Late goals, a famous overhead kick and a rare Paul Scholes header are all included in Wayne Rooney's top five derby days moments ahead of Sunday's crucial clash. The two sides are locked in a battle with Arsenal for the second automatic Champions League qualification place and neither side know that a defeat could see them slip out of contention. Listed on his website, the Manchester United striker spoke about his most memorable moments, which included FOUR stoppage time winners. Wayne Rooney (right) has listed his five most memorable moments of the Manchester derby . 1) Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City, February 2011, Rooney overhead kick . Sir Alex Ferguson's side recorded a crucial win over their city rivals in the race for the Premier League back in 2011,and Rooney's spectacular overhead kick cemented his place in United folklore when it flew into the top corner past the helpless Joe Hart. The England striker couldn't quite believe that had happened at full-time: 'It was a massive game for both teams and to score in that way was something I will never forget, the feeling was unbelievable. 'I knew Nani was going to cross it so I was getting ready for an header, then it took a little deflection and come behind me, I never really had time to think and just tried the overhead and thankfully it went in the top corner.' The England captain scored a spectacular overhead kick to win the derby and keep their title hopes alive . 2) Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City, September 2009, Michael Owen 96 minute winner . In a ding-dong game at Old Trafford, Craig Bellamy scored a late equaliser for the visitors, as the home fans fell silent but with virtually the last kick of the game, Ryan Giggs found Michael Owen, who slotted home past the on-rushing Shay Given. Rooney says it's a game he'll never forget: 'It was end to end for a lot of the game and when Craig Bellamy equalised in the 90th minute everyone thought that was it, so when Michael Owen scored in the last few seconds it was an unbelievable moment for both Michael and the team and it's certainly a moment I will never forget.' Michael Owen (right) scored a 96 minute winner not long after Craig Bellamy had equalised for the visitors . 3) Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City, January 2010, Rooney sends his side to Wembley . Former United striker Carlos Tevez looked like he'd sent the Carling Cup semi-final into extra-time after cancelling out goals from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, but Rooney had other ideas, when he headed home a stoppage time goal and send his side to Wembley. Rooney said: 'To score the decisive goal late on in any game is a special feeling for any player, but to do it in a derby and to send your team into a final makes it even better.' Rooney scored a stoppage time winner to send United through to the Carling Cup final at Wembley . 4) Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United, April 2010, Scholes heads home last-gasp goal . The midfield maestro's rare header was the third stoppage time goal United had scored against their rivals in that season, as they kept their title hopes alive in a game they couldn't afford to slip-up, which is why Rooney ranks this goal as one of the most important. He said: 'Paul Scholes's header was vital for us that season and kept us in the title race. At that stage of the season every game is massive, especially when you need to win, so for something like that to happen just when you think the game is coming to an end is incredible.' Paul Scholes headed home an injury time to keep his side in the hunt for the Premier League title . 5) Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United, December 2012, Van Persie stoppage time free-kick . United's big signing of the season, Robin van Persie, proved his worth when he fired home a free-kick from the edge of the box for another stoppage time winner, putting Rooney and co six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. 'This was a massive game, they came to Old Trafford as the champions, said Rooney. 'So for Robin to score the winner late on and take us 6 points clear at the top of the table was very important'. Robin van Persie's deflected free-kick put United six points clear at the top on their to winning the league .

Wayne Rooney listed his five most memorable moments of the derby . Manchester United welcome neighbours City to Old Trafford on Sunday . Rooney's overhead kick and winner in the Carling Cup made the list . Paul Scholes, Michael Owen and Robin van Persie were also included . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised the resurrection of Marouane Fellaini as the big Belgian prepares to play in the fixture that marked the low point of his Old Trafford career 12 months ago. On March 25 last year, Fellaini was jeered by both City and United fans as he was substituted in a 3-0 United defeat that proved the deathknell to the manager who signed him, David Moyes. Even more hurtfully, Reds legend Paul Scholes was scathing about Fellaini's United career up that point, saying on television: 'I'd be expecting a lot more of him.' Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised the rebirth of resurrection Marouane Fellaini . Fellaini, pictured against Aston Villa on April 4, is expected to start against Manchester City on Sunday . In the corresponding fixture last season, the Belgian (back) was criticised by fans and pundits in a 3-0 loss . Things have changed dramatically since then with Fellaini developing into a more effective No10 than Juan Mata, Rooney or Angel di Maria have been this season. Playing off Rooney, Fellaini has allowed van Gaal to play 4-3-3 with Ashley Young and Juan Mata either side of the centre-forward. United have won five league games in a row and are in third place, a point ahead of City for Sunday's derby. 'Marouane always does the things that we want from him. He is performing what we want from a midfielder, we have other players who are too creative and too emotional to do the job,' said van Gaal. 'I’ve always said for the balance of our team you have to also defend as well as attack and you have to beat the pressure from the opponent. Marouane plays a factor in all these aspects, we needed him in the team, now he has that role and he plays his role very well.' Fellaini, who cost £27million when Moyes signed him from Everton, has scored three goals in United's revival and also scored three times for his country in their two recent Euro 2016 qualifiers. As importantly, his aerial presence in both penalty areas has helped United. His overall physicality has helped LVG bring back a formation that he used earlier in the season against Chelsea, Manchester City and West Brom, without winning any of them. This season though, Van Gaal has been impressed with the midfielder's (right) ability in defence and attack . 'We haven't got the tallest team and have problems with the long ball,' admitted van Gaal. 'So we press more than we used to. We have changed our shape to 4-3-3 because you can press better, I tried it at that time but we couldn't do it. It’s a process and now we can do it.' Typically for van Gaal though, there was a sting in the tail in case Fellaini should start to believe the good publicity. 'I took him off against Villa in the last game, that wasn't for no reason,' stressed the manager. Van Gaal also had praise for Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea who is interesting Real Madrid. The United boss has until now been reserved in his praise for de Gea but he went on a charm offensive yesterday after the keeper made a rare mistake to allow Aston Villa's Christian Benteke to score last weekend. 'De Gea has had a marvellous season and everybody knows that. He was very important in a lot of matches and therefore I can’t change him,' said van Gaal. Fellaini (right) has proved a more effective No 10 than club record signing Angel di Maria this season .

Manchester United face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday . Marouane Fellaini has played a vital role in United's rise to third in the table . Fellaini was jeered by United and City fans in this this fixture last season .


Jose Mourinho has lauded Chelsea's consistency, with a hint of caution, as his side bid to wrap up a wire-to-wire Premier League victory. The Blues have led or shared the lead since the opening round of fixtures and entered this weekend's matches seven points clear with eight matches remaining, beginning at QPR on Sunday. 'To be top of the league since day one shows consistency, stability, confidence and a brave approach to every game,' Mourinho said. Chelsea have topped the Premier League since the opening day but Jose Mourinho (left) will remain focused . Blues captain John Terry has been a pivotal figure in keeping the west Londoners in consistent form . Diego Costa celebrates his goal in Chelsea's 3-1 win against Burnley on the opening day of the season . 'We are there, we deserve to be there, but every game is difficult. And we still have eight matches to play.' Mourinho knows the Premier League - a championship more competitive than Italy's Serie A or Spain's Primera Division, in his opinion - can throw up twists and turns in the closing weeks. The Blues boss was not surprised to see holders Manchester City slip up at Crystal Palace last Monday to all but end their title hopes. Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray opened the scoring in the Eagles' surprise win against Manchester City . Jason Puncheon curls his free kick over the Manchester City wall in Palace's 2-1 win at home on Monday . Mourinho added: 'This is the Premier League. In other competitions it's difficult to believe that the top team can lose four, five, six, seven matches. 'In almost every country it's very difficult for a top team to lose so many matches. 'Here, yes. It's possible. I'm not surprised. It's happening to everybody. Everybody loses matches, everybody loses points.' Mourinho will hope Chelsea are not among them at Loftus Road.

Jose Mourinho praised Chelsea's consistency since the opening fixtures . The Portuguese said the Premier League's competitiveness is like no other . Chelsea face QPR on Sunday as they look to maintain league stronghold .


QPR boss Chris Ramsey believes Sunday's west London derby is more crucial to his side than it is to title-chasing Chelsea. Jose Mourinho's Blues visit Loftus Road looking for a win that will maintain their position as firm favourites to claim the Premier League crown - whilst QPR need the points in their own battle to avoid dropping out of the division all together. The Rs could start Sunday's derby just one point off the foot of the table despite taking four points from their previous two fixtures. Chris Ramsey believes Sunday's west London derby is more crucial to QPR than it is to Chelsea . Ramsey puts QPR wideman Junior Hoilett through his paces during the Hoops' training session on Friday . And, with games running out, Ramsey feels Chelsea's lead at the top means the game takes on extra significance for the hosts. 'It's a big game for us,' he said. 'They can afford to have a blip and still win the league but on the flip side, we need to pick up every point we can. 'We all know what it means to the supporters - at this stage of the season, with what is at stake for both teams, it gives it added spice.' Charlie Austin celebrates with Matt Phillips after scoring during QPR's 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Tuesday . Defender Clint Hill, who scored in Tuesday night's 3-3 draw at Aston Villa, enjoyed the taste of victory in his first west London derby when QPR won 1-0 at home to Chelsea in 2011. That game may now be remembered more for the verbal clash between John Terry and Anton Ferdinand which landed the Chelsea skipper a £220,000 fine and a four-game ban for racial abuse, but Hill wants to see the positives from that performance replicated on Sunday. 'I think we shocked them that day,' he told Hoops Player. 'If we can show the same desire both on and off the pitch then hopefully we can get a result again. Nobody expects us to win but we believe we can give them a game. 'We are playing Chelsea who are top of the Premier League and if you can't get up for that challenge then there's something wrong.' Former striker Heidar Helguson celebrates after scoring in QPR's 1-0 home win over Chelsea in October 2011 . Defender Clint Hill believes QPR can get a result if the side show the same desire as they did four years ago .

