The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 23

The Quadbit Thursday May 16 1996 Rush to say sNon'to the French FlrstDiyMon Stoke 0, Leicester 1 Parker douses Stoke fire a mere publicity coup. HBHIfHB 'tEaBBBsflEaBBBaflBBBaflBBflBBfl MBffiRteBB.l.l.lEaal.l. HlillBiillJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ llll.illliiaaBaaBflaliaSl Ian Ross IAN RUSH has decided to end his playing career in west Yorkshire rather than France. Barring an improbable nth-hour change of heart, the Liverpool striker will announce on Monday that he is to join Leeds United. A statement to that effect had been expected yesterday but Rush asked for more time to consider an enticing offer made on Tuesday by Marseille.

Although the 34-year-old Welshman has ignored overtures from several leading European clubs since returning to Liverpool after a brief spell in Italy with Juventus eight years ago, he courteously agreed to listen to Marseille's proposals. But even the chance to earn a small fortune in pleasant surroundings is unlikely to overturn his preference for a move across the Pennines. He is likely to sign a two-year deal and will begin the transformation from player to coach during his time at EllandRoad. Leeds's Howard Wilkinson was one of several managers to contact Rush two months ago when the striker announced that his 16-year love affair with the Merseyside club was definitely to end this summer. After a season which brought humiliation at the hands of Aston Villa in the Coca-Cola Cup final and a worrying brush with relega tion trom the Premiership, Wilkinson's own future is anything but certain.

However, his response to the crisis has been typically robust and he will regard the signing of a player of Hustis pedigree and ability as something more than Palace's twin guard Tuttle. left, and his goalkeeper Martyn keep Charlton's striker Leaburn at bay Crystal Palace 1 Charlton Athletic 0 (agg: 3-1 Palace upwardly mobile again fan Ross GARRY making his first start in 10 games having been dropped and stripped of the captaincy after a row with his manager Martin O'Neill, scored the only goal of this two-leg tie to take Leicester City within touching distance of the Premiership. The midfielder's 46th-min-ute strike last night doused Stoke's fire but Crystal Palace will surely come up with a more convincing argument in what will be Leicester's fourth play-off final in five seasons. "I'm going to celebrate for the next three or four days," O'Neill said. "When I recover I will think about Wembley.

Now we've got there we've got to go all the way." The opening exchanges were unbearably frantic. The football gushed rather than flowed, the tackles were harsh and unsympathetic, the penalty appeals came and went regularly. Stoke's football is an interesting hybrid of intelligent tactics and frantic endeavour. They swarm like angry wasps irrespective of whether they are enjoying possession. Leicester's approach is altogether more subtle.

They pass the ball effortlessly and it is only an inability to accept what is presented to them on a plate which leaves them wanting. The tireless running of Leicester's Clandge often threatened to bring to an end an uneasy stalemate. But even he was too often guilty of trying to reach his intended tareet by way of a tunnel when the front door was clearly open. Leicester's supremacy clearly -warranted a goal and it duly came when they caught Stoke cold as the second half opened. Barely 30 seconds had elapsed when the combined efforts of Heskey and Taylor unhinged the home defence.

Taylor's cross from the byline was far from perfect but it was met by Parker who sent a thunderous ns ing volley just inside the ancle ot post and crossbar. Stoke's response was to ditch what little precision they had and throw men fruitlessly forward. As the Stoke supporters spilled over the fences at the final whistle, it briefly threatened to turn nasty but the police line was as unyielding as had been Leicester's back line. 8toke Cltyt Prudhoe; Clarkson, Stgordsson, Whittle, Sandford, Dovtin, Potter (Carrutners, 69min), Wallace, Glcgrtorn, Sheron, Slurridge Leicester CHw Poolo: Grayson. Watts.

Walsh. Izzol. Whitlow, Lonnon, Taylor. Parker. Heskey.

uariage Refer: Singh (Wolverhampton). ing influences and his eye for space and angles remained un-dimmed. He took much of the tension out of his team after three minutes, when he gave them the iead. Charlton's defence started the game the way they had played the second half of the first leg on Sunday, in disarray. Soon Dougie Freedman dropped deep to pick up a loose clearance and put George Ndah through in the space he had vacated.

