The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 17

i6 WEEKEND SPORT TWO Saturday May 30 1987 Mike Selvey anticipates the selectors' problems for the First Test Stephen Bierley Charlton 2, Leeds 1 (aet) ShirtlifFs late A season of sage and Gower relying on faith double the saver doubtful for Worcestershire's county match today. One omits Gower from the certainties list knowing full well that he really is. It is just that he has had only three first-class knocks this season, the most recent on May 8. In the Texaco series, he was twice bowled out by. perfectly straight and straightforward balls from Mudassar, a bowler who, while by no means negligible, is hardly world class.

Gower confeesses to having played where he thought the ball ought to be rather than where it was, but i thought that is why batsmen got out, and he is surely only tickling us up as he has done in pre-Test series in the past. Likewise, Allan Lamb who, had Tests come first this summer, might not have made the team. But he played well enough in the one-dayers to justify faith in him, and anyone who saw his centuries against the West Indies will not doubt his pedigree. The trouble is place is with his Essex team mates who will buck him up and are best placed to sort his game out as well. This will probably leave Athey although I have doubts about his long term future as a Test batsman to open with Broad and players like Ashley Metcalfe are pushing hard.

The bowling is more of a selection headache that it appears. Greg Thomas is likely to be omitted, which leaves the three seamers mentioned, plus Ian Botham. However, only once since 1968 in 1981, when heavy pre-Test rain had left the pitch damp, have England gone into a Manchester Test with only a single spinner. Unless Gatting wants two offspinners, which is unlikely, the second spinner will be Edmonds, provided he can take time off work. It leaves the problem of whom to leave out on the day.

Of the seamers, the likeliest is Foster, which would be a pity as he could take wickets with his eyes closed the more fluent side, always the more likely to score, but neither Crooks nor Melrose really had the weight to trouble United, even though Leeds lost their central defender and skipper Brendan Ormsby just before half-time with a leg injury. The shadow of a penalty shoot-out loomed until Sheridan intervened, Charlton protesting vehemently that Miller had not handled when under Sressure from Edwards. St An-rews fell as quiet as a cathedral as the Republic of Ireland midfield player, who will now surely leave Elland Road, lined up the free-kick. Exit Charlton, or so it seemed. Rather, enter Shirtliff.

First he cooly and cleanly, struck a low shot past Day from Stuart's pass, then thundered in for a dramatic second Charlton goal three minutes from time, meeting Peake's free-kick with a perfect header. But neither time was he challenged. Leeds United: Day: Aspin. Mcdonald. Aizlewood.

Ashurst. Ormsby. Stiles. Sheridan. Pearson.

Balrd. Adams. Charlton Athletic: Bolder: Humphrey. Reld. peake.

Shirtliff. Miller. Gritt. Lee. Melrose.

Walsh. Crooks. Referee: A Gunn (Burgess Hill). SOCCER When John Sheridan struck a magnificent free-kick past Bob Bolder in the 100th minute of last night's final play-off for a place in the First Division. United's supporters were understandably ecstatic.

"Yorkshire, Yorkshire," they chanted, and it was a Yorkshireman they got. But oh, the wrong one. Peter Shirtliff, born in God's own county, and transferred from Sheffield Wednesday to Charlton in August last year struck twice in the second period of extra-time to secure the south London club at least one more season in the top flight. They did not deserve to lose, although when Sheridan's perfect right-foot shot left Bolder static, it seemed that Leeds, who finished fourth in the Second Division, were about to turn this game on its head. Leeds had managed just one shot in the opening 90 minutes, Bolder thwarting an 89th-minute dart by Edwards.

Charlton had always looked Russell Thomas Swindon 2, Gillingham 0 Swindon remount on White's night Lamb CRICKET MESSRS MAY, Sharpe, Titmus, Stewart and Gatting sat down yesterday evening, and over what you may take to be a substantial' dinner, selected their squad to take to Old Trafford for the First Test which starts on Thursday. Unless there was something untoward in the starters, it is highly unlikely they will have done anything heart-stopping although there have been enough instances of poor form to justify some thoughts of the he's a jolly good player who's done it in the past, but there's a limit to it variety. Fortunately, there are some certainties who would have been pencilled in before the main course had arrived Gatting, Chris Broad, John Emburey, Graham Dilley (if fit), Philip DeFreitas and Neil Foster. Dilley is still under treatment for a side injury and is CYCLING Graham Snowdon on the Milk Race London stage set for Elliott Malcolm Elliott will be in the yellow jersey he has worn since the Milk Race started at Newcastle 13 days ago when he lines up for today's final 80-mile circuit race in central London. The ANC-Halfords professional ended yesterday's penultimate 98-mile leg from Chelmsford to Milton Keynes in seventh position, two places ahead of his main rival, the Soviet rider, Alexander Zinovev.