QPR host Chelsea at Loftus Road in Sunday's west London derby . Chris Ramsey's side need points as they battle the drop with six games left . The QPR boss believes Chelsea can afford a blip in race for the title .


He might be the biggest name plying his trade in Major League Soccer, but Kaka isn't resting laurels as Orlando City  adjust to life in the Eastern Conference. In a bid to help his side arrest their run of three games without a win, the Brazilian hit the gym to prepare for Sunday's trip to Portland Timbers. Alongside a picture of himself working on his strength and balance, Kaka wrote on Instagram: 'The greater your effort, the greater your earnings'. Orlando City midfielder Kaka shows off his gym routine in a picture posted to his official Instagram account . Kaka gets away from DC United's Perry Kitchen during Orlando's 1-0 home defeat last Friday . The former AC Milan midfielder complains to the referee after a challenge with Davy Arnaud . The ex-Real Madrid man couldn't stop his side from slumping to a 1-0 home defeat to DC United last week as Luis Silva struck the only goal of the game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Orlando - who are managed by former Everton player Adrian Heath - find themselves sixth in the table after five games, having drawn with Montreal Impact and lost to Vancouver Whitecaps prior to Friday's home defeat. Kaka won't be the only familiar name in action for Orlando at Providence Park this weekend, with ex-Stoke winger Brek Shea, former Preston defender Sean St Ledger and one-time Burnley forward Martin Paterson all in the squad. DC United's Luis Silva (left) smashes home his side's winning goal against Orlando City last Friday . Kaka has not found the back of the net since scoring in the first game of the  season against New York City FC .

Orlando City have not won any of their last three MLS fixtures . Kaka took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of his fitness regime . The Brazilian has become an instant hero in the US after leaving AC Milan . Orlando City take on the Portland Timbers on Sunday .


Steve Cotterill could be just a week away from putting Bristol City back into the Championship. The 50-year-old needs just two more wins to achieve the fourth promotion of a career that has been mostly spent rescuing clubs from relegation after goals by Kieran Agard, Joe Bryan and Aaron Wilbraham clinched a local derby victory. In front of a sold-out Ashton Gate, City took revenge for a bitterly fought 1-0 defeat back in November which ended their unbeaten start to the season. Bristol City's Aaron Wilbraham (left) tussles for the ball with Swindon Town's Yaser Kasim (right) Swindon Town's Michael Smith (left) shields the ball from the challenge of the oncoming Luke Ayling (right) Bristol City (4-4-2): Fielding, Ayling, Flint, Williams, Tavernier, Smith, Pack, Freeman (Wagstaff 93), Bryan, Agard (Emmanuel-Thomas 86), Wilbraham (Elliott 94) Subs not used: Saville, Richards, Cunningham, Osborne . Booked: Agard . Scorers: Agard 36, Bryan 80, Wilbraham 87 . Swindon (4-4-2): Foderingham, Branco, Ricketts, Turnbull, Byrne, Kasim, Stephens, Luongo, Gladwin (Swift 78), Michael Smith, Williams (Obika 69) Subs not used: Barker, Barthram, Hylton, Rodgers, Cameron Belford . Booked: Turnbull, Kasim . Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire) Attendance: 12,302 . That finished with Swindon chairman Lee Power accusing Cotterill of 'lacking class'. But it was the City boss who had the last laugh with a victory that left Swindon boss Mark Cooper having to pick his side up from two 3-0 defeats in four days that have finished their last hope of automatic promotion. Just to add to their woes they had both Yaser Kasim and Raphael Branco booked, meaning both will now serve suspensions. City had actually needed to ride their luck for much of the first half, with goalkeeper Frank Fielding pulling off three saves in two frantic minutes at one point. And Swindon striker Andy Williams cost Cooper's side their best chance of going in front when he cashed in on a mistake by Aden Flint to go through. He should have squared the ball back to strike partner Michael Smith who couldn' t have missed but instead tried to go it alone and gave Fielding the chance to save. Bristol City striker Kieran Agard (centre) celebrates giving his side the 1-0 lead against Swindon Town . Ben Gladwin (left) brings the ball for Swindon as Bristol City's Joe Bryan (centre) gives chace in midfield . As if that miss wasn't frustrating enough for the visitors, they were then architects of their own downfall when City took the lead on 35 minutes. Yaser Kasim was put under pressure as Swindon tried to play the ball out from the back from a goal kick, and gave it away to Joe Bryan. The young wing back hit a perfect pass to send Agard clear to make no mistake with his 11th goal of the season. City had earned that goal for the way they worked to put pressure on defenders, and they made their own luck again when Derrick Williams stretched to divert Ben Gladwin's shot onto the underside of the bar. Swindon's strike partnership of Williams and Smith had shared 36 goals and it wasn't hard to see why as their movement constantly troubled City's defence. But Williams, who had 21 of them, couldn't quite find his shooting range and put another gilt edged opportunity over the bar just after half time when Massimo Luongo had sent him clear. But that summed up the story of the night with no end product to so much possession, and the game swung back City's way when Jordan Turnbull turned Bryan's cross onto the top of his own bar. With 11 minutes gone Bryan wriggled into some space on the edge of the box, put the ball onto his left foot, and beat Wes Foderingham with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner. And the win was wrapped up when Luke Freeman reached the byline and cut the ball back for skipper Wilbraham to fire home his 19th of the season. Gladwin avoids the sliding tackle of Bristol City's Korey Smith with the home side still leading 1-0 on Tuesday . Massimo Luongo (left) dribbles forward with the ball for Swindon as Marlon Pack (right) keeps up with him .

Bristol City's lead at the top of the League One table was extended to eight points following a 3-0 win over Swindon . Kieran Agard scored the home side's opening goal from inside the box in the first-half . Joe Bryan made it 2-0 with a superb free-kick on 80 minutes before Aaron Wilbraham wrapped up the win from close range later on .


Bristol City will become the first Football League club to win promotion this season should they beat Bradford on Tuesday night. The League One leaders managed to come away from second-placed Preston North End unscathed, drawing 1-1 thanks to Aaron Wilbraham’s equaliser after Jermaine Beckford had opened the scoring just before the hour. Regardless, Steve Cotterill’s side had been destined not to seal promotion at Deepdale because results elsewhere didn’t go their way. Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill was happy to avoid defeat against Preston on Saturday . Three points at Bradford on Tuesday will do the trick. It would take something to go seriously awry for the Robins not to be returning to the second tier after a two-year absence, and they did their job well enough to prevent any late scares in the north west. ‘That’ll be good,’ Cotterill said. ‘We’ll digest that and try and prepare properly for the game. ‘It was important not to get beat here. If you look at it, if we had and then got nothing at Bradford (on Tuesday) then we’re stuck on 88 points. Preston would’ve gone to 83 points today and then have Gillingham at home. ‘You always look at the worst case scenario.’ Bristol City’s elevation to the second tier appears a formality, and Preston remain in pole position to join them. Nevertheless, manager Simon Grayson has warned his players not to get carried away. ‘We’ve said to the players we can only influence our own games, but it’s another point to our tally and another game chalked off,’ he said. ‘But there will be no complacency from the team, we know we have to keep working.’ Cotterill, meanwhile, has always gunned for the League One title rather than just promotion and this result preserved their eight-point lead over Preston, although they have played a game more. His squad are staying in a nearby hotel until the trip to Valley Parade and will train at Burnley in preparation.

Bristol City held second-place Preston to 1-1 draw at Deepdale on Saturday . Robins could be first Football League club to win promotion on Tuesday . Steve Cotterill's side face Bradford at Valley Parade and win will be enough . City boss Cotterill was happy to avoid defeat against Preston after admitting he had thought about the worst case scenario .


Hibernian claimed their first Edinburgh derby victory of the season as goals from Jason Cummings and Farid El Alagui sealed a 2-0 win over Hearts and allowed them to collect a valuable three points in the push for second place in the Championship. The Leith outfit were rewarded for a dominant first-half performance against the champions when Cummings - a former youth player at Tynecastle - found the net from close range after 30 minutes. Hearts improved after the break but Hibs sealed the win in the first minute of injury time with a cool finish from El Alagui. Hibernian goalscorer Farid El Alagui celebrates with Liam Craig following Sunday's 2-0 win over Hearts . Jason Cummings (left), who also found the back of the net, celebrates his goal with team-mate Martin Boyle . With the title wrapped up, Hearts went into this match with only derby bragging rights at stake. On paper, the game meant more to promotion-chasing Hibs and Alan Stubbs' side fully deserved all the spoils. There was no guard of honour by Hibs for their city rivals but the travelling fans were in full voice as the teams emerged from the tunnel, blasting out 'championees'. Edinburgh derbies are never short of passion and there was a coming together of Adam Eckersley and Scott Allan inside the first two minutes. No action was taken by referee Kevin Clancy even though Hearts defender Eckersley appeared to move his head towards Allan's. Hibs settled the better of the two teams and created a handful of chances. On 12 minutes, Fraser Fyvie lifted a first-time curling effort over the crossbar from 18 yards before Hearts full-back Callum Paterson headed the ball onto the top of his own bar from a teasing Allan free-kick. Hibs continued to press and Neil Alexander was forced into the first save of the game to push away a curling Cummings effort at the edge of the area after the forward did well to create a yard of space up against Danny Wilson. Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander watches on as Cummings shot goes past him and into the back of the net . Hibs finally got a tangible reward for their dominance on the half-hour mark when Cummings put the home side in front. Allan's corner was only partially cleared and El Alagui's flick was slotted into the net by Cummings from three yards. Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson did not like what he was seeing and, in reverting to an orthodox 4-4-2, replaced Kevin McHattie with Sam Nicholson. But Hibs created the next chance as the bar again came to Hearts' rescue. Allan's corner caused problems and Liam Fontaine cracked a superb left-footed volley off the woodwork. Hearts made a brighter start to the second period and had a chance to test Hibs goalkeeper Mark Oxley after Jamie Walker was tripped 20 yards from goal. But Alim Ozturk flashed a free-kick wide of the far post. Walker then unleashed a venomous drive from 25 yards that was expertly tipped over by Oxley. Cummings is crongratulated by his team-mates as Hibernian claimed a vital win in the race for second place . Hearts were pressing but Hibs wasted another great chance to add a second in the 67th minute through El Alagui. Allan's corner was lifted back into the area by Fontaine and the unmarked forward swung a tame left-footed volley at Alexander from inside the six-yard box. Hibs survived a goal-mouth scramble in the 74th minute that saw Jordon Forster make a great block to deny Genero Zeefuik. The hosts then went on a three-against-one counter-attack charge led by Dominique Malonga but the Congo international selfishly hit the ball wide when Martin Boyle was in vast amounts of space at the edge of the area. Hearts responded with an opening of their own but Oxley did well to get down to Osman Sow's low effort from 12 yards at his near post. Hibs wrapped up the win in injury time when substitute Franck Dja Djedje found El Alagui in space and the marksman chipped the ball over Alexander from close range.