Richard Rufus made an astonishing recovery tackle but the ball slipped behind him to Houghton, who. coolly floated Hoddle given private view of England counter they spent much of the rest of the game absorbing pressure. Charlton had opportunities to equalise but Nelson shot over, Martyn tipped a Bowyer shot over and Leaburn went close with the two best chances of the half. The first, a shot from nine yards out, bounced back off Martyn and Palace survived at the cost of an undignified scramble. A quarter of an hour later Martyn was scrambling again after a mix-up with Quinn.

Robinson hit a first-time cross from the left, Leaburn headed down towards the far coiner and Tuttle cleared off the line. After a Buster Bloodvessel lookalike had surprised the players and amused the crowd Robert Piyce YO-YO, and thrice yo. Crystal Palace, who have been up and down in the past two seasons, are most likely -on their way up again. Last night they showed resilience if not overwhelming brilliance in completing their semi-final play-off vic-tory-over-Charlton earning them their trip to Wembley on Monday week. Palace were the champions last time they won promotion, two.

years ago, yet lost their first game 6-1 at home, did not win a match until October and finished second from bottom. The divide has not narrowed Second Division: Notts County 1 Crewe Alexandra 0 Martindale caps County's comeback WHKinson clear-out of players he deems sundus to requirements began in ear nest yesterday, when the Northern Ireland international defender Nigel Wor-thington was given a free transfer. Rush's decision to ioin Leeds will disamwint a host of clubs, notably Sheffield united, wno nave ottered him the chance to become assistant to their manager Howard Kendall, a long-time friend of the Welsh striker. As Rush shapes to leave Liverpool, Neil Ruddock yesterday announced that he intended to remain at Anfield. Unhappy at being omitted from Liverpool's Cup final team last Saturday, the England defender was known to be considering his long-term future.

But he emerged, smiling and seemingly reassured, from talks with his manager Roy Evans at lunchtime yesterday. "We have had a very serious conversation," said Evans. "I want him to stay, and he wants to stay. He is looking forward to being successful at this club in the years ahead." Evans will today make a final attempt to convince his former England midfielder Michael Thomas that he should accept a new, three-year contract in preference to joining Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer. The Wolves manager Mark McGhee will discipline players accused of rowdy behaviour on an end-of-season holiday in Cyprus.

"This behaviour sums up the attitude of most of the squad and I am not surprised by it," said McGhee. Ten players went on the trip, which was marred by complaints from fellow hotel guests of late-night revelling and rowdiness. worthy of Camilla Parker-Bowles, Hoddle was all too aware of the media treatment even a harmless aside might receive. If the FA has its way the chances of its England coaches, present and future; -being caught together by the cameras during the European Championship will be minimal. Yesterday's appearance at Bisham still did not answer the point raised by Sir Bobby Charlton on Monday when he asked why the FA, having appointed Hoddle before the European Championship, should refuse to countenance the idea of having, him around, even in a passive role, during England's games.

Perhaps this involvement could only happen if England were to play their Euro 96 matches in an empty stadium behind closed doors. That is unlikely although the FA's ticket distribution system appears to be doing its best. In the meantime, the England squad for next week's tour to China and Hong-Kong is due to be announced by Venables today. Paul Gascoigne will be back after the Scottish FA Cup final and those left out, Gary Pallister and Steve Howcy for example, will realise that their chances of making the 22 for the European Championship have virtually disappeared. Whether Tony Adams is included will depend on Vena-bles's assessment of him in training this week.

The recent testimonial for Paul Merson represents the Arsenal captain's only match since a knee operation in mid-January. Six thousand police will be deployed in the Workers' Stadium and surrounding streets when England play in Beijing a week today. Several hundred England fans are expected to watch the match plus about 100,000 Chinese. old lost in the second round of the German Open, beaten 6-3, 7-5 by Slovakia's world No. 54 Karina Habsudova.

Hockey Lauren Williams, a Wales Under-21 defender and eldest daughter of the rugby union legend JPR Williams, wins full international selection for Wales against Italy in Rome on May 30 and June 2, writes Pat Rowley. Sailing A big shake-up during the final round-robin stage saw France's former world match-racing champion Bertrand Pace eliminated from the Brut Royal Lymington Cup, writes Bob Fisher. Britain's Chris Law is among the eight who enter today's quarterfinal knpqk-out. His. rivals include Peter Gilmour'of "Australia and Russell Coutts of New Zealand.

