Bayer Leverkusen stun Bayern Munich to take control of Bundesliga title race
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Jeremie Frimpong fired into an empty net in stoppage time to cap Bayer Leverkusen’s outstanding 3-0 win over Bayern Munich as they celebrated carnival weekend in the Rhineland by moving five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.Josip Stanisic, the man on loan from Bayern, opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Alex Grimaldo doubled the advantage five minutes into the second half...Full Story »
Oscar Cortes stars as Rangers book their place in Scottish Cup quarter-finals
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Oscar Cortes shone in his first Rangers start as the Light Blues made their way into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win over Ayr at Ibrox.The 20-year-old Colombian winger, on loan from French side Lens with an option for the Rangers to buy, had a couple of efforts on goal before he set up Borna Barisic’s low drive, which deflected in off Somerset Park midfie...Full Story »
Bruno Guimaraes double fires Newcastle past Nottingham Forest
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Bruno Guimaraes scored his first goals since September as Newcastle gave their hopes of qualifying for Europe a shot in the arm with an entertaining 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest.The Brazilian had not scored since the 8-0 rout at Sheffield United in September but opened the scoring at the City Ground and then netted the winner in the second half.Fabian Schar also scored as the Magpies moved seven...Full Story »
Neill Collins hopes last-gasp win over Orient can be pivotal moment for Barnsley
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Barnsley boss Neill Collins hopes Adam Phillips’ dramatic late double can be a pivotal moment in their season.The Tykes were heading for defeat against Leyton Orient until Phillips equalised in the 88th minute.And, despite Barnsley going down to 10 men when Luca Connell saw red, Phillips struck again in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win that moved them within four points of the automatic p...Full Story »
Lewis Walker strikes late as Woking snatch point against Hartlepool
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Lewis Walker’s stoppage-time strike denied Hartlepool boss Kevin Phillips a third successive National League victory as Woking left it late to snatch a point from a 1-1 draw.The visitors took a seventh-minute lead at the Laithwaite Community Stadium when Joe Grey stabbed David Ferguson’s driven cross past keeper Alexis Andre at the near post.Tom Crawford thought he had doubled the le...Full Story »
It was carnage – Russell Martin admits St Mary’s thriller ‘not my kind of game’
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Southampton boss Russell Martin joked about hating the basketball nature of his side’s breathless 5-3 Sky Bet Championship victory over Huddersfield at St Mary’s.Saints trailed 2-0 and 3-2 and were looking at their 24-game unbeaten run ending before a manic second half ended up with the high-flying hosts claiming victory thanks to Joe Rothwell’s double, a Tom Lees own goal and ...Full Story »
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson defends Nicholas Bilokapic display at Wycombe
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson backed goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic to learn from an error-strewn display in his side’s damaging 5-2 defeat at Wycombe.Bilokapic, 21, was directly at fault for two of Wycombe’s goals, with Kieran Sadlier and David Wheeler both capitalising.Ferguson mounted a passionate defence of his young goalkeeper and refused to criticise the Australian.He sai...Full Story »
Karl Robinson bemoans Salford display but is pleased to take a point
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Karl Robinson felt there were positives for Salford despite a poor performance in a 1-1 draw with Swindon.The visitors needed a late goal from Callum Hendry to extend their unbeaten run to six games.And boss Robinson said: “The competitive edge didn’t seem to be there in the same way as it has been. But the secret to sustaining points and keep putting them on the board is finding a w...Full Story »
We played with fear – Paul Warne rues two points dropped for Derby
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Derby head coach Paul Warne blamed the “fear” factor for his team’s failure to defend the lead against Shrewsbury.Max Bird fired Derby ahead only for Aaron Pierre to equalise three minutes from the end of normal time.It was a disappointing end to what had been a frustrating afternoon for Derby, with Shrewsbury doing a good job of restricting them to few clear chances.Warne said...Full Story »
New boss Nathan Jones aiming to bring best out of Charlton after Reading loss
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
New Charlton manager Nathan Jones admitted he “learnt a lot” about his team as his first match in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat at fellow-strugglers Reading.The Addicks were grateful to goalkeeper Harry Isted for keeping them in the game in the first half with fine saves to deny Lewis Wing and Sam Smith twice.But Isted was finally beaten by Femi Azeez from close range in the 66th minu...Full Story »
Derek McInnes sees plenty of positives as Kilmarnock continue Scottish Cup run
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Derek McInnes was pleased as Kilmarnock continued their excellent form by defeating Cove Rangers to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup.After surviving an early scare, the hosts broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Marley Watkins netted for the second time in as many matches.The second half was much more positive for Killie, and they would eventually put the g...Full Story »