Jason Cummings and Farid El Alagui scored in Edinburgh derby victory . Hibernian beat rivals Hearts in race for second place in the Championship . Hibernian now on same points as Rangers who have a game in hand .


Wigan chairman David Sharpe is adamant the decision to axe Malky Mackay in favour of rookie boss Gary Caldwell less than 24 hours later was the right call. Struggling Latics moved on to their third manager of the season on Tuesday as former club captain Caldwell was swiftly appointed in a permanent capacity after Mackay's disastrous five-month tenure had ended the previous day. Mackay left the club languishing in the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone after taking just 19 points from a possible 72 and Caldwell, who at 32 is the Football League's youngest manager, inherits a team eight points adrift of safety with just five games to go. Gary Caldwell has been officially unveiled as the new Wigan Athletic manager at the DW Stadium . Wigan chairman David Sharpe is confident he has made the right appointment in Caldwell . Gary Caldwell (Wigan) 32 . Adam Murray (Mansfield) 33 . Alex Neil (Norwich City) 33 . Lee Johnson (Barnsley) 33 . Karl Robinson (MK Dons) 34 . But rather than making an interim appointment until the end of the season, Sharpe made the bold call to hand Caldwell a rolling contract which will see him in charge at the DW Stadium next season, regardless of what division they are in. 'That shows how much I believe in Gary,' the 23-year-old Sharpe said. 'It's definitely not just for the next five games, he's got a free hit at it really. If he keeps us up it's a miracle and if we go down it's expected by everybody in this room but Gary will back himself to keep us up. 'This is a long-term thing and we're looking forward to the future with him that gets us back to our identity on and off the pitch and bring the positive times back to this football club.' The good times seem an increasingly distant memory for Wigan, who have had unsuccessful stints with Owen Coyle, Uwe Rosler and Mackay at the helm after winning the FA Cup under Roberto Martinez two years ago. Caldwell in action for Wigan last year - the centre-back has been at the club for five years . Caldwell (right) lifts the FA Cup with Emmerson Boyce after Wigan's win over Manchester City in 2013 . Wigan must make up a seven-point deficit if they are to avoid relegation and stay in the Championship . Malky Mackay was sacked as Wigan manager on Monday following their 2-0 loss to Derby County . April 10 Fulham (A) April 14 Millwall (A) April 18 Brighton and Hove Albion (H) April 25 Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) May 2 Brentford (A) Most of Martinez's cup-winning squad have left, as has chairman Dave Whelan, but his grandson Sharpe insists his move to jettison Mackay and appoint Caldwell was one the Wigan owner approved of. 'I've known with my grandad, he's got a reputation for making decisive decisions and I've learned from the best,' said Sharpe. 'It had to be done and I'm looking forward to the future. 'We speak a lot but he's over in Barbados. He didn't know what I was doing on Monday night. I spoke to him after and he's 100 per cent behind me and Gary. He's looking forward to us winning football games again. 'We've won two games here all season and it's bang average for a club of our size.' Both Sharpe and Caldwell himself played down the risky element attached to appointing somebody whose only managerial experience has come with Latics' youth teams. Former defender Caldwell is one of the few remaining squad members who played in the top flight at Wigan and he hopes his leadership qualities on the pitch will translate to the touchline. 'It's a massive opportunity and people who saw me as a player will know I don't really believe in risks,' he said. 'I played with desire and passion and that's something that I want to bring to management. People will see it as a risk but I just see the opportunity and the chance to do something great for this club and take it back to where it should be.'

Caldwell was unveiled as the new Wigan Athletic manager on Wednesday . The 32-year-old is the Football League's youngest manager . Former defender replaces Malky Mackay, who was sacked on Monday . Latics are seven points from safety in the Championship table .


Team Sky's Geraint Thomas had to settle for 14th place in an incident-packed Tour of Flanders as Norwegian Alexander Kristoff took victory in a sprint finish with Holland's Niki Terpstra. With Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara - winners of six of the last 10 races here - missing through injury, Thomas was one of the favourites to claim the title following his recent victory in E3 Harelbeke and third-place finish at the Gent-Wevelgem sprint classic. He was in contention for much of Sunday's race as Team Sky set the pace in the peloton for lengthy periods, but the Welshman was unable to recover ground as Kristoff (Team Katusha) and Terpstra (Etixx - Quick-Step) launched a late breakaway. Alexander Kristoff celebrates by spraying champagne after winning the Tour of Flanders . Norway's Kristoff poses after beating off competition from Niki Terpstra to win the Tour of Flanders race . The highly-fancied Kristoff came home in a time of six hours, 26 minutes and 38 seconds, with Terpstra just behind and local hope Greg van Avermaet of Belgium (BMC) seven seconds back in third. Thomas, looking to become only the second Briton to win the event after Tom Simpson in 1961, finished in the chasing pack almost a minute back. It was not to be for Team Sky, who had pushed hard throughout as they sought their first win in one of cycling's big five classic one-day races - and one that was not short of incident. Sir Bradley Wiggins, in one of his last rides for Team Sky, was one of a number of riders to hit the deck during the race when he crashed in the middle of the peloton while trying to negotiate a tight left-hand turn. Team Sky's Geraint Thomas finished in 14th position after struggling to close the gap on the likes of Kristoff . Although he needed a spare bike, Wiggins was able to continue but other riders suffered worse with New Zealander Jesse Sergent - who was part of a seven-man breakaway group - suffering what was feared to be a fractured collarbone after being hit by a neutral service car as it tried to overtake him. Incredibly, there was another incident involving a support car later on which saw Sebastien Chavanel also knocked off his bike and out of the race. The Frenchman was hit by his team car after it had been rear-ended by another vehicle. Other riders were also involved in spills on the testing surfaces while there was a near moment of farce when one of the inflatable markers straddling the road started to deflate, leaving the riders with barely enough room to get underneath without having to break stride. The late drama was created by Kristoff and Terpstra, though. They escaped the pack with around 30 kilometres left and, with no one able to catch them, it was down to one of them to take the crown. Terpstra bided his time on the final straight as he sat on Kristoff's wheel waiting for the right moment to attack, but when he did the Norwegian reacted and left his rival trailing as he claimed his second 'Monument' title after his Milan-San Remo triumph in 2014.

Norway's Alexander Kristoff won race after sprint finish with Niki Terpstra . Geraint Thomas was among favourites to claim title following recent win . The Welshman was unable to recover ground on Kristoff and Terpstra .


Dani Alves has been offered a new Barcelona deal according to the player's agent, Dinorah Santana. The full-back's contract expires in the summer with Manchester United and Liverpool among a number of Europe's top clubs keeping tabs on the Brazil international's availability. Alves has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp all season, but Santana has revealed there is a deal on the table from the Spanish giants offering to extend the 31-year-old's contract at the Nou Camp. Almeria's midfielder Espinosa (left) vies with Barcelona's Dani Alves during the Catlan side's win . Alves (right) vies for the ball with Almeria's Edgar Mendez  during the win where he played 64 minutes . 'On Monday, I had a meeting with [director] Javier Bordad,' Santana told Sport. 'On Wednesday I have had the second meeting. I have already received an offer [for a new contract], although I can't say if I am happy or not [with it]. 'There will be more meetings. They told me they will call me to arrange the next one.'

Dani Alves has a Barcelona contract which will expire in the summer . Manchester United and Liverpool among clubs chasing his signature . Player's agent Dinorah Santana says Barca deal is far from done . READ: Hector Bellerin tops poll to replace Dani Alves at Barcelona . READ: Dani Alves releases charity single with ex-Barcelona keeper .


Dani Alves looks set to leave Barcelona this summer after his representative confirmed the Brazilian right-back had rejected the club's final contract offer. Alves has enjoyed seven successful years at Barcelona, winning four Spanish titles and the Champions League twice. But the 31-year-old has been unable to agree a new deal with the Catalan club and will leave the Nou Camp this summer. Dani Alves keeps a close eye on Almeria midfielder Edgar Mendez (right) during Barca's game on Wednesday . Alves has been unable to agree a new deal with the Catalan club and will leave the Nou Camp this summer . Dinorah Santana, the player's agent and ex-wife, said at a press conference on Thursday that her client had rejected the offer of a three-year contract extension, which was dependent on the player taking part in 60 per cent of matches for the club. 'The negotiations are over,' she said. 'If they say this is the final offer, then they (negotiations) are over. 'It doesn't make sense. It's very hard that we get to April and Barcelona haven't thought about renewing Dani's contract. 'Dani is sad.' Dinorah Santana, Alves's agent and ex-wife, confirmed that the right-back had rejected a three-year deal . The news that Alves is to leave is likely to spark a scramble for the defender's signature. The former Sevilla full-back has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Paris St Germain. Santana said Alves has two offers on the table at the moment, but has not yet been approached by big-spending PSG. 'He has had conversations with future candidates,' Santana said. 'PSG have not made an offer, but we have two offers of three years.' Alves has been linked with a number of clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City .