Elliott leads Zinovev by 38 seconds after more than 1,000 miles of racing. The Sheffield rider gave his followers a scare when he reported to the race doctor before the start of the stage, but was last night confident that only a crash would stop him winning the round-Britain marathon. I've felt better, but it's nothing to worry about," he said. The feature of yesterday's stage was a 75-mile lone breakaway by the lowly-placed Hungarian rider Bela Mathe. He escaped after only six miles and opened up a lead of almost nine minutes before being caught by the four chas ers just aiier ints main uimiu 1 1 i t- i oi inn nay at now isncKnui.

Willi Tackaert, who had been found guilty of taking both amphetamine and ephed- nne alter a aoDe test on sun day, was yesterday thrown put oi tne race alter tne tseieian federation revealed that he was already under a sus-nended ban for a similar of fence 14 months ago. Tackaert has had his fine increased from 500 to 1,500 and now starts a four-month suspension. MLK RACE. Twelfth stags (Chelmsford to Milton Keynes. 98 miles): Individual: 1.

V. Sapronov (USSR) 4hr I9mln 28sec: 2. A. Tlmmls (ANC-Halfords) 3. D.

Akam (Lycra-Halfords) both same time: 4. D. Raynes (GB Amateurs) at isec: s. nrawczyK iroij ai 2min: 6. C.

Lillywhlte (Lycra-Halfords); 7. M. Elliott (ANC-Halfords) both same time. Overall placings after stage 12: t. M.

Elliott 41hr 35min 31sec: 2. A. Zinovev (USSR) at 38sec. 3. P.

le Bigaut (Peugeot Dan Air) at lmin 28sec. 4. P. Watson (Lycra-Halfords) at 2.08; S. M.

Sykora (Cz) at 2.29; 6. S. Swart (ANC-Halfords) at 4.45. TEAM. Twelfth stags: 1.

USSR 13: 2.09. 2. GB Amateurs at 4sec: 3. ANC-Halfords at Ssec. Overall: Team classification: 1.

USSR 124.50.56: 2. ANC-Halfords 124.54.33: 3. Czechoslovakia 125:10.01. TOUR OF ITALY. Eighth slags (Roccaraso to San Giorgio al Sanninio.

I68km (Italian unless stated). 1. P. Rosola. 3hr 45mln 40sec: 2.

G. Bontempi; 3. S. AUocchlo; 4. A.

Batfi; 5. L. Bono: 6. S. colage.

all same time. British and Irish placbigs: 27. S. Roche (Ire); 34. R.

Millar (GB) all same time. Overall: 1. S. Roche. 31:43.09: 2.

R. Visentini at 32sec: 3. E. Breukink (Neth) at lmin lOsec; 4. R.

Pagnin at 1.22: 5. F. Glupponi at 2.14; 6, D. Cassani at 2.17: 7. R.

Millar at 2.18. CfUTERIUM DU BAUPHTNE. Fifth stage (Bourgde-Perge and Lyon). 1. Ruttiman (Switz) Shr 23min 40sec; 2.

Earley (Ire): 3. Gayant (Fr): 4. JC Colotti (Fr): 5. Biondi (Fr). 6, Sanders (fr) all at 3sec.

Overall: 1. Maechler (Switz) 18hr 53min lOsec: 2. Cornillet (Fr) at 41sec; 3. Mottet (Fr) at 53sec: 4. Vallet (Fr) at 1.08: 5.

1 Zoetemelk (Neth) at 1.39: 6. Leblanc (Fr) at 1.45. The longest, hardest season in Swindon Town's history ended last night with a champagne celebration on the Selhurst Park pitch to mark their second successive promotion under Lou Macari and a return to the Second Divison after 13 years' absence. Steve White chose Swindon's 64th game of the season to score the two most important goals of his striking career goals that subdued Gillingham's frentic efforts to wrest the play-off final replay from the Wiltshire club. Between them the two teams had played 102 League game sfhis season, but despite their battle fatigue they locked horns again to provide a thrilling finale worthy of the passionate support of the 18,491 crowd.

