Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013 | 23.07
Updated: Friday, 30 Aug 2013 11:03 | Comments
Ger Brennan: 'We know we're not as good as people say'
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Ger Brennan is adamant that Dublin are not going to get caught up in the media hype that always surrounds the Boys in Blue.
Jim Gavin's side go into Sunday's All-Ireland Foootball Championship semi-final against Kerry as slight favourites but the St Vincent's man will not let that tag bother them.
Brennan told RTÉ Sport: "I think in past years, players have got caught up in that media hype and thinking they are better than they are. But there is no fear of that happening with this squad.
"We're aware to the reality that there is hype out there but we know we are not the finished article, we know we're not as good as people say.
"Not only can [the media] exaggerate, they do exaggerate how good Dublin teams are."
"We are creating quite a lot of scoring chances and we're not converting them" - Ger Brennan
With many pundits pointing to the fact the Kerry team have a lot of miles on the clock, Brennan was eager to point out that he doesn't regard the Munster champions as an ageing side.
"I do not, whatsoever," he said. "They are in the semi-final of an All-Ireland so that shows you how motivated and energetic they are.
"So, certainly, not for one moment do I think they are over the hill."
The 2011 All-Ireland winner also admitted that, despite their run to the semi-final, where their smallest winning margin was five points, over Cork in the quarter-final, there is much room for improvement.
He said: "I think you could take [positive] elements from each of the four previous games but there are also large parts which we need to improve on greatly.
"I suppose we are creating quite a lot of scoring chances and we're not converting them so trying to improve that conversion rate is something that we're hoping to improve upon.
"Defensively, as well, [we're] just trying to limit the amount of scoring opportunities that [opposition] forwards get."
Live television coverage of Roscommon v Tyrone (minor) and Dublin v Kerry (senior) from 13:15 on Sunday 1 September on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage of all the day's action from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Emmet Bolton has called on the Kildare County Board to retain Kieran McGeeney
Kildare footballer Emmet Bolton has said the Kildare panel are "100% behind" manager Kieran McGeeney ahead of a vote on his future with the county.
Clubs in the county are currently debating whether to back the former All-Ireland winning Armagh captain internally.
The clubs will send delegates to vote on the manager's position before a final decision is made by the County Board next week.
Kildare were soundly beaten by Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, losing 4-16 to 1-09.
They defeated Louth in Round Two of the qualifiers but exited the Championship after a 0-14 to 0-12 defeat to Tyrone.
Bolton told RTÉ Sport: "The players are 100% behind him and the management team. People have to remember where he has got us over the last five or six years. We have been to five quarter-finals and one semi-final."
McGeeney brought a number of young players into the squad this year, and has also overseen success at underage level and Bolton believes that should count in his favour as well.
He added: "He has blooded a lot of Under-21s over the last two years and got the Under-21s to an All-Ireland semi-final this year. We really do hope that he stays and we truly believe he is the right man for the job."
St Patrick's Athletic will look to extend their lead at the top of the table against Bohemians at Richmond Park
It's Dublin derby day in the Airtricity League Premier Division with leaders St Patrick's Athletic hosting Bohemians, and Shamrock Rovers travelling to Shelbourne.
Cork City v Derry City, Turner's Cross, 7.45pm
After tasting defeat for the first time since he took over when Cork exited the FAI Ford Cup last week at the hands of Sligo Rovers, caretaker manager Stuart Ashton will be looking to make it three wins out of three in the league.
Derry's cup victory over Bluebell United was their first home win in seven games but they've been good on the road this season.
However, their record at Turner's Cross is far from impressive.
Cork have Daryl Horgan and Garry Buckley back after suspension and also Ciarán Kilduff, who was cup-tied last week.
David Ryan (groin) is back training but defenders Darren Dennehy (foot) and Kevin Murray (groin) are still ruled out.
Gearóid Morrissey (ankle) is a doubt while Danny Murphy is suspended.
Derry will be without the services of Stewart Greacen (knee) Kevin Deery (knee) Thomas Crawley (groin) and Sean Houston (ankle), while Shane McEleney and Ryan McBride will undergo fitness tests tomorrow before the game.
Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers, Hunky Dorys Park, 7.45pm
Honours are even so far this season between these two with Drogheda winning 3-1 at Hunky Dory's Park in March and Bray winning 3-2 in May at the Carlisle Grounds.
That win is Bray's only victory in the last five meetings between the sides.
The Seagulls have not won any of their ten league games since the season resumed after the mid-season break whereas Drogheda are unbeaten in their last six league games and have won their last two.
Drogheda striker Declan O'Brien is suspended while Graham Rusk remains out through injury but Alan McNally is fit again after a broken finger.
Daire Doyle (ankle) and Eoin Hyland (hamstring) are Bray's only doubts.
Stephen Quigley and Dwyane Wilson who were both cup-tied last week return, while Jason Byrne has recovered from an injury picked up in the St Pat's game.
St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
It's a case of contrasting fortunes this season for these two big Dublin rivals as St Pat's find themselves in the race for the title and Bohs are locked in a relegation battle.
The visitors will travel across the city buoyed by a win over Shamrock Rovers in their last outing two weeks ago while St Pat's are unbeaten in their last six league games and also through the FAI Ford Cup quarter-finals.
The home side are also unbeaten in their last nine league games against Bohemians with their last defeat coming in October 2010.
Pat's only injury concern is John Russell (ankle), while Greg Bolger, Chris Forrester and Christy Fagan will make their 50th appearances for the Saints if they play.
Bohs have Dave Mulcahy suspended but Ryan McEvoy (illness) and Ciaran Nangle (ankle) return and Karl Moore is back from suspension.
However, Dave Scully (ankle) and Stephen Doran (away) miss out.
UCD v Dundalk, The UCD Bowl, 7.45pm
After an impressive win away to Limerick two weeks ago, UCD will be chomping at the bit ahead of the visit of second place Dundalk to The Bowl.
UCD won the last meeting between the sides at Oriel Park although Dundalk did win on their last visit to Belfield.
Dundalk are looking for a fifth successive league win to keep the pressure on leaders St Pat's at the top of the table and they travel on the back of the best away record in the league with 29 points from a possible 36.
UCD's only injury worry is Aymen Ben Mohammed, while in addition to long-term injury victim Keith Ward, Dundalk have doubts over John Mountney (ankle) but may welcome back John Dillon and Brian Gartland after both missed last week's cup win over Limerick.
There hasn't been a scoreless draw in 21 games between these two since January 1999.
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, Tolka Park, 8pm
Billed as the real Dublin derby, given the two clubs roots in the Ringsend/Irishtown area of the city, this pairing brings together two sides who are having disappointing league campaigns.
But, while Rovers are lingering in fifth place, 17 points behind the leaders with a game more played, Shelbourne are embroiled in the dog-fight at the bottom.
The two games between the sides this season have been close with a scoreless draw at Tolka followed by a narrow 1-0 win for Rovers in Tallaght.
Shelbourne will again be without the services of Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery but Robert Bayly is available.
Glenn Cronin is suspended but Brian Gannon returns having served his ban.
Both Lee Murphy and Jamie McGlynn, cup-tied last week, are available.
Rovers goalkeeper Richard Brush (shoulder) has resumed training but won't be ready while Conor Powell (foot), Ronan Finn (groin) and Mark Quigley (knee) are all slight doubts.
Sean St Ledger's withdrawal leaves Giovanni Trapattoni short of options in central defenceAiden McGeady pulled out of training with Spartak Moscow this week with an ongoing knee injury
Giovanni Trapattoni has been dealt a big blow with the news that winger Aiden McGeady and defenders Sean St Ledger and Joey O'Brien have withdrawn from the Ireland squad through injury.
Ireland face a crucial double header against Sweden and Austria next month as the battle for second place in Group C enters its final stages.
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick had already withdrawn from the 29-man provisional squad announced by Trapattoni last Sunday.
The loss of St Ledger, in particular, and O'Brien poses a serious dilemma for the manager with Richard Dunne having played just two games for QPR as he attempts to reach full match fitness.
St Ledger began the season positively for Leicester, scoring the winning goal in a League Cup tie against Wycombe, but has not played for three weeks.
O'Brien played for West Ham at Newcastle last weekend, while McGeady has not been involved for Spartak since 4 August.
Ciaran Clark and Darren O'Dea are also in contention to partner John O'Shea in central defence.
Either Robbie Brady or James McClean would be likely to come in for McGeady.
A statement from the FAI read: "Aiden McGeady pulled out of training with Spartak Moscow this week with an ongoing knee injury, while Sean St Ledger is still working his way back to full fitness after injuring his knee in early August.