Dani Alves has spent seven seasons with the Catalan giants . Alves has four Spanish titles to his name with Barcelona . The Brazil defender has also won the Champions League twice with Barca .


Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew joked Glenn Murray has a 'bionic' knee and hopes the striker can continue to torment Premier League defences. Murray missed the majority of last season after rupturing a cruciate knee ligament as Palace won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2013. The 31-year-old has netted five goals in five games, including in last Monday's defeat of Manchester City, to earn the best goals-per-minute ratio of anyone in the top-flight. Glenn Murray wheels away after scoring the winner for Crystal Palace against Manchester City . The Eagles striker has scored five in five games since returning from a serious knee injury . Pardew said: 'What he did surprise me with on Monday night is his aerial ability. He really was outstanding. 'I don't know if he's got a bionic knee, but he's got an extra spring from somewhere.' Pardew says the Cumbrian has many qualities - pace is not among them - and may have had to adapt his game, like Alan Shearer did, after serious injuries. 'Glenn has had to change his game a little bit and he goes to Sunderland, goals per minute, as the best striker in the Premier League,' Pardew added. 'That is great for him, it really is. It is a great tag for him and he can try and keep it for as long as he can.' Alan Pardew has impressed by Murray's aerial ability, which he claims is down to being fitted with a new knee . The Toon boss believes the Cumbrian forward is reaping rewards from a loan spell with Reading . Pardew believes he is reaping the rewards of Murray being given a chance to find his feet at Reading earlier this season. Murray scored eight goals in 18 games for the Royals, before committing to Palace on Pardew's arrival in January. 'In defending that decision, of Neil Warnock and the board here, of him going out on loan, he probably did need a few games and it's difficult to get them in the Premier League,' Pardew said. 'In a way the loan, which I think was perceived as a negative by our fans, might not have been a bad thing. I'm obviously getting the benefit of that.'

Glenn Murray has scored five goals in his last five Premier League games . The 31-year-old spent most of last season sidelined with a knee injury . Alan Pardew says Cumbrian is reaping the rewards of Reading loan spell .


A video taken from the point of view of a train driver captures a ride on the highest railway in Europe, the Jungfrau. The time lapse footage speeds along the 9km long electrified track, which leads from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungraujoch and stands at an elevation of 2061m and 3454m respectively. Opening in a tunnel built into a Swiss mountain, the train careers towards the light and out onto the snowy slopes to race alongside the many skiers. Turning a corner, the train moves at a slow and steady pace – the track barely visible from under the snow. Two people quickly cross the track in front of the train as it begins picking up speed and passes alongside a ledge that looks down on chalets below. The video then shows the train beginning its descent of the mountain, passing very close to a number of skiers who make their own way to the bottom of the slope. The video opens inside a tunnel build into the Swiss mountain as the train makes its way along the 9km long electrified track . Turning right the train enters another tunnel and plunges back into darkness before re-emerging next to even more skiers. Suddenly the train begins travelling even faster as the banks of snow rise up higher alongside it. Like a bobsleigh the train hurtles down the track as the settlement at the bottom of the mountain slowly comes into view. The train emerges into the light and passes very close to a number of skiers who make their own way to the bottom of the slope . The train turns right to enter another tunnel and plunges back into darkness before re-emerging next to even more skiers . Skiers on the distant mountain look like ants as the train begins slowing once more and the size of the banks decrease. A number of people can be seen crossing the track ahead as the train pulls into the station. The video concludes with the train finally arriving and making a controlled stop. The video concludes with the train picking up speed and hurtling down the track like a bobsleigh before arriving at the station . The Jungfrau railway runs almost entirely within the Jungfrau Tunnel, built into the Eiger and Mönch mountains, and contains a total of five stations. The track was opened in 1912, 16 years after construction began in 1896. Today more than 800,000 people visit the attraction every year.

The time lapse footage captures the train descending the 9km long track . Video opens in tunnel built into Swiss mountain before train heads outside . Train passes skiers before picking up speed and reaching the station . The track runs from Kleine Scheidegg (2061m) to Jungraujoch (3454m) Opened in 1912, the track is visited by more than 800,000 people per year .


A cheeky monkey was captured on camera snatching a banana from a female tourist before slapping her GoPro when she got too close. Filmed in the Thai town of Kanchanaburi, the monkey approaches the woman, who holds a banana, with its outstretched hands. Grabbing it in both hands, the monkey takes a small bite before pulling it from its skin, which he leaves with the lady. Removing her hand from the shot, the lady can be heard laughing as the greedy monkey begins tucking into the banana while its friends sit around and watch. Moving in for a closer look, the woman leans forward and the monkey copies her by lunging forward itself. Getting right up into the camera’s lens the monkey  appears to sniff it while diverting its eyes, as if hoping that it is food. The cheeky money snatches the banana from the woman's hand and begins scoffing it down . Realising that it is out of luck, it returns to its original position and continues tucking into the banana. The lady once again begins moving closer to the monkey, but the primate is less keen to play this time. Cradling its food under its arm as if protecting it from the oncoming threat, the monkey raises its left hand and gives the camera a slap. Up close and personal! The curious monkey gets right up to the camera lens and gives it a sniff . Startled by the monkey’s reaction, its friend who sits next to it looks genuinely shocked and rather hilariously raises its eyebrows in surprise. The video concludes with the monkey, satisfied that the threat has gone, eating the remainder of the banana. The footage was captured by Maja and Diano, a pair who describe themselves on their YouTube channel as a ‘young married couple with an impulse to explore, film and edit great travel moments.’ Slap! The lady gets too close to the monkey and it reacts by giving her camera a smack .

The woman holds out a banana, which the monkey quickly snatches . Monkey then approaches the camera and sniffs it to see if it is food . Woman gets too close to protective monkey and it slaps her GoPro . The footage was captured by a couple in Thai town of Kanchanaburi .


It may be a far cry from an opening day of an Ashes Test in Sydney or a tour date in St Lucia, but former England bowler Steve Harmison seems to be doing a fine job with Ashington AFC. After shocking the sporting world by taking the job with the Northern League Division One side in the ninth tier of English football, the local lad, 36, has now won seven on the spin with his club side. Recent victories against West Allotment Celtic, Penrith and Celtic Nation were particularly impressive, Harmison is only looking up as a football coach. Steve Harmison seems to be doing a fine job at Ashington AFC and has led them to seven wins on the spin . Harmison celebrates with Andrew Strauss during a Ashes Test at the Oval in 2009 . And former England skipper has supported his former England team-mate, posting a tongue-in-cheek tweet on Tuesday night: '(sic) Hearing @Harmy611 has now won 7 on the bounce as Ashington Manager..... Mike Ashley will come calling soon...' Current Newcastle boss John Carver says he has invited Harmison to training to catch a glimpse of his favourite team, who are reeling from a 1-0 derby day defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Harmison though, is having no such troubles. When he took on the job, Ashington were 17th ub the league - now, they are the form side and are comfortable in mid-table. The 36-year-old is a boyhood Newcastle fan and is doing well with the non-league side . After Saturday's victory against Crook Town, Harmison was targeting even more success, his players not settling for just the three points. 'The positive thing is that despite winning 4-1, the players are disappointed,' he said. 'All in all it was a good 90 minutes for Ashington FC. It's a results business and we have kept the run going.' Harmison, who took 226 Test wickets for England between 2002 and 2009, played for Ashington briefly as a teenager. Harmison poses with the Ashington AFC scarf ahead of a Northern League Division One match .

Steve Harmison took job with local club Ashington AFC in January . Northern League Division One side have won their last seven games . Michael Vaughan says Mike Ashley should be watching out at Newcastle . John Carver's side were beaten 1-0 by local rivals Sunderland on Sunday .


A man who stabbed a young father to death has been filmed partying with prison hooch and singing to explicit rap lyrics in a sickening jail video. Dashem Tesfamichael, 30, is seen in the 50-second clip captured on a banned mobile phone as he dances outside his cell  with other inmates at Coldingley prison in Surrey. He clutches a glass of the homemade illegal brew in the clip, which also shows a stash of drink bottles, biscuits and crisps on a window ledge, before it was shared with friends on WhatsApp. Scroll down for video . Dashem Tesfamichael, 30, who was jailed for stabbing a young father, has been filmed partying behind bars . He was caught on camera drinking illegal alcohol and dancing to explicit rap music with other inmates at Coldingley prison in Surrey . Prison officers reportedly turned a blind eye to the partying, which happened in the run-up to Christmas in December last year. Tesfamichael was jailed for life with a minimum of 13 years after he used a broken champagne bottle to stab Olu Olagbaju, 26, in Shadan's nightclub in the City of London in December 2006. The music producer collapsed and died after the attack, where witnesses described seeing the young father being held with his arms behind his back before he was stabbed in the chest. Eritrean-born Tesfamichael, then 23 and living in Camden, north London, made his getaway in a Mercedes before fleeing to Italy and then Miami, U.S., before he was extradited back to Britain. The 50-second video clip was captured on a banned mobile phone and shared with friends on WhatsApp . Eritrean-born Tesfamichael will spend a minimum of 13 years behind bars for the stabbing of Olu Olagbaju, 26 . Mr Olagbaju was looking forward to the birth of his second child with fiancee Terri Jacob, who he already had a daughter with, when he was killed. The Ministry of Justice launched an internal investigation at the Category C prison, which houses 500 inmates, and dealt with those involved. A spokesperson from the Prison Service said: 'All identified prisoners have faced disciplinary action. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated.' Tesfamichael wears a grey vest as he dances around the prison with another inmate, who wears sunglasses . The footage also shows a stash of drinks bottles, crisps and biscuits being stored on a window ledge . The video has outraged members of the public after it was shared on social media. Vikki Heywood, wrote on Facebook: 'I think it's disgusting the stuff they can get up to in prison these days. I've seen other ones of take aways and stuff like that. 'They are there to be punished not rewarded. If they have it soo cosy they will never learn from there's mistakes [sic].' Richard Jones added: 'What's more shameless is that it's the authorities allowing the "party" to take place.'  Others described it as 'shocking' and 'disgraceful'. Dashem Tesfamichael (left) stabbed Olu Olagbaju, 26, (right) with a broken champagne bottle at a London nighclub in December 2006 . Prison officers at Coldingley prison in Surrey reportedly turned a blind eye to the partying, which happened in the run up to Christmas in December last year . Prison inmates use the yeast food spread to make illegal hooch dubbed 'Marmite Mule' behind bars . Prisoners are infamous for brewing illicit alcohol while they're behind bars with the DIY concoctions carrying a variety of names from 'pruno' to 'hooch'. But it is perhaps surprising to learn how inmates are able to make the beverages on such a limited amount of resources. In 2009 it was reported that Marmite had been banned from Dartmoor prison in Devon because inmates were using it to make super strength hooch. Dubbed 'Martmite Mule', prisoners added it to fruit, vegetables, bread and water, with the yeast in the food spread triggering the fermenting process of turning the sugars in the fruit into alcohol. The brew is then left over two weeks in old soft drink bottles or plastic bags before it is strained with a T-shirt or sock to remove the remains of the fruit and veg. It was also reportedly being used at privately-run Addiewell Prison in Scotland. Pruno, or prison wine, is renowned for being made by inmates because it can be produced with the limited selection of equipment and ingredients available to them. It is usually made using a variation of apples, oranges, fruit cocktail, candy, ketchup, sugar, milk, and possibly other ingredients, including crumbled bread. Again, the use of a plastic bag, hot running water and a sock are needed during the fermentation process. The longer the concoction is left the stronger it will be with the alcohol volume ranging from 2 per cent to 14 per cent.