PHOTOGRAPH: FRANK BARON with a celebratory, chilly streak early the second half. David Whyte briefly delighted the visiting supporters by put ting a shot past Martyn, but the linesman had signalled oBside. Then Tuttle had to clear up a mess of Roberts's making by heading over his own bar and Martyn had to go full-length to save from Newton. At the final whistle a couple of hundred fans invaded the pitch and the PA played Glad All Over. Crystal Palace: Martyn; Edworthy.

Quinn, HODorts, tuttle. urown, ritcner, Houghton. Voart, Froodman (Dyer, BOmin), Ndah. Cnarilon Athletlcx Patterson: Jackson (Allen, 77), Rulus. Balmor, Whyte (0 wnyie, wj), Newton, a Brown, bowyer, Robinson, Loahurn, Nelson (Stuart, 52).

Hoitoron (Newton Ayclillo). across goal by Finnan and Martindale sent a sumptuous volley past Gayle. Notts County Ward; Derry, Murphy, Strodder. Baraclough, Richardson, Finnan. Rogers, Agana, Marlindalo, Battersby.

Crewe Alexandra; Gaylo: Wostwaod, Unswartn. McAllister, Lightloot, Savage. Hidings (Etarr, 71mm). Collins (Rivers. Blissott (Tiernoy, 90), Macauley, Adebola.

ftefferaet Lynch (Knaresborough). County will now meet Bradford City on Sunday week after the Yorkshire-men's 3-0 win at Blobmfield Road which overturned Blackpuui's 2-0 first-leg lead. 29.60. Trio. 14.90.

CSF: 3910. NR: East Houston. UBi 1, PALM HOUSE, Wyor (8-1); 2, Cherry Pokey (8-1); 3, Tharais (3-11). 10 Helusns) 7.30; EJ.00, 1.40. 2.00.

DF: 29.60. Trio: 47.20. CSF: 62.82. Tncast: 214.52. NR: Whitegaton-pnncosE.

7.S&I 1, FIVEUEH1H BUILDS. A Thornton (7-2); 2, Crosa Cannon (3-1); 3, Beaucadeau (15-61). 7 ran. (Miss Russoll) 5.69; 2.30. 2.50.

DF: 8 70 CSF: 14.77 Tncast: 23.48 NR: Wayuphill. 8.2S1 1, OVER THE ISLAND, A Dobbin (5-1); 2, PagHacolo 17-41): 3, Eidae Man (25-1). 9 ran. IJ Howard Johnson) 5.00; 1.20. 1.60, 2.30.

DF: 6.80 Trio 13 40. CSF: 13.11. B.ISI 1, KEEP BATTUHQ, Cahlll (4-1); 2, Flintlock (12-11; 3, Mlsa Oreanyarda (evs lav). 7 ran. (J Goldio) 5.90, C2.70.

3.40. DF: 32 10. CSF: 43.64. Tc: 76.07 NR: Merry Mermaid. PLACE-POTi 80.90 OUADPOTi 32.40.

HUNTINQDON B.101 1, PAR OUT, Bronnan (7-21), 2, Lambeon (8-1); 3, Mab (7-1) 14 ran. (O Bronnan) 5.00. 2.50, 2.10. 2.60. DF: 2040 Trio: 144.20.

SF 30.96 NR: Abdul Emir, Alloxton Lad. fl.40i 1, MAKE A STAND, 0 Bridgwater (5-41); 2, Bon Voyage (14-1); 3, Sea Ood (1 1-1). 13 ran. IM Pipo) 2.60; 1.70. 2.20, 2.50.

DF: 39 40, Trio: 60 40 CSF: 20.90 7.10i LAKE Of LOUOHREA, fl Dunwoody (5-1); 2, Lowavratha (7-2); Robert'e Toy (8-111) 9 ran. (K Bailey) 5.80: 1.40, 1.70. E1.S0. DF- 6.40. Trio; 3.90 CSF: 23.53.

7.401 1, MISTER DRUM, Crowloy (13-21: 2, Poly Amenehee (4-If); 3, EMIaa 115-21 10 ran. (M Wilkinson) 9.40; 2.30. 1.70. 2.40. DF: 35.50.

