The Observer from London, Greater London, England • 50

50 LWSB THE OBSERVER, SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 1987 EAVONN McCABE Leaaue foro settle for a score Maxwell to draw FRANK McGHEE at Lottus Road Queen's Park Rangers 0 Manchester United 2 Things had looked bad for them after Michael Thomas saw his 25th-minute penalty fisted away by visiting keeper Martin Hodge and Glasgow Rangers reject, Colin West, had given Wednesday the lead on the half hour. Glasgow Rangers' most recent reject, Mark Falco, had a less productive time for his new club QPR, who lost ground in third place after a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester United. Falco, officially on loan until his 375,000 transfer goes through, finished the day with no goals, one booking and an early substitution. United's manager Alex Ferguson, with his Bermuda blues banished, was hopeful after the game of completing the signing of Steve Bruce from Norwich this week. Everton's manager, Colin Harvey, quite sensibly refused to concede that his side's chance of retaining their title had gone after they were held 00 at the bottom club, Charlton why should he, remembering last season but it was a disappointing result for the Merseysiders.

CALL IT a compromise, call it a fudge but peace has broken out between Robert Maxwell and the Football League. Following a secret meeting yesterday morning between Maxwell and League president Philip Carter, the High Court injunction blocking Maxwell's takeover of Watford has been dropped, while he has agreed to dispose of his family interest in Oxford. If Maxwell has now settled for two clubs rather than three the League must presumably have convinced him that they had a strong case in law to force the issue. But one large question still begs an answer. Whatever the legal advice taken by Carter and his men amid the acrimony of the past few days, in letting Maxwell run Oxford, through the chairmanship of his son Kevin, while taking charge at Derby himself, they have already broken their own regulation no official may 3-1 at home by Newcastle United, a defeat which leaves them looking anxiously for points as well as a new owner.

Perhaps Mr Murdoch would like an entree into the whacky world of soccer. Oxford's manager, Maurice Evans, who has just signed a new three-year contract, said last night that Maxwell's departure was ''tremendously disappointing to everyone, particularly the Elsewhere it was a good day for the leaders, Liverpool, even though they were merely preparing themselves for today's televised match at home to Chelsea. Of the clubs immediately behind them not so much a pack, more a hopeful straggle only Arsenal won, and even they had a struggle. Three goals in the last half hour from Kevin Richardson, Perry Groves and substitute Paul Merson, saved the Gunners from their third successive defeat. at any time, either directly or indirectly, be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of more than one We now have a curious precedent two clubs OK, three clubs greedy.

How OK can having two clubs be All Maxwell's protestations about Oxford being run quite independently look less than reassuring now that he has summarily ordered his family interest in his home town club to be sold up. At fate would have it, Maxwell's Choice Derby and Watford met in the First Division yesterday and spared him any awkward feelings by drawing 1-1 Glyn Hodges equalised Mark Wright's first goal for Derby since his 800,000 transfer, but there was no Baseball cap at the Baseball Ground. Mr Maxwell was keeping a low profile. Meanwhile, Maxwell's Discards, Oxford, were beaten FOR UNITED at least there was the consolation that a traumatic week of scandalous rumour and serious injury ended in the euphoria of their first win in five matches at Loftus Road yesterday. It was not such an enjoyable day for Mark Falco, the striker on loan to QPR from Glasgow Rangers until they hand over 350,000 tomorrow.

He was booked for dissent in the first half, his only real shot at goal in the second finished with a wild slash wide, and he was replaced 20 minutes from time by Dean Coney. United in the end deserved their points, although it was a long time before they established a real grip on the game. They went in front in the 35th minute when Olsen on the right, after a typically tricky and intricate run, drew goalkeeper Seaman out and beat him with a cross that reached McClair. The United striker's shot was blocked by Fenwick, as usual doing an efficient sweeping job, but it rebounded straight to Davenport who popped it into the empty goal. That compensated for Davenport's unfortunate experience three minutes earlier, when he got in the way of an authoritative header from Moran and prevented what seemed a certain goal.

At that stage the goal could not have been described as against the run of play, because there had not really been any. That dreadful plastic pitch, whose demise at the end of the season will be celebrated by everyone who has any regard for the game, was responsible for turning the match into a sort of quizball. How high would it bounce? What speed would it run Where would it go Even QPR did not seem too certain, though they should have gone in front in the 25th minute when Kevin Brock missed a glorious chance. United had tried to stiffen a defence missing McGrath and Anderson by pulling Robson (tambridgo aire seotfl Hi YEOVIL are through to the third round of the FA Cup, for the tenth time in a long and distinguished giant-killing history, thanks to a 1 0 success at Cambridge United. It was a particularly satisfying result in the light of the fact that Cambridge entered the Football League at the expense of the Somerset men in 1970.

Few First Division sides will relish the prospect of a pairing with Yeovil next month and all 21 will wish to avoid a date with Vauxhall Conference Sutton Scoring six goals against League opposition exemplifies our attacking football. We showed in a hostile environment away from home at Peterborough that our performance against Aldershot was no flash in the pan obviously a First Division side in the next round would be Bath City are also in tomor- United, who achieved a remarkable 3 -1 victory at Peterborough only their second win against Football League opposition. The first came last month in the first round when they beat Third Division Aldershot by an identical scoreline at Gander Green Lane and last night Sutton manager Barrie Williams said back, but once again the main effect was to diminish their own efficiency in midfield and rob them of the services of the man who can be so potent as a striker. Robson, however, had the final say when he played a vital role in United's second goal in the 74th minute a slightly freakish affair. An Olsen free kick was only half parried by keeper Seaman and Moses, off balance, tried with a header that seemed to be going wide, but Robson, obeying his natural instincts, had loomed up to position himself near the far post and steered it in It had been a lively second half, but once they took command United were never in any real danger, and now that they have broken their habit of drawing games they would once have expected to win perhaps they can mount a championship challenge.

