The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 16

THE GUARDIAN Wednesday April 10 1991 Soccer First Division: Southampton 1, Arsenal 1 Gazza back in Mirairaeirs innisiDirDlisiDirD ttCue gap action 16 SPORTS NEWS a drive that the goalkeeper Russell Thomas PAUL GASCOIGNE will play for Tottenham in tonight's First Division match against Norwich at Car-row Road, four weeks after a stomach muscle operation threatened his participation in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. And Spurs received a further tonic with the news that David Howells, out of first-team action since being carried off with a knee injury in the fourth-round win over Oxford on January 26, also returns. "Gascoigne and Howells will eight points clear and now on a home run towards the title. With four of the Gunners' five remaining games at home, the League will clearly be won or lost at Highbury. The Dell's confines have often seen Arsenal defeats, yet for most of last night they looked comfortable against anything Southampton had to offer.

And when Micky Adams obliged them with the breakthrough, his shin diverting Merson's wayward shot past Flowers, Arsenal's remorseless season appeared to have claimed another victim. That reckoned without Southampton's enduring unpredictability. The team that has beaten Liverpool, yet lost at home to Derby and Luton, found it within themselves to confound the champions-elect. When Micky Adams delivered a cross from the left, Le Tissier materialised at the far post to only the 14th League goal conceded by the startled Seaman all season. By contrast Southampton's defensive record, the worst in the First Division, had indicated easy pickings for the rampant Smith and Campbell.

In the event Arsenal produced only half-chances before the interval, and even they came largely through Campbell's physical power. By hen Le Tissier had issued warnings with two free-kicks, one curving close to Seaman's far post, the other curling round the wall and bringing a superb save from the England goalkeeper. After the interval Arsenal immediately found another gear, and in a six-minute spell Flowers was forced to repeat the heroics that had subdued Liverpool. Campbell's superb turn and shot, just over, started the barrage, which then saw the same striker move on to Dixon's lofted pass and produce RARE lapse by Ar- senal's defence pre- vented the favourites from increasing their lead to 10 points at The Dell last night, when they allowed Southampton's Matthew Le Tissier to strike his 21st goal of the season and make his second significant contribution in nine days to the title contest. With Arsenal awaiting the offside flag, Le Tissier who sent Liverpool to defeat last week was free to strike from six yards and neutralise the lead provided by Micky Adams's own-goal six minutes earlier.

But, with games running out, Arsenal will not be unhappy with a night that disadvantaged Liverpool far more. Le Tissier's equaliser 13 minutes from time is unlikely to prove unlucky for Arsenal, still Liverpool 1, Coventry City 1 Gynn has Liverpool staggering Hooper's reflexes denied Gynn. Indeed Coventry, who won here for the first time in a League match last season, took the game to Liverpool, sensing the uncertainty and shortage of confidence in the home camp. The Kop was particularly subdued, the more so after Rush's miss and a series of mistimed and misplaced passes. Cheer was to come.

Barnes, who twice before had run with pace and determination deep into Coventry's right flank, zoomed to the by-line. His centre ran on to Rush, who knocked it down and clipped it home with the minimum of fuss. It was about the only thing that went right for him. Coventry continued to sling as many crosses as possible into the increasingly soft centre of Liverpool's defence, and it took a wonderful leaping save by Hooper to deny the impressive Gallacher. Woods, whom Stephen Bierloy DT COULD have been worse for Liverpool: Arsenal might have won.

The Coventry fans sang "You're Not Champions Any More" which, although not accurate at the moment, surely will be before long. Liverpool had their chances in the second half to have claimed the three points they so badly needed but Ogrizovic was always secure and sometimes spectacular, notably when he plunged to his left to claw away a Rush header. In front of him Pearce and Peake defended with great purpose and skill. It was only an aberration by Emerson that gave Liverpool the glimpse of victory when the Coventry midfield player hit a back-pass into the path of Rush, On most other occasions the Liverpool striker would have Trained eyes fans watch McClair preparing for tonight's tie photograph: frank baron Cup Winners' Cup semi-final: Legia Warsaw Manchester Utd United look to the drill holding company you they can be a very disci Scottish Cup, semi-final replay Celtic 2, Motherwell 4 Crushing Well Second Division: Barnsley 1, Notts Co 0 O'Connell keeps Barnsley bubbling couia only parry. Groves then tested his sights.