Trio: 69.00. CSF: 31.81. Tc; 182.60. B.IOl 1, SEA BREAKER, Bradley 19-41); 2, Judicial Field (13-2); 3, Spring Sunrise 120-1). 11 ran.

(D Cantillonl 2.80; 1.60, 1.70, 4.00. DF: 8.20. Trio: 85 00, CSF: 15.96 Tc: 209.61. B.401 1, QUENOAR-RIF QIRL, Bridgwater (2-71); 2, Red Elkon (7-2); 3, Pink Sunaet (6-1). 4 ran.

IM Pipe) C1 60, DF- E1.60. CSF: E2.13. PLACEPOTl 15.40. OUADPOTi 5.40. Fixtures (7 30 unless stated) Soccer BELL'S SCOTTISH LEAOUEl Play-oft, aaoond legs Dundoo Uld Partick.

Rugby League ALUAHCEi Bradford Hull; Halifax Oldham Saltord; St Holons Warrington; Wigan Hull KR. First! Dowsbury Wid-nos; shollleld Wakelleld: York Swlnton. Cricket BRITANNIC COUNTY CSHIP (lour days, 11.0): Cheaterta Straeb Durham Yorks. IMordi Essex Kent. Cardtrh Glamorgan Dorbys.

Brletofa Gloucs Somerset. Leicester! Lelcs Worcs. Trent Bridget Notts Lanes. Edgbaatont Warks Hants. TOUR MATCH (three days, 11.0): How Sussex Indians.

OTHER MATCHES (throo days, 11.0): Pannarai Cambridgo Unlv Middx; The Parkat Oxford Unlv Norplants. BAIN HOOOl Usbridga CCi Middx loics. Bradford KX Aim Yorks Notts. in the interim. "I'll worry about staying in the Premier League when 1 get there," said Dave Bassett.

The manager's four months at Palace have gone better than anyone could have expected. The team have risen Scorn 16th place with only four defeats in 22 games, attempting a more composed and thoughtful game than we are used to seeing from Palace or Bassett He's let us carry on playing the way we've been taught to play," Nigel Martyn said afterwards. "And it's obviously worked." Ray Houghton, who remains their most accomplished midfielder, is 34 and last night he looked the steadiest of steady the play-offs. But County had to withstand intense pressure in the last 10 minutes, with Baraclough heading off the line and Ward making three brave saves. The home crowd showed their gratitude by chairing Ward off at the end.

Crewe's fans were similarly grateful to their keeper Gayle, who was by far the busier, particularly in the second half when in one-on-one situations he twice pushed shots on to the woodwork. Klinsmann sets Euro record JURGEN KLINSMANN set a scoring record as Bay-ern Munich became only the fourth club to win all three European competitions when they beat Bordeaux 3-1 for a 5-1 aggregate win in the Uefa Cup final last night. Goals from Mehmet Scholl in the 53rd minute, Emil Kostadinov 12 minutes later and Germany's captain Klinsmann in the 79th minute consolidated Bayern's grip on their first European trophy for 20 years after they established a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Munich. Bordeaux replied with a goal from the substitute Daniel Dutuel in the 75th minute. Klinsmann's was his 15th goal in the Uefa Cup this season and made him the highest all-time individual scorer in one season of European competition.

The previous mark of 14 goals was shared by Milan's Jose Altafini in 1962-63 and John Wark of Ipswich Town in 1980-81. Bayern joined Ajax, Ju-ventus and Barcelona as the only clubs to have won all three European competitions, after their earlier successes in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1967 and the Champions' Cup in 1974, 1975 and 1976. Graeme Soilness has appealed to the world governing body Fifa after being sacked by the Turkish Cup winners Galatasaray last week. Soilness says he was sacked improperly, claiming his contract had been extended by a year in March. Third Division Plymouth Argyle 3, Colchester 1 (agg: 3-2) Williams blows late bubble as ArgyEe savour home fizz David Lacey says it was no accident that Venables' heir was at Bisham yesterday WHILE the media's back was forcibly turned, Glenn Hoddle yesterday had a sneak preview of the England squad that will soon be his.