Queen's Part Hansen: Seaman: Fere-day. Dawes. Parker, Maguire. Fenwick, Allen. Falco.

Bannisler, Byrne. Brock. Manchester United: Turner; Duxbury. Albiston. Moses, Moran, O'Brien, Robson.

Slrachan. McClair, Davenport, Olsen. Referee Tyson (Sunderfand). City in disarray DEREK WALLIS Manchester City 1 Crystal Palace 3 MANCHESTER CITY'S 12-match unbeaten sequence, which had carried them to the fringe of the promotion contenders, ended amid ill feeling and no little mayhem at Maine Road where their goalkeeper, Nixon, was sent off for a second reckless indiscretion shortly after being booked. The outcome was that Palace were able to help themselves to three goals, two of them by Bright, who was the aggrieved recipient of Nixon's unwelcome attention.

There was no hint of the' unseemly behaviour to come in a first half dominated largely by a City team keen to preserve reputation for being the fastest thing on 22 legs. It is fair to suggest that City should have been in front at half-time, Stewart having struck a post, but the incidents that followed illustrated not only their shortcomings but also the fallibility of a team based largely on young and still impressionable players. The second half began with Palace, whose own thoughts about promotion are not misplaced on the evidence of this match, clearly having decided that they had had enough of being pegged back, cornering their opponents in their own goal area in virtually impenetrable scrambles, though Bright was seen to stab the ball against a post. Bright's displeasure at memiss increased when he was shown the yellow card for tripping Gidman. The Palace forward was also involved, this time unwittingly, when Nixon advanced from his goal to challenge him.

and was booked for the ferocity of it, never mind the boot that followed. The match appeared to turn City's way when the deadlock was broken with Lake breaking through powerfully to score from Stewart's pass after 68 minutes. Nixon at once became involved again with Bright, a fist being at least raised and the referee had no chaice but to send him off and award a penalty. Nixon's activi- United's Olsen in a twosome with Fenwick. Dancing Dane Rugby's frying time Millwall run into a brick wall MICHAEL CAREY at Butlin Road PETER BALL at Ewood Park Bristol Rovers 1 VS Blackburn Rovers 2 row's draw, courtesy of a 1-0 win at Welling and look forward to their fifth third round appearance; but FA Trophy holders Kidderminster could only draw 1 1 at Maidstone.

Beazer Homes League representatives VS Rugby also face a Wednesday replay after a commendable I -1 draw with Third Division Bristol Rovers. That's a result to thrill Rugby manager Jimmy Knox, the brother of Manchester United assistant Archie, who is naturally hoping for a January day-trip to Old Trafford. Former Scottish intentional and current Stockport player-manager Asa Hartford extinguished Runcorn's ambitions with the first-half goal that secured his side's 1-0 success and a place in the third round for the first time in nine years. As a player, Ian Bowyer collected almost every conceivable footballing honour but somehow failed to progress beyond the FA Cup quarterfinals. Yesterday, in his first season as a manager, Bowyer fell at the second hurdle as his Hereford lost 3-2 at Colchester.

More than 200 Hereford fans missed the match when they were diverted to Leyton Orient after their train broke down in London. At Brisbane Road they were entertained by the League's highest scorers, who disposed of Swansea 2-0, which means the East Enders have scored 16 goals in their last three home fixtures. Wolverhampton, four times FA Cup winners, enjoyed a creditable 3-1 triumph against Third Division opposition at last season's quarter-finalists, Wigan, but fellow former Cup winners Sunderland suffered a surprising 2-1 reverse at Scunthorpe in their first ever second-round appearance. recovering from the marvellous precision of that strike, and when they did so their efforts initially owed less to the prolific Cascarino and Sheringham than to Lawrence The 160,000 signing from Southampton, who came into the side for the injured Byrne, saw one cross nearly drop in at the far post, and when Walker met his corner it took a fine save from Gennoe to deny the visitors the equaliser. With Carter on the other wing causing dire problems for Dawson, Millwall were having an increasing say in matters by the Rovers had their own record to protect, a run of 11 games unbeaten seeing them safely into mid-table, and they took the lead after only seven minutes.

In a swirling wind there had been nothing to suggest a serious attack until then, but Blackburn's first push forward persuaded Walker to foul Curry just outside the penalty area. With the wall watching Barker, Sellars stepped up to curl the ball into the untenanted corner, with Home motionless. Millwall took their time GLORY beckoned for a mere 30 seconds for non-League VS Rugby yesterday. In an unrelenting FA Cup second round tie, predictably short on time, space and chances, they held the lead provided by David Ingram's goal for exactly half a minute before Jeff Meacham earned Bristol the replay that had often seemed the height of their ambitions. Rugby's Butlin Road ground, surrounded by trees rather than stands, badly financed by the National Playing Fields Association and with a symbolic graveyard only a free-kick away, was the type of venue which League clubs dare not treat with any degree of complacency, and for much of the game Bristol were content to defend uncompromisingly and attempt nothing fancy elsewhere.