One long, low shot from the right was turned aside by Flow ers, seeing the ball late. A drive from a similar position, set up by Thomas's incisive pass, was parried tor a corner. Even then Le Tissier threat ened to distort the pattern of tne game, twice appearing on the left to angle shots past the far post. Arsenal were lucky that Rod Wallace continued one run instead of supplying his col league, who had ghosted into an inviting position. Arsenal's goal did scant justice to their earlier high-octane attacking, but the style of their breakthrough hardly mattered when set against the night's substance.

Southampton! Flowers; Home, Adams, Cockerill, Ruddock, Gitlens. Case. Le Tissier, Shearer, Mclouqhlin, Rod Wallace. Arterial! Seaman; Olxon, Winterburn, Hilllor (i nomas, n-t), eotild, Adams, Campbell. uavis, smnn, proves, Limpar (Nierson 69mln).

Referee: Groves (Weston-super-Mare). Coventry signed from Wigan Athletic this season, centred from the right and Gallacher directed his header with such precision that the Coventry fans were on their feet cheering an equaliser. But suddenly Hooper swooped to his right and pushed the ball away. Gal lacher sank to the ground, his head in his hands. Finally the equaliser came.

The sweetest of through balls from Sansom sent Regis thundering clear. Yet again it seemed Hooper might deny Coventry but the ball slithered beyond the Liverpool goal keeper and Gynn ran it into the net with the rest of the Liver pool defence arriving late. Liverpool: Hooper; Hysen, Staunton (Speedie, 62min). Nicol. Molby, Ablett, Beardsley, Houghton (Carter, 72), Rush, Barnes, Gillespie.

Coventry Cityr Ogrizovic: Borrows, San som. tmerson, fearce. HeaKe, wooas, uynn, Hegis (Hosario. uu). uauacner, smitn.

Referee: Elleray (Harrow). but that ultimate accolade failed to harm a surprisingly open and relaxed first half. Even before O'Connell scored, he had emphasised his aerial threat with two far-post headers. The goal was the least taxing scored from six yards after Tiler had flicked on Ag-new's corner. County's defensive uncertainty was accentuated before half-time by the loss of the concussed O'Riordan, who had been clattered into the advertising hoardings midway through the half by Rammell.

Harding's man-to-man marking skill gained television exposure against Tottenham and Gascoigne in the FA Cup, but last night Agnew regularly left him floundering. It all added to Warnock's woes. He is remembered here as an unceremonious winger in Barnsley's Fourth Division days. This time his over-exuber ance from the wrong side of the touchline brought a rebuke from the referee. Barnaley: Baker; Oobbin, Fleming, Robinson.

Smith. Tiler. O'Connell. Rammell. Saville, Agnew, Archdeacon.

Notts Courrtyi Cherry: Chris Short, Harding, Craig Short, Palmar, O'Riordan (Davis, 32mln), Thomas, Turner, Bartlelt (Johnson, 70), Draper, Regis. Refereei Callow (Solihull). bt Provis (Aus) 6-2. 7-6: Endo (Japan) bt Field (Aus) 7-6. 6-0: Svlglerova (Cz) bt Godridge (Aus) 6-1, 7-5; Appebnana (Bel) bt Yamagi (Japan) 6-3, 6-2.

ATP BARCELONA TOURNAMENT! Flrat round! JaHo (Arg) bt Haarhuis (Neth) 6-3. 6-2; Sanchez (Sp) bt Altur (Sp) 6-2, r-; oruguera tso) wootuarae aus) 6-0, 6-0; a Lopez (Sp) bt Nargiso (It) 6-3, 6-7, 6-3: Novacek (Cz) bt Costa (Sp) 6-3, 1-6, 6-4; Patoholmo (Fin) bt A Man-cini (Arg) 6-4. 2-6. 6-4; Furlan (It) bt Leconte (Fr) 6-1, 6-2; Fleurian (Fr) bt O'Avin (Arg) 4-6, 7-6, 7-5; Clavet (Sp) bt Wilander (Swe) 6-3, 6-2; Ouatafaaon (Swe) bt Aguilera (Sp) 6-4, 6-0; Arrese (Sp) bt Vajda (Cz) 6-7, 7-5. 6-4; Perez (Uru) bt Koevermans (Neth) 7-6.