Dashem Tesfamichael, 30, filmed dancing outside cell at Coldingley prison . He was jailed for life after stabbing Olu Olagbaju with a champagne bottle . Footage shows stash of drink and snacks and was shared on WhatsApp . Prison officers said to turn blind eye to the partying in December, last year .


Right from the moment he breezed through the doors at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal was a man with a plan. The first season, he stated, would see him deliver Manchester United back into their rightful place in the Champions League. He would restore them to the Premier League top four but loftier aims of silverware would have to wait. His three-year vision would allow for such thoughts but, first things first, United needed to be dining from European football's top table again. Louis van Gaal is close to delivering his first-season aim of returning Man United into Champions League . Wayne Rooney smashes home during Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday . United's win over Aston Villa took them third, eight points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table . April 12 Manchester City (H) April 18 Chelsea (A) April 26 Everton (A) May 2 West Bromwich Albion (H) May 9 Crystal Palace (A) May 17 Arsenal (H) May 24 Hull City (A) One season out of the Champions League was far from ideal, but two seasons would be an absolute disaster and something, he understood, that would not be tolerated. In November, even that was looking optimistic. A 1-0 defeat to Manchester City meant that United had taken just 13 points from their opening 10 matches - it was their worst start to a league campaign since 1986, when Ron Atkinson only lasted until November. They had also been humiliated in the Capital One Cup by League One side MK Dons. Once again, with a more than a hint of desperation, Van Gaal reminded everyone after the derby defeat that this was a long-term project. 'It's not good enough,' he said. 'But on the other hand, we are in a process, as I have said from the beginning. The process shall take more than one year, it shall take three years.' Suddenly, it seemed like Van Gaal was shifting the goalposts. Instead of finishing top four in his first season, was he now suggesting that United might only be worthy of those positions by year three? That didn't sound good. It took some time for United to hit their stride under Van Gaal but things have finally come together . United were again at their best in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Aston Villa, which took them third . United celebrate their title triumph in 2013 - Van Gaal's aim is to return such success to Old Trafford . But Van Gaal has been true to his word. Barring a catastrophic late collapse in form, United will be gracing the Champions League again next season. With an eight-point cushion established over Liverpool in fifth, United's faithful can look forward to those electric European nights against next season. Their failure to qualify for the continent's premier club competition this year is a mere blip, rather than a symbol of sustained decline. With matches against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City still to come, there is even far-fetched talk of United winning the title. Now that really would be an acceleration of the Van Gaal masterplan. That won't happen but there's no reason why United can't finish second or third, avoiding the necessity of a potentially tricky Champions League qualifier in August. United are on course, the plan is on track and Van Gaal can be satisfied. There are growing signs too that Van Gaal's team are looking like the Manchester United of old. Ander Herrera scored twice in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend . Juan Mata, who scored twice in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, has been excellent under Van Gaal . Angel di Maria (right) has been mainly playing from the bench during United's recent good run of form . Radamel Falcao (right) has also had to be content with a place on the bench . The 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday was another indication that United are now a settled side. The fluent, possession-based football and the waves of attack that were hallmarks of the Alex Ferguson era are slowly beginning to return. Van Gaal, after trying what seems like a million combinations, has found the shape and system that best makes use of the resources at his disposal. It seems to exclude Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao - combined value £103.5m - but while the money men won't be happy, everyone else is. Now that United have manoeuvred themselves into a strong position in the top four, Van Gaal can regard his first season in English football as a job well done. But year two demands further improvement. United must mount a sustained challenge for the Premier League title and reach the later stages of the Champions League. Those are the expectations. Now we wait and see if Van Gaal can deliver.

Man United have an eight-point cushion from fifth-place Liverpool . Van Gaal looks likely to deliver on his promise of top four finish . But the Dutchman has a three-year vision mapped out . Next season will have to see United mount sustained challenge for title . They must also reach the later stages of the Champions League .


The 99th qualifier in the field of 99 due to contest the Masters next week told Sportsmail of his immense relief that he held on to claim the last spot. Paul Casey was at home in Arizona when the matter was decided last Sunday and admitted he went through all sorts of agonies as his Augusta fate swung back and forth. The Englishman got in due to staying in the world’s top 50 but at one point, as events unfolded in Morocco and at the Texas Open, he was projected to fall to 54th. Paul Casey, pictured in action last month, is the 99th qualifier in the field of 99 due to play at the Masters . ‘I was very relieved and now I am just so excited,’ said Casey, who made the last of his eight Masters appearances in 2012. 'On the outside looking in is hardly where you want to be for the season’s first major. I’ve missed the whole experience.’ The classy ball striker has got all the tools to do well at Augusta and showed as much when he forced his way into contention on several occasions. The 37-year-old finished sixth on his Masters debut in 2004 and actually led in 2007 after five holes of the final round. He then called a penalty shot on himself at the sixth after his ball moved a fraction when he addressed it with his putter. Casey finished sixth on his Masters debut in 2004 and actually led in 2007 after five holes of the final round . It’s a stupid rule that has subsequently been changed and Casey said, smiling:’It would be nice to wind the clock back, wouldn’t it? It did affect me for a few holes and I fell away (he finished 10th). But I’m going back a lot wiser and far better equipped if I got in contention again.’ Casey will wrap up his preparation at the Shell Houston Open, the site of his only PGA Tour victory. Also in the field are Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and a quartet of high class Americans in Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson. Meanwhile, there’s still no word on whether Tiger Woods will play the Masters, although he did at least declare his intent by pitching up for a practice round at Augusta on Tuesday.

Paul Casey was the 99th qualifier in the field of 99 due to play at Augusta . The Englishman made the last of his eight Masters appearances in 2012 . He has the tools in his armoury to do well at the first major of the year . The 2015 Masters gets underway at Augusta National next Thursday .


QPR have confirmed that Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for between 10-12 weeks. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Brom but picked up the injury to his left knee after falling awkwardly and had to be replaced in the first half. 'Scans have since revealed Vargas sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury, which is likely to keep him sidelined for between 10-12 weeks,' read a statement on the club’s website. QPR have confirmed that Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for the rest of the season . The 25-year-old picked up the injury to his left knee after falling awkwardly in the win against West Brom . Scans have since revealed Vargas sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury . 'Vargas is the third QPR player to sustain an MCL injury since the turn of the year, following recent injuries to Richard Dunne and Leroy Fer. 'However, both Dunne and Fer are now closing in on a first team return, with the pair potentially in line to be in contention for the visit of West Ham United to Loftus Road at the end of the month.' Vargas has scored three goals for QPR this season after signing on loan from Napoli in August. Vargas opened the scoring against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns Stadium before sustaining injury . Vargas is the third QPR player to sustain an MCL injury since the turn of the year . Vargas leaves the games against West Bromwich Albion on crutches following the knee injury .

Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks with knee injury . Chilean ace Vargas will miss the rest of the Premier League season . Vargas picked up the injury during Saturday's win against West Brom . Scans revealed he sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury .


Rotherham claimed a vital win against Brighton to significantly boost their survival hopes and send foot-of-the-table Blackpool down. The game presented both Rotherham and Brighton with an opportunity to pull away from the trouble they currently find themselves in at the wrong end of the Sky Bet Championship table. Matt Derbyshire's early finish proved to be the difference between the two teams at the AES Seal New York Stadium and moved Rotherham to just two points behind the visitors. Matt Derbyshire gets to the ball first to apply the finish and give Rotherham the lead against Brighton . David Stockdale is unable to stop Derbyshire's near post effort after a good cross by Jordan Bowery . Rotherham: Martinez; Hunt, Rawson, Broadfoot, Lafferty, Green, Arnason, Smallwood, Pringle, Bowery (Ward 77), Derbyshire . Subs not used: Rowe, Hammill, Milsom, Newton, Frecklington . Scorer(s): Derbyshire 8 . Booked: Pringle, Green . Manager: Steve Evans . Brighton: Stockdale, Bruno, Dunk, Halford, Bennett; Ince, Kayal, Stephens; Carayol (Teixeira 81), O'Grady (Best 45), Lua Lua (Mackail-Smith 75) Subs not used: Walton (GK), Calderon, Hughes, Forster-Caskey . Booked: Kayal, Ince . Manager: Chris Hughton . Referee: Kevin Wright . Rotheram's Ben Pringle and Brighton's Kazenga LuaLua tested the keepers at either end in the opening stages, but it was Derbyshire who made the breakthrough after eight minutes when he cleverly turned in Jordan Bowery's cross with the outside of his boot. Rotherham, who were hoping to avoid a fifth straight defeat, continued to produce the better football and chances throughout what was a stop-start first half. Bowery blew a good opportunity for the home side when Kirk Broadfoot guided a Pringle free-kick back across goal and into the striker's path, but he headed well over under little pressure. Paul Green also missed a big chance when Derbyshire slipped him the ball from a well-worked move. The midfielder delayed his shot and eventually dragged it wide of David Stockdale's goal. Brighton had to improve in the second half and brought on Leon Best for the largely ineffective Chris O'Grady. The former Nottingham Forest striker celebrates his goal at the New York Stadium . Derbyshire is congratulated by his team-mates after putting the home side a goal up on Monday . They started the second half far better and Beram Kayal, just moments after being booked for blocking a kick from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, should have put the visitors on level terms. The Israeli international was put clean through on goal but a heavy touch gave Martinez the advantage and he managed to deny Kayal a path to goal with a diving save. The lively Best then flashed a dangerous cross into the box which Bowery poked just over his own bar for a Brighton corner. At the right end, Bowery dragged an effort just wide of the mark before a good interception from Farrend Rawson stopped Best from getting in on goal. A good run from Rotherham full-back Jack Hunt resulted in a shot on goal as the Millers tried to make the points safe. Down the other flank Danny Lafferty laid on a big chance for Derbyshire to score his second but his shot on the angle was palmed away by Stockdale. LuaLua then miscued a volley wide for the visitors but was then replaced by Craig Mackail-Smith, who was just inches away from making an immediate impact when he narrowly failed to get a touch on to Kayal's dangerous looking centre. Brighton's Kezenga Lua Lua holds off the challenge of Jack Hunt during the clash on Saturday . Rotherham manager Steve Evans shows the players how it's done with a net bit of control on the touchline .

Rotherham beat Brighton 1-0 at the New York Stadium on Saturday . Matt Derbyshire opened the scoring for Rotherham after just eight minutes . Rotherham move seven points clear of the relegation zone with victory .


A British photographer has captured incredible solar images from an observatory he built in his back garden. Retired engineer, Dave Tyler captured these stunning pictures showing the ferocious activity on the sun's surface during its solar maximum - when the star is at its most active during its 11 year cycle. The amateur snapper is able to capture a wide variety of phenomena from his own home near High Wycombe, including sunspots, solar prominences, coronal loops and solar flares. Scroll down for video . One for the album: A streak of burning gas leaves the sun in this photo by Dave Tyler in his back garden . The 72-year-old designed and built his own observatory in 1977 and now uses powerful telescopes to observe and photograph the solar system. Tyler first became interested in astronomy after seeing the first episode of the BBC's Sky at Night in 1957. He said: 'I had always had a casual interest in astronomy ever since the first Sky at Night. 'However, more than a decade later a friend gave me an old Ross 3 inch refractor which I cobbled onto a camera tripod. Here comes the sun: A magnificent picture of the star which dominates our solar system from December 2014 . 'With this simple device I was able to look at Saturn, which left me truly amazed. 'Like many other amateurs who have had the same experience, I was instantly launched into a life long passion with the subject. 'I am now very aware of my position in the solar system. The sun is awesome and many people do not even realise it is a star. Through my scopes it is an amazing sight.' The sun photographed during its solar maximum which is its most active period during its 11 year cycle . A sunspot captured during the sun's solar maximum by backyard observer Dave Tyler in February . David Tyler and the equipment he uses to take pictures of the sun in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire . A solar war rages on the sun's surface during its solar maximum on January 15, 2015 . A prominence rising from the sun photographed by Dave Tyler who built his own observatory in his garden . A sun spot is pictured in this photograph taken in March by Mr Tyler . Solar power: A fiery battle rages on the sun's surface on September 2, 2014 . An plane flying through the night sky against the backdrop of the sun which has a visible sun spot . A large sunspot visible on the star's surface during its solar maximum in September 2014 . The 72-year-old designed and built his own observatory in 1977 and now uses powerful telescopes to observe and photograph the solar system . A view of the dome in David Tyler's garden, containing the equipment used to take pictures of the sun .

Retired engineer Dave Tyler built his own observatory in garden in 1977 . Uses powerful telescope to photograph solar system from home in Bucks. Takes pictures of variety of phenomena including solar flares and sunspots .


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed there is no crisis at Anfield despite successive morale-sapping defeats by rivals Manchester United and Arsenal. Saturday's 4-1 defeat at the Emirates left Liverpool off the pace for the Champions League places and it seems that Wednesday's FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn now represents the Merseyside club's best chance of making tangible progress this season. But speaking at Melwood on Monday morning, Rodgers denied suggestions that a training-ground meeting on Sunday was designed to quell dissent among his players. Daniel Sturridge (left) and Raheem Sterling are in stitches as they share a joke in training on Monday . Mamadou Sakho (left) and Emre Can were also in jovial mood as Liverpool prepared for Blackburn . Captain Steven Gerrard listens in as Brendan Rodgers addresses his players at Melwood . Gerrard smiles as he chats to team-mate and fellow Liverpudlian Rickie Lambert . 'We have lots of meetings in terms of analysing things and it was no different to a host of meetings,' said Rodgers. 'Those are the meetings which allowed us to recover from a bad start this season. 'It was nothing, just analysing performance, looking where we're at. 'We have seven Barclays Premier League games to go and an FA Cup quarter-final. We know what our objectives are. 'I have a great bunch of players who tirelessly give me everything. Italian striker Mario Balotelli looks in thoughtful mood at the session on Monday morning . Rodgers has insisted his side are not in crisis despite two successive defeats against their rivals . Fabio Borini has a laugh with coach Mike Marsh ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Ewood Park . 'We might be short in certain elements but in terms of commitment and work ethic, that's been pretty clear since I have been here.' Liverpool head to Ewood Park on Tuesday night without suspended trio Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel and Emre Can. Rodgers believes his team have the mental strength to cope, though. 'We will go there focused and desperate to play after the disappointment of the weekend,' added Rodgers. 'It's Important to have this game quickly after losing. Brendan Rodgers catches the ball during Liverpool's 4-1 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday . Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet screams at defender Kolo Toure after another goal is conceded . The fallout from Raheem Sterling's controversial interview overshadowed the build-up to the Arsenal game . Liverpool will be without Emre Can on Tuesday night after the German was sent off at the Emirates . 'The group is committed to winning this trophy but Blackburn will be tough for us. 'We are where we are. We're in fifth and up to now this season has been an up-and-down one. 'We have a lot of young players still adapting and learning, unfortunately. It's not a mental barrier. 'It's something we need to keep working at as a team. It's a very difficult challenge when you look at the four above us in the league.'

Liverpool seven points off fourth place after 4-1 defeat by Arsenal . Reds take on Blackburn in FA Cup quarter-final replay on Tuesday night . Manager Brendan Rodgers insists the club are not in crisis .


MLS side Orlando City are the latest club to have expressed interest in Manchester United misfit Javier Hernandez. The Mexico international would be a huge commercial draw for the Florida-based franchise who are coached by former Everton and Manchester City striker Adrian Heath. Orlando have a huge Latin-American fanbase and made enquiries last week about the prospect of a deal. Javier Hernandez is linked with a move to Orlando City after enduring a tough time on loan at Real Madrid . Orlando have a big Latin-American fanbase and Kaka is the captain of the MLS side . Hernandez would be a popular arrival with Orlando supporters but eight European sides are also interested . Hernandez has cut a frustrated figure during his loan spell at Real Madrid this season but still has plenty of interest from other Premier League and European sides. Southampton, Stoke, West Ham and Everton are all interested with United willing to sell for around £8million. Wolfsburg, AC Milan, Lazio and Inter Milan are also keen on the 26-year-old who has one year left on contract. United, meanwhile, have made a revised contract offer to teenage prospect Andreas Pereira. Manchester United have made a revised contract offer to 19-year-old Andreas Pereira (right) Periera (left) has a host of clubs across Europe interested in signing him if he does not agree terms at United . Paris St Germain, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord have all made contact with the midfielder's father Marcos after the 19-year-old rejected United's opening offer. Pereira was on the bench against Aston Villa on Saturday.

MLS team Orlando City the latest team to be linked with Javier Hernandez . The Manchester United striker has not impressed on loan at Real Madrid . United have made Andreas Pereira an improved contract offer .


Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur missed out on the opportunity to narrow the gap to Under 21 league leaders Manchester United after playing out a goalless draw at Wheatsheaf Park. Spurs went into the game at Staines Town sitting sixth in the league but victory would have taken them joint top with the Red Devils, while the defending champions were only three points behind the north London outfit. Both teams will rue missed chances to claim all three points, with Spurs looking more likely to break the deadlock in the second half following a first period dominated by Chelsea. Ruben Loftus-Cheek played for Chelsea Under 21s having already starred in the Champions League this term . CHELSEA (4-3-3): Beeney, Dabo, Aina, Clarke-Salter, Dasilva, Colkett, Houghton, Loftus-Cheek (Boga 37), Brown, Solanke (Abraham 82), Mitchell (Musonda 67). Subs not used: Collins, Palmer. TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): McGee, Yedlin, McQueen, Amos, Lesniak, Carter-Vickers, McEvoy, Winks, Akindayini, Ceballos (Walker-Peters 69), Miller. Subs not used: Loft, Ross, Miles. Mitchell Beeney fumbled a low 20-yard attempt from Cristian Ceballos, but the Chelsea stopper was fortunate to see the ball roll through his legs and back off the post before gathering. Chelsea could have scored a dramatic winner in injury time but Luke McGee made a superb double stop to deny an Izzy Brown header, before quickly recovering to stop Tammy Abraham from close range on the follow up. The result saw Spurs climb to third behind United and Liverpool while the Blues remain eighth. Despite the lack of goals, Spurs Under 21 boss Ugo Ehiogu will be encouraged by his side's display with USA international DeAndre Yedlin impressing at right-back, especially in the second half with a lively attacking display. The Blues started talented prospect Ruben Loftus-Cheek, but the midfielder was forced off injured after just 37 minutes with a knock. DeAndre Yedlin is already a senior international for the United States and impressed at right-back for Spurs .