Bristol's early defensive jitters showed they were well aware that they could be only 90 minutes away from writing an unwanted piece of history, but for all Rugby's earlier the non-League side needed rather interval Yet the two best chances fell to Blackburn, as the perceptive Garner's delicate touches created openings which Price and Barker failed to exploit They were to regret those misses as Cascarino, hiterto well guarded by Handry and Mail, was at last given an opportunity when Briley' flicked on Carter's corner after 64 minutesl Showing the lethal finishing i which had brought him 10 goals in his previous 15 games, Cascarino pounced to hammer the bail past Genoe. A Millwal win briefly looked on the cardsj but Cascarino departed after another 11 minutes and a minute later Blackburn claimed the winner Without the big Irishman to conted with, Hendry stayed forward as a free kick was half cleared and was on hand to rise irresistibly and head home Sellars' cross. Blackburn Rovers: Gennoe: Price. Sulley, 8arker, Hendry, Mail, Dawson. Reld.

Curry. Garner.Sellars. Millwall: Home; Salman, Coleman, Slovens, Walker. McLeary, Lawrence, Briley, She rin gham, Cascarino. Carte r.

Releree: McAulay (Leeds). SOUTH LONDON'S attempt to take advantage of Yorkshire slip-ups in the Second Division promotion race is not receiving much help in Lancashire, Crystal Palace lost at Blackburn two weeks ago and Millwall were no more successful yesterday Despite looking the more composed team for long periods, they still went down to the greater resolution of a determined Rovers team, who left the field to a standing ovation for their gritty display. The only London team never to have played in the First Division, Millwall signified their intention to end that unenviable record in a summer spending spree. After a hesitant beginning, a run of five consecutive wins has carried them into the thick of the promotion race, but their attempt to extend that run yesterday met some determined resistance at Blackburn, a club with a far greater pedigree but currently limited expectations. a highball rather than a glass of champagne.

In the 79th minute Rugby went ahead with a goal that would have looked good in any context, Ingram stealing in to score with a hear-post header after Ross had scissor-kicked the ball into the box from a throw-in. Alas for Rugby, they overlooked the need to regain possession as quickly as possible and were still enjoying the euphoria when Meacham levelled the scores after White had headed on a corner from Purnell. The game ebbed after that, but it had been honestly fought with only the boorish behaviour of a handful of Bristol fans reminding Rugby of what life is like in the higher reaches of the game. VS Rugby Mawsden Potter, Riley, Lane. Hallon.

Geddes. Ingram. Butlerworlh, Ebrey. Conway. Ross.

Brltlol Rovere: Martyn Alexander. Tan-nBr, Hlbbert. Twentyman. Jones. Hotloway.

Penrfco. While, Meacham, Purnell. Releree: Hedges (Oxford). too much time on the ball, and it seemed significant that Martyn did not have a shot to save for 25 minutes. Then, although badly unsighted by the overcrowded penalty area, he did well to block Conway's well-struck shot following an indirect free kick.

On the psychologically vital stroke of half time Rugby shoujd have gone ahead, but Ross, their impressive winger, put the ball inches past the post when Butterworth's pass left him, for once, with time and room to think. After that, it was a contest between Rugby's well-meaning but often light-weight build-ups in attack and Bristol's more simplistic attempts to find their giant striker White with long, high passes down the middle. Indeed, the ball was in the air so often that if there had been an outright winner they would have been justified in celebrating with Dalgiish in the swim the Second Division. Kenny Dalgiish must be nearly swimming in it at Anfield. The Liverpool boss won the First Division prize for the second lime in three months and the filth time in two years.

9 FOOTBALL Manchester City manager Mel Machin yesterday got some compensation for being fined E250 by the FA on Friday-he won a bottle of Scotch as Beli 's Whisky manager of the month in RACING FOOTBALL RESULTS Division Three BARCLAYS LEAGUE Division One Orchid Chesler (1). 1 Doncaster Rimmer (pen Arsenal (0 3 Sheffield Wed Division Two Aston Villa (0) 2 Swindon (0) 1 Thompson 2 Ouinn (pen) 16.127 Barnsleyd) 3 West Brom (0) 1 Agnew 2. Futcher (og) 5.395 Foreman Blackburn (1) 2 Millwall (0) 1 Sellars. Hendry Cascarino 6.140 Merson. Groves, West 23.670 Richardson Chertlon (0) 0 Everton (0) 0 ties cost City their most FINE FARE SCOTTISH LEAGUE Premier Division Dundee (0) 1 Aberdeen (2) 2 Forsyth Dodds.

Wrighl Dunfermline (0) 1 Hibernian (0) 0 Robertson Hearts (1) 1 Falkirk (0) 0 Robertson (pen) Morton (0) 0 Cetlic(l) 4 McAvennie 4 Motherwell (1) 2 St Mlrren (0) Farnrngham, Lambert Phillibean Rangers (1) 1 Dundee Utd (0) 0 McCoisI (pen) 7.Z06 1 Witford (0) Hodges 14.516 Bournemouth (1) 2 Oldham (1) 2 Derby Wright Luton (1... Stein Fucked 2 II penl Wrighl. Henry (pen) 5.777 1 Norwich (0) 2 Hull (0) 2 Reading 1) 2 Gordon, Crook 7.002 Dyer. Parker Moran. Taylor 1 Newcastle (1) 3 6.000 Richard Baeriein Orford Utd (0) Saunders (pen) McDonald (pen) O'Neil.