Hoddle, who will take over from Terry Venables as England coach after the European Championship, looked in on a closed training session at Bisham Abbey. His unscheduled appearance followed growing criticism of the way the Football Association had apparently gone out of its way to ensure that he was kept at arm's length from the England players during Euro 96. Yesterday he did no more than watch an hour and three-quarters' practice from afar. It was no accident that he turned up at Bisham on the day Venables and his squad had to themselves during the preparations for Saturday's friendly against Hungary at Wembley. In fact he was the first to arrive, driving in 10 minutes before the team bus.

He watched the training session sitting on a fence-post, arms folded and eyes shielded by sunglasses. After it was over he talked briefly with Les Ferdinand and Sol Campbell and shook hands with Teddy Sheringham, but refused to talk to a solitary reporterasheleft. "Glenn came to look at the Bisham Abbey set-up," an FA spokesman said later. "It was a look-and-learn exercise, a chance to see how everything works. Terry was fully aware that he was coming and fully supportive, and he invited him back to the team hotel for lunch with the squad." In showing a discretion Sport in brief Rugby Union The England lock Garath Archer has been banned from playing after failing to appear before a Gloucestershire disciplinary committee.

The suspension will stay in force until the committee considers two yellow-card offences from league games in which Archer, who has since moved to Newcastle, was playing for Bristol. Archer can plead guilty in writing but must appear before the committee in person if he wishes to plead not guilty. Tennis Martina Hingis, who beat the world No. 1 Steffi Graf last week on her way to the Italian Open final, came back down to earth with a bump yesterday. The Swiss 15-year- his shot into thefar top corner.

1 Then Palace conceded this early Though they continued to threaten on The first came from Martindale, whose injury-time equaliser at Gresty Road on Sunday had earned him a place in the starting line-up. From the beginning he and his striking partner Battersby looked the likeliest to achieve the breakthrough. However, Gayle frustrated them with a series of saves and parries. In the 13th minute Battersby cut in from the right and struck a fierce shot with his left foot which Gayle pushed round. Then Gayle Results Soccer ENDSLEtOH LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS Semi-finals, secern! leg First Division Cryetal Palace (1)1 Charlton (0) Hougnton 4 22.880 laqg: 3-1) Stoke (0) 0 Leicester 10) 1 21.037 Parker 46 (agg: M) Second Division Blackpool (0) Bradford (I) 3 9.593 Shun 39, Hamilton 68 (agg: 2-31 Slallard 78 Notte County (0) 1 Crewe (0) 0 Martinaalo 01 9,640 (agg- 3-21 Third Division Darlington (1) 2 Paintor 17 Appleby 47 (pen) lagg.

4-2) Plymouth 121 a Evans 3, Loadbitlor 41 Williams 85 (agg: 3-2) Heralord 101 1 While 65 6,584 Colehaater (0) 1 Kinsulla 66 14,525 UEFA CUP Final, second leg Bordeaux (0) 1 Bayern Munich (0) a Dutuol 75 Scholl 53, Kostadinov 65 36.000 (agg: 1-51 Klinsmann 79 SPANISH ICAOUCi Espanyol 1. Osrce-lona 1. Tennis ATP ITALIAN OPEN (Rome)' Second roundi Martin (US) bt A Berasategui (Sol 4-6, 6-3, 6-4; Raaaet (Switz) bl 8 Karbacnor (Cor) 6-1, 3-0 rot; Mm (Chile) bt Vacok Cz) 6-3. 6-3; Moya (Sol bt Washington (US) 7-6. 7-5; rjumy (Arg) Courier (US) 6-4.

inter Aul) bl Korda (C2) 6-2. 6-3; Kafelnikov (Pius) bl Costa (Sp) 6-1, 6-2, PhHropouaala lAus) bt A volnaa (Rom) 7-6, 6-1; KraJIcek (Noth) bt Claval (Sp) 6-4, 6-4; A Coata (So) bt Schalken (Nam) 6-1. 6-4; Perrefra ISA) bl fl Ron-oberg (US) 6-3. 6-7. A Merhredav (Ukr) bt Alvarez (Sp) 6-4.