"West Ham's Joey O'Brien is also suffering from a knee injury and is undergoing treatment at his club."
There are no plans at present to add any replacements, according to the statement.
James Doyle is enjoying by far his most successful season to date
Kingman aims to maintain his unbeaten record in the Betfred Mobile Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.
The John Gosden-trained juvenile won a Newmarket maiden by six lengths on his debut and as the form has been franked on numerous occasions, his price for next season's 2000 Guineas has continued to contract.
Gosden last won the Solario with Raven's Pass, who went on to clinch victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic, but he has been keen to play down the expectations on his latest candidate.
However, following James Doyle's appointment as first jockey to Khalid Abdullah on Thursday, Kingman's appearance now takes on even greater significance.
"It is a big first ride, but that is what we all come in for. It's what James comes into the game for and what Prince Khalid is trying to breed horses for so it is certainly a pivotal moment, I should think," said Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe.
"Lest we forget, he is only a maiden, and I think quite a few people have forgotten that. I'm right with John on this, of course we hope he's going to be a good horse but the three horses he's running against have all got really good proven form and proven experience.
"We have to take it step by step and making him a great champion before he's out of short pants is a bit premature.
"I hope he wins.
"He's in good shape and we're looking forward to seeing him run."
"Lest we forget, he is only a maiden, and I think quite a few people have forgotten that" - Teddy Grimthorpe on Kingman
Godolphin are keen to have a crack at Kingman and run one from each of Charlie Appleby's Moulton Paddocks stable and Saeed bin Suroor's Godolphin Stables yard.
Appleby's Music Theory looks the stronger candidate on paper. Second on his debut at Nottingham, he won a Newmarket maiden two weeks later and returned to HQ to win a conditions race by nine lengths.
"Music Theory has come out of his last run at Newmarket very well," Appleby told www.godolphin.com.
"This race looks to be a natural progression for him. He is the top-rated horse, although it looks competitive.
"We go there fit and well and I am happy with the condition of the horse.
"I think we should run a big race. He has answered every question we have put in front of him so far."
The Bin Suroor-trained Emirates Flyer looks a little more exposed but has run at a much higher level, finishing fifth behind No Nay Never in the Norfolk Stakes and second in a Listed event at Ascot most recently. He has won his two other starts.
"Emirates Flyer ran well at Ascot and is ready to go again now," said Bin Suroor.
"There are some nice colts in the race and we are looking forward to seeing a good run from him."
The four-runner field is completed by Mick Channon's Rosso Corsa, winner of one of his seven starts to date and fourth in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood behind Toormore when last seen.
Kiyoshi was a most impressive winner of the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot on her most recent start
Kiyoshi makes her planned return to action after a 10-week absence in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.
Connections of the Charlie Hills-trained filly decided to put her away and wait for this Group One over seven furlongs after she won the Albany Stakes in scintillating style at Royal Ascot.
She faces six rivals as she attempts to give British raiders back-to-back Moyglare victories after Richard Hannon's Sky Lantern landed this prestigious prize 12 months ago.
"It's been the plan to run her in this race since Ascot," said Lambourn-based Hills.
"It's an obvious race to go for, it's an ideal stepping-stone and she's been pleasing us ever since Ascot, but she needs to prove it again."
David Redvers, racing manager to owners Qatar Racing, is hoping the ground is not too quick for the daughter of Dubawi.
"The filly's flying over on Saturday and Charlie couldn't be happier with her," he said.
"She's got the best form on offer this year and we just hope she runs her race. If she does we're hopeful she will be very competitive.
"The step up to seven furlongs should suit her ideally.
"My only worry would be if the ground was too fast being by Dubawi, we wouldn't want to jar her up or anything, but I'm sure they will be doing an excellent job on the ground to make sure there's no jar in it."
"The step up to seven furlongs should suit her ideally" - David Redvers on Kiyoshi
There is a second British challenger in Rizeena, who has been pretty busy since winning the Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The Clive Brittain-trained filly followed a second place to Lucky Kristale in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting with a creditable third to the speedy American juvenile colt No Nay Never in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville.
"She's in great form. Clive's (Brittain) very happy with her training, her weight is good and he's never been more pleased with her," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum.
"Obviously it's going to be tough with Charlie Hills' horse, who looks a worthy favourite, but our filly is very good.
"She ran very well at Deauville last time but this seven furlongs looks most suitable for her."
Debutante Stakes winner Tapestry is Aidan O'Brien's main hope having been supplemented for €22,500 at the confirmation stage.
The Ballydoyle trainer is seeking a seventh Moyglare victory.
"It was always the plan to go there (Moyglare) with her," he told At The Races.
"She's won her two starts very nicely. She's in good form and everything seems very well with her.
"It looks a good race and it will be a good experience for her."
O'Brien also saddles Wonderfully and Perhaps, who were first and second respectively in the Group Three Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown six weeks ago.
Dermot Weld lifted this prize back in 1987 with Flutter Away and looks to Carla Bianca, who was runner-up toO'Brien-trained odds-on favourite Australia over the course and distance on her only start in July.
"It's a big step but she ran very well at the Curragh. She's progressing and should represent us well," said the Rosewell handler.
"She's still pretty immature, I expect her to develop over the winter and I think she'll be well up to Group One level next year."
John Murphy's maiden Touch Of Snow, who has yet to win in six starts, completes the septet.
Double European 100m hurdles champion Nevin Yanit has been handed a two-year suspension for drugs violations by the Turkish Athletics Federation.
Yanit won the gold medal in the 60-metre hurdles at the European Championships, in which Ireland's Derval O'Rourke finished fourth.
O'Rourke is now set to be promoted to the bronze medal position for that race as Yanit will be stripped of her gold medal.
The decision comes just three weeks after the federation banned 31 athletes for doping offences and less than a fortnight ahead of a 7 September International Olympic Committee vote on whether Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo will host the 2020 Olympics.
In May, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said Yanit faced a ban following "multiple positive findings in both in-competition and out-of-competition tests".
The Turkish federation said it made its decision to ban the 27-year-old athlete at a disciplinary board meeting on Tuesday.
Asli Cakir Alptekein, last year's women's 1,500 metres Olympic champion, who had already served a two-year doping ban, was provisionally suspended in May after abnormalities were detected in her 'biological passport'.
A dejected Darran O'Sullivan stands alone as Dublin lift Sam Maguire in 2011Darran O'Sullivan: 'We are hoping we can have a more complete performance against the Dubs in the semi-final'
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Darran O'Sullivan has hailed a "brilliant" year under the Kerry management team ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland Football Championship semi-final with Dublin in Croke Park.
The Kingdom reached this stage by winning the Munster Championship and seeing off Cavan in the quarter-finals under Eamonn Fitzmaurice and his backroom team.
O'Sullivan told RTÉ: "It has got more and more professional and Eamonn has brought that up to a new level this year with his management team. They all bring their own qualities to it.
"There has been no stone unturned this year and it has been brilliant. Every area has been looked at. In fairness to him and his management team, they are on top of everything.
"Everyone does video-analysis but that has been brought up to a new level in terms of what you look at.
"The fitness is at a new level, we have Cian O'Neill with us and he is an expert and qualified in that. It tests body fat and all those kind of things so there is no sneaky ones any more."
"We wouldn't have been happy with how we played in the second half against Cork or Cavan" - Darran O'Sullivan
Kerry have been inconsistent in their matches so far, opening up significant leads in the last two matches before hanging on for victories.
O'Sullivan knows that Kerry will have to find a much more balanced display if they are to progress to a final against Mayo.
He argued: "The only way to describe it is a bit stop-start. We played well in periods and not so well in other periods. We had a very good first half against Cork. The second half was poor. We played okay in the first half against Cavan and again a poor second half.
"We are hoping we can have a more complete performance against the Dubs in the semi-final.
"We just took our foot off the medal and it is hard to get momentum back when you ease off. We learned it the hard way and we know we can't do that against the Dubs. We are hoping that the things we have worked on in the last few weeks will improve us.
"We are our biggest critic down here. We have a lot of experience in the team but we wouldn't have been happy with how we played in the second half against Cork or Cavan. We know we have to improve that because we will not get away with it against a team like Dublin."
Kerry's previous meeting with Dublin in the Championship was the 2011 final defeat where they lost by a single point, a heart-break that O'Sullivan ranks as of the worst moments of his career.
But the Glenbeigh-Glencar man is adamant this weekend is not a revenge meeting for the Munster side.
"It is very different. It is not really a revenge thing," he insisted.
"Obviously you want to get one over on them because they beat you in an All-Ireland final. At the end of the day they won that game, they beat us fair and square and they have the medal for it.
"We're not going to change the history of that game. It is about playing this game on its merits. They are one of the top teams in the country so we know we're up against it."