Mirandhina 8.190 Flynn 1.853 Goals A PIS 20 II 6 3 40 19 39 20 10 7 3 37 23 37 20 10 7 3 30 18 37 20 9 7 4 33 19 34 19 10 3 6 30 16 33 20 8 9 3 28 20 33 20 9 5 6 23 24 32 20 8 7 5 31 24 31 19 8 6 5 29 28 30 19 8 5 6 28 20 29 20 7 8 5 26 28 29 20 6 9 5 43 24 27 19 7 6 6 31 32 27 19 7 5 7 24 19 26 20 7 5 8 35 35 26 19 6 5 8 21 22 23 20 5 3 7 25 28 23 IB 7 2 9 30 38 23 20 6 3 11 15 36 21 20 5 4 II 24 31 19 20 4 7 9 15 27 19 20 5 3 12 16 35 16 20 3 5 12 25 50 14 20 1 6 13 20 43 9 Ipswich (1) 4 Bradlord (0) 0 Slockwell. 13.707 Zondervan 2 (2 pens, Gleghorn accomplished detender, Ked-mond having to don the goalkeeper's jersey. Not surprisingly, Redfearn scored easily from the seventy-first minute penalty. As tempers, as they say, became frayed, Gidman, who is old enough to know better, was booked for a foul which led to Bright heading Palace into a seventy-fifth-minute lead from a free-kick by Burke. 0 Coventry .0 Sundtnd Notts Cnly Walsall Norlhmpln Fulham Brighton Brenlford Bury Wigan Blackpool Chesler Grllingham Bristol City Porl Vale Bristol Mansfield Rolherham Aldershol Chesterfld Grimsby Preston Doncasler Southend York 13.UU2 Portsmouth QPR (0) Goals A Birmingham 0) 1 Kennedy 15.977 PIS 0 Man Utd (1) 2 Leeds (2) 4 Sheridan.

Davidson. Swan. 45 15 36 23 15 23 15 22 11 22 13 22 11 Davenport. Robson 20,632 2 Southampton (1) Wallace 15,375 West Hsm Keen, Dickens Wimbledon Wise Noltm Forest (1) 1 5.170 Clough Cellic Hearts Aberdeen Rangers Dundee Dundee St Mirren Hibernian Motherwell Dunlrmline Falkuk Morton Taylor Leicester (0) 0 Middlesbrough 9.411 Man City (0) 1 Crystal Palace (0...3 Lake Redfern (penl. Brighl 2 23.161 Plymouth (0 2 Shrewsbury (0) 0 Hodges.

Cooper 7.603 Shetlleld Uld (1) 2 Huddersfleld (1) 2 Dempsey. Dulfield Banks. Cooper 39 29 26 23 30 21 27 31 20 24 2B 20 16 32 16 19 44 15 FA CUP (Second Round) Brlslol City (0) 0 Torquay (0) 1 Caldwell 9.027 Cambridge UhJ Yasvll (0) 1 Wallace 2,588 Colchaater (2) 3 Horaford (1 2 Chatterton (pen). Slant. Phillips Wilkins, Hill 2.216 Gllllngham (2) 2 Walsall (1) 1 Lovell.

Elsey Kelly 4.916 Grimsby (0) 0 Halrlai (0) 0 3.239 (Replay Tuesday) Layton Orient (1) 2 Swansea (0) 0 ShinnBrs, Comfort 4,668 Maldslona (1) 1 Kidderminster (0..1 Rogers Davies 1.657 (Replay Monday) Mansfield (2) 4 Lincoln (2) ..3 Lowery. Foster, Smith, Brown, Cassells, Kent Clarke 5.671 Northampton Brighton (0) 2 Morley Bremner, elson 6,444 Peterborough (1) 1 Sutton Uld (2) 3 Lawrence Lawrence (og), Cornwell. Dennis 3.BO0 Port Vala (0) 2 Notts County (0) 0 Beckiord, Sprason 5,039 Runcom(O) 0 Stockport 1 Colville 3,102 Scunthorpe (0 2 Sunderland (1) 1 Taylor. Harle Gates 7.17B V.S. Rugby (0) 1 Bristol Rovers Ingram Beecham 3.500 (Replay Wednesday) Welling (0) 0 Bath (0) 1 Singleton 2,332 Wigan (1) 1 Wolverhampton Hilditch Gallagher, Robinson.

Denmson 5,879 Wrexham (1 1 Bolton (1) 2 Hinnigan Thomas 2 4.703 York(1) 1 HartJepoo) (0) 1 Wilson Baker 3.394 (Replay Wednesday) Today: Macclesfield Rolherham (2.0): Northwich Blackpool (12.0). Division Four Today Liverpool Chelsea (2.35). I City had a choice to make 23 23 23 23 23 22 23 13 9 5 16 19 53 GM VAUXHALL CONFERENCE Chellenham Angel Dagenham Fisher (0) Wealdslone 14-1, 3. 10 ran. (P Cundall.) lot.

Tote: 6.90: 2.30. 1.10, 6.70. Dp: 2.40. CSF: 12.12. Objection overruled.

1.0 (2m Ch) All live horses finishing took the wrong course and the race was declared void. Punlers stakes on this race returned. 1.30 (3m eap Hdle) MOTIVATOR (fl Pilman). 15-2. 1: Mlsa Nero, 9-1, Com Glen, 14 -1, 3.

16 ran. Rig Steel (4th. 20-1). (Mrs Pilman.) 21. 1KI.

Tote: 8.30: 1.60. 2.10. 4. 2.30. DF: 29.30.

CSF: 63.17. Tricasl: 832.72. ZS (3m WESTERN SUNSET (H Davies). evens, Cybrendten, 4 -5 Is 2. 2 ran.

