long loan deal.

Mansfield Town manager Billy Dearden has left the club by mutual consent after his side’s 0-4 defeat by Rochdale at Field Mill.

Former England star Paul Gascoigne has been released from hospital after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act last month.

Rangers striker Daniel Cousin cold be out for a month after suffering a broken jaw during Thursday’s 2-0 UEFA Cup win over Werder Bremen at Ibrox.

Nathan Davies

League Two round-up

Brady named assistant

Moyes wins monthly prize

Torres scoops award

Wednesday loan Pompey winger

Baggies hit by Teixeira injury

Ormerod joins Forest

Torres signs new deal

Cruyff quits Ajax role

Swansea City failed to equal a club record of 19 unbeaten games as Millwall, managed by former Swans boss Kenny Jackett, visited the Liberty Stadium and came away with a surprise 1-2 win. Lewis Grabban put the visitors ahead in the first minute and Jay Simpson increased their lead with 20 minutes left. Three minutes later Jason Scotland pulled one back for the Swans but the Lions held on to condemn the South Wales club to their first league defeat in four months.

In League Two, Chesterfield steamrollered Lincoln City 4-1 at the Recreation Ground while Grimsby Town and Milton Keynes Dons met at Blundell Park in a dress rehersal of the Johnsone’s Paint Trophy final. MK Dons won 0-1 to return to the top of the league.

Liam Brady has been unveiled as an assistant to new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni. Brady has signed a two-year deal and will continue with his role as director of Arsenal’s youth academy.

Everton boss David Moyes has been named the Barclays Manager of the Month for February.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been named the Barclays Player of the Month for February.

Sheffield Wednesday have signed 20-year-old winger Franck Songo’o on a month’s loan from Portsmouth.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Filipe Teixeira has been ruled out for the rest of the season and may be sidelined for up to nine months due to cruciate ligament damage to his left knee. The 27-year-old suffered the injury during his club’s 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at The Hawthorns last Saturday.

Nottingham Forest have signed 31-year-old striker Brett Ormerod on loan from Preston North End until the end of the season.

Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Sergio Torres has agreed a new two-year deal at the club.

Johan Cruyff has quit his position with Ajax’s youth academy less than a month after taking the job, amid claims that his plans to revamp the club’s technical structure were not approved by everyone at the club.

Nathan Davies

UEFA Cup round-up

Rangers took a giant leap towards the last eight of the UEFA Cup after beating Werder Bremen 2-0 in their first leg encounter at Ibrox. Daniel Cousin and Steven Davis scored in either half as Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese suffered a night to forget.

Elsewhere, Everton have a mountain to climb in their second leg tie after slumping to a 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina in the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Riccardo Montolivo were on target for the home side.

Tottenham Hotspur are also up against it after losing their first leg tie and conceding a crucial away goal to PSV Eindhoven at White Hart Lane. Jefferson Farfan struck the only goal of the game on 33 minutes for the Eredivisie leaders. The defeat was only Tottenham’s third in 59 European matches at White Hart Lane.

Bolton Wanderers drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon at the Reebok Stadium. Gavin McCann gave the Premier League strugglers a first-half lead but Simon Vukcevic smashed home a precious equaliser with 12 minutes left.

In the Scottish Premier League, Dundee United beat Gretna 0-3 at Fir Park infront of just 501 fans - a record SPL low.

Italian footballer Marco Materazzi has received an apology and undisclosed damages from the Daily Star over claims he referred to Zinedine Zidane’s mother as a “terrorist whore” during the 2006 World Cup final against France, resulting in Zidane headbutting him and being sent-off. The Star said it apologised for the “distress and embarrassment”.

Southend United have been given the go-ahead to build a new 22,000-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm.

Bournemouth administrator Gerald Krasner has claimed two consortia have made a joint bid to buy the financially stricken club. Krasner has set a deadline of 3pm on Tuesday for other interested parties to come forward.

Nathan Davies

Liverpool up to fourth

Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou were all on target as Chelsea beat Olympiakos 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to ease through to the Champions League quarter-finals 3-0 on aggregate.

Liverpool climbed to fourth in the Premier League after beating West Ham United 4-0 at Anfield. Fernando Torres scored his third Liverpool hat-trick this season before Steven Gerrard completed the scoring late on.

Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers played out a goalless draw in their Championship clash at the Ricoh Arena.