Robbie Brady (r) scored his second goal in two games as Hull beat Leyton Orient
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Hull winger Robbie Brady can become one of the best players in the Barclays Premier League, according to team-mate Joe Dudgeon.
Having come through the youth system at Manchester United, the 21-year-old had two loan spells at the KC Stadium before making the move permanent in January.
Brady played an integral part in the Tigers' promotion back to the top flight and scored the decisive spot-kick as they picked up their first win against Norwich on Saturday.
The Ireland international followed that up with another goal on Tuesday, striking home moments after coming off the bench in extra-time to secure a 1-0 Capital One Cup second-round win at Leyton Orient.
Such performances come as no surprise to full-back Dudgeon - a fellow graduate of the Old Trafford youth system - who also now plies his trade for Hull.
"Robbie is someone I have known for years now and the minute I saw him I knew he had something special. If he gets his head down this year, he has the ability to be one of the best." he said.
"If we can do well, he will shine and I am sure he will have a great career in football" - Joe Dudgeon
"If we can do well, he will shine and I am sure he will have a great career in football, be up there with the best in the league, the best in the country.
"I've got no doubts about that. He is a great player and a great lad. He deserves it."
Meanwhile, there was further good news for Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier double-header against Sweden and Austria next month with both Conor Sammon and Anthony Pilkington scoring goals for their respective sides, Derby and Norwich, in Capital One Cup wins last night.
However, Sammon's team-mate Jeff Hendrick has withdrawn from the squad due to an ankle injury.
The 24-year-old out-half featured 32 times for the province last year
Ian Madigan has extended his contact with Leinster until the end of the 2015/16 season.
The 24-year-old out-half featured 32 times for the province last year in a campaign that also saw him earn the first of his four Ireland caps.
Madigan made his debut against the Dragons in May 2009 and has made 81 appearances to date for Leinster, scoring 337 points.
Commenting on the news Leinster coach Matt O'Connor said: "We are delighted that Ian has extended his stay with Leinster.
"He displayed a real level of consistency in his performances last year, which was recognised by his peers in being voted the Bank of Ireland Players' Player of the Year as well as picking up the Golden Boot award as the top kicker in the PRO12."
Ireland face Sweden in a vital World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium
An Irish soccer fan has bought the Australian TV rights for the World Cup qualifier against Sweden to ensure supporters Down Under do not miss the crunch clash.
David Feeney said he was so frustrated at not being able to watch his team on television that he decided to buy the rights himself.
Originally from Dublin, Feeney contacted a friend involved in broadcasting in Ireland before making a bid to Kentaro, the German media company that owned the broadcast rights.
"They said my bid was too low, but that it was close then I raised (my) bid and they said OK," says Feeney, who has partnered with a horse-racing channel to show the match via a closed-circuit system at a number of venues across Australia.
Feeney has also secured England's qualifier away to Ukraine.
He has used his home as security to borrow the money to buy the rights - costing "in the tens of thousands of dollars".
The Dubliner says the hardest person to convince in the whole process had been his wife.
"She was hardest to convince alright, but we have an agreement that if the venture makes any money, she gets to keep it!"
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 Agustus 2013 | 23.07
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Aug 2013 16:43 | Comments
Leo Cullen will lead Leinster again this season
Irish International Leo Cullen has been confirmed as captain of Leinster Rugby for the coming season, while Connacht have named no less than three captains for the new campaign.
This will be the sixth consecutive season for Cullen to skipper Leinster having initially been handed the role when he succeeded Brian O'Driscoll back in 2008.
There had been speculation that the torch would be passed to either Kevin McLaughlin and Gordon D'Arcy this season, but new head coach Matt O'Connor has kept faith with Cullen.
Meanwhile Connacht have taken the unusual step of naming three players as captain for the forthcoming season.
Gavin Duffy, John Muldoon, and Michael Swift have been named by head coach Pat Lam as Club Captains, brining their experience and leadership skills to the role.
Lam explained the decision and said: "Each week we will put out our best, available team and will decide on the match day captain to lead us on the pitch.
"We have a larger leadership group working below the Club Captains which encourages players to take on more responsibility and allows us to build on the standards and progression of Connacht Rugby.
"There are a number of leaders here and I believe that we can all support each other very well over the coming season."
Eoin Morgan will lead England against Ireland at Malahide
Eoin Morgan and Boyd Rankin have both been named in the England squad which will face Ireland in the RSA Challenge ODI at Malahide next Tuesday 3 September.
For Morgan, who has been named captain, it's a return to a familiar hunting ground, as he began his Leinster senior career with Malahide as a 13-year-old way back in 2000.
The inclusion of Boyd Rankin in the squad means there's a chance that Irish fans may well witness the England one-day debut of the giant Tyrone born paceman - Rankin made his international debut for England in the Twenty20 format earlier this year against New Zealand.
There are six players with Test experience named in the England squad, with Middlesex pace ace Steve Finn the most recognisable name in the bowling ranks.
One-day specialists Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler and Luke Wright are included, while the highly rated Ben Stokes, James Tredwell and James Taylor will all be out to impress with an Ashes tour coming up in the winter.
There are call-ups for Michael Carberry, Jamie Overton, Gary Ballance, Danny Briggs and 19-year-old Somerset all-rounder Jamie Overton.
There promises to be a number of intriguing personal battles with Ireland's county players coming face-to-face with their colleagues.
There's the prospect of Middlesex pair Paul Stirling and Tim Murtagh against Steve Finn and Eoin Morgan, Ed Joyce tussling with Sussex stars Luke Wright and Chris Jordan, and George Dockrell aiming to get the bragging rights over Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton.
There's also the very real possibility of best friends and Warwickshire team mates William Portefield and Boyd Rankin coming head-to-head from the very first delivery of the biggest cricket match ever to be hosted in Ireland.
England squad to face Ireland: Eoin Morgan (captain) (Middlesex), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ravi Bopora (Essex), Danny Briggs (Hampshire), Jos Buttler (Somerset), Michael Carberry (Hampshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Taylor (Notts), James Tredwell (Kent), Luke Wright (Sussex).
Padraig Amond helped Morecambe overcome Wolves in the last round
Irish striker Padraig Amond insists Newcastle hold no fear for Morecambe as the SkyBet League Two club look to inflict more woe on Alan Pardew's men in the Capital One Cup.
The Shrimps will have their evening in the spotlight on Wednesday with a record crowd expected at the Globe Arena for a second-round clash which will also be televised.
They face a Magpies side who are yet to score this season and once again likely to be without unsettled midfielder Yohan Cabaye, injured striker Loic Remy and suspended defender Steven Taylor.
While former Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers striker knows whatever starting line-up Pardew opts for will pose a serious challenge, he believes Morecambe should not be overawed by their opponents.
Amond said: "I actually watched the game the other night against Man City (when Newcastle lost 4-0) and obviously Steven Taylor got sent off so it looks like he could be missing and they've picked up a couple of little injuries.
"They're obviously a really, really good team with Premier League experience for a number of years now so it's going to be a very tough game, but there's no pressure on us, all the pressure's on them, they're expected to beat us.
"There's no-one really that we're scared of or anything like that. We're just all really looking forward to the game."
Asked if Morecambe would like to capitalise on a difficult first few weeks for Newcastle, the 25-year-old added: "We'd like to take advantage of it. But there's no pressure on us at all.
"A couple of things have gone our way with the Cabaye interest (from Arsenal) and things like that and you don't know who's going to play, but whatever team Newcastle is going to put out is going to be an extremely good team.
"It would be silly if we said they're understrength and took them lightly. We're not going to do that because they're a Premier League team at the end of it all. Every player has Premier League and European experience so it would be quite silly just to dismiss it because there's quite a few players injured, but it's just a game we're really, really looking forward to.
"Playing in front of a big crowd and playing live on Sky again should inspire the lads and, you never know, it could be a great day for Morecambe."
The exploits of Bradford, a League Two club at the time, in this competition last year has provided belief for all of those Davids meeting Goliaths this season.
Amond was keen to also highlight how their cup run bred success in the league too.
He said: "You never know what's going to happen. If you'd have said this time last year Bradford City would be in the cup final, a lot of people probably would have laughed at you.
"But as it turned out they had a great cup run, and they were able to bring it into their league form at the end of the season."
It is understood Wayne Rooney will not be handing in a transfer request at Manchester United ahead of the window closing on Monday.
But the issues that prompted his desire to leave Manchester United remain unresolved.
Rooney received an enthusiastic reception from the United fans during last night's 0-0 draw with Chelsea, which it was hoped would sway the 27-year-old towards remaining at Old Trafford.