Swindon's resilience which has seen them turn so many games around was crucial although this time they had the benefit of a lead secured by White after 90 seconds. While Gilingham countered frenziedly, the central defensive control of Parkin, subduing Cascarino's menace, and Calderwood, reinforcing Digby's goal keeping skills, always suggested a West Country celebration. Between Swindon's goals White's second came in the 66fh minute Gillingham poured forward willingly but witn lime guiie. uuow provided creative inspiration in the middle, but his calmness and good close control were not matched by his. teammates, who failed to test Digby.

in the first half. Magnificent second-half ASCENT OF URGENCY Encouragement for the riders during yesterday's climb at Bow Brickhill and silly sayings Robert Pryce gives his quotes of the season "WE were firing on all blanks. Everton manager Howard iienaau. "PACE. They haven't got it anywhere in their side." Simon Gamer, scorer of four foals for Blackburn against underland, on what Sunderland lack.

"HE grunted. That usually means yes." Liverpool captain Alan Hansen interprenng for Ms manager, Kenny Dalglish. "hE's the moamngest minme I know." John Bond on Kenny Dalglish. HE's a convicted player." Jimmy Armfield on Bryan Robson. I never thought I could score it, even after I scored it." England striker Gary Lineker.

THEIR version of Glenn Hod-die is the goalkeeper." Howard Kendell on Wimbledon. "I'M the bloke who's turned John Fashanu into a 500,000 player." Wimbledon goalkeeper Dave Beasant. I want to be the worst nightmare defenders ever had." John Fashanu. "HE'LL never be a face-up dinky-do merchant." Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett on John Fashanu. ARSENAL keep hitting that 6ft 4in Irishman on the head and it's quality football.

We hit, a 6ft 3in black fella on the; head and it's violence." Dave Bassett. HE couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo." Dave Bassett on Wimbledon winger Dennis Wise. I usually sing at corners." Wimbledon striker Alan Cork. I haven't changed at all. Except I don't eat Milky Bars between meals any more." Chelsea midfielder Mick Hazard.

"APART from being an hour late and a mile high it was a perfectly fair tackle." Alan Hansen on the Gary Stevens tackle that broke Jim Beglin's leg. You can't go into a club and tell people their fitness is terrible, they're bewying, they're playing too much golf and their ground is Alex Ferguson on being appointed manager of Manchester United. "ASSHOLES are saying I'm doing the wrong thing by Par-tick Thistle. Off the field football is a game of big mouths." Chelsea chairman Ken Bates. "FRANKLY I wonder if he knows the game.

He can't lace up the same boots as Ron Greenwood in terms of coaching." John Bond on Bobby Robson. IF we get in a spot of bother we tend to whack it in the direction of Franz." Nottingham Forest's Ian Bow-yer talking about Franz Carr. I'M not bothered where offers come from Manchester United, Tottenham or the Nottingham Pork Butchers XI." Forest manager Brian Clough talking about selling Franz I'M the world's worst judge of a striker. Remember I paid 3 million for Peter Ward, Ian Wallace and Justin Fashanu." Brian Clough. I'M the kind of player who needs a kick up the backside.

Brian Clough is always doing that." Forest midfielder Neil Webb. HE hates you and he loves you and you never know in which order." Trevor Francis on Brian Clough. "WOULDN'T talk to me. We communicated by rumour." Stan Bowles on Brian Clough. "IF a full-time professional had let in one or two of those, you'd have had to keep him away from a rope for a week or two." Spurs goalkeeper Ray-Clemence on the ordeal suffered by Watford's stand-in goalkeeper Gary Plumley in the FA Cup semi-final.

I'm still putting my money on Everton. Arsenal manager George Graham on January 1, when Arsenal were four points clear at the top. PETER Beardsley will leave over my dead body." Newcastle manager Willie McFaul. "ABOUT 53 miles west of Venus." Preston's Les Chapman on the whereabouts of his manager, John McGrath, after Preston clinched promotion. AT the end of the day, it's not the end of the world.

Dundee United manager Jim McLean after defeat in the first leg of the UEFA Cup final. 7.30 (3i, Ch): 1, KDMQ NBON Miss L. lonnston (10-3 lav); 2. Puraton Trusty (20-1); 3, Roadman (9-2), 14 ran. (G.

F. Cook). Tote: 4.70: 2.30. 5.80. 1.80.

Dual 78.70. CSF 64.16, NR: Golden Link. Tarterte. 8.00 (2m Ch): 1, RIVER RHEIN Sherwood (31); 2. Chelsea Island (12-1); 3.

Sharp Song (5-2 it fav). Skylander 5-2 fav. 7 ran. 0. Sherwood.

Tote 3.30; 2.10. 3.80. Dual 19.20. CSF: 31.83. NR First Attempt.