(T Forsler.) 71. Tole: 1.80. N-R Risk A Bet. 2.35 (2m 41 S' Hdle) INGEH-LEA (R Goldstein), 12-1, Annebwi, 7-2, Marahall Blake, 7-1, 3. 10 ran.

Spring Vvloeon. 2-1 lev (R Curtis.) 31. 41. Tote: 12 90; 3.20. 1.20.

3.70. DF: 33.40. CSF: 56.85. 3.5 (2m H'cap Ch) JOHN'S PRESENT (P Richards). 11 -2, 1: HU, 8-5 la, 2 (only 2 finished).

3 ran. (R Holder.) distance. Tote: 4.40. OF: 2.90. CSF: 10.62.

Hiz fell and was remounted. 3.35 (2m Hdle) BEDLAU (M Richards). 9-2 fa, Chief Budtaiwar, 10-1, Grenaoh, 1S-2, 3. 22 ran. (O Sherwood.) 41, 1KI.

Tole: 11: 4.10. 3.60. C2.60. DF: 13. CSF: 47.74.

N-Hs: King's Kestrel. Shering-hem House. War Dancer. Placepot: 181.30. NOTTINGHAM 1.0 (2m Hdle) LOTUS ISLAND (G Trojan War.

7 -2, Setter Country, Tole: 3.30: 1.50. C2, 1.60. DF: 4.90. CSF: 15.61. N-R: Fe.

1.30 (2m Hdle) OALBY GIRL (S Johnson). 25-1, Iflla Red Boy, 14-1, 2: Davallla, 9-2. 3- 11 ran. Marie Baby. 5-4 lav IP Felgale.) 81.

81. Tole: 47.60: 7.30. C1 .70. 1.40. DF: 149.80.

CSF: 305.23. 2.0 (2m 61 Ch) TABERMA LORD (L fav, 1 lor Mou, 7 -2, Tom Blr, 14 -1, 3. 13 ran. (A Wilson.) 31. 81.

Tote: 1.70: 1.50. 1.50. 1.10. OF: 2.30. CSF: 2.81.

2.30 (2m 61 Hdle) KNIGHTS HEIR (M Bronnan). 15 2. 1: SmraYe Gambia. Polish, 6-4 lav, 3. 7 ran.

(O Brennan.) SI. 1KI. Toto: 8.10; 190, 2. OF: 7.40 CSF: 34.76. 3.0 (3m 41 Ch) LITTLE POLVEIR I Mr Quearnway Boy.

Steareby, 8-13 lav, 3. 3 ran. (J Edwards.) 1141. distance. Tole: 2.40.

DF: 6.50. CSF: 9.62. 3.30 (2m 61 H'cap Hdle) FIRE REFWED (M Bowlhy). 4-1, 1: Sagarl Aroon, 7-1, Dreamy, 8 -1. 3.

15 ran. (Mrs Pilman.) 31. 41. Tote: 6.40; 2.20. 3.40, 2.

DF: 20.30. CSF: 31.03. Tricest: 155.88. Placepot: 98.20. 8 Siberian Dancer (3 1 lav) came under orders, but ret to race.

N-R: Chancellorsville. WETHER BY: 12.45 Young SnuBftt, 7-2, SirocVo Bay. 20 -1 Antinous. 6 -1. 3.

1 .1 5 Fertry Foatef, 5-2 fav, Bartinas Slar, Barryphilips Disco. 14 1. 3. 1.45 Clltlalda, 4-1, Masnoon. 16-1, Sea Pennant.

20-1. 3. 2.15 Htek'a Star, 7-4, What's Whal. 13-8 lav, 2: Handy Trick, 11-4. 3.

2.45 Karanomora. 6-4, Kevin5lort, Annette's Delight, 11-8 fav. 3 3.20 Llngham Bride, 9-2, Red Ruddel. 5-2. Political Prospect, 33- 1, 3.

DAVID Nicholson's up-and-coming six year old Long Engagement, in receipt of 26 lb, brought about the defeat of England's most popular chaser, Desert Orchid, in the Tingle Creek Handicap Chase at Sandown yesterday. For once, Desert Orchid was unable to set the pace, which is what he really likes. Far Bridge not only kept him company, but often headed him at his fences. No sooner had Desert Orchid shaken him off than Richard Dun-woody moved Long Engagement into a challenging position. From the second last the weight told against Desert Orchid, who could no longer hold his main rival.

To be fair, Desert Orchid has jumped better on a course where he has had five previous victories and maybe he did not relish the proximity of Far Bridge. He is now quoted at 2 I for a repeat victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton. Fred Winter, who won the first running of the Mecca Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle with a future chapion Bula, landed one of the gambles of the season in the same race yesterday with Celtic Shot, who streaked home at 6 4, the shortest price in the history of the race. From the moment the handicap appeared, puntersseizedonCeltic Shot, a handicap certainty if ever I have seen one, and he quickly came from 5 -2. Peter Scudamore rode a patient race, but had a double handful as he jumped the final flight in front, and he simply pulled his way up the hill in a style which suggested he may well develop next season into another Bula.