However, Rooney is understood to remain unmoved but crucially will not be forcing the issue by asking for a move.
With United implacably opposed to selling Rooney, and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho last night demanding some kind of clarification within 48 hours, it appears the whole situation has reached an impasse.
There has been plenty of opportunity for Rooney to rule out a move but so far he has not done that.
What the player did show with his industrious performance last night was that he is prepared to put any personal issues to one side and give his best for United.
It is understood that will continue and the England star will not be following the example of other high-profile names who have either declined to train properly, or simply not played, as their futures have been the subject of intense debate.
Rooney is not thought to have any problem with new manager David Moyes, United as a club, or the supporters.
It was established some time ago that Rooney was deeply affected by Alex Ferguson's stance towards him at the end of last season, in particular the Scot's claim he had asked for a move.
In fact, Rooney had merely asked for clarification of his position within the United squad given his omission from some key games, including the Champions League second leg tie with Real Madrid in March.
And while Ferguson has now stepped down as manager, and at this present moment is not a presence at Old Trafford as he continues his recover from hip surgery, Rooney believes he will eventually exert sufficient influence there to make the former Everton man's situation uncomfortable.
For their part, whilst United accept there is an argument for releasing Rooney, with a new manager at the helm and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward taking over the player negotiating roles of departed chief executive David Gill, they believe a hard line must be taken.
Woodward and Moyes do not want to be seen as buckling at the first sign of player pressure for fear of what that may bring over the long term.
So, with Rooney opting not to force the issue further, he must now wait to see whether Mourinho carries out his threat to sign an alternative forward, possibly Samuel Eto'o, to end any hope of a move to Stamford Bridge.
Eamonn Fitzmaurice wants to see Kerry convert more scoring opportunities
Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice feels his side will have to make any period of dominance count against Dublin in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final.
The Croke Park encounter is a sell out, with the winners to face Mayo in the decider on 22 September.
Kerry's run to the last-four has seen them produce some scintillating football, particularly against Cork in the first half of the Munster final. However their fade out against the Rebels in the second period and the lacklustre last 35 minutes against Cavan the last day is a concern.
Making the most of your chances and maintain concentration levels will be required against Dublin, according to Fitzmaurice.
He told RTÉ Sport: "We are winning matches, but we need to be more clinical when we are ahead. Against Cork it became too close for comfort. We had opportunities in the second half to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but we didn't avail of them. Brendan Kealy had to make a great save from Brian Hurley late on.
"We never looked like losing against Cavan, but there was a sloppiness to our game" - Eamon Fitzmaurice
"We never looked like losing against Cavan, but there was a sloppiness to our game. Our concentration was not good. We should have put more scores on the board."
Dublin are favourites to get past the Kingdom challenge and Fitzmaurice, like most observers, has been impressed by their run of form so far.
"I'm not surprised that they are being talked up. Since Jim Gavin has taken over, their attacking philosophy has paid a rich dividend. Tyrone are the only team to have beaten them this year and they got past a Cork team that had improved since the Munster final.
"Looking at Dublin's form line, it's not surprising that they are fancied by many to beat us. In saying that on the day of the game I don't think the favourites tag will matter that much. There is no greater motivation in playing Dublin in front of a packed Croke Park.
"From our own point of view we are where we planned to be. We haven't hit the heights we are capable of. Hopefully that will change on Sunday."
Live television coverage of Roscommon v Tyrone (minor) and Dublin v Kerry (senior) from 13:15 on Sunday 1 September on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage of all the day's action from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
James McCarthy has made over 100 appearances for Wigan
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has denied that the club have made a bid for Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy.
Martinez admits he is still looking to strengthen his Everton squad, but is adamant no bid has been made for the Wigan midfielder.
Martinez was the one who brought McCarthy to the Premier League when he signed him from Scottish side Hamilton in 2009.
He said: "I think it's quite easy to understand that James is a player I signed at a young age and I've got huge admiration for him, so it doesn't take anyone [much] to create a little bit of a story. But there has been no bid.
The Everton manager said he is happy with the players that have come in but didn't rule out the possibility of adding to the squad before Monday's deadline.
"What we're doing actively is trying to identify maybe another strong character that can help us in the dressing room.
"But as I've mentioned before, I'm very, very happy with the squad.
"We made a strong effort to bring players in really early in the window to make sure that they could adapt to the dressing room and I'm very pleased with that.
"But while the window is open, you always need to be actively looking around to see if you can get anyone to help the squad."
Martinez also confirmed that Manchester United have made no new fresh approach for Marouane Felliani and Leighton Baines.
The Latics have already rejected one bid from United from the pair and there have been reports that a new bid has been made.
But Martinez, whose Everton side take on Stevenage in the Capital One Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, said that is not the case.
Asked if there had been a new offer from United, he replied: "No, no other news."
He told Everton's official website: "I know we are going to be talking about the transfer window but that's not what we are focusing on now."
Asked about the transfer window unsettling players at his stage of the season, Martinez said: "It happens up and down the country and it is a global concern in football. I think the football authorities need to look into it and not put the players, the fans and the league in this situation.
"You are going to get people's minds turned in every dressing room in the country, but that's what the laws in the game are forcing us to do.
"It's not a great situation so that's why we want to focus on the games."
United boss David Moyes' attempted raid on his former club saw an initial bid of #28million for the two players - Everton responded by releasing a statement describing the offer as "derisory and insulting."
Moyes signed Belgium midfielder Fellaini for Everton in 2008 for a fee that has already reached £17million with add-ons, yet United appear to be offering only £16million for the 25-year-old.
Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Agustus 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 26 Aug 2013 12:01 | Comments
Andy Keogh has been left out of the Ireland squad to face Sweden and Austria
Andy Keogh has revealed his disappointment at being left out of the provisional Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualification double header in September.
Ireland take on Sweden and Austria in two make-or-break games that will go a long way to deciding if they will be able to book their place in Brazil.
However the Millwall frontman has been left out of manager Giovanni Trapattoni's extended 29-man squad for those games and is clearly unhappy.
"Not even in the provisional squad, gutted, oh well might get called in last minute! #noloyalty," Keogh wrote on his twitter account.
Keogh later clarified his tweet by saying he was unhappy at not receiving notice about being left out of the squad.
He added: "Not moaning about being left out just gutted, lot of quality in the squad, maybe after Oman and NY a text or phone call would of been courteous!!"
Keogh was not included in Trapattoni's initial squad for Ireland's friendly international with Wales earlier in the month, however he and Yeovil striker Paddy Madden received a late call-up after several players withdrew.
Both players went on to feature against Wales from the bench, with Madden making his international debut, and while the former Bohemians striker has kept his place in the squad, there is no room for Keogh.
Former Leeds frontman Keogh has enjoyed a solid start to the season with Championship strugglers Millwall and it was his late penalty that gave the Lions a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Tottenham have received bids from more than one club for Gareth Bale, according to Press Association.
It has been thought for some weeks that an agreement was in place for Bale to move to Real Madrid, with suggestions his trip to Spain over the weekend would have also seen him finalise details over a deal that was likely to break the world record transfer fee.
But, with a week remaining in the transfer window, it now appears that Madrid is not the only possible destination for the Wales international.
The 24-year-old has missed Tottenham's 100% start to the season but Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas revealed following Sunday's 1-0 win over Swansea that he expected Bale back at the club's Enfield training ground on Tuesday.
"Monday is a day off. Tuesday is training so I would expect him to be there," he said.
"We have allowed him two days off. It's not the first time this has come up. We never force non-selected players to come to our games. I decided that last season."
With potential fees for Bale reportedly varying from £80m to £100m, there would be few clubs other than Madrid who have the spending power to pull of a move for the winger, who was named both PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year last season.
Villas-Boas maintains there is a possibility Bale could even stay at White Hart Lane, where he scored 26 goals in all competitions last year as Tottenham only just missed out on a Champions League berth.
"There is interest from Real Madrid," Villas-Boas said.
"Whether the transfer will happen or not, hopefully you will have more news in the next couple of days, but at the moment there is nothing I can tell you."
Despite more widespread interest than originally believed, Madrid remain the heavy favourites to complete a deal for Bale, with pictures from inside the Santiago Bernabeu suggesting a podium was being erected to present the player to fans and the media.
With seven days to go, Arsene Wenger has still bought no players
Arsene Wenger will recruit only "special" players for Arsenal before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal will play Fenerbahce on Tuesday, bidding to complete qualification for the group stages of the Champions League for a 16th successive year against a side they beat 3-0 in Istanbul last week.
It will be the Gunners' first return to the Emirates Stadium since a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season which provoked the fans' ire.