8,30 (2m Hdle): 1. SHOULD NEVER BE S. Smith Eccles (9-2 it fay): 2, nMi (12-1): 3, Mstch Master (10-1). John WlUousnby 9-2 It fav. 14 ran.

(J. lenkins). Tote: 490; 2.00. 2.30. 2.90.

Dual 41.20. CSF 53.78. Tricast: 472.07. NR: Sandmoor Court. 9.00 (2m Hdle): 1.

ACCLAIM M. Bowlby (11-2): 2. Crimson Lndy (40-1); 3, Patrick's Stsr (11-2). Kasu 9-4 fav. 13 ran.

(N. Henderson). Tote 7.20. 2.20. 10.80.

2.00. Dual F. 956.30. CSF 168.33. Tricast 116647.

NR Sharajen. Comtec Prince. at the moment. However, Gatting will want assurances from Botham that he will run in, rather than saunter. Neither is the wicket-keeping a closed shop.

Jack Richards has been scrappy this year. How much is due to the injured finger on his left hand is not clear, but he dropped a lot of balls on the left side in the one-day. games. If two spinners are to play the keeper needs to be; prime form. The loyalty! factor still remains, butj French and Russel are wait-i ing, and Downtown has been scoring runs.

One final thought if cover for Dilley is required, then it makes sense not to bring in Thomas, who would not play in any circumstance. Far better to bring in someone for the atmosphere. Northamptonshire have not got a game perhaps Capel might benefit. Glamorgan have signed Paul Todd on a one-year contract as cover for the injured Alan Butcher. Picture by Frank Baron RESULTS Tennis FRENCH OPEN (Paris).

Women's Third Round: Slnales: C. Evert (US) beat E. Kraol (Swit) 6-2. 6-0; C. Kohde-WIsch (WG) beat u.

uassen (uani i-o. o-o; rt maieeva ibuii beat K. Gompert (US) 7-6. 6-1: R. Reggi (It) EearATRMer (AtlsPFS.

6-2; SrftaWka (WG) beat L. Garrone (It) 6. 6-3: tiuziat (Fr) beat rL Rinaidi (US) 6-1. 6-3; M. Navramova tua? neat r- miner (ausij 6-1.

6-1; H. Sukova (Cz) beat N. Zvereva (USSR) 6-1. 6-3. Man's Third Round: M.

laite (Arg) beat T. Muster (Aus) 6-2. 3-6. 7-6. 6-0; M.

Macules) beat M. Srejber (Cz) 6-1. 6-2, 6-1: K. Novacek (Cz) beat E. Winogradsky (Fr) 6-1, 64).

2-6. 6-4: 1. Nystrom (Sw) beat D. CahUl (Aus) 6-4. 7-6.

6-4; E. Sanchez (Sp) beat Horacid de la Pena (Arg) 6-3. 6-3. 4-6. 6-3; I Lend! (Cz) beat Tulasne (Fr) 7-6.

6-2, 6-2; Kuchna (Fr) beat Pugh (US) 6-4, 6-3 3-6. 6-2; A. Gomez (Ec) beat I. Berger (US) 5-7, 6-1. 4-6.

6-3. 6-4. Men's Doubles. Second Round: J. Bates and A.

Castle (GB) beat K. Evernden (US) and W. Masur (Aus) 6-7, 7-6. 64. RATTAN HEATON OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (Bradford).

Men's Singles: mi-finals 1. Goodal) (Yorks) beat S. Heron (Yorks) 6-2. 6-3; P. Treen (Avon) beat L.

Davies (shrops) 6-2. 7 6. Badminton TAIPEI KENNEX CUP (Taiwan). Men: M. Frost (Den) beat S.

Kukasemkl) (Thai) 15-4, 15-9; I. Froderksen (Den) beat chia-chen (Tai) 10-15- 15-8. 15-11; N. Yates (GB) beat M. leldsan (Den) 15-9.

9-15. ISf Sze Yu (Aust) oeat M. aiae maij Baseball AMERICAN LEAGUE. New York Yan-kws Kgattle Mariners 2 Baltimore Ori oles 8. California Angels 7 Boston Red Sox.

iz. Cleveland Indians uaxiana as Toronto Blue lays 3 Minnesota Twins 13. Milwaukee Brewers 1. NATIONAL LEAGUE. St Louis Cardinals 11, Atlanta Braves 5.

Basketball NBA. Eastern Conference play-off final: Detroit 113. Boston 105 (best-of seven series tied 3-3). Bowls GATEWAY BUILDING SOCIETY MASTERS SINGLES (Worthing). Section S.