JOHN HUGHES, Clerk of the course at Chepstow yesterday admitted that A mistake had been made after several horses crashed through the rail during Goals A Pts Liverpool 16 12 4 0 39 8 40 Arsenal IB 12 2 4 33 14 38 OPR 18 9 5 4 22 18 32 Nous Forest 16 9 4 3 32 15 31 Everlon 18 8 6 4 25 12 30 Man Uld 7 8 2 28 18 23 Chelsea 17 8 2 7 26 27 26 Wimbledon 18 6 7 5 25 22 25 Derby Cnry 17 5 6 5 16 16 24 Soulharnptn 18 5 5 7 25 26 23 West Ham 18 5 7 6 2 0 23 22 Toltenham 18 5 4 8 17 21 22 Oford 18 5 4 8 21 28 22 Luton 17 5 3 8 23 21 21 Newcastle 17 5 6 6 21 26 21 Coventry 16 5 5 a 19 27 20 Shetl Wed 18 5 3 10 19 33 18 Portsmth 18 4 6 3 15 33 18 Warlord 18 4 5 9 12 23 17 Norwich 19 4 3 12 14 27 15 Charlton 18 2 5 II 16 30 11 Stafford (1) 3 Dunkley. Brown. Derbyshire 1.077 Barnet (0) 0 696 (0) 1 Sankey 417 Weymouth (1) 2 Byatl (og). Conning 564 Boston 2) 2 Cook. Dawson 1.2B7 amends in a match now crammed with incident, not all of it acceptable nor legal, when Redfearn handled after 84 minutes, but Stewart struck his spot-kick against a post.

As if that was not bad enough for City, there was worse to follow three minutes from time when Bright accepted another gift, lofting the ball easily beyond Redmond's reach and leavin Nixon to reflect on the folly of two mindless moments which proved so costly to his team. City's- problems may be increased by a report to the FA following an incident at the end of the match. The referee, John Deakin of Glamorgan, was struck on the head by a coin as the teams left the pitch. The injury needed Wycombe Boyland Goals A Pis Middlebro 22 13 5 4 33 14 44 Bradlord 22 13 4 5 37 25 43 Aston Villa 22 11 7 4 33 20 40 Crystal Pal 21 12 3 6 45 29 39 Ipswich 22 11 6 5 31 18 39 Millwall 22 12 3 7 37 27 39 Hull 22 10 6 4 31 22 38 Man City 22 10 6 6 48 30 36 Blackburn 21 9 7 '5 27 22 34 Birmnghm 22 9 6 7 25 32 33 Barnsley 22 9 5 32 28 32 Swinoon 21 9 4 8 40 32 31 Leeds Uld 22 7 8 1 27 31 29 Plymouth 22 7 6 9 34 36 27 Stoke 21 6 5 9 16 26 26 Leicester 21 6 5 10 29 29 23 Shell Uld 22 6 5 1 1 25 35 23 WBA 22 6 4 12 28 38 22 Bournemth 22 5 6 11 28 37 21 Oldham 20 4 5 It 16 30 17 Shrewsbury 22 3 7 12 17 33 16 Hudderslld 22 3 7 12 25 53 16 Reading 21 3 6 12 20 39 15 Goals A Pts the Prince of Wales Novices Chase at tie course yesterday. As the runners went to turn into the straight a running rail was sticking out and leader Fu's Lady tried to jump it and came down.

The race was won by Only Trouble but the event was declared void because the five finishers had taken the wrong course, and Hughes is likely to appear before the stewards of the Jockey Club. SANDOWN 12.55 2m 18yd Ch) BALLYHANE (R Flowe), 9-2, Siiunoco, 12-1. Amrullah, 40-1. 3. 6 ran.

Hypnosis, evens fav. (J Gilford.) 41. 41 Tote: C1.60, C1 90. t2.30. DF: E1B.40.

CSF: 45.90. t.25 (2m eap Hdle) IRON BILLY (C 8rown). 20-1, Autumn Sport, 7-1. Xylophone. 33-1, 3.

14 ran Fish Ouay. 4-1 lav. (D Elsworlh.) 21. head. Tola: C38: 7.10, C2.70, C11.80 OF: C1.188.

CSF: C137.68. Tricasl: 4.120.06. N-R: Monumental Lad. 2.0 (2m eap Hdle) CELTIC SHOT (P Scudamore). 6-4 lev, 1: Sprowston Boy, 16-1.

Cashew King, 25-1, 3. 12 ran (F Winter. 81. 21 Tole: 2.50: 1 60, C2.50. 5 40 DF: C15.30 CSF: 24 36 Tricasl.

407.75. 2.30 (2m 18yd Ch) LONG ENGAGEMENT (R Dunwoody). Drt Orchid, 10-11 lv. 24 Amber nimbler, 5-1, 3. 5 ran.

Nicholson.) 31, 151. Tote: C3.50: 1.60. DF: 2 40. CSF: 5 65. 3.0 (3m MByd Ch) FOYLE FISHERMAN (R Rowe), 13 -a lev, 1: Yohoo, 2-1, Agilnet The Groin, 2-1, 3.

3 ran. (J Gifford.) 21. W. Tole: C2. DF: 1.70.

CSF: 4.33. N-R: Oeep And Even. 3.30 2m 51 75yd H'cap Hdle) SWINGIT GUNNER (N Doughtyl, a-13 lev, 1: Flrt RomenM. 8-1, 2: Toralng, 9-1. 3.

12 ron. (C Tinkler.) 71. 121 Tote. 1.70. 1 20.