6-1; Perez Roldan (Arg) bt Jonsson (Swe) 6-3, 6-4: A VoNtov (USSR) bt Luna (Sp) 7-6, 6-7. 6-4. Second round! HUppini (Uru) bt A Gomez (Ecu) 5-7. 6-4, 6-4: A Cheanokov (USSR) bt Azar (Arg) 7-5, 6-2: A Cherka-aov (USSR) bt Roig (Sp) 6-2, 7-6. Baseball NATIONAL LEAOUEi NY Mots 2, Philadelphia Cincinnati 6, Houston 2: Montreal 7, Pittsburgh 0.

AMERICAN LEAQUEi Detroit 6, NY Yankees 4: Chicago White Sox 9, Baltimore Boston 6, Toronto 2, Kansas City 4, Cleveland Milwaukee 5, Texas 4. Cycling TOUR OP THE BASQUB COUNTRY! Second leg (Andoain to Viloria, 198.9km): 1, A Kappes (Ger) 5hr Hmln; 2, Elliott (GB); 3, A Wljnands (Neth) st: 4, Gonzalez (Sp): 5, Poels (Neth); 6, de Konlg (Neth) all same time. Bowls ENOLIIH INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Melton Mowbray): Triokra quar-ter-flnalei HatfleM (K Lockyer) bt Clarrle Ounbar, Frame (I Middiemast) 15-11; Haver-hM (L Bentlck) bt Perdlswell. Worcester (G Burgess) 24-10; Deaborough, Maidenhead (B Long) bt Telanbridoe (R Johnson) 18-14: Cumbria (J Bell) bt Margate (I Hoile) 22-4. semi-nnais! Havemu (r oeeKesJ fooie'L Bentlck) bt Hatfield (P HavordG FrostK Lockyear) 29-14; Cumbria (I CaruthersA BaxterJ Bell) bl Deaborough Maidenhead (H Jenkins, ones, Long) 21-11.

Billiards WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER (Sheffield): Bverton definitely start against Nor wich, but there will be other changes from last Saturday," said the Tottenham manager, Terry Venables, who refused to enlarge. Earner indications were that Gascoigne, who missed five League matches while recovering from surgery, would come on as a substitute. But Venables said: "I have decided to play him from the start so he can pick up the pace of first-team football straight away. I don't know if we'll give him all the game but the longer he stays on the bigger the bonus for us." Norwicn nave won only once in nine games and their manager, Dave Stringer, may recall the former Tottenham midfielder Ian Crook in place of Jeremy Goss, but is expected to retain tne striking partnership of the experienced Robert Fleck and the teenager Lee Power. Trevor Money, the West Ham striker who has been on the sidelines since he was stabbed at his home during a domestic incident early last month, is expected to play in the crucial League game at Brighton.

West Ham are two points clear at the top of the Second Division and 16 points ahead ot sixth-placed Brighton. Brighton nave not given up hope of automatic promotion as they are only five points behind Sheffield Wednesday, who are third. West Ham meet Nottingham Forest in the other FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park on Sunday. Chris McMenemy, son ot Lawrie, the England No. 2, has been confirmed as manager or Fourth Division Chesterfield and given a two-year contract.

McMenemy, 29, took over as chief coach when Paul Hart was sacked in January. He has revived the club's fortunes and last weekend won a manager-of- the-month award. Edwards backs FA but predicts part-time clubs MARTIN EDWARDS, the chairman of Manchester United, yesterday re-affirmed his backing tor the Football Association's proposed Premier League but admitted that it might mean clubs in the Third and Fourth Divisions going part-time, writes David Lacey. Mayhe it something they should have been thinking about a while ago," he said. On arriving in Warsaw with the United party for today's Cup Winners' Cup semi-final first leg against Legia, Edwards en visaged a compensation fund being set up for clubs who stood to lose financially by being left out of the new elite league.