Supporters expressed frustration over Arsenal's perceived dithering in the transfer market which has seen them miss out on the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, who moved from Real Madrid to Napoli.
"I still am optimistic and I hope I will not disappoint you," said Wenger, who believes the transfer window should close before the season starts, but recognises Arsenal's need to augment the squad.
"We have not a fixed number (of signings in mind). I just think we are a bit short at the moment.
"I'm guided by my conscience to do as well as I can for this club and by the vision of the game I want to play.
"I feel with the players I have I can play the football we want to play.
"I'm a great admirer of the spirit, the attitude of these players.
"They are special and if I want to add something it has to be special."
Wenger has already ruled out another bid for Liverpool's Luis Suarez, but he would not comment further on names after a number of Premier League managers have disagreed publicly over comments on transfers.
Wenger, who himself has been criticised by Alan Pardew for pursuing Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, added: "I will not give you any names, because it would be unfair for the players who play at another club. It could, as well, create some wrong hopes.
"You could see that many of the disputes you have all over the country is because the coaches or the managers speak about the players.
"In our job, just be discreet and try to make things happen. That's what we try to do.
"You can come back to me and say 'yes, but you don't make things happen'.
"But it's still only most important in our job is what happens on the football pitch and how well you play football. The rest we work very hard on."
In an illustration of Arsenal's existing quality Jack Wilshere will return to the starting line-up against Fenerbahce, even though the North London derby with Tottenham takes place on Sunday.
Wenger has also been impressed by striker Olivier Giroud, who has scored three times in three games, and Lukas Podolski, who netted twice at Fulham in Saturday's 3-1 win. Both are now in their second year with the Gunners.
"By scoring the goals they're proving a point and by being efficient offensively, they're proving a point," Wenger said.
"This season I think they will be more efficient, because they are quality players, they know the Premier League, they know how we want to play.
"They are doing well at the moment so let's hope it will last.
"I am sure of their quality, but what people are worried about is not only the quality, it's about the numbers to fulfil a whole season."
Arsenal's numbers are boosted as defender Laurent Koscielny is fit to feature after missing the Fulham clash while suspended, but also recovering from a head injury sustained in the first leg in Turkey.
Wenger said "95 per cent" of those involved at Fulham will feature as he knows how fundamental progression to the group stages is for his club.
"It's a very, very important tie for us, because we want to be in the group stage the next day," Wenger added.
"I have big experience in the Champions League - I have over 150 games - and I know if you want to knock somebody out you need attitude and commitment or you don't do it. That is what is at stake for us.
"That demands attitude and commitment and desire to play the game with full power, like we love to do it.
"We had two good games recently, at Fenerbahce and against Fulham, and we want just to continue that run, going into the game to win the game without thinking about the result of the first game.
"The Champions League is a fight. Everybody wants to give his best.
"We want to finish the job tomorrow. We have a decent advantage, but we want to get over the line."
Andy Moran helped Mayo reach another All-Ireland Football final
Andy Moran believes Mayo have been rewarded for hard work put in since last year's All-Ireland Football Championship final defeat to Donegal.
James Horan's side sealed a place in successive finals with a 1-16 to 0-13 win over Tyrone on Sunday afternoon in Croke Park.
The Connacht champions gained retribution for the 2012 loss at the hands of the Tír Chonaill men in this year's quarter-finals.
Having now accounted for Tyrone, Moran feels it is a reward for the mettle shown by his team-mates since losing last year's decider.
He told RTÉ: "Semi-finals are for winning. It is great to be back in the final. We didn't think we did ourselves justice in the first half but we came out in the second half a different team.
"Colm Boyle led us by winning the penalty and Alan Freeman took it well. We moved on from there and did well."
Manager James Horan has put a big emphasis on preparation and Moran shares that belief in the Mayo system.
"It is 'process, process, process' really. We had 10 minutes in the first half which catapulted us forward. I think we just brought that form into the second half.
"We never saw anything different coming our way. Tyrone are a seasoned team with seasoned players. We knew it was going to be hard. It has been a long 12 months (since the defeat against Donegal).
"We have worked hard and have four weeks to prepare for the final. Fingers crossed it will go a bit better than last year."
"This is another significant milestone in my captaincy"
The year-long quest to win a place in Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup team starts at this week's Wales Open and captain Paul McGinley cannot wait for the qualifying process to begin.
"This is another significant milestone in my captaincy and it is going to be an exciting campaign to see who can make the team for Gleneagles next year," McGinley told the tour website.
"There are so many talented players who have the potential to make the team and it will be very interesting for me to watch it evolve."
Dubliner McGinley, who was appointed skipper in January, will compete this week as he keeps an eye on the early contenders for a place in his team for the biennial clash against the United States in Scotland.
Italy's Francesco Molinari is the only member of the triumphant side that won so dramatically in Illinois last September who will tee up at Celtic Manor in Thursday's opening round.
Celtic Manor was also the venue for Europe's Ryder Cup victory over the US in 2010.
Among the other title hopefuls competing at the Wales Open are former British Open champion Darren Clarke, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Alvaro Quiros, Ross Fisher, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Thomas Bjorn.
Britain's Tommy Fleetwood, 22, who captured his first victory in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles on Sunday, will also bid to make it back-to-back tour wins.
Daniel Sturridge slots home Liverpool's winner at Villa Park
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is convinced Daniel Sturridge has all the attributes to become one of the world's best strikers.
Sturridge has got Liverpool's season off to a fine start with the match-winning goals in both their opening Premier League games against Stoke and Aston Villa.
It continues the positive impression the 24-year-old has made since his £12million signing from Chelsea in January.
Sturridge scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for the Reds last season and, as he reaches full fitness after an ankle problem in the summer, Rodgers believes he is only going to get better.
Rodgers said: "The frightening thing is that he has still got a bit to go in terms of his fitness.
"He only joined the group in the last few weeks of pre-season - he is still getting up to speed. I think once he is fully fit then he will be even better.
"It is a mark of how hard he has worked in a short period of time. His goals-games record here is incredible in the short period of time he has been here.
"If you assess the world's great strikers - the pace and power they have, the touch, good in the air, two good feet, super quick - then he possesses all of that.
"There are areas to improve in his game but we have released the pressure from him.
"All we demand is he works his socks off. When he does that all his natural talent comes out, and when that comes out there are not too many better."
England manager Roy Hodgson is due to name his squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine on Tuesday and Rodgers fully expects Sturridge to be included.
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 24 Aug 2013 13:27 | Comments
Ben Smith continued to torment Australia
New Zealand winger Ben Smith followed up last week's hat-trick of tries in Sydney with two more as the All Blacks beat Australia 27-16 in their Rugby Championship clash to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
Debutant flyhalf Tom Taylor put on an assured display with 14 points from the boot and a composed performance in general play, while Israel Dagg added a penalty when his Crusaders team mate was receiving medical treatment late in the game.
Christian Leali'ifano kicked three penalties for the Wallabies and converted Israel Folau's late intercept try but the script followed a regular pattern for the visitors, who have not beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2001.
The All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup, the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy since 2003 and the third match in the series in Dunedin in October, which is not part of the Rugby Championship, is now a dead rubber.
The first half was reminiscent of the tournament opener in Sydney with the Wallabies making much of the early play, though unlike last week, Australia retained possession better inside the All Blacks half with scrumhalf Will Genia kicking more.
The world champions, however, again soaked up the pressure and the Wallabies were only able to convert their dominance into two Leali'ifano penalties.
New Zealand had showed their counter-attacking ability on several occasions but it took until the last 15 minutes of the first half for the hosts to get on the scoreboard when winger Smith touched down twice in the corner.
Taylor slotted his first test points by converting the opening try and added a penalty to give the All Blacks a 10-6 lead before Steven Luatua set up another attacking opportunity, with Smith finishing off in the corner to secure a nine-point lead at the break.
The All Blacks forwards took over in the second half and put the Wallabies under immense pressure, particularly at the scrum, as Taylor slotted three more penalties to pad the advantage while Leali'ifano responded with his third successful kick.
Folau scored a consolation try from an intercepted pass deep inside his own half with less than 10 minutes remaining but it was not enough to spark a remarkable turnaround and Dagg completed the scoring with a routine penalty from close range.
New Zealand's next Rugby Championship match is against Argentina in Hamilton while the Wallabies host South Africa in Brisbane. Both games are on 7 September.
Arsenal's German striker Lukas Podolski (r) scores their second goal
Lukas Podolski scored twice as Arsenal claimed a first victory of the Barclays Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage.
A 3-1 opening day loss at home to Aston Villa resulted in Arsenal supporters questioning Arsene Wenger's status as manager, expressing their unhappiness at the Gunners' lack of progress in the transfer market.
