Martins.. injury
doubt
KEVIN KEEGAN could have to renew hostilities
with Manchester United chief Alex Ferguson without Obafemi
Martins.
The Nigerian came back from the African Cup of Nations
with an ankle injury and is a doubt for Saturday’s clash.
Newcastle’s boss, who famously lost the plot during a
live interview in 1996, said: “My record against Sir Alex is not as
bad as some. But Oba is looking doubtful.”
GARY MEGSON pulled the plug on a bid
to bring Toulouse striker Johan Elmander to Bolton after being
quoted £22million.
The Wanderers chief was keen to sign a replacement for
Nicolas Anelka after the Frenchman moved to Chelsea.
Elmander was top of his list, along with Barcelona’s
former Trotters striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Megson was looking to pay £9million for Sweden star
Elmander.
He said: “His club wanted £22million. It was never
going to happen at that price.”
ROCHDALE fans burned the midnight oil
but could not prevent frost claiming last night’s home match
against Notts County.
The League Two club’s fans lit wood fires in 20 empty
oil drums which were placed around the pitch.
But, despite keeping the fires going on Monday night
and yesterday morning, the game was called off at lunchtime.
Chairman Chris Dunphy said: “We’ll keep the fires
burning to beat frosts before Saturday’s game with Wycombe.”
EVERTON are rewarding Lee Carsley with
a new contract — six months after he almost left the club.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder, 34, was close to
joining Wigan before a change of heart saw him sign a one-year
deal.
And he has been such a key figure in their march to
fourth spot boss David Moyes will hand him another extension for
next season.
Huddersfield 1 Millwall 0
ANDY RITCHIE refused to apologise
after his side claimed an “ugly” win.
The Terriers boss said: “It wasn’t pretty but we have
to be pleased with the result. If we can win ugly and grind out
results we can get where we need to be.”
Luke Beckett won and converted the penalty winner on 29
minutes for his 10th of the season.
Millwall chief Kenny Jackett said: “We showed plenty of
promise but could not turn it into goals.”
Brighton 2 Cheltenham 1
JOEL LYNCH returned from injury to
snatch Brighton’s second win in nine games.
The defender, 20, was thrown on at half-time after six
weeks out — and turned the game on its head.
Trailing to Steve Brooker’s third-minute 20-yard blast,
Lynch set up Seagulls’ 79th-minute leveller.
Striker Glenn Murray latched on to his long ball to net
his third goal in four starts.
And Lynch finished the job with three minutes left,
heading in following a scramble.