1 80. 2 40 DF: 5 50. CSF: 7 91 Tricasl: 31.68 N-fl: Grundy's Pel Jackpot 4,566 20. Placepot: 240 60 CHEPSTOW 12.30 (2m) RYDE AGAIN Heyward), PlpWe Copee, 18 41 5 2 49 37 36 36 36 7 5 40 29 3 3 24 6 3 5 34 21 3 7 30 22 Samel StsKord Weymouth Lincon Kettering Tellord Maidstone Maccleslld Sutlon Uld Runcorn SCOTTISH DIVISION I Dumbarton (0) 0 Meadowbank (0) 1 East File (0) 2 Kilmarnock (1) 1 Forfar (1) 4 Clyde (1) 2 Hamilton (2) 4 Clydebenk (0) 0 Parllck (0) 2 Alrdrle (0) 0 Queen of Slh (1) 1 Ralth (1) 5 SCOTTISH FA CUP (First Round) Albion (0) 1 St Johnstone (0) 1 Montrose (0) 0 Ayr (2) 2 Stirling (1) 1 Cowdenbeath Threave Rvrs (0) 0 Stranraer (1) 6 Vale ol Lelthen Brechin (3) 3 Postponed: Inverness Caledonian Easl Slirlutg Drybroughs Northern Division I Ulyth Sp 0 South Bank 0. Consett I Guiseborough 0: Newcastle Blue St North Shields 1.

Whitby 2 Whitley Bay 2. Division II Alnwick 3 Shollon 0 Ashmgton Northallerton 2. Bedlmglon 1 Slocklon I EvenwoorJ 2 Durham Norlon 1 Wiltmgion 0 Durham Challenge Cup: First Round: Annheld Plain 0 Esh Winning 3. Billirighnm 3 SC Vaux 1: Billingham 1 Brandon 2 Blackhall CW 2 Ryhope CA 1. Boldon CA 2 Tow Law Crook 2 Chesler Le Slreel 0 Oamnglon RA 0 Herringlon CW 2 Ferryhill Alh 1 Brshop A 6 Hehburn 2 Pelerlee 1, Shildon 3 Dawdon CW Whickham 2 Epplelon 1: Cleveland Bridge 0 Coundon TT 1.

Easinglon 3 Cocklield 1, Spennymoor 2 Newlon A 1. Auckland 1 Seahain Fed 0 Abacus Welsh League National Olv Barry 6 Slaenrhondda 1. Maesleg 3 Millord 1 Pembroke 2 Ponlllanlradh 0. Ton Pentre 4 Llanelli 1 Premier Dlv: Abercynon 1 SW Police I. Caidiff Corries I Ferndale I.

Newporl VMCA 3 Ammanlord 0. Panleg 3 Sully 3 Tonyrelail 0 Ponllollyn 0 S. A. Brain Cup 3rd rnd Haverfordwest Aberystwyth 3 Briton Ferry 0 Alan Lido 3 Bridgend 2 Llandarcy 1: Brecon 2 Merrhyr 1. A.F Cardilf 5 Tarrs Well 4 Caerleon 0 Cwmbran 1 6 7 33 26 33 4 6 36 25 31 5 5 2B 25 29 7 4 30 17 28 7 5 26 21 28 4 7 34 34 28 4 8 29 31 28 19 22 17 19 21 22 19 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 16 19 22 22 19 15 21 Kddrmnstr two stiencs.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE FREIGHT ROVER TROPHY (Preliminary Round) 5 27 27 27 9 26 26 27 8 35 37 27 8 25 29 20 9 20 25 20 Boslon Chellnham Allrncham Enfield Welling Utd Fisher Ath Dagenham Wycombe Manchester Ctty Nixon: Gidman. Hinchchfle, Clements, Lake, Redmond, White. Stewart, McNab, Simpson. Crystal Palace: Wood: Stabbing. Burke, Perdew, Nebbeling.

Cannon, Redfearn. Thomas. Bright, Wright. Barber. Referee: Deakin (Glamorgan).

Darlington (1) 2 Cheslerileld McDonald. Arnotl (pen) i Stone house 12 23 47 t8 Wolves 20 11 4 5 35 20 37 Leylon 0 20 10 6 4 47 27 36 Carditl 20 10 5 5 28 23 35 Torquay 20 10 4 6 31 20 34 Colchesler 20 10 4 6 27 20 34 Scarboro 20 9 6 5 29 21 33 Bolton 19 9 5 5 27 18 32 Scunthorpe 20 8 7 5 33 27 31 Harllepool 20 8 6 6 27 24 30 Burnley 20 9 3 8 21 30 30 Swansea 20 9 2 9 29 28 29 Crewe 20 6 10 4 30 26 26 Cambridge 20 8 4 8 25 22 2B Peterboro 19 8 4 7 23 21 2B Darlington 19 7 5 7 3 0 30 26 Exeter 18 7 4 7 2B 23 25 Halifax 20 7 5 8 26 27 25 Wrexham 20 7 3 10 23 27 24 Hereford 20 6 5 9 15 24 23 Slockporl 20 6 3 11 IB 26 21 Carlisle 20 6 3 11 33 45 21 Tranmere 19 6 2 11 21 24 IB Rochdale 20 3 6 11 19 46 15 Newporl 20 3 2 15 16 42 11 12 23 50 IS 12 17 36 7 11 24 11 16 40 Bath Nothwicti Wealdstne VAUXHALL OPEL PREMIER LEAGUE Bromley (0) 1 St Albans (1) 2 Oulwlch (0) 0 Hayes (0) 1 Fsrnborough (2) 2 Hllchln (0) 0 Hendon (0) 1 Bognor (1) 1 Leylonslone (1) 2 Stortlord (0) 0 Leyton W'gale Slough (1) 1 Carshalton 4 Basmgsloke 2. Tooting fi Mucham 0 Harrow 2: Windsor 5 Eton Croydon 1. Wokingham 2 Barking 0. Olv Basildon 2 Bracknell 1, Boreham 0 Wemoley 0 Grays Ath 3 Chesham 1 Marlow 4 Lealherhead 1.