Rees (Wales) beat D. Bryant (Eng) 21-11: Bryant beat D. Katunarlsh (Aus) 21-15; Rees beat A. Wallace (Can) 21-18. Section W.

Richards (Eng) beat I. DlcWson (NZ) 21-10; PI Fong (Fill) beat G. Suouza (HK) 21-14; Fong beat Dlcklson 21-14. Cricket SECOND XI COMPETITION. Guildford Middlesex 179 (M.

R. Rossbeny 71. 1. M. BIcknell 4 lor 29) and 12B (C.

S. Mays 7 (or 40); Surrey 201 (N. S. Cowans 8 (or 22) and 94 (P. C.

F. Tufnell 6 (or 30). Middlesex won by 12 runs. York: Warwickshire 240 (P. Clark 98) and 295 (or one (A.

I. Moles 122 n.o p. Clark n.o. 60); Yorkshire 316 (S. KeUett 147) and 42 (or two.

Match drawn. Bournemouth: Hampshire 251 and 262 for 6 dec (I. R. Ayllna 99, R. I.

Scott 57); Gloucestershire 234 for 9 dec and 181 (K. P. Tomllns I). Hampshire won by BB nuts. AT CROSBY: Lsncashire 290 (or 8 dec (A.

N. Hsyhurst 90) and 194 (or 2 (M. R. Chadwick 102 not out, J. D.

Futon 52 not out). Nottinghamshire 163 (C. D. Fraser-Darling 51 not out; D. P.

Patterson 7 (or 51) and 155 (or 8 (K. P. Evans 57). Match drawn. AT MARKET HARBOROUGH: Leicestershire 296 (or 9 dec (I.

Butcher 100. P. CUft 71) and 139 (or 7 dec (M. Robinson 4' ior 431. noruiampionsmre zuu ror aec (R.

Boyd Moss 120) and 140 (or 9 (P. Clilt 4 (or 18). Mstch drawn. AT FOLKESTONE: Glamorgan 349 (or 6 dec (P. A.

Cottey 121, P. G. Rowbuck 74) and 167 (or 4 dec (Cottey 78). Kent 230 (V. Wells 50, M.

Ealham 52, S. I. Base (4 (or 59, 1. Derrick 4 (or 76) and 289 (or 8 (S. G.

Goldsmith 74, P. North (4 (or 73). Kent won by two wickets. Equestrianism WCKSTEAD. Everett Parcours de Chasse: 1.

Sanyo Vista (R. Smith) S6.99sec: 2, Puntero (S. Leone. Aus) 59.28; 3, Kid Curry (G. Glazzaxl) 61.86.

Everest Double Glazing Trophy: 1. Sanyo Olympic Video (H. Smith), clear 40.38sec; 2. Kruger (I. Tun), clear 42.03; 3, Jogger (P.

Raymekers Holl), clear 44.62. NATIONS' CUP EVENT (Lucerne). 1. France 13.25 points; 2, Belgium 13.90: 3. Switzerland 15.00; 4.

United States; 5, Britain: 6, Austria. Standings after two events: 1. France 9pts: 2, Switzerland 3, Austria 4. Belgium 4: 5. United Stales 3: 6.

West Germany 7. Britain 1. CARPHONE GROUP THREE-DAY EVENT (Bramham). Lane Section: 1. The Cockatoo (L.

Murray) 49.2 penalties; 2. Alibi (R. Bums) 49.8: 3, Miss Lincoln (L. Green) 50. Fox Section: 1.

Yair (I. Stark) 45.2; 2, Accumulator (R. Walker) 46.2; 3, Kings Tester (1. NHL. Stanley Cup final: Philadelphia 3.

Edmonton 2 (best-o(-seven series tied 3-3). that it is rapidly becoming ancient history, and he will not need reminding that a repeat is long overdue. In cutting the squad back from the Texaco 13 to 12, the selectors can send Graham Gooch quitly back to Essex, for he is starting to worry THE TEST MATCH ground authorities will meet Solice and government of-cials at Old Trafford on Monday, to discuss crowd control for this season's Tests, as a positive response following -the disturbances at Edgbaston last Monday. Edgbaston is due to stage the Fourth Test starting on July 23. about missing straight balls, where the next run is coming from, and even if his telent has deserted him permanently.