"However, I don think money should be the central issue," he added. "What is more important is the quality of the product. At least if the First Division is reduced from 22 clubs to 18 over a three-year period it will give everybody time to plan ahead." Edwards said that, while the FA's support for a Super League was crucial, it would still be up to the clubs to get the plan implemented. "Inevitably there are going to be casualties," he said, "and you may get some nervousness further down the First Division. But it is imnortant to the lone-term future of the game that this idea is supported." But.

according to the League, not all the top clubs are happy. The Football League's assistant secretary, Andy Williamson, had encountered different re-actions: "Not all First Div ision clubs are convinced that this is the best or most effective way forward. Far from it. The arguments are just beginning and the information so far has failed to address many fundamental issues." The League clubs will get an early opportunity to discuss the FA's proposals at the League's EGM on April 18, called to discuss the constitution of the management committee. Alex Ferguson, the Manches ter United manager, gave the congestion of fixtures his team will face if they reach the Cup Winners cup nnai as evidence of the need to reduce the First Division programme.

At the moment United are due to meet Manchester City on Saturday May 4. Arsenal two nights later, Tottenham on the Wednesday and Crystal Palace the following Saturday. This would mean playing four games in eight days before the final on Mav IS. Arsenal suffered a similar glut of games in 1980 before losing the cup Winners' Cup final in Brussels to Valencia on penalties. Leader Comment, page 18.

Montpellier three weeks ago after they had been, held 1-1 at OldTrafford. The difficulty Manchester United experienced in breaking down a solid French defence after taking the lead in 53 seconds through McClair and then surrendering it six minutes later with an aberrant own goal by Martin suggested that England was about to lose its last representative in Europe. But back in Languedoc Black-more drove in a free-kick, Bruce added a penalty and United reached the last four in some style. A repeat of that performance, which also owed much to solid defending by Pallister and Bruce, would serve United well in Warsaw today. Robson, suspended for one match after two cautions against Montpellier, will be missing from midfield but, with Phelan declared fit after limping off at Villa Park on Saturday and Ince ready to return, United should still be strong in the areas where they will be seeking to contain Legia.

Blackmore, rested as a precaution against Aston Villa, will also return. It is one of the game's typical paradoxes that a Neath-born Old Trafford apprentice who cost the club nothing should have become one of Ferguson's most consistent players after millions of pounds have been spent strengthening the side. The combination of Blackmore and Sharpe on the left side of the field could be crucial, especially if Hughes manages to lose nis marker near goal. "If Legia score first against jab home the equaliser. It was shot immediately and scored.

Instead he tried to square the ball to Barnes and the chance was gone as quickly as it had arrived. Coventry, who played splendidly throughout, jubilantly celebrated their third successive visit to Anfield without defeat. When Beardsley threaded a lovely pass through to Rush early in the first half it seemed that Liverpool might make the best of starts. Perhaps the ball hobbled a little but Ogrizovic managed to block the Liverpool striker on the edge of the penalty area. Though the ball broke to Beardsley, his shot was also blocked.

Instantly Coventry counterattacked. Gynn too seemed certain to score but this time it was Hooper's considerable frame that blocked the path to goal. Again Coventry worked the ball back into Liverpool's penalty area and for a second time ing positions. This time Ferguson's deep cross was headed down and across the area by Angus and ran to Arnott. The little forward left-footed it past the unprotected Bonner from 10 yards.

Celtic's second came from another corner kick, when Collins delivered from the left and Ro-gan misheaded but pounced on the loose ball to put it past Maxwell from six yards. Arnott headed Motherwell's second equaliser, after Coyne had squandered two outstanding opportunities to give Celtic a greater lead. Arnott's second goal was a simple header from Nijholt's cross; Bonner slipped and the ball sailed gently into his left-hand corner. But Bonner could do nothing about the breathtaking goal which gave Motherwell the lead for the first time in the tie, when O'Neill sent a fierce drive from 40 yards high to the goalkeeper's left. Kirk put the issue beyond doubt in the 84th minute with a sweet chip from the area's edge after good work from O'Donnell on the left.