A 3-0 victory in the Champions League qualifying first leg at Fenerbahce quietened the dissenters and first-half strikes from Olivier Giroud and Podolski today lifted the mood further.
Germany striker Podolski, who has been linked with a move away from London as Wenger bids to reshape his squad before the September 2 closure of the transfer window, converted another devastating Arsenal counter-attack for a third.
On-loan Aston Villa striker Darren Bent netted on his first Fulham appearance in reply.
Bent has now scored for six clubs in the top flight, but that was as good as it got for the Cottagers, playing in front of new owner Shahid Khan.
Arsenal made two changes from the side which started the win in Istanbul.
Carl Jenkinson replaced Laurent Koscielny, with Bacary Sagna moving to centre-back, and Podolski was brought in for Jack Wilshere, who was on the bench.
Former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker made his debut for Fulham, who beat Sunderland last weekend, to play for his fifth London club.
Arsenal had the better of the opening skirmishes in torrential rain.
Theo Walcott beat the offside trap to meet Aaron Ramsey's lofted pass with a first-time shot which was saved by David Stockdale, in for shoulder injury victim Maarten Stekelenburg.
Ramsey was getting space and soon afterwards, from the right channel, fired in a shot which hit Giroud, but deflected kindly into the striker's path.
Giroud was composed enough to control the ball before tucking it under Stockdale.
Wojciech Szczesny then made a double save, first stopping an angled effort from the left by Adel Taarabt before quickly getting to his feet to stop the rebound from Damien Duff.
The conditions meant the ball had added zip, while also lacking bounce in some areas, but it was difficult for players to keep their feet.
After Ramsey was booked for one too many mis-timed challenges, Sagna flew in on Dimitar Berbatov, who told referee Howard Webb of his unhappiness at the challenge.
Santi Cazorla hauled down Taarabt (pictured above), whose influence on proceedings was growing, as the midfielder surged towards the area. Pajtim Kasami's resulting free-kick deflected off the wall for Szczesny to save comfortably.
Ramsey tripped Kasami from behind after 34 minutes and was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card, but Webb gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Fulham had further opportunities down the left, but twice John Arne Riise failed to find his man with crosses.
From the second, Arsenal countered, Walcott burst across the area and found Kieran Gibbs, who shot well wide.
It was a warning for Fulham, who soon afterwards were ripped apart to clinical effect.
Cazorla burst down the centre and found Walcott, whose shot from a narrow angle on the right was parried by Stockdale, but only as far as the edge of the area.
Podolski met the ball and side-footed it first-time into the net.
It could - and possibly should - have been three before the interval.
Having shown his strength, Podolski was indecisive when receiving a pass from Walcott and his return was neither a shot nor a cross.
Fulham were still in contention, but had to convert their chances.
Taarabt had been Fulham's most lively operator in the first half and early in the second his left-foot shot from the edge of the box forced Szczesny to concede a corner.
Ramsey was living dangerously and pulled Taarabt over, but the on-loan QPR playmaker over-hit the resulting free-kick towards the back post.
Bent replaced Duff and Alex Kacaniklic came on for Taarabt, but still Fulham found Arsenal difficult to break down.
Again, direct running at pace was the undoing of Fulham.
Giroud pulled down a long ball for Walcott, who darted up the middle and fed Cazorla.
The Spaniard cut the ball back for Podolski, who just like in the first half, drilled the ball in left-footed past Stockdale.
With 13 minutes remaining, the Cottagers had a lifeline.
Berbatov pulled down a ball over the top and forced Szczesny to save.
Bent was the first to react, tapping in his first Fulham goal.
But it was too little, too late, as Arsenal, who were denied a fourth when Stockdale saved from Walcott, completed victory.
Cork's Doireann O'Sullivan tries to break through the tackles of Siobhan McGrath and Sinead Goldrick
Eamonn Ryan's Cork produced a remarkable comeback against Dublin to book their place in the semi-finals of the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship with a 1-19 to 2-12 victory.
Dublin looked on course for a landmark win over Cork in the second half as they led by 2-12 to 0-9.
But after Sinead Aherne popped over a point to put the Sky Blues nine points in front, they would not score again for the remainder of the game.
Instead, All-Ireland champions Cork ran riot with a run of 1-10 without reply in the final twenty minutes to clinch a sensational four-point win.
This was another bitter defeat for Dublin at the hands of Cork, and reminiscent of the 2011 quarter-final meeting between the sides at the same venue, St Brendan's Park in Birr.
Two years ago, Cork came with a run of seven unanswered points to edge past their big city rivals but this latest comeback was even more noteworthy because the Leesiders looked dead and buried in the second half.
Dublin were rampant against a Cork side that had lost twice to Kerry in the Munster championship, before stuttering past Armagh in the qualifiers.
But Dublin, who had not played a competitive game since the Leinster final six weeks previously, ran out of steam as Cork came on strong.
Powered forward by player of the match Juliet Murphy, the beaten Munster finalists grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.
Points from top scorer Valerie Mulcahy, hard-working forward Nollaig Cleary and Murphy got the ball rolling for Cork before sub Rhona Ní Bhuachalla banged home a 44th minute goal to put the cat among the pigeons.
Two further points from Mulcahy (one free) and Nollaig Cleary hauled Cork level at 1-15 to 2-12 and all of the momentum was with them at the Offaly venue.
Cork, winners of seven of the last eight All-Ireland titles, sensed Dublin's vulnerability and kicked for home with further points from Mulcahy, magnificent wing-back Geraldine O'Flynn, Mulcahy again and Ciara O'Sullivan.
And Dublin were left to reflect on another heartbreaking reverse against Cork.
It had all looked so good for Paul Gilheaney's charges as the 15-8 pre-match underdogs led by 1-8 to 0-7 at half-time.
Lindsey Davey scored the tenth minute goal and when opposite corner forward Lindsey Peat netted five minutes after half-time, it all looked so good for Dublin.
But Cork are not champions for nothing and surely this victory ranks up there with some of the finest performances produced during Ryan's glory-filled reign.
Cork: M O'Brien; A.M. Walsh, B Stack, D O'Reilly; B Corkery, R Buckley, G O'Flynn; J Murphy, Angela Walsh; N Cleary, C O'Sullivan, Annie Walsh; V Mulcahy, D O'Sullivan, O Finn.
Scorers for Cork: V Mulcahy 0-8 (5f), R Ní Bhuachalla 1-0, D O'Sullivan 0-3, N Cleary 0-3, G O'Flynn 0-2 (1f), C O'Sullivan 0-2, J Murphy 0-1.
Subs: R Ní Bhuachalla for Finn (h.t.), O Farmer for Annie Walsh (HT), A Barrett for A.M. Walsh (53).
Dublin: C O'Connor; C Ruddy, S McGrath, L Caffrey; M Byrne, S Goldrick, S Finnegan; D Masterson, N McEvoy; K Flood, A McGuinness, N Healy; L Peat, S Aherne, L Davey.
Scorers for Dublin: S Aherne 0-7 (5f), L Davey & L Peat 1-0 each, N Healy 0-2, A McGuinness, N McEvoy & S Goldrick 0-1 each.
Subs: N Hyland for Flood (44), O Egan for Masterson (48), E Kelly for Peat (54), D Murphy for McEvoy (54), C Ruddy for Healy (57).
Kerry are through to the semi-finals after a dramatic win over Mayo
William O'Sullivan's Kerry edged past Mayo, 2-14 to 2-13, in a gripping TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship quarter-final this afternoon.
The Kingdom, beaten finalists last year, needed three late points to earn a come-from-behind victory against a Mayo side inspired by Cora Staunton.
The ace forward scored 1-09 for Mayo, a tally matched by Kerry's Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, in a memorable tie at St Brendan's Park, Birr.
With less than ten minutes remaining, 2-1 pre-match outsiders Mayo were on course for victory as they led by 2-13 to 2-11.
But late scores from player of the match Ní Mhuircheartaigh, impressive sub Margaret Fitzgerald and Louise Galvin snatched a sensational win for the Munster champions.
Mayo will look back on this tie with some regret as they spurned a host of goal chances.
Staunton (pictured below) netted a wonderful goal just before half-time but she also rattled the crossbar in the opening half.
Earlier, Aileen Gilroy forced a brilliant save from Kerry goalkeeper Edel Murphy, who also denied Lisa Cafferky late on.
Deirdre Doherty, who netted for Mayo in the second half, had other chances to raise green flags but she blazed over in the 13th minute with a goal for the taking.
Doherty fired wide with 12 minutes remaining but she made amends two minutes later with a strike that put the Connacht ladies a point up, 2-12 to 2-11.