Luke McGee made stoppage time double save for Tottenham Hotspur . Chelsea keeper Mitchell Beeney nearly handed Spurs lead with error . Tottenham missed out going level on points with Manchester United . Spurs now sit third in table behind United and Liverpool . Defending champions, in eighth, remain three points behind Spurs .


Pensioners are seven times more likely to develop serious skin cancer today than they were 40 years ago, research shows. Decades of cheap package holidays mean that thousands of retired people every year are paying with their health for sunburn they experienced in their youth. According to Cancer Research UK, men aged 65 and over are around ten times more likely to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma than those of their parents’ generation. Scroll down for video . Pensioners are seven times more likely to develop serious skin cancer today than they were 40 years ago, research shows . And older women are about five times more likely to develop this disease than someone of the same age were in the mid-1970s. Around 5,700 pensioners are now diagnosed with melanoma each year in the UK compared with just 600 a year four decades ago. Many of the patients being diagnosed today suffered cancer-causing sunburn when they were young, experts said last night. Although age is a major risk factor for melanoma, the huge increase is blamed on the cheap package holiday boom dating from the 1960s. Overall, 55.2 of every 100,000 people aged over 65 are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. In 1975 just 7.9 per 100,000 were diagnosed - a seven-fold increase. The figures are part of a worrying increase in incidents that affects all age groups. The continuing obsession with sporting a tan means the toll is likely to keep rising. Getting sunburnt once every two years can triple a person’s risk of developing the disease, scientists suggest . Getting sunburnt once every two years can triple a person’s risk of developing the disease, scientists suggest. Around 13,300 people across a wide range of ages are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the UK each year making it the country’s fifth most common cancer overall and the second most common cancer in young adults aged 15 to 34. And with sunbeds still very popular, the number of diagnoses is expected to rise to 20,000 a year by 2027. In 1975 the figure was just 1,800. Professor Richard Marais, Cancer Research UK’s skin cancer expert: ‘It’s worrying to see melanoma rates increasing at such a fast pace, and across all age groups. ‘It’s very important for people to take care of their skin in the sun. ‘It’s also important for them to keep an eye on their skin and seek medical opinion if they see any changes to their moles, or even to normal areas of skin. ‘Melanoma is often detected on men’s backs and women’s legs but can appear on any part of the body.’ Each year, 2,100 Britons die from the disease. Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s head of health information, said: ‘Many cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, are preventable by taking precautions in the sun and making sure you don’t burn. ‘Sun damage accumulates over time so avoiding sunburn - and sunbeds - is key, as well as getting to know your skin type so you don’t overdo it on the beach or even in the garden. ‘You can burn at home just as easily as you can on holiday, so remember to spend time in the shade, wear a T shirt and a hat to protect your skin and regularly apply sunscreen that is at least Factor 15 and has four stars. ‘Swapping bad sun habits for good ones could save your life.’ Sue Deans, a 69-year-old retired teacher and mother-of-three from Croydon, south London, who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2000 after having a mole removed, said: ‘I was part of the generation where package holidays became affordable and you could go abroad nearly every year. ‘I don’t think there was much understanding at the time about the impact that too much sun can have on your risk of getting skin cancer. ‘And I loved the sun but suffered quite a bit of sunburn over the years. ‘I’ve always been quite body aware so my cancer was spotted early. ‘I had successful surgery and have been healthy since, but I’m always vigilant in keeping an eye out for anything unusual or persistent that might need to be checked. ‘Now I make sure my grandson knows the dangers of getting caught out in the sun.’

Decades of cheap holidays means retirees are paying for sunburn in youth . Men over 65 ten times more likely to have disease than parents' generation . Around 5,700 pensioners now diagnosed with melanoma each year in UK .


One of Argentina's top referees is under investigation and faces a possible ban after overturning a red card and penalty decision based on a television replay. Referee German Delfino awarded a penalty to Velez Sarsfield after  Daniel Valencia was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and showed the Arsenal man his second booking of the game. However, the decision was overturned after linesman Ivan Nunez caught a replay of the incident on a nearby cameraman's monitor and informed Delfino via his earpiece. One of Argentina's top referees faces a ban after overturning a decision based on a television replay . Arsenal's Daniel Valencia is dismissed by German Delfino after appearing to handle the ball in the area . Linesman Ivan Nunez caught a replay of the incident on a nearby cameraman's monitor and informed Delfino . Delfino overturned the decision  - to the annoyance of Velez who lost out on a penalty and a man advantage . Despite  the correct decision being awarded by the referee - replays showed  striker Mariano Pavone was the handball offender and the frontman was subsequently booked - Velez were left fuming after the penalty was overturned and Valencia was allowed to return to the field. Video technology is not allowed in Argentine football and, after a melee ensued on the pitch involving players and coaching staff, Velez manager Miguel Angel Russo said: 'Delfino has every right to change his decision. But by his own decision, not off the television. 'The Fifa rules are very clear, they don't accept technology... If cameras are to exist then let them be used for everyone.' Velez captain Fabian Cubero gave an on-pitch interview during the game and said: 'You can't change it. What are the rules?' Arsenal's Valencia was allowed to return to the field while Velez striker Mariano Pavone was shown a yellow . Velez players and coaching staff protest at referee Delfino after his decision to overturn the decision . Velez manager Miguel Angel Russo said: 'Delfino has every right to change his decision. But by his own decision, not off the television' Velez captain Fabian Cubero gave an on-pitch interview and said: 'You can't change it. What are the rules?' Meanwhile, referee Delfino accepted the decision was sloppy and admitted: 'The procedure was horrible. It can't happen like this. 'You've got to be strong. I changed the decision because of my colleague, we are a team. 'If it was handball by Pavone then I'm happy that there was justice... but it was sloppy and I'm responsible.' After his initial reprieve, Arsenal's Valencia picked up another booking and was dismissed deep into injury time as Velez went on to claim a 2-1 victory.

German Delfino faces ban after overturning decision based on TV replay . Linesman Ivan Nunez spotted replay of incident in cameraman's monitor . Argentine referee Delfino overturned penalty and red card decision . Velez Sarsfield were left furious after decision during game with Arsenal .


Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford for years to come, describing the Red Devils as the 'right team in the right league'. The Spaniard has come through a testing first six months in English football which saw him begin the season in the team before having a reduced role as a substitute. That led to suggestions manager Louis van Gaal did not rate the £29million summer signing from Athletic Bilbao. However, the 25-year-old has now started the last eight matches and scored twice in Saturday's 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Ander Herrera celebrates scoring the first goal for Manchester United during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa . Herrera (left) shoots and scores his first goal for United against Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday . Herrera calmly slots home his second goal against Villa to make it 3-1 to United . 'I'm very happy. Even when I was not playing, I was also happy. I am at Manchester United. I feel really lucky to be here,' he told United Review. 'It's my dream to be here for a long time because I am in the right team, in the right league and in the right country. I want to stay at the club for many years to come. 'I feel I quickly adapted to this league and this country because I am so comfortable here. 'I think (we at) Manchester United are always helping each other to adapt and to feel like we're at home. I feel really good at United and I hope to stay here for a long time. 'The manager has to decide who is playing or not but we have to respect always the decision he makes. The manager wants the best for the team, the best for us and we have to follow him always.'

Ander Herrera has started the last eight games for Manchester United . Midfielder says he is in the 'right team in the right league' Herrera scored twice against Aston Villa during Man United's 3-1 victory .


Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas showed his softer side by comforting a young fan who was hit by a wayward shot during his side's emphatic 9-1 win over Granada. Casillas handed the supporter his Real Madrid shirt during the half-time interval after previously making sure the injured fan was OK. The veteran custodian alerted the attention of stewards and medical staff shortly after the incident before going over to see the spectator at the break. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas looks concerned after seeing a young fan get struck by a ball . Stewards and fans rush to the attention of Casillas following the incident at the Santiago Bernabeu . Casillas' kind gesture came during one of the easiest 90 minutes he has had during his prestigious career in the Spanish capital. La Liga giants Real Madrid eased to a 9-1 victory against relegation candidates Granada to pile pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid's impressive front three all managed to get on the scoresheet as Cristiano Ronaldo scored five and Karim Benzema netted a brace following Gareth Bale's opener. The young fan looked delighted to have been handed Casillas' No 1 shirt during the interval . The Real Madrid fan grins after receiving Casillas' goalkeeper shirt at the half-time break of his side's 9-1 win .

Iker Casillas consoled a young fan who was struck during La Liga match . The Real Madrid supporter was handed Casillas' shirt during the interval . Real Madrid hit nine past Granada at the Santiago Bernabeu .


Manchester United winger Ashley Young was in attendance as Crawley Town took on Oldham Athletic in League One on Monday, watching his brother in action for the home side. The England international's younger sibling plays for Crawley as a winger or striker and started their game against the Latics in League One. Crawley are scrambling to avoid relegation from League One but Young was a good omen for the club as they were 2-0 up at half-time. Ashley Young went to watch his younger brother Lewis in action for Crawley against Oldham . Young (right) pictured in action for Manchester United while brother Lewis is a regular in the Crawley side . Young senior played 70 minutes in United's 3-1 victory over his former club Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. He has been an important player as Louis van Gaal's squad pushes to earn a Champions League return. United are third in the Premier League on 62 points and their next  game is on Sunday against local rivals Manchester City.