Motherwell: Maxwell: Nljholt. Boyd. O'Neill, Philliben, McCart, Arnott, GriHIn, Ferguson, O'Donnell, Angus. Cettjci Bonner; McNally, Rogan, Wdowczyk. Elliott, Whyte, Miller, McStay, Coyne, Creaney, Collins.

Referee: 0 Hope (Erskine). Hartlepool (0) 9 Scunthorpe (0) Dalton, Baker 2,840 Stockport (1)2 Northampton (0) Francis, Matthews 3,707 Wrexham (1) 2 Maidstone (1) 2 Preece. Bowden (pen) Henry, Stebblng 1.029 Top eeveni 1 Darlington (P41 Pts73); 2, Pe- teroorougn 3, Northampton (a-t; 4, Stockport (39-64); 5, Hartlepool (38-64); 6, Blackpool (37-62); 7, Burnley (38-60). LEYLAND DAF CUP Northern final, second leg Prealon (1)1 Tranmere (0) Jepson 5,763 (agg: 1-4) Southern final, second leg Brentford (0) Birmingham (0) 1 8,745 Sturridge (agg; 1-3) TENNENTS SCOTTISH CUP Semi-final replay Celtic (2) Motherwell (1) 4 McCart (og), Rogan Arnott 2, O'Neill 31,371 Kirk Baa SCOTTISH LEAGUE Premier Division St Johnston (0) 2 SI Mlrren (0) 1 Bingham, Treanor (pen) McWalter 3,295 OM VAUXHALL CONFERENCE Attrlnc- ham 0, Fisher Ath Colchester 2, Welling Macclesfield 3. Beth 1: Stafford Rngrs 0, Norlriwich Telford 1, Gateshead 2.

HPS LOANS LEAOUEi Premier DMelom Buxton 0, Southport Chorley 0, Wltton Oroylsden 2, Hyde Marine 3, Liverpool 1. VAUXHALL LBAOUKi Premier Dfvleloni Enfield 3, Kingstonlan 0: Leyton-W 0, Aylesbury Windsor ft 1, Grays 0. BBAZEH HOMES LEAQUEi Premier tnv- mi Bromsarove t. Poo 1: Halesowen 3, Rushden Wealdslone 1, Farnboro Tn 2. Midland DMaloni Kino's Lvnn 1.

Wlllenhall Tn RC Warwick 2, Bilslon Tn Stourbridge 3, HednestordTn 1: Slroud 1. Grantham TnO. NORTHERN LEAQUEI FJrel OhrUlorH Blytfl Spartans 1, Newcastle Blue Star Ferryhill Alt) 0, Whitby Tn 1. BASS N-W COUNTIES! Rrat Dim Atherton LR 0, Skelmorsdale Fllxlon 2, St Helens Tn Maine Road 1. Vauxhall GM 2.

PONTINE CENTRAL LEAQUEi Second Dhnetoni Bolton 5, Wlgan Hull 1, Mansfield Oldham 4, Blackpool 2. of their David Lacey in Warsaw THE chances of Manchester United laying the foundations for the first appearance of an English club in a European final for six years will depend on how well the team's functional parts remember their close-order drill here today when they face Legia, the Polish Army side, in the opening leg of their Cup Winners' Cup semi-final. This was the trophy won by Everton in Rotterdam in May, 1985, two weeks before dark ness descended at Heysel and Uefa imposed the ban on English clubs which was lifted only last summer. A satisfac tory result for United today would set them up tor a nnai back at the Feyenoord Stadium on May 15 against Barcelona or Juventus, who begin their semifinal at Nou Camp tonight. Manchester Umted have sev eral reasons for optimism.

The draw has been kind, keeping them clear of strong Italian or Spanish opposition and giving them the advantage ot a second legatOldTrafford. There is also United remarkable record in all manner of knock-out competitions. Since losing 3-0 at home to Tot tenham in the Littlewoods Cup 18 months ago they have been beaten only once in 25 cup games. True, this was in a fairly crucial FA Cup fifth-round tie at Norwich, but their instincts for survival were revived in time to take them past Leeds into the Rumbelows Cup final and remained true in war da (Wales) bt Griffiths (Wales) Charlton (Aus) bt Cavney (Eng) PerreCra (Ind) bt Hard-caslle (Eng) Fixtures (7.30 unless staled) Soccer EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS' CUPi Semifinal, flrat legi Legia Warsaw Man Utd. BARCLAYS LEAGUE! Flrat Division! Everton Wimbledon; Leeds Uld Man City (7.45); Norwich Tottenham (7.45); Nottm Forest Derby County; QPR Aston Villa.