In Scotland, Airdrie United beat Berwick Rangers 3-0 in their Second Division meeting. Allan Russell grabbed a hat-trick for the home side. In the Third Division, Arbroath and Dumbarton drew a blank at Gayfield while Elgin City held Albion Rovers to a 1-1 draw at Borough Briggs.

Former Sheffield Wednesday player and manager Derek Dooley, who was involved with Sheffield United, has died at the age of 78.

Derby County midfielder Giles Barnes has suffered a knee injury in training and will miss the rest of the season.

Charlton Athletic have signed 23-year-old striker Leroy Lita on a 28-day loan from Reading.

Leicester City have signed 19-year-old winger Kelvin Etuhu on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.

Striker Hector Sam has left Notts County by mutual consent.

Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher has been named Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for February.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi will be out for six weeks after picking up a thigh injury during last night’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Celtic at the Nou Camp.

Nathan Davies

Champions League round-up

SPL match postponed

Arsenal became the first English team to beat AC Milan in the San Siro with a 0-2 victory courtesy of late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor. After a goalless first leg, the Gunners progress to the last eight of the Champions League by eliminating the holders 0-2 on aggregate.

Manchester United are also through to the quarter-finals after Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of their second leg tie with Lyon at Old Trafford to seal a 2-1 aggregate win. United have now equalled Juventus’ Champions League record of 10 straight home wins.

Meanwhile, Celtic are out of this season’s Champions League after losing 1-0 against Barcelona at the Nou Camp and 4-2 on aggregate.

In the Championship, Bristol City earned a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic at The Valley to remain top of the table. Darren Ambrose gave the home side an eighth minute lead but Jamie McCombe equalised on 62 minutes. Elsewhere, Watford climb to second despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City, Kevin Phillips scored the only goal of the game in injury-time as West Bromwich Albion beat 10-man Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and Preston North End beat relegation rivals Leicester City 0-1 at the Walkers Stadium.

Doncaster Rovers are second in League One after beating Bristol Rovers 0-1 at the Memorial Stadium. Paul Heffernan was on target for the visitors. Hartlepool United recorded their first away win in four months against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park with Michael Mackay scoring the game’s only goal. Gillingham finished with nine men as they slumped to a 4-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. Garry Richards (20) and Sean Clohessy (82) both saw red. Swindon Town also had two men sent-off - Lee Peacock (61) and Billy Paynter (76) - but hung on to beat Huddersfield Town 3-2 at the County Ground.

Peterborough United beat 10-man Barnet 0-2 at Underhill to go top of League Two. Darlington moved to third after a 1-0 home win over managerless Chester City and struggling Bury recorded a surprise 1-4 victory against Brentford at Griffin Park.

Grimsby Town and Morecambe played out a goalless draw at Blundell Park in the Northern Area semi-final second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Grimsby progress to the Wembley final, where they will meet Milton Keynes Dons, after edging the first leg 0-1.

There were three games in the Scottish League this evening. In the First Division, Partick Thistle beat Livingston 2-1 at Firhill, Second Division leaders Ross County beat Cowdenbeath 4-1 at Victoria Park and Stranraer beat East Stirlingshire 1-3 at Firs Park in the Third Division.

The Football Association have rescinded the red card shown to Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard during his side’s 0-4 win against West Ham United at Upton Park. Referee Peter Walton brandished a red card after Lampard tangled with Luis Boa Morte and then pushed the winger.

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has apologised for his controversial goal celebration during Everton’s 3-1 win against Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Sunday. Cahill scored to put Everton 2-1 ahead and celebrated by crossing his wrists to mimic a pair of handcuffs. Cahill’s brother Sean was sentenced to eight years in prison in January for assaulting a man who was left partially blind after an attack outside a south London nightclub. Cahill said: “It was a spontaneous and emotional reaction but was only intended to signify to my brother that I was thinking of him and missing him. I wholeheartedly apologise if any offence was caused.”

Everton and SK Brann will face UEFA disciplinary proceedings after the behaviour of fans during their UEFA Cup first leg clash in Bergen last month. Everton fans invaded the pitch at the end of their side’s 0-2 win and Brann fans allegedly threw missiles in the direction of Everton keeper Tim Howard. UEFA’s disciplinary committee will consider the evidence on March 20.

Reading midfielder Emerse Fae has been sidelined after the 24-year-old contracted malaria while on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast.