Ashley Young's brother Lewis plays for Crawley Town as an attacker . The Manchester United man went to watch him play against Oldham . Crawley are battling to get out of the relegation zone in League One .


Bradley Johnson's season to remember continued as Norwich recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday to move into the Sky Bet Championship's top two for the first time since October. The midfielder netted his 12th and 13th goals of the season late in the first half to settle a scrappy encounter which the Canaries dominated without looking particularly convincing. Norwich should now fancy their chances of going on to complete a swift return to the top flight, with excellent form behind them and a favourable run of fixtures between now and the end of the season. Bradley Johnson heads home to give Norwich City the lead against Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road . Johnson scores his second for the Canaries as they maintain their automatic promotion hopes with victory . Norwich City: Ruddy, Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Olsson, Howson, Tettey, Dorrans, (Hooper 88), Johnson, (Odjidja-Ofoe 93), Hoolahan, (Redmond 79), Jerome . Unused Subs: Becchio, R Bennett, Rudd, O'Neil . Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood, Vermijl, (Buxton 45), Lees, Dielna, Mattock, Maguire, Lee, Melo Silva, Isgrove (Nuhiu 45), McGugan, Lavery (Bus 78) Substitutes: Hutchinson, May, Zayatte, Kirkland . Ref: Carl Boyeson . Att: 22,993 . Alex Neil's side had an early shout for a penalty waved away when Tom Lees appeared to bundle over Cameron Jerome in the box but referee Carl Boyeson awarded a corner. When the ball came in it was only half-cleared and Stephen Whittaker's well-struck effort was deflected over. The in-form Canaries continued to look the side more likely to break the deadlock although they were almost caught on the break when Martin Olsson carelessly lost possession on the halfway line. Lloyd Isgrove drove into the box but the angle was tight and he dragged his shot just wide of the far post. Caolan Lavery then failed to get a free header on target as the Owls continued to pose a threat on the break but Norwich were generally on the front foot and went close again when Alex Tettey tested Keiran Westwood with another stinging drive from distance. Whittaker then fired wastefully over the top after being set up by Wes Hoolahan before Norwich took a deserved lead on 33 minutes after conjuring up a goal out of nothing. The Norwich City No 4 reels away in celebration as he doubles Norwich's lead at Carrow Road . Norwich City captain Russell Martin celebrates with the match ball as hosts grab their second of the match . The Norwich City fans celebrate as Johnson's double sends them on their way to victory at Carrow Road . Wednesday should really have cleared their lines after a cross from the left was overhit but Jonny Howson forced a hurried punt that ended up picking up Johnson at the back post and the midfielder outjumped his marker to head past Westwood. Norwich now had their tails up and made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time when Johnson doubled his tally from a corner. More poor defending from the visitors saw the ball drop kindly for the midfielder and he needed no second invitation to blast the ball home from just outside the six-yard box via a slight deflection. Johnson might have completed a swift hat-trick on 49 minutes with a deflected low drive from Hoolahan's free-kick but Westwood did well to gather the ball cleanly. The second half developed into a somewhat scrappy affair, with neither side dominating, although Kieran Lee shot just wide on 62 minutes as the visitors gave as good as they got. Norwich were looking comfortable without posing much of a threat, safe in the knowledge they had the points wrapped up barring an unlikely comeback from a side with nothing but pride to play for. Howson tried his luck from 25 yards with no success as the game drifted towards its conclusion, with Wednesday having to play the last eight minutes with 10 men as defender Claude Dielna went off with a hamstring injury with all the substitutes used. Substitute Nathan Redmond went close with a shot across the face of goal - but a third would have flattered the hosts. Cameron Jerome races for the ball as he looks to create another chance on goal at Carrow Road . Johnson leaps highest as he beats Sheffield Wednesday ace Marnick Vermijl to the ball at Carrow Road . Goalscorer Johnson talks to opposition goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as he wipes blood from his mouth .

Norwich City kept their automatic promotion hopes going with victory . Bradley Johnson scored twice as the Canaries beat Sheffield Wednesday . Johnson's first-half double left hosts in full control at Carrow Road . The Owls made two half-time substitutions but it failed to take effect .


Jordan Henderson is seeking a new contract worth £100,000 per week before committing his long-term future to Liverpool. The club's vice-captain wants to stay at Anfield but he is approaching the final year of his £60,000-per-week contract and is yet to sign an extension. Talks over a new deal are well underway and Henderson has already rejected a five-year deal worth £80,000 per week. Jordan Henderson is seeking a new £100,000-a-week contract before committing his future to Liverpool . The Liverpool vice-captain scored from the penalty spot during the 4-1 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday . But there remains a strong willingness from both parties to reach an agreement sooner rather than later. And Sportsmail understands an improved offer worth £5.2million per year will be enough for Liverpool to cement Henderson's long-term future. The midfielder has developed into an integral part of Liverpool and England's midfield plans over the past two seasons. Henderson, pictured against Laurent Koscielny, has already rejected a five-year deal worth £80,000-per-week . Sportsmail understands an offer worth £5.2million-per-year will be enough for Henderson to stay at Anfield . Henderson, provided his contract situation is resolved, is expected to be appointed Anfield captain once Steven Gerrard leaves for LA Galaxy at the end of the season. Speaking last month, Henderson said: 'I love playing football for Liverpool and I want to be there for many years. 'In terms of my contract, I think everybody else will make a big deal of it but for me it's just letting my agent and the club deal with it and whenever it gets sorted, it gets sorted.'

Jordan Henderson looking for £100,000-a-week contract at Liverpool . The Reds vice-captain is approaching the final year of his current deal . Henderson has already rejected a five-year deal worth £80,000 per week .


While most football fans face travel misery over Easter, Manchester City have laid on free coaches to take their supporters to London for Monday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. The reigning champions have shelled out for six coaches to transport around 3,000 people to Selhurst Park, notoriously one of the most difficult top flight grounds for Northern club fans to reach. The move was made after TV scheduling for the 8pm kick-off made it virtually impossible for supporters to return home by either train or plane on the same night. David Silva (right) celebrates scoring in City's 3-0 defeat of Crystal Palace earlier this season . Around 300 City fans have been afforded free travel on six coaches to take them to Selhurst Park . Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of football fans are facing a travel nightmare this weekend because of the Easter rail shut down. Despite more than 30 Premiership and Championship games scheduled for the long weekend, large parts of the rail network are set to be closed for repair works. More than half the games are set to be affected by delays and disruption, forcing fans onto the roads. Many grounds will not reach full capacity over Easter as rail closures disrupt travel plans . Labour has accused the Government of failing to learn from the Boxing Day chaos, when nearly a million football fans faced nightmare journeys to follow their team. Ministers were warned of the potential problems in advance Labour has claimed – but they failed to scrutinise the planned level of maintenance work. Every single major artery on Britain's railways was shut down. No trains ran between England and Scotland or Wales on the East Coast, West Coast or Great Western mainlines. The Midland, Cross Country and East Anglia were also shut.

Manchester City face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday . Champions have put on free coaches to take fans to Selhurst Park . Rail closures over Easter will disrupt fans' travel plans across country .


Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy was feeling less vibrant than his team's bright orange strip after they blew a chance to climb into the play-off places. The Tractor Boys, who have now lost four of their last five away games, were caught cold by goals in the opening 30 minutes by Huddersfield strike pair Nahki Wells and James Vaughan. McCarthy responded by making two changes at half-time and was rewarded when Luke Varney reduced arrears earlier in the second period. Nakhi Wells celebrates after giving his Huddersfield side the lead at the John Smith's Stadium . James Vaughan (right) doubled the lead for the home side and dent Ipswich's play-off hopes . Huddersfield (4-4-2): Smithies; Smith, Goberin, Hudson, Lynch, James; Scannell (Wallace 89), Goberin Coady, Butterfield; Wells (Edgar 83), Vaughan (Lolley 90) Goals: Wells 12, Vaughan 30 . Ipswich: Bialkowski; Chambers, Smith, Berra, Fryers; Chaplow (Bishop 45), Skuse, Tabb (Williams 67); Varney, Murphy, Wood (Sears 45) Goal: Varney 48 . Bookings: Smith, Berra . But Ipswich couldn't force an equaliser let alone manage the victory that would have seen them leapfrog Brentford into the top six. 'We were poor – nowhere near as competitive as usual,' said McCarthy. 'I was very angry at half-time and strong words were spoken. 'I had to walk off at the end to calm down slightly rather than shake all the players' hands. It's been disappointing, let's leave it at that.' Huddersfield, who hadn't won in seven matches, went ahead after 12 minutes. Wells capitalised on loose play from Zeki Fryers and curled a left-footer into the corner for his 13th goal of the season. Luke Varney (centre left) heads home early in the second half but it wasn't enough for Mick McCarthy's men . After Ipswich's 23-goal top scorer Daryl Murphy had seen an effort cleared off the line, the home side extended their lead after half-an-hour when James Vaughan rose well to head in Jacob Butterfield's cross at the far post. Luke Varney headed a goal back after 48 minutes but Huddersfield deservedly held out to leave manager Chris Powell declaring: 'We deserved it. 'Our first-half display was arguably the best we've played since I've been here. 'Vaughan and Wells took it to them from minute one. Fortunately for Ipswich's promotion hopes, three of their remaining five matches are at Portman Road starting with bottom-of-the-table Blackpool on Saturday. McCarthy added: 'I don't feel happy-slappy at the moment but me and (assistant) Terry Connor will watch this game back at seven o'clock in the morning and we'll start preparing for the next one. 'I don't have any fears about the response on Saturday.' McCarthy (right) looks down as his side failed to keep up with the pace of their promotion rivals . Freddie Sears (centre) and Tommy Smith compete for the ball as Ipswich chased a late equaliser .

Nakhi Wells opened the scoring after an error from on-loan Zeki Fryers . James Vaughan doubled the advantage after 30 minutes for the home side . Luke Varney pulled one back for Ipswich straight after the break . Ipswich have now lost four out of five away in the Championship .