Second Divieloni Brighton West Ham (7.45); Bristol Ipswich (8.0); Leicester Oldham (7.45); Mlllwall Charlton; Newcastle Oxlord (7.45): Shell Wad Blackburn (7.45); WBA Hull. Fourth DMaloni Torquay Cardiff. BAQ SCOTTISH LEAQUEi First Mviaioni Ayr Morion: Meadowbank Kilmarnock. OM VAUXHALL CONFERENCE! Boston Merlhyr Tyd. VAUXHALL LEAQUEi Premier DMston! Bishop's Sid Hendon.

LARCHIMAQE WINDOWS CUPi Semifinal, eacond legi Hylhe Tn Trowbridge. BEAZER HOMES LEAQUEi Premier Ohn Atherstono Dover; Weymouth VS Rugby. Midland Dhn Barry Tn Bedworth Utd: Corby Tn Sutton Coldlleld Tn: Leicester Utd Dudley: Newport AFC Spalding Uld. Southern Dhn Canterbury Hastings. BASS N-W COUNTIES LEAQUEi First Dhr Moni Darwen Nantwich Tn.

PONTINE CENTRAL LEAOUEi Pint Dtv lelom Liverpool Blackburn (7.0); Rotherham Leeds (7.0); Shelf Utd Everton; Sun-deiland Shelf Wed. Second DMaloni Barnsley York (7.0); Grimsby Port (7.0); Middlesbro Stoke (7.0); Notts Co Scunthoroe. OVBNDBN PAPERS COMBINATIONi Reading Fulham (2.0); Swindon Palace. Rugby Union HBINEKEN NATIONAL LEAQUEi Premier Dhrlalon) Newbridge Neath (7.15). Rugby League STONES BITTER CHAMPKWSHlPi Rochdale Wakefield.

Second Dtvfalont Carlisle Doncaster (6.30); Dewsbury Chorley (6.15); Fulham Kelghley; Halifax Leigh; Huddersfleld Brantley; Trafford Saltord. plined side," Ferguson observed yesterday. "They mark man-to-man all over the place and can be difficult to break down. They play with two strikers wide and invite teams to attack them in the hope of catching them on the break. We will have to be careful because thev are quite quick." Legia beat Motor Lublin 2-0 away at the weekend but their strength is then- ability to soak up pressure.

They have already knocked Aberdeen out of this season's competition and then surprised everybody, them selves included, by beating Sampdoria, the holders, in the quarterfinals. The Italian team fancied their chances after losing the away leg 1-0 but then found them selves 2-0 down in Genoa and could get back only to 2-2, go ing out 3-2 on aggregate. However, Legia's triumph was tem pered by the dismissal of their first-choice goalkeeper Szczesny, who now gives way to the less experienced Robakiewicz. Legia had already lost their best striker Kosecki, to Galata-saray, and, with only one Polish international defender, Ku-bicki, in the side, Legia ought not to present United with the sort of problems they experienced against Montpellier. But in Robson's absence United will need to be wary of Iwanicki, whose goal knocked out Aberdeen, and the speed of Kowalc-zyk may remind them of the pace of Ziober, Montpellier's expatriate Pole, who proved a handful at Old Trafford.

Southend move joint top after Ansan seventh League goal of the season saw off Leyton Orient. Lurking on the fringes of the promotion race are Cambridge, for whom Dublin scored his 22nd goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Reading. Fulham went one better against Shrewsbury, aided by two goals from Skinner. In the Second Division John Wark had an instant impact in Middlesbrough's 4-0 win over Port Vale, scoring two minutes after coming on as substitute. By contrast, Wolves' playoff hopes received another setback when a 64th-minute deflection off Hodges from Morgan's speculative shot gave Plymouth a home win.

