(Reuters) - Manchester City endured some anxious moments but escaped from fourth-tier Newport County with their FA Cup hopes intact as Phil Foden scored twice in a 4-1 fifth-round victory on Saturday. Newport, 82 rungs below City on the English football ladder, rattled Pep Guardiola's aristocrats in the first half and Tyreeq Bakinson almost gave them a dream lead. But City's class showed in the second half and once Leroy Sane's powerful shot from a tight angle put them in front after 51 minutes the chances of a seismic Cup shock faded away. Foden's 75th-minute shot crept in at the near post to subdue the home fans but when Padraig Amond replied in the 88th minute a grandstand finish looked on the cards. A second goal for youngster Foden arrived 71 seconds later though before Riyad Mahrez rubbed salt into Newport's wounds with virtually the last kick of the game as City claimed a 12th win in 13 matches in all competitions. In the day's other fifth-round ties Brighton and Hove Albion … [Read more...] about Man City end Newport’s Cup dream to reach quarter-finals
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Bayern’s Coman fit for Liverpool clash after injury scare
BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been ruled fit to play in next week's Champions League last 16, first leg tie at Liverpool after the Frenchman suffered an injury scare in their Bundesliga win over Augsburg on Friday. Coman scored two goals as Bayern twice came from behind to win 3-2 but turned his ankle towards the end of the game and had to be taken off. The 22-year-old has been plagued by injury in the past few seasons, missing France's triumphant World Cup campaign last year and then being injured again at the start of the Bundesliga season leading to another months-long injury break. "After a detailed medical examination on Saturday morning the Frenchman got the all-clear fortunately and is therefore an option for the Champions League round of 16 first leg in Liverpool on Tuesday," Bayern said in a statement. The Bavarians, who also saw goalkeeper Manuel Neuer return from injury on Friday, are two points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who visit bottom … [Read more...] about Bayern’s Coman fit for Liverpool clash after injury scare
Ferguson set for Man United return in charity match
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will return to the dugout for a charity match to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team's treble-winning season, the Premier League club said on Saturday. The 77-year-old Scot will take charge of a legends side against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on May 26. Ferguson, who won the Champions League twice, the Premier League 13 times and five FA Cups with United, had emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage in May last year but has since recovered and is a regular visitor to Old Trafford on matchdays. "I'm really looking forward to what will be a special day at Old Trafford," Ferguson told the club website. "It will be great to catch up with some familiar faces and a great opportunity to support the work of Manchester United Foundation." Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently United's interim manager, scored an added-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Bayern in the 1999 Champions League final and … [Read more...] about Ferguson set for Man United return in charity match
Guardiola ‘sad and sorry’ for keeping Mahrez out of team
(Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologised to Riyad Mahrez for the winger's lack of game time in recent weeks, saying the Algerian's form is not to be blamed. Mahrez, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Leicester City for a club record 60 million pounds at the start of the season, has not started for City in the Premier League since the victory at Southampton on Dec. 30. The 27-year-old has impressed Guardiola by making the most of his opportunities but the form of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva has prevented him getting an extended run into the side. "I am the reason (he has not played). He is absolutely not guilty," Guardiola told reporters. "I am sad because he is training incredibly. "We have incredible players, like for example Bernardo and Raz (Sterling) in top, top form and that is the only reason why. There's no particular reason, like being upset or something like that. "He is a guy we are happy with but unfortunately I am not kind … [Read more...] about Guardiola ‘sad and sorry’ for keeping Mahrez out of team
Crusaders get two penalty tries in victory against Blues
AUCKLAND (Reuters) - Winger Manasa Mataele scored two tries, while referee Nick Briant awarded two penalty tries as the Canterbury Crusaders began their quest for a 10th Super Rugby title with a 24-22 win over the Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Saturday. The Blues could have snatched a late victory but replacement flyhalf Harry Plummer missed a long-range penalty with less than three minutes remaining, shortly after he had also missed a much easier conversion. Briant awarded a penalty try in each half as the Crusaders' All Blacks forwards asserted their dominance over the Blues, who were unexpectedly competitive for much of the match but buckled at crucial moments. Blues flanker Tom Robinson conceded the first penalty try when he collapsed a driving lineout maul, which also earned him a yellow card, while the Crusaders pack earned the second when they disintegrated the Auckland scrum numerous times. Number eight Akira Ioane, prop Ofa Tuungafasi and scrumhalf Augustine Pulu scored tries … [Read more...] about Crusaders get two penalty tries in victory against Blues