It was a lead they would extend to two points but Kerry, who were without a competitive game for six weeks, dug deep to make it through to the last four.
O'Muircheartaigh was Kerry's class act and her 24th-minute goal was brilliantly taken.
At half-time, Mayo led by 1-09 to 1-08 but this was a game that swung one way and then another, with the sides level on six occasions.
Patrice Dennehy and Ní Mhuircheartaigh had other goal chances for Kerry in an open game.
Staunton had a battle royale with Kerry full-back Aislinn Desmond but the introduction of Fitzgerald from the bench was a crucial switch by O'Sullivan.
Fitzgerald kicked the equalising point three minutes from time and Scartaglin player also did brilliantly to keep in Bernie Breen's long range effort before transferring a wonderful pass for Galvin's 43rd minute goal.
Scorers for Mayo: C Staunton 1-9 (0-5f), D Doherty 1-1, C Egan, A Gilroy & S Rowe 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kerry: L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 1-9 (0-6f), L Galvin 1-1, S Houlihan 0-2, P Dennehy & M Fitzgerald 0-1 each.
Kerry: E Murphy; C Lynch, A Desmond, A Lyons; B Lane, C Kelly, D Hallissey; E Sherwood, B Breen; S Houlihan, D Corridan, S Joy; P Dennehy, L Galvin, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh.
Subs: A Brosnan for Hallissey (20), M Fitzgerald for Joy (40), M O'Connell for Dennehy (50).
Mayo: Y Byrne; A Bell, N Tierney, S Tierney; C Connelly, M Carter, C Sullivan; C Egan, C McManamon; A Gilroy, C Staunton, F McHale; S Rowe, D Doherty, L Cafferky.
Lady Cecil's Tiger Cliff thrust home late to claim a last-gasp victory in a thrilling Betfred Ebor at York.
Following heavy rain overnight, Europe's richest handicap promised to be an attritional affair, run over the stamina-sapping distance of a mile and three-quarters.
There was drama as soon as the stalls opened as leading contender Opinion completely blew the start, but luckily for him he soon made up the ground due to the sedate early gallop.
As the pace gradually increased, the strong-travelling Genzy looked the likely winner halfway up the straight, but challengers from further back began to emerge.
Genzy galloped on strongly in the final furlong, but 5-1 shot Tiger Cliff fairly flew home in the hands of Tom Queally to get up by half a length.
Number Theory was a length further back in third, with heavily-supported favourite Ted Veale making late headway into fourth.
Queally said: "I wanted to angle to the stands' side as much as I could because it's a bit quicker there.
"He travelled well and we were happy to see the rain as he has the attributes of a horse that handles cut in the ground.
"He always finishes his races and he dug deep when it mattered.
"It's probably one of the hardest races of the year to win.
"It's good when a plan comes together. It's great for Henry Ponsonby (owner) and the team at home."
Ponsonby admitted his emotion at the occasion after the death of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this season.
Ponsonby added: "I'm very emotional, I know Sir Herny would have loved this.
"It's just wonderful. He's still a very untapped horse this.
"I must thank my owners, Michael Marshall and Lady Cecil, all at team Warren Place."
Marshall was assistant to Cecil and has continued in the role since the licence was passed over.
He added: "It's a team performance - a great job.
"On his homework we felt he had a great chance, we weren't sure on the ground but we took a chance."
Genzy's trainer, Ian Williams, said: "You'd think he was the winner a furlong out. He's run a blinder and we're delighted with him.
"Probably his race last week (in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury) left its mark a little bit, but we're very happy with him. He's run great.
"He may go to France and run in the stayers' race on Arc day (Prix du Cadran). He qualifies for premiums over there."
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 23 Agustus 2013 | 23.07
Updated: Friday, 23 Aug 2013 15:45 | Comments
Man United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday night
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST (3pm unless stated)
Fulham v Arsenal,12.45pm
Midfielder Scott Parker could go straight into the Fulham team against Arsenal after his move from Tottenham.
However, both goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg (shoulder) and Kieran Richardson (hamstring) miss out.
Striker Darren Bent is pressing for a start after being on the bench in the 1-0 opening-day win at Sunderland, while midfielder Alex Kacaniklic is available again following a hamstring problem.
Summer signing Fernando Amorebieta is not yet match fit.
Arsenal are missing defender Laurent Koscielny who is suspended, after his red card in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Vila last weekend.
Koscielny also sustained a head wound during Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce, making him a doubt for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Defender Thomas Vermaelen (back), midfielder Abou Diaby (knee), midfielder Mikel Arteta (thigh) and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) are all continuing their rehabilitation.
Defender Sylvain Distin is doubtful for Everton's with West Brom after suffering a knock at Norwich last week.
Midfielder Darron Gibson, who picked up a knee injury during pre-season, is rated only 50-50 to return by manager Roberto Martinez.
Right-back Tony Hibbert (leg) is in contention after returning to training, but fellow defender and new signing Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) is still a fortnight away from fitness.
West Brom will be without Nicolas Anelka, with the striker having been given indefinite compassionate leave following the death of his agent Eric Manasse.
Winger Scott Sinclair, who has joined Albion on a season-long loan from Manchester City, could make his debut.
Defender Steven Reid is unavailable due to a knock, while midfielders Zoltan Gera and George Thorne (both knee) are not yet ready for selection after their injuries.
New signings Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore are expected to make their first start for Hull City when Norwich visit the KC Stadium.
The midfield pair joined from Tottenham last week and made impressive impacts as substitutes in the defeat against Chelsea.
Republic of Ireland international Stephen Quinn (hamstring) is expected to miss out.
Norwich will be without midfielder Elliott Bennett for "several months", according to manager Chris Hughton, after he underwent surgery in midweek on a cruciate ligament injury.
Robert Snodgrass is likely to replace him after recovering from a groin problem.
Striker Gary Hooper (shin) is still out, while defender Sebastien Bassong and midfielder Anthony Pilkington are back in the squad after missing last week.
New Swedish signing Johan Elmander could feature if international clearance comes through in time, while Dutch central midfielder Leroy Fer could also make his debut, after missing the Everton game through suspension.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will keep a close eye on French midfielder Yohan Cabaye before deciding whether to include him in his squad to face West Ham.
Cabaye was left out of last Monday's 4-0 mauling at Manchester City due to transfer speculation, and Pardew has yet to decide whether to bring him back for the first home game of the Magpies' campaign.
Defender Steven Taylor is suspended after his sending-off at City.
Cheick Tiote faces a late fitness test on a groin complaint, while Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) and Loic Remy (knee)are definitely out.
West Ham forward Andy Carroll will miss the opportunity to face his former club.
The club's record signing is still struggling with an ankle injury although he is getting closer to a return to training, as is defender George McCartney (knee).
Full-back Razvan Rat is in line to make his debut whilst Stewart Downing could also make his first start for the club.
West Ham squad: Jaaskelainen, Adrian, Reid, Collins, Tomkins, Rat, Demel, O'Brien, Nolan, Collison, Diarra, Morrison, Noble, Diame, Taylor, Vaz Te, Jarvis, Cole, Downing, Maiga.
Southampton v Sunderland
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed new signing Pablo Osvaldo is in contention to play some part in Southampton's first home game of the season against Sunderland.
The Italy international became Saints' club-record signing when he joined from Roma earlier in the week, and the forward is likely to be involved at St Mary's.
Teenage defender Calum Chambers could retain his place with Nathaniel Clyne short of fitness following a pre-season injury.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio looks set to keep faith with central defender Valentin Roberge.
Roberge marred an otherwise encouraging debut with a mistake which sent his side to defeat against Fulham last week but Di Canio has been quick to give the Frenchman his full support.
Defender Craig Gardner is back from suspension but Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Wes Brown (kneee) are both still ruled out.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has a trio of midfielders unavailable ahead of their game with with Crystal Palace at the Britannia Stadium.
Brek Shea, who sustained medial ligament damage in pre-season, is not yet ready to return to action, while Jamie Ness is also out due to an unspecified problem.
Wilson Palacios is also ruled out, after he was removed from the starting line-up for last weekend's 1-0 loss at Liverpool at the last minute, to undergo "a minor surgical procedure".
Winger Jason Puncheon could go straight into Crystal Palace's side, following his season-long loan move from Southampton.
Jerome Thomas, however, is still out with an ankle injury, as is midfielder Yannick Bolasie (hamstring).
Captain Paddy McCarthy (groin) continues his return from injury, along with forward Glenn Murray (knee).
Aston Villa should have defender Ciaran Clark available for their home game with Liverpool.
Clark was forced off in the first half of the 2-1 loss at Chelsea on Wednesday with a head injury, but is expected to be fit for the Reds' visit to Villa Park.