3-6, 6-1: Edberg (Swo) bt Piollne (Fr) 6-3. 7-; Iveanleerio (Cro) bl Ullhrach (Cz) 1-6, 6-4, 6-1; Engvfst Swe) bt Haarhuis (Nam) 6-4. 7-o; A Qaudonil (It) bt Stich (Ger) 6-4, 3-6, MEN'S MASTERS Quartr-fln-alai ScNeeeano, (Aul) bt Nicklish (Ger 6-4, 6-4; Burrlexa (Sp) bt A Du-puis (Fr) 7-6, 6-4; Dondo (Uru) bl A Richardson (SB) 6-2, 6-2: Treu (Aul) bt Oelgado (OB) 7-6, 6-4. WOMEN'S HERMAN OPEN (Berlin): Second roundi A Huber (Ger) bt Lea (US) 3-6, 7-5, 6-3; A Sanchez Vtearlo (Sp) bt WordoLWllmoyer (US) 6-3, 6-3; Hack (Ger) bl Knonsel (Ger) 6-1, 6-3; Pauku (Aul) bt Nowak Pol) 6-2. 6-3; Wletnar (Aut) bt Dooler (Aul) 7-6.

6-2: Ukhovt- ten (Bus) bl Bradtko (Aus) 9-0, 6-0. made another low stop from Rogers before half-time. But it was after the interval that he really shone. First arching backwards to claw out a dangerous flicked header from Martindale; then deflecting the ball on to a post with his leg from a shot by the County striker. Battersby volleyed wide for County, Adebola went close for Crewe, but both were shown the way by Martindale.

Agana's high, floating centre was headed back Third round: rjraf (Ger) bt Basukl (Indo) 6-2. 6-1; Tauzlat (Fr) bt A Smashnova (Isr) 6-4. 6-3, Dragomlr (Rom) bl Zver-eva (Bala) 5-7. 6-2. 7-6.

rlaoeudowi (Slo) bl Hingis Switz) 6-3, 7-6; Kandarr (Gor) bt A CoelMr (SA) 7-6, 2-6. 6-3; Rlchterova (Cz) bl Teslud (Fr) 7-6, 6-2; Pierce- (Fr) bt Rittnor (Ger) 6-2, 6-3. WOMEN'S INTERN ATlONaX- (Cardllt): First round! Neayova (Slo) of Aopel-mans (Belg) B-4, 7-5. Manotta (Van) bt M-J Gaidana (Arg) 6-1, 6-3; Radlord (Aus) bt A Sorra-Zanett) (It) 6-0, 6-4; A Fusla (Fr) bIJ Lulrova Rus) 6-7, 6-0. 6-2: Van Roost (Belg) bt Egorova (Rua) 6-1.

6-3. Jayeteelan (Can) bt M. Paz (Arg) 7-5, 7-5. CaKana (Bui) bt Horn-stadlcr (Aut) 7-6, 6-3; Pftkovrskl (Fr) bl A Kramer (Lux) 6-2, 6-4; da Swardt (SA) bl Wood (GB) 6-2. 6-2.

Baseball AMERICAN LEAQUEi Boston 4, Calilor-ma 3 Hn 12); Cleveland 5, Detroit 1: NV 2, Seattle 0. Toronto 4, Minnesota 2: Texas 10, Kansas 0, Baltimore 9, Oakland 1. NATIONAL LEAdUEi Houston 6. Chicago Florida 11, St Louis 5: Colorado Cincinnati Philadelphia 7, San Francrsco 0, Atlanta 7. Pittsburgh Los Angolas 2, Montreal San Diego 9, Now York 4.

Basketball NBA! Play-off ml-ffnilw Eattarn Confi Chicago 64. Now York 81 (Chicago win aeries 4-1). Wwtami San Antonio 96, Utah 87 (Utah win series 3-2). Cricket SECOND XI C'SHlPi Chalmalordi Gloucs 214 (N Trainor SI) and 312-5 (P Lazonbury 62. Cowley 103no).

Essex 374-7 doc (A Hibben 66. PMors 97). Drawn. Haslingdeni Sussex 154 (Groan 5-55) and 30O-4 dec (T A Radlord 135no) Lanes 133 (Lowry 5-34) and 251-6 (N Wood 126no). Drawn.