All sorts of things go through the mind during trots like this and he will make someone pay before too long. But, meantime, his best Boxing Federation title in Las Vegas tonight. Winning the IBF title would make Tyson the youngest undisputed world heavyweight champion, for on August 1 he will he 21 years and one month, 10 months younger than Floyd Patterson when ne became champion. Tyson will he defending the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association PAT COWOELL, who lost bis British super-featherweight title in one round to Najib Daho, has been given the chance to reclaim the championship. The Boxing Board of Control have decided Daho must defend against the Warley boxedr, and the fight is now open to purse offers.

titles against Thomas. After the Nevada State Athletic Commission withdrew from the WBA because of its South African policy, the WBA threatened to sanction no more title bouts in Nevada. Duane B. Ford, chairman of the Nevada Commission, told me yesterday he had been assured by the WBA that its above the childish smacking of legs of experienced international players The Golf Illustrated scheme will not stamp out that sort of thing, but it will at least provide a guide as to exactly who are the best amateurs in the country. The magazine is to start on Order of Merit, sponsored by Bell's Whisky, which will award points to all the various amateur events throughout the land.

The Amateur Championship, for instance, has the strongest field of the year and will therefore carry 100 points. The runner-up will get 50, third and fourth 25, fifth to eighth place 12 points and so on down. The Amateur is the only category one event, and the matchplay championships of the four home countries, together with the likes to the Brabazon Trophy, are category two events with 50 points. There ae a number of category three and four events, too, and the end result should show who are the good players in the country. Of course, it may not get them in the Walker Cup team, but at least then they will know that there is nothing they can do about it on the golf course.

W. J. Weatherby on tonight's world title fight in Las Vegas Tyson faces an empty threat Lou Macari, on one of the greatest moments of his career, called for the play-offs to be scrapped." Keith Peacock, feeling as low as I have ever felt in football," called them good for the game." The rival managers, howevert did not disagree over the result. If I can take a detached view, perhaps it worked out right in the end," said Peacock, the Gillingham manager. To a neutral looking at this situation, perhaps they would say Swindon deserved it." Lennie Lawrence, manager of the victorious Charlton team, thought the system required reform.

The play-offs are exciting," he said. I just think the format is wrong." Lawrence called Shirliff performance phenominal and praised his coach, Brian Eastick, who kept the team after training on Thursday to rehearse the free-kick move from which Charlton scored the winning goal. The 20 play-off games were seen by a total of 308,999 spectators, and average of 15,450 a game. Smith joins Sunderland saves by the Swindon goalkeeper from Cascarino's header and Quow's 20-yard shot threatened a Gillinghan equaliser, but it was Swindon who remained the more incisive. The point was proved when Bamber broke out, Barnard flicked on the White veered from right to left to shoot into the roof of the net for his second goal of the night and 21st of the season.

Both goals owed much to Gillingham's defensive indecision. For his first, the Swindon striker was unmarked as he took possession of King's free-kick and steered it past Kite's left hand from 12 yards. Gillingham's night was best summarised by their inability to take the best chance of the game, after 83 minutes. When the substitute, Smith, produced a low cross that beat Digby and two defenders, Shearer stabbed the ball wide from five yards. Gillingham: Kite; Haylock.

Pearce. L. Berry. Quow. Greenall.

Pritchard. Shearer, Robinson (Smith. SBmin) Elsey. Cascarino. Swindon: Dlgby; Hockaday.

King. Coyne. Parkin. Calderwood. Bamber.

S. Berry. Henry. White. Barnard.

Referee: Martin (Alton). Results TODAY LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS FINALS, REPLAYS Charlton (0) 2 Leeds (0) 1 Shirtliff 2 Sheridan 18.000 At St Andrews: after extra time: Charlton remain in First Division. Gillingham (0) 0 Swindon (1)2 18.491 White 2 At Selhurst Park; Swindon promoted to Second Division FRENCH LEAGUE. Bordeaux 1. Saint-EUenne Paris-SG 2.

Marseille 0: Toulon 3. Toulouse Le Havre 1. Auxerre 4: Lens 1. Monaco 1: Rennes 0. Metz 1: Sochaux 3.

Brest Nice 1. Lille Nancy 3. Laval 0: Nantes 2, Bordeaux win title. SMITH Manager on the move pected to ask for about 500.000. Wednesday's manager, Howard Wilkinson, has also made a written offer of about 500,000 for the Ipswich players, Steve McCail and Ian Cranson.

Bernd Schuster, the Wesi German midfielder coveted bs Juventus's president, Gianni Agnelli, is available for a fee of about 2 million, though if he wins his breach-of-contract case against Barcelona next month, he will become a free agent. 8.4S (lm II): 1. HARD AS IRON, T. Williams (9-4 fav); 2, Comanchera (11-4): 3. Quick Dancer (4-1).

ran. (P. Haslam). Tote: 2.70, 1.10. 1.60.