Michael Beale reveals ‘honest’ half-time words sparked Sunderland’s fightback
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Some half-time truths helped to spark a dramatic Sunderland improvement as the Black Cats came from behind to beat Plymouth 3-1 and climb into the Sky Bet Championship’s top six.Michael Beale’s side trailed at the break after Ryan Hardie’s opener for Plymouth, but Sunderland were transformed after the restart and extended their unbeaten Championship stretch to three games with ...Full Story »
Enzo Maresca hails ‘complete performance’ from Leicester in win at Watford
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Enzo Maresca said his Leicester side delivered a “complete performance” following a 2-1 victory at Watford that maintained their 11-point lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship.Patson Daka’s 10th-minute penalty and a 55th-minute effort from Ricardo Pereira appeared to have put Maresca’s team on course for a comfortable victory.But a mistake by Foxes midfielder Harry ...Full Story »
Damien Johnson delighted with Blackburn’s ‘outstanding’ win over Stoke
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Blackburn first-team coach Damien Johnson saluted an “outstanding” performance after they beat Stoke 3-1 to move away from relegation trouble.Rovers went into the game with the worst form in the Sky Bet Championship, which resulted in Jon Dahl Tomasson leaving as boss on Friday and John Eustace now in the hot seat.Johnson and fellow first-team coach David Lowe took the team for the g...Full Story »
Daniel Farke admits controversial opener irrelevant as Leeds punish Rotherham
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Leeds boss Daniel Farke believes it ultimately would not have mattered had Patrick Bamford’s opening goal in the 3-0 win over Rotherham been chalked off for handball as he felt his side dominated the Championship clash.Bamford put Leeds ahead in controversial circumstances at Elland Road with heavy suggestions of handball after a deflected cross appeared to brush his arm on its way in.Crys...Full Story »
Graham Coughlan glad to see Newport turning a corner after tough start
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Graham Coughlan says in-form Newport are reaping the rewards for sticking together when the going got tough after a 3-0 win at Walsall moved them four points off the League Two play-off places.First-half goals from Bryn Morris, Will Evans and Harry Charsley gave the Exiles a fully-deserved fourth successive league victory.It is a far cry from a nightmare, injury-hit autumn when they sank as low ...Full Story »
Nick Montgomery hails Martin Boyle as Hibernian advance in Scottish Cup
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Manager Nick Montgomery hailed the performance of Martin Boyle after the player inspired Hibernian’s 3-1 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup win at Inverness as they booked their place in the quarter-finals.The Australia international starred as he scored in between Myziane Maolida’s opener and Elian Youan’s late strike as the Premiership outfit blitzed Caley Thistle in the second half t...Full Story »
Michael Skubala ‘really impressed’ as Lincoln beat Fleetwood
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Lincoln boss Michael Skubala was “really impressed” with his side as they beat 10-man Fleetwood 2-1.It was a first home win for the club since mid-October as they secured back-to-back victory by coming from behind at Sincil Bank.Promise Omochere opened the scoring, but Bosun Lawal’s sending-off after a melee in first-half stoppage time turned the game on its head.Returning Ben ...Full Story »
Ged Brannan lauds ‘terrific’ Morecambe display after victory over Sutton
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Morecambe boss Ged Brannan praised his side’s spirit and determination as he sealed his first home win since taking over from Derek Adams by beating Sutton 1-0.The Shrimps had to overcome a stubborn performance from the bottom club to take the three points in Brannan’s seventh game at the Mazuma Stadium.A fourth-minute goal from Barrow loanee Ged Garner, his third in two games, was e...Full Story »
No talk of relegation fight – Grant McCann says Rovers only eyeing strong finish
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Doncaster boss Grant McCann insists the threat of relegation has never been spoken about in the Rovers camp after they took a huge step towards making sure of their League Two status with victory over Tranmere.Goals from Joe Ironside and Hakeeb Adelakun saw Doncaster claim a 2-1 triumph and a first win since New Year’s Day to move them 10 points clear of the division’s bottom two.And...Full Story »
Trent Alexander-Arnold injury a concern for Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool victory
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will anxiously await an update on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender injured the same knee which sidelined him for three weeks in January.The 25-year-old, who set a new Premier League record of 58 assists by a defender with his corner for Diogo Jota’s opener in the 3-1 victory over Burnley at Anfield, was taken off at half-time.“Hi...Full Story »
Neil Critchley disappointed as Blackpool blip goes on against Oxford
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Neil Critchley believes Blackpool did not switch on quickly enough in their 1-1 draw with League One play-off rivals Oxford at Bloomfield Road.Blackpool led the game after an 18th-minute goal from Matt Pennington but conceded just three minutes later to Oxford’s Mark Harris.The result did little for either team, with Oxford sitting seventh, a point off the top six after a five-match winles...Full Story »