Maklatonat Kant 379-7 dec IN Proston 73) and 210-8 doc. Leicestershire 281 (Preston 4-69) and 267 (Stanford 5-81). Kent won by 41 runs. Pentirprtddi Somerset 417-1 doc (H Morgan 200no, Korr 115, Koiloway 89no) and 202 (Skatchhw 9-90). Glamorgan 345-7 doc (A Shaw 173no) and 278-6 (A Evans 101).

Glamorgan won by two wickots. Soutlwnptoni Warks 246 (C Howell 63; Mascaronhas 4-42) and 319-8 doc. 130 (ftljioo 8-58) and 110-3. Todmordeni Nona 269 and 283-4 doc fj Wiloman 113no. Noon B2).

Yorks 212 (R A Kaltleborough 123; Botes 5-60) and 363-7 (R A Koltloborough 192no). Yorks won by Ihroo wickots. Ux-bridge! Middx 269 (J Harrison 79; Do La Pona 4-79) and 405-6 doc IG Pooley 129). Surrey 411-fl deeJ DRalclilfo 1)0, Sargeanl 62, Kennis 61). Drawn.

Worcaatari Worcs 303 and 281 IJ Ralph 100: Roberts 4-74). Norlhants 316-9 doc and 113-8 (Preoce 3-34). Drawn. Evening Racing PERTH 6.261 1, EDEN DANCER, Niven (6-11 lav); 2, Shealwda Rett (11-4): 3i Stylish Interval (20-1). 7 ran.

(Mrs Rovoley) T- E1.50; E1.10. E1.50. OF: C1.40. CSF: 3.27. NHXrysUIGittMBsl.TSMPUCURTH, Supplo (9-2); 2, WMta Diamond (9-1); 9t Rabat Kino (7-2).

3-1 1 Mora Joy. 12 ran. (P Beaumonl) t5.50; E2.00, 2.00, t1 .20. OF- Michael Walker OTTS COUNTY'S optimistic plans to regain their First Division status on the rebound after last season's relegation came a step closer to reality at Meadow Lane last night. A tremendous goal in the 62nd minute from their tireless centre-forward Gary Martindale sent County through to Wembley and doomed Crewe to their third failure in by the simplicity of the move straight from Steve Cherry's Chris Leadbit-ter eased the ball forward for Evans who, veering efferves-cently to his left, fired over Carl Emberson.

Most of the first-half fizz came from Argyle. After an impotent display by their forwards on Sunday, they responded to a raucous Home Park atmosphere. The capacity crowd included one of Plymouth's oldest supporters, Michael Foot, an excited figure in the directors' box. Colchester's defence often looked strangely nonplussed, and four minutes before half-time they were the second goal behind. Paul Gibbs had conceded a free-kick and picked up a booking.

Martin Barlow braced himself to take the kick just outside the area; instead Leadbitter flighted in a precise left-foot shot. In' one of their intermittent raids Colchester pulled back a goal, Kinsella, who had scored with a 25-yard shot on Sunday, netting an even more spectacular goal. Plymouth Argylei Cherry; Patterson, Williams. Maugo, Healhcoto, Barlow, Leadbitter, Logan, Littlotohn, Evans, Colcheeteri Embarson; Fry, Belts. McCarthy, Caosar (Locke, 46min), Cawlay, Kinsella, Oennis, McGloish, Reinelt (Adcock, 36).

Qibbs (Whitlon, 57). Reform Klrby Darlington coasted to their first Wembley appearance by defeating Darlington 4-2 on aggregate, A. goal from Robbie Painter and a penalty froni Matt Appleby secured last night's 2-1 win. David Foot ARGYLE's manager Neil Warnock was ordered out of the dugout by the referee during the second half of this fiery second leg. Warnock was incensed that, a minute earlier, Tony McCarthy had not been sent off for bringing down Adrian Littlejohn as he raced unchallenged for goal.

Often outplayed, Colchester pulled back a goal with a superb strike by Mark Kinsella after 66 minutes. Yet for the Devon crowd the perfect finale came with a winner by the defender Paul Williams five minutes from time. If the game plan was to get the first-leg deficit out of the way quickly, it worked in a way which had Warnock jumping off the bench after three minutes. The goal was sweetly taken by Mickey Evans, the only Plymouth-born player in the home side. Colchester were surprised REI.