Dual 5.80. CSF: 8.39. 9.15 (Kim): 1. IN A SPIN, K. Darley (12-1); 2.

Cammac Lad (31): 3. AchUl Bay (6- 1). Temperable 74 fav. 8 ran. (M.

Brittain). Tote: E10.10. 2.70, 1.10. 3.20. Dual F.

10.90. CSF: 47.23. NR: Scottish Fling. STRATFORD 6.30 (2m Hole): 1. TIARUM, B.

Powell (33-1); 2. Patchouli's Pet (9-2): 3. Solstice Bell (11-1). 2-1 fav Bedrock. 12 ran (A.

Chamberlain). Tote: 26.30: 4.10, 1.90, 2.10. Dual 80.20. CSF: 161.93. Tricast: 1.607.52.

NR: Frisky Hope. Fleet Footed. La Molinllla. Showdance. Rubadark.

7.0 (2m Chi: 1. DOBNVALLEY LAD. R. S'-cnge (4-1): 2, Hopeful Chimes (11-2); 3. Caoral (12-1).

11-8 fav Slieve Fellm. 9 ran (P. Pritchard). Tote: 4.90; E1.30. 1.30.

1.60. Dual 8.70. CSF: 24.18. Tricast: 214.15. NR: Asia Minor.

Fer-Kil. Basil Thyme. South African policy has changed and that its new ratings of top contenders will include no South African fighters. Gilbert Mendoza, the Pres ident ot ten wba, win attend tne Tyson-xnomas ngnt. Thomas, a big heavyweight famous for his left jab, whichhelped him take the WBC title from Tim Witherspoon, has not had the same determination or concentration since injuring an eye and taking up a second career as a singer, ne lost his WBC title on points to Trevor Berbick, who was knocked out two rounds Dy Tyson.

Thomas's only chance seems to De to trustrate Tyson, wno has trouble with big fighters who take evasive action. If Thomas could do a Sugar Ray tonight, then the repmatch would the big fight that Tyson.s co-mangers are looking for. Otherwise only Tyrell Biggs, Frank Bruno, Bert Cooper and Evander Holyfield seem to be on the distant horizon. To get the really big pay days Tyson may have to retire like Sugar Ray and await a challenger worthy of him. Sugar Ray has already retired four times so Tyson, who is 10 years younger, could stage lnnumeraoie comenacKS.

Cooper forges to the front Derrick Cooper broke into tne lead witn a in tne London Standard Four Stars Pro-Celebrities tournament at Moor Park yesterday. At 135 he is a stroke ahead of Sam Torrance, one of four overnight leaders. Bob Torrance, Sam's father, is Cooper's codch CooDer. a 32-vear old from Bolton, has not won for almost iu years on tne European circuit. Yesterday he had nine single putts and only 27 in all.

Ken Brown, who won the tournment two years ago, was only a few strokes off the lead, at three under par after nine holes, when he abandoned his round to take his wife, Dawn, home. She is expecting then first child imminently. The Australian, Noel Ratcliffe, immediately took Brown's place, but only to keep his amateur partner's score going. FOUR STARS PRO-CELEBRITY TOURNAMENT (Moor Park). Second Round Leaders: 135 D.

Cooper 69, 66. 136 S. Torrance 67. 69. 137 T.

Chamley 68, 69: I-M Canizares (Sp) 67. 70; P. Senior (Aus) 69, 68; B. Marchbank 69, 68: M. McNulty (SA) 70.

67; H. Balocchl (SA) 68. 69. 138 D. Dumlan 67.

71; P. Walton 70. 68; R. Commons (US) 70, 68: F. Nobllo (NZ) 67.

71; Mason 69,69. 139 D. Smyth 69. 70: R. Boxall 69.

70; N. Burke 72. 67; R. Lee 69, 70; N. Coles 68.

71. E. Rodriquez (Sp) 70, 69; Chapman 70. 69. VOLKSWAGEN ULSTER LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP (Belvair park).

Second Round Leaders: 143 F. Dassu (It) 73. 70. 144 M. Gamer 74.

70: P. Conley (US) 72, 72. 148 D. Reid 72, 73; L. Wilson (Aus) 71.

74. 146 B. New 69. 77. V.