Ortord 2 Kingsbury 2: Seulhwick 2 Hampton I Slaines 3 Billericay 1 Stevenage 1 wallhamstow Ave 2, Uxoridge OLewesO. Woking 2 Watlon Hersham 0 Olv II (S): Banstead Alh 1 Newoury l. Camberley 3 Petersfield Uld 2. Cherlsey 0 Wei Police 0. Egham 0 Harefield Utd 0.

Epsom Ewell 1 Hungerlord 0. FJackwell 0 Feltham 3. Utd 3 ChalfonT St 0. Molesey 2 Horsham 3. Ruisiip 2 Dorking 3.

Whyleleale 3 Easlbourne Utd 1 reading 5 Soulhall 0 Dlv II (N): Aveley 0 Witham 4 Clapton 0 Harlow 2 Coller Row 4 Finchley 3. Herttord 2 Tnng 3 Heytjrrdge 3 Hornchurcri 1 Rainham 2 Hemel 0 Saltron 2 Tilbury 1 Vauxhall 1 Berhharnsread Wivenhoe 4 Lerchworth 3 Soulh Midlands League: Prem Dlv: C-anlietd 0 Bigyieswade 0 leighton 1 Pirlon 0 SniU.nglon 9 Wilton Keynes 0. Tcriernhoe 6 Shellord 0 Wjnslow 0 Electrolux 0 Halls Brewery Hellenic League: Premier Division: Abingdon 2 Bicesler 1: Didcot 3 Viking Sp I Fairlord 0 Abingdon 2. Penhrll 4 Morns 2 Shorlwood 3 Bishops 1 Tharne 4 flayners 0. Wallinglord 0 Sharpness 3 Division One: Avon Brad 2 Lambonm Sp 2 Carrerlon 0 Clanlield 0.

Cnellennari 9 Wansagp 7 Chipping fvorron 1 asi'ig'f-jri 1 Northern Premier League, Premiere Dlv Bangor 1 Barrow 0: Chorley 2 Marine 1-Fnckley 2 Soulhpon 1. Gainsborough 0 Buxlon 6. Galeshead 0 Caernofon Goole 0 Hyde 5. Morecambe 1 Mallock 0. Mossley 2 Workington 1.

Oswestry 2 Horwich South Liverpool I Rhyl 3. Wotksop I Witlon 0 Dlv Leek 2 NelherlieFd 1 BEAZER HOMES PREMIER LEAGUE Ashtord (0) 1 Shepshed(O) 0 Cambridge (2 4 Wllney (0) 0 Corby (0) 0 Alvechurch (0) 1 Crawley (0) 0 Reddltch (1) 1 Leicester Uld (0) 2 Bedworth (0) 0 Hunealon (0) 0 Dartlord (0) 0 Brom5grove 1 Burlon 1: Willenhall 1 GosportO. WorceslerOAyresbury 1 Southern Dlv Baldock 1 Tonbridge AFC 0, Dover Ath 1 Andover 0 ErrSh and Belvedere 0 Chatham 3. Ruishp I Folkeslone 0. Salisbury 2 Hastings 0.

Sheppey 0 Hounslow Thanel 4 Poole Town 2 Midland Dlv: Bridgnorth 2 King's Lynn 1. Coventry Sol Alherstone 0. Foresl Green Rvrs2 Mile Oak 2. Granlham 3 Dudley 0. Hednesford 2 Bilston 3.

kierlhyr Tydfil 3 Wellingborough 1 Moor Gn Gloucester 3. Pagel Rgis 1 Imran's return CRICKET Imran Khan is expected to honour a verbal commitment by signing a contract to play (or Sussex in all one-day matches next season when he pays a Hying visit later this month says county chairman Maurice Leadley, squashing rumours that Imran's 10-year association with Sussex would end with his recent retirement from Test cricket and engagement to a Pakistani girl. r- v- r- id co co i.o KprrrrdrrrOrBrrrrrrr- ocNtco-jinu3rcochO'-cvicO'tiou3rcooi League Challenge Cup, Prelim Rnd 2nd leg: Alfrelon Tn 1 Harrogale 1 Agg score 2-3)' Curzon 1 Conglelon 2 (Agg 3-4). Droylsden 2 Irlarn 0 (Agg 2-l Easlwood 1 Accrington 0 (Agg 3-11. Lancaster 0 Sutlon 1 (Agg 2-5) Slaylybridge 0 Fleetwood 1 (Agg 0-2) Wrnslord 1 Farsley 1 Agg 3-2 1.

Spartan League Prem Dlv Amersham 0 Wahham Abbey Brimsdown 2 Beaconslield 0 Crown and Manor 0 Corinthian 0. Edgware 5 Pennant 3. Hanweil 2 Redhill 1. Northwood 1 Wandsworth and Norwood 1 Olv IJ Calford 1 Thamesmead 1 Chigwell 4 Royal Arsenal 1 Greenlord UND 1 UlyssesO. Old Roan I Phoenix 3 Walthamsiow 3 Swanley 2 nrrNrrrrrr O'-NCOtlfifflMDOl CMOJCvJOJCNOdCVJCUCVICM Check lor Lltllewooda, Vornons and Zelters.

Score Drew 3 pis. No-acore Draw 2 pis. Awey Win 1) pis. Home Win 1 pi. Halesov.en 6.

Banbury 1 Stourbridge 1. Buckingham 1 Trowbridge 2. Coldtield 5.