Midfielder Chris Herd could be in contention for a first appearance this season following his calf problem.
Defender Nathan Baker (ankle) remains a doubt, while winger Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) is definitely out.
Striker Luis Suarez remains the only notable absentee for Liverpool.
The controversial forward is now halfway through the 10-match ban he received last season.
Fellow Uruguayan Sebastian Coates is likely to miss most of the season with a knee injury sustained on international duty last week.
Striker Luis Alberto was an unused substitute against Stoke and still awaits his debut, while new signing Aly Cissokho could also be in contention.
Aston Villa squad: Guzan, Steer, Baker, Bennett, Vlaar, Okore, Clark, Luna, Lowton, Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Albrighton, Westwood, Delph, Herd, Sylla, Gardner, Tonev, Helenius, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Bowery.
Andreas Cornelius could make his Premier League debut when Cardiff host Manchester City.
The Danish striker missed last weekend's defeat at West Ham due to an ankle injury, but is fighting fit for the visit of Manuel Pellegrini's men.
Andrew Taylor retunrs from suspension and is set to slot in at left-back in place of Declan John
Malky Mackay must weigh up whether to give John Brayford a debut on the other side of defence in place of Matthew Connolly.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (groin) misses the trip to Cardiff and could be sidelined for a month.
Matija Nastasic will replace him in central defence, if he can prove his fitness after an ankle injury.
Fellow defender Micah Richards (hamstring) is likely to be out for another week while striker Stevan Jovetic (hamstring) hopes to be available to make his debut.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is expected to tinker with his team ahead of the trip to Tottenham.
Left-back Ben Davies may return after missing out against Petrolul Ploiesti in the Europa League through injury, while Jonathan de Guzman's return from concussion means he may be in line for a start in midfield.
Nathan Dyer looks set to miss out again with a hamstring injury, but Jordi Amat and Jose Canas may come into contention for starting berths, as Laudrup looks to manage the demands of domestic and European campaigns.
Tottenham team news to follow
Swansea squad: Vorm, Amat, Taylor, Flores, Williams, Britton, Shelvey, Michu, Bony, Hernandez, Lamah, Routledge, Monk, Ki, De Guzman, Canas, Rangel, Pozuelo, Tremmel, Richards, Davies, Donnelly.
MONDAY 26 AUGUST
Man United v Chelsea, 8pm
David Moyes must decide whether to include Wayne Rooney in his Manchester United starting line-up to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday.
The England forward was introduced as a substitute in last week's win at Swansea and after a further week's training, he could come into contention to face the club who have already had two bids for him turned down.
Rafael (hamstring) is out for up to four weeks, with Nani (groin), Ashley Young (ankle) and Javier Hernandez (hamstring) also not expected to be involved.
Chelsea defender David Luiz is doubtful, as Jose Mourinho bids to strike an early blow in the title race.
Brazilian centre-back Luiz has a hamstring problem and missed the first two games of the season,but could return at Old Trafford or for next Friday's UEFA Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich in Prague.
Mourinho could rotate his options, with Romelu Lukaku in line to start up front. Defender Tomas Kalas who suffered a fractured leg in pre-season is out.
Man United squad: De Gea, Lindegaard, Smalling, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Buttner, Fabio, Zaha, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, Giggs, Lingard, Januzaj, Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie.
Chelsea squad: Cech, Schwarzer, Hilario, Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Bertrand, Mikel, Essien, Oscar, Ramires, Lampard, Van Ginkel, Hazard, Mata, Moses, Schurrle, De Bruyne, Torres, Lukaku, Ba.
FAI Junior Cup champions Sheriff YC travel across the city to Tallaght Stadium to take on fellow Hoops Shamrock Rovers
Three non-league sides remain in the FAI Ford Cup as Bluebell United, Sheriff YC and College Corinthians looks to shock the big guns for a place in the quarter-finals.
Shamrock Rovers v Sheriff YC, Tallaght Stadium, 8pm
While Shamrock Rovers title challenge has petered out in recent weeks there is no doubting their cup pedigree having already won the Setanta Sports Cup this season and reaching next month's EA SPORTS Cup Final.
Their sights are now focused on a cup treble and they will face a Sheriff YC side who picked up their seventh trophy of 2013 last Sunday when they beat FAI Intermediate Cup holders Avondale United in the Tom Hand Memorial Cup.
Richard Brush (shoulder) and Billy Dennehy (thigh) are both out of the game through injury.
Richie Ryan is a slight doubt with a hamstring strain, but should make the game. Sean O'Connor is suspended.
Sheriff went into last week's game in Turner's Cross without five of their regular players and the win means the FAI Junior Cup holders will travel to Tallaght Stadium with some degree of confidence.
Bluebell United v Derry City, Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Having travelled to Athlone and knocked Roddy Collins' side out of the cup following a replay in the last round, Bluebell obviously had no hesitation in conceding home advantage to Derry City when they drew the FAI Ford Cup holders.
However, the Athlone game came at the end of the end of the season for the Leinster Senior League outfit so they will be somewhat ring rusty even if they are facing a Derry City side coming off the back of five successive home defeats.
Derry saw off the challenge of another non-league side Blarney United in the last round and have no suspensions heading into this game.
Bray Wanderers v St Patrick's Athletic, Carlisle Grounds, 7.45pm
Bray's 101st FAI Cup tie will be their fourth meeting with St Patrick's Athletic in the competition with the Saints having won two of the previous three ties.
St Pat's are also unbeaten in their last five visits to the Carlisle Grounds and face a Bray side that has failed to win in their last nine games.
Bray have also failed to keep a clean sheet against Saints at the Carlisle Grounds in the last 14 meetings between the sides.
The Seagulls beat First Division Mervue United in the last round while St Pat's hammered UCD 5-0.
Bray's new signings Stephen Quigley and Dwayne Wilson are both cup tied.There are also doubts about the fitness of Dáire Doyle (ankle), and Eoin Hyland (hamstring) but defenders Adam Mitchell and Shane O'Connor are fit again.
Saints John Russell returns from suspension and Shane McFaul has recovered from a groin injury but Philly Hughes is cup tied.
Dundalk v Limerick, Oriel Park, 7.45pm
Limerick are the only Premier Division side high-flying Dundalk haven't beaten this season so Stuart Taylor's side will travel north with some confidence after a recording a 2-2 draw and a 3-2 win in their previous meetings with the Lilywhites.
Indeed Limerick are unbeaten against Dundalk in their last five meetings and have only lost one of the previous nine games between the sides.
Dundalk come into the game on a run of four successive wins and easily saw off non-league Phoenix 4-0 in the last round.
Limerick also saw off non-league opposition in the second round when they defeated Glenville but they come into the tie on the back of successive league defeats by Drogheda United and UCD.
Dundalk's John Mountney is likely to miss out with an ankle ligament problem, while Tiarnan Mulvenna returns from suspension.
Limerick's joint-top scorer Craig Curran, who netted his seventh goal of the season last weekend, is suspended along with defender Patrick Nzuzi but Shaun Kelly is available while James McGrath and Danny Galbriath should be fit despite missing training during the week.
Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers, Finn Park, 8pm
The only all-First Division clash of the third round puts together two clubs for whom the FAI Ford Cup is their only realistic hope of silverware this season.
Friday's game will be the third time the two clubs have met in the FAI Cup, but the first at Finn Park.
The previous two meetings were both at St Colman's Park while Cobh were still a Munster Senior League club with Harps winning 4-1 in 1981 and losing 1-0 in 1983 when Cobh went to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual winners Sligo Rovers after four games.
In three previous games this season between the two sides, Harps and Cobh have shared 13 goals. Both teams' league form has been disappointing this season and they both come into this tie with two wins and three defeats from their last five league games.
Harps welcome back Mark Forker who missed last week's game with Waterford. Sean McCarron, the club's top goalscorer this season, is also likely to return after recovering from illness.
Shelbourne v College Corinthians, Tolka Park, 8pm
Having seen off one Munster Senior League side in the last round when they defeated Bandon, Shelbourne now face College Corinthians for a place in the last eight.
For Shelbourne it is a welcome break from the relegation dog-fight they are currently embroiled in while it is the first competitive game of the season for Corinthians.
The sides have met in the FAI Cup previously, back on 15 February 1992, when they met in round one at Tolka Park with Shels winning 2-0.
Shelbourne will once again be without the services of Paul Crowley, Robert Bayly, Mark Leech and Jack Memery through injury while Brian Gannon is suspended and Lee Murphy and Jamie McGlynn are cup-tied.
Pat Flynn returns after serving a one-match ban.
Corinthians, who have been back in training for the past three weeks, travel with a young squad as many of their regulars are unavailable for the tie.