Stoke City have signed Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Carlo Nash on loan for three months, subject to clearance from the Football Association and Football League.

Preston North End have signed 24-year-old West Bromwich Albion striker Craig Beattie on loan for the rest of the season. The Baggies have retained a 24-hour recall option on Beattie, which takes effect after 28 days of the loan.

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence has been named as the Championship’s player of the month for February. Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray has won the League One award while Peterborough United goalkeeper Joe Lewis picked up the League Two prize.

The Scottish Premier League match between Gretna and Dundee United at Fir Park has been postponed for a second time as snow has left the pitch saturated. The SPL has rescheduled the game for Thursday 6 March.

Nathan Davies

Chelsea appeal red card<

van Marwijk to be next Holland boss

Everton have refused to criticise midfielder Tim Cahill after he dedicated his crucial goal against Portsmouth to his jailed brother. Cahill scored to put Everton 2-1 ahead at Goodison Park on Sunday and celebrated by crossing his wrists to mimic a pair of handcuffs. Cahill’s brother Sean was sentenced to eight years in prison in January for assaulting a man who was left partially blind after an attack outside a south London nightclub. An Everton spokesman said: “Goal celebrations are a personal matter and up to the player to decide - no-one dictates what the player can do as long as he stays within the laws of the game, as long as it doesn’t result in a caution. Tim is a very articulate young man and will have weighed up the pros and cons and decided to do it because it was a personal and emotional matter. I am sure Tim was fully aware that some people would not be in favour of what he did before he did it.”

Chelsea have appealed against Frank Lampard’s sending-off by referee Peter Walton during Saturday’s 0-4 Premier League victory against West Ham United at Upton Park. The midfielder tangled with Luis Boa Morte and then pushed the winger after appearing to get caught by a kick.

Carlisle United are second in the League One table after they beat Nottingham Forest 0-1 at the City Ground. Danny Graham grabbed the only goal of the game on 71 minutes.

Shrewsbury Town manager Gary Peters has left the club by mutual consent. Assistant boss John McMahon takes temporary charge.

In the Blue Square Premier, an injury-time strike from Scott Davies gave Aldershot Town a 1-2 victory against promotion rivals Torquay United at Plainmoor. Aldershot stretched their lead over second-placed Torquay to eleven points.

Former Wales and Celtic striker John Hartson has rejected the chance to succeed Gordon Wylde as East Stirlingshire manager.

It has been announced that 55-year-old Feyenoord coach Bert van Marwijk will take over as Holland manager after Euro 2008, replacing Marco van Basten who is due to take the reigns at Ajax.

Nathan Davies

Premier League round-up

Everton remain in the coveted fourth Champions League spot after beating Portsmouth 3-1 at Goodison Park. Yakubu Aiyegbeni needed just 47 seconds to open the scoring for the home side but Pompey drew level through Jermain Defoe on 38 minutes. David Moyes’ men stamped their superiority on the game with second-half goals from Tim Cahill and a second for Yakubu against his former club.

Bolton Wanderers played Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium in the early afternoon kick-off and the Reds temporarily occupied fourth spot after a 3-1 victory. The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes when Trotters goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen fumbled a low 25-yard drive from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, which was heading wide, into his own net. Second-half goals from Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio followed for Liverpool before Tamir Cohen headed a consolation for Bolton.

Bristol City, who beat Hull City yesterday 2-1 at Ashton Gate, remain top of the Championship after second placed Stoke City lost 3-0 against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this afternoon. Mikele Leigertwood scored a first-half brace before Andy Griffin was dismissed for the visitors on the stroke of half-time. Akos Buzsaky added a third on 56 minutes.

The third annual Football League awards took place in London and saw West Bromwich Albion striker Kevin Phillips win the Championship player of the year award. Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford was named League One player of the year and also won the goal of the year award while Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Keith Andrew picked up the League Two player prize. Michael Kightly of Wolverhampton Wanderers was named young player of the year.

Chester City have sacked manager Bobby Williamson. Youth team coach Simon Davies has been placed in temporary charge for Tuesday’s game at Darlington.

Celtic’s Aiden McGeady has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month for February.

Scottish Third Division strugglers East Stirlingshire have approached 32-year-old John Hartson to become their next manager after Gordon Wylde left Firs Park last week.

Nathan Davies