Marvin 73, 73. BOXING With the retirement of Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, at 20, is now credited with being the biggest draw in boxing. The only problem is that his co-managers, Jim Jacobs and Bill Cayton, cannot find any opponents formidable enough for a big money closed circuit fight. Their best hope is that if Gerry Cooney beats Michael Spinks in Atlantic City on June 15, Tyson can then be matched against the Great White Hope in a way that will appeal to a big international ciudioiiCG Tyson's predicament is illustrated by the lack of interst in his fight against Pinklon Thomas in Las Vegas tonight. The professional gamblers have Tyson a 6-1 favourite and American boxing writers give Thomas so little hope of winning that they are more interested in discussing Tyson's future opponents.

It must be very galling for Thomas to learn that Tyson has already arranged to fight on August 1 the winner between Tony Tucker and James (Buster) Douglas who battle for the vacant International Championships at the end of last year. When pressed, selectors talk vaguely about them not practising when expected to and of taking the mickey out of other, more successful members of that team. In fact it amounted to a personality clash with the captain, Charlie Green, who should have been able to deal with any such problems on the spot. There is a more serious allegation being bandied about which is that McEvoy refused to play on the last day of the 1981 Walker Cup at Cypress Point. This is arrant nonsense.

It may be that McEvoy, who had requested that he be allowed to practise during the morning foursomes so as to irr and find some form for tlu. singles, should have been told to get out onto the course and play his guts out. Instead he did not play at all on the last day. If he had refused to play, he should have been dropped forthwith from all amateur teams. In fact amateur selection is still done on a whim, and in 1987 it still matters whether you face tits and whether you say the right things to tne ngnt people at tne ngnt time.

It should be above that, David Davies on the causes of the British Isles' Walker Cup fiasco Playing to their weaknesses Denis Smith is to become the new manager of Sunderland. The deal was clinched late yesterday after Bob Murray, the Sunderland chairman, agreed compensation terms with York City. The 39-year-old former Stoke City centre-half, whose salary is thought to be the highest in the Third Division at 45,000 a year, has spent five years at York, and made a profit in four of them. York have asked for less than the 100,000 they felt entitled to for Smith and his assistant Viv Busby. "We tried to pitch the compensation at a sum which is fair to both sides," said Michael Sinclair, the City chairman.

The board doesn't want to prevent them going 10 such a famous club." Murray, a millionaire kitchen manufacturer in Hud-dersfieW, is believed to be prepared to pay the compensation himself. Sheffield Wednesday signed Chris Fairclough yesterday from Nottingham Forest. The England Under-21 central defender's contract has expired and his fee has yet to be settled, though Forest are ex- Evening racing HAMILTON 6.45 (81): 1. SERVE dTVOLLEY, T. Wulliams (11-2); 2.

Apple Rings (3-1 fav); 3, Riiis A Flyer (8-lf 10 ran. (M. Usher). Tote: E6.60; E1.90. E1.90.

E2.70. Dual 13.80, CSF: E20.91. NR: James Owl. 7.15 (SI): 1. POWERFUL.

R. P. Elliott (loll fay); 2. Kings Qusst (8-1); 3. Fairfield Lad (7-2).

4 ran. (Ron Thompson). Tote: 2.10. Dual F. E7.80.

CSF: 6.64. 7.45 (51): 1. MISS PRIMULA, R. Lappln (9-2); 2, Wesbree Bay (20-1): 3. The Stamp Dealer (7-2 lav).

12 tan. (W. BenUey). Tote; 5.40; 1.80. E.40, 1.40.

Dual 151.70. CSF: 80.31. Tricast: 323.92. NR: Bad Payer. B.15 (lm 40yds): 1.

TEEIAV. G. Bardwell (16-1): 2. TarUteac (7-1); 3. Ocblga (9-1).

Next Dance S-2 fav. 9 ran. (P. Bevan). Tote; 14.10: 2.70, E2.70.

E3.40. Dual 122.30. CSF 122.03. NR: Top O'Th- Lane. 0GOI ON THE DAY that the Walker Cup drew to its calamitous climax, Golf Illustrated revealed an idea which might help prevent some of the selection stupidities that went into the biggest and earliest defeat of recent times.

Great Britain and Ireland lost by 16'A-TA to the United States and after 31 goes have now won twice. They clearly need all the help they can get and yet they went into this match without the. best British player of the past decade, Peter McEvoy, and without another player who is certainly in the country's top 10, Garth McGimpsey. It is, of course, extremely unlikely that their presence, against the semi-professional American side, would have led to a different overall result. But it is certain that both of them would have offered, in the words of the American captain, Fred Ridley, stability and strength to a team markedly lacking in either.

Both were dropped for unspecified, alleged misdemeanours during the World Team.