Half-time rocket drives Portsmouth to win over Carlisle
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
John Mousinho’s half-time verbal volley hit the target as Paddy Lane earned victory for League One leaders Portsmouth against bottom side Carlisle.Boss Mousinho did not like what he saw during the first half but his strong words provoked the desired response after the break as Lane netted his 10th goal of the campaign – his third in two games – after 62 minutes to stretch Pompe...Full Story »
Simon Weaver says Harrogate ‘playing for the badge’ after beating Colchester
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Harrogate boss Simon Weaver believes his team are “playing for the badge” after moving into the play-offs following a gutsy 1-0 home win over Colchester.Veteran striker Jack Muldoon’s “scruffy” 92nd-minute winner – his fourth goal in as many games – lifted the Sulphurites up to seventh in the League Two standings following a contest in which they had bee...Full Story »
David Martindale lauds Livingston mentality after dramatic win over Partick
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Livingston manager David Martindale hailed the character of his side after they came back from two goals down to claim a dramatic 3-2 win in extra time against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup.Livi found themselves in trouble after Kerr McInroy’s superb low strike from 25 yards and Aidan Fitzpatrick’s near-post shot but Joel Nouble tapped in to bring them back into the game and th...Full Story »
We definitely feel stronger than before – Marti Cifuentes hails new QPR signings
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is hopeful his side’s new signings can keep the club in the Championship after they combined to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Norwich.Swiss striker Michael Frey headed in a cross from fellow pre-deadline signing Lucas Andersen to earn the west London side a draw.Meanwhile, loan signings Isaac Hayden and Joe Hodge impressed in midfield, giving head coach C...Full Story »
That’s why he’s in the building – Ian Baraclough hails goalscorer Matty Taylor
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Ian Baraclough praised goalscorer Matty Taylor after he fired Cheltenham to victory at Cambridge.The Robins lifted themselves within five points from safety in League One after a first win on their travels since December, after losing by a single goal at Northampton, Bolton and Derby.Taylor has scored in each of his two appearances since signing from Forest Green in the January transfer window.&...Full Story »
It wasn’t a red – Peter Atherton disagrees with dismissal in Bolton draw
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Bolton assistant boss Peter Atherton felt a point was the least his side deserved after they fought back with 10 men to draw 1-1 against Northampton.Kieron Bowie gave the Cobblers an early lead and things turned from bad to worse for the Trotters when midfielder George Thomason was dismissed after just 28 minutes.However, despite also seeing manager Ian Evatt sent off for an incident at half-tim...Full Story »
Dave Challinor says Stockport ‘rolled our sleeves up’ to win at Grimsby
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Dave Challinor was delighted at how his table-topping Stockport adapted to their calculated game-plan during a 3-1 victory over Grimsby.Goals from Antoni Sarcevic, Isaac Olaofe and Lewis Cass – on his Stockport debut – did the damage to keep the leaders four points clear at the top of Sky Bet League Two.Grimsby winger Abo Eisa replied to those first-half strikes with a consolation up...Full Story »
Defeat is hard to take – Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Phil Parkinson admitted it was tough to take after Wrexham suffered their third consecutive league defeat.Andy Cook scored Bradford’s late winner just minutes after his penalty had been saved by Arthur Okonkwo.But manager Parkinson felt his team had done more than enough to take the points as their promotion hopes took another hit.He said: “It hurts. We dominated the game, particular...Full Story »
John Coleman ‘getting sick of football’ after Accrington lose to MK Dons
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Accrington boss John Coleman admitted he is ‘getting sick of football’ after the 2-1 defeat at MK Dons.Jack Payne, on loan from Charlton, whipped a delightful free-kick into the top corner to cancel out Jack Nolan’s opener for Stanley with 19 minutes remaining.Left wing-back Joe Tomlinson was the Dons hero in stoppage time, firing home a deflected effort in the third minute of ...Full Story »
Stevenage boss Steve Evans angry at penalty decision in Port Vale draw
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
Steve Evans was left fuming at a last-gasp penalty decision that denied Stevenage victory in their 2-2 draw at Port Vale.The hosts had led through Terence Vancooten’s early own goal but hit back to lead 2-1, Jamie Reid levelling and Vancooten making amends with Boro’s second goal.But with more than the six minutes of added time played, the assistant referee waved for a handball by Da...Full Story »
Johnnie Jackson says AFC Wimbledon must focus on themselves after latest scalp
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2024 by PA
AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson says his side are focusing only on themselves after claiming a “deserved” win over high-flying Barrow to remain firmly in the mix for the play-off places in League Two.The Dons sent second-placed Mansfield home pointless two weeks ago and were also too strong for the Bluebirds, who arrived at Plough Lane third in the table, as first-half goals fr...Full Story »