Kenny Waugh, the former Hibernian chairman, hopes to hear within the next 24 hours that he has succeeded in buying back the financially troubled club at a cost' of 4 million, writes Patrick Glenn. Waugh sold his controlling interest three years ago for about 700,000. Patrick Glenn at Hampden Park CELTIC'S flawless goals-against record in this season's Scottish Cup was spectacularly blemished by Motherwell's determination to reach their first final for 39 years. It was quite a night for Motherwell, who twice came from behind for their replay triumph. Celtic's authoritative sweep towards Maxwell from the kick-off threatened to swamp the Motherwell defence even more effectively than the rain.

When Celtic appeared to score after two minutes to be dismayed at a flag for offside and then did score two minutes later, there appeared to be no hiding place for the Fir Park players, so their equaliser after 14 minutes was all the more admirable. The towering defender Elliott's effort was disallowed before McCart put through his own goal, the only argument being whether he or his captain Boyd got the unfortunate touch as Miller's corner came in from the left. Motherwell's equaliser was a triumph for perseverance because they had been thwarted several times when in promis Results Soccer BARCLAYS LEAGUE First Division Liverpool (1) 1 Coventry (1) 1 Rush Gynn 31.063 Southampton (0) 1 Arsenal (0) 1 Le Tissier Adams (og) 21,200 Top eevem 1, Arsenal (P33, Pts772); 2, Liverpool (32-64): 3, Crystal Pal (32-58); 4. Leeds (31-55); 5, Manchester Utd (33-52); 6. Manchester (32-49); 7, Wimbledon (32-45).

Second Division Barrwley (1) 1 O'Connell Notte Co (0)O 9,801 Middlesbrough (1) 4 Port Vale (0) Balrd, Ripley 15.053 Russell, Wark Plymouth (0) 1 Wohree (0) Hodges 7,618 Top eeveni 1, West Ham (P38, Pts76); 2. Oldham (38-74); 3, Shell Wed (37-65); 4, Middlesbrough (40-63); 5, Mlllwall (39-63); 6, Brighton (38-60); 7, Barnsley (37-68). Third Division Bury (1) 3 Grimsby (1) 8 Valentine, Lee 2 Rees, Gilbert (pen) 4,748 Cambridge (1) 3 Leadbltter, Cheetham Reading (0)O 5,625 Dublin Fulhim (0) 4 Shrewebuty (0) Skinner 2 (1 pen) 3,415 Baker, Marshall Leyton (0) Southend (1) 1 6,306 Anseh Rotherham (1) 1 Crewe (1) 1 Barrick Scott 4,141 Postponed) Swansea Bradford C. Top eeveni 1, Grimsby (P40, Pts74); 2. Southend (39-74); 3, Bolton (40-70): 4, Bury (41-68); 5, Tranmere (40-66); 6, Huddersfleld (41-65); 7, Cambridge (36-63).

Fourth Division DarHngton (0) 1 Lincoln (0) 1 Gill Lormer 4,241 David Hopps EL MACHIN still has a season in hand to fulfil his commitment that within three years he would guide Barnsley into the First Division for the first time in their history. Given the likelihood that a Premier League will soon be foisted on us, the likes of Ma-chin and Notts County's manager, Neil Warnock, might never have a better opportunity than the next few weeks to claim membership among the rich and famous. With the private world of the premier leaguers envisaging that promotion shall be restricted to one a season, matches like this between ninth and seventh in the Second Division would be rendered virtually meaningless, with no playoffs to inspire sides. Last night it was Barnsley who advanced their play-off chances as a header from Brendan O'Connell in the 27th minute proved enough to remove the three-point gap between the clubs. As Tommy Tyke put it in the programme, it was "a six-pointer for winners an' nooa OVBNDBN PAPERS COMBINATIONS Charlton 1, Oxford Chelsea 4, Portsmouth Watford 0.

Wimbledon 2. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY (Odense): Denmark 1. Bulgaria 1. DUTCH LEAQUEi Vitesse Arnhem 0, Sparta Rotterdam NEC Nljmegen 2, MVV Maastricht 1. Rugby Union CLUB MATCH: Maesteg 0.

Pontypridd 19. Rugby League STONES BITTER CHAMPIONSHIP Wlgan (8) 86. WMnea (6) S. Wkumi Trial! IBotica. Edwards, Belts, Clarke.

Ooalai Bo- tica 5. WMneei Try! Davles. (Man Davies (29.650). Topfoun 1. Wigan (P24, Pts39); 2, Widnes (25-38); 3, Hull (25-34); 4, Castleford (25-32).

Tennis JAPAN OPEN (Tokyo): Mem fflret round! Kuhnen (Ger) bt A Krlckstein (US) 6-2, 7-5: Matauoka (Japan) bt Curren (US) 7-6, 6-2: Mayotte (US) bt Muller (US) 7-6, 4-6, 6-3; A Manedorl (Isr) bt Bloom (Isr) 6-2, 6-1; OoMie (US) bt Siemerlnk (Neth) 6-4, 3-6, 7-6; Maaur (Aus) bt Masso (Arg) 6-4, 6-8; Pate (US) bt Woodbrldge (Aus) 1-6, 6-3, 6-3; Fitzgerald (Aus) bt Krajlcek (Neth) Vxaga (Peru) bt van RenBburg (US) 7-5, 6-4; SUmpson (US) bt Masuda (Japan) 6-1, 6-1; Wits-ken (US) bt Furusho (Japan) 6-1. 6-3; Herrera (Mex) bt Eltlngh (Neth) 6-2, 6-2; Conned (Can) bt Apell (Swe) 7-6, 3-8, 7-6; Baur (Ger) bt Pozzi (II) 6-4, 6-4; Connors (US) bt Puoh (US) 1-6. 6-4. 6-0: A iSznaJder (Can) bt A Antonltsch (Aut) 6-2, tw; ri Krteiman (ind) ot Hogstedt (swei 6-1, 6-3; Evemden (NZ) bt Raoux (Fr) 6-3. 6-3; Mgtawakl (Ger) bt Kratzmann (Aus) 6-4, 6-2; Cash (Aus) bt Tsuchlha-shi (Japan) 6-2, 7-6; Zhrojinovio (Yug) bt Garrow (US) 6-0, 7-6.

Women! Flrat round) A Frailer (US) bt Kamstra (Neth) 6-0, 6-3; OHdemetoter (Arg) bt A Kijimuta (Japan) 6-4, 5-7, 7-6; Kechwendt (Switz) bt Date (Japan) 7-9, 6- Undqvfst (Swe) bt Kldowakl (Japan) 6-1, 6-3; Cunningham (US) bt Loosemore (GB) 6-2, 7-5; Oeaukl (Ino) bt Miyagl (Japan) 2-6. 6-4. 7-5: MeNeU (US) bt Vasquez (Peru) 6-1, 6-4; Oka-meto (Japan) bt A Mlnter (Aus) 6-3, 6-4; da Lone (US) bt Takagl (Japan) 2-6, 6-4, 7- 6: Werdel IUS) bt Kamlo Maoani 5-7. 6-3, 6-3; Oremarw (Neth) bt Sawamatsu Macari carries Blues to Wembley Nell Robinson COURT case apart, life is looking up for Lou Macari. A year ago he resigned in disgrace from West Ham United amid suggestions that he might never find another job in the game, i Yesterday, two months after taking over as manager of Birmingham City, he watched his new charges beat Brentford 1-0 at Griffin Park (3-1 on aggregate) to reach the final of the Leyland Daf Trophy.

Sturridge scored the goal that took Birmingham to Wembley on May 26 for the first time in 28 years. They will meet Tranmere, the holders, who lost 1-0 at Preston last night but still go through 4-1 on aggregate. But it was not all good news for Tranmere, who slipped to fifth in the Third Division, behind Bury, 3-2 conquerors of Grimsby It is the second time, this season thaf the leaders have lost to Bury, for whom David Lee netted twice. japan) r-o, o-e; nver (UB ot Mlyauchl (Japan) 6-0, 6-4; Hirafcl (Japan) (waiesj Dt rl pniiiipa (tng) mo-.