FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      A sparkie, night shiftworker and sweet shop owner shooting it out for FA Cup golden ticket at Wembley

      by

      A SWEET shop owner, electrician and a telecoms engineer are all shooting it out to be at the FA Cup Final – one way or another.The trio would all love to fire their respective non-league sides to a miraculous Wembley triumph.Jonathan Lacey was last season’s top goalscorer in the FA CupCredit: X @EmiratesFACupAshford United’s Gary Lockyer is leading the way in this season’s competitionCredit: X @AshfordUnitedFCHe has eight goals so far and is gunning for more this weekendCredit: X @EmiratesFACupHowever, it’s fair to say that they all stand a much better chance of being a VIP under the arch instead of actually playing on Saturday 17 May. And that is because all three are currently battling to be crowned this season’s FA Cup top scorer and land themselves the Mitre Golden Ball award.The Football Association created it three years ago, and the winner gets the honour of not only collecting the trophy from an FA Cup legend but also walking the cup final match ball out onto the Wembley pitch before the final.The competition has already provided Tilbury hotshot Sam Bantick, who has five goals so far, with his greatest football memory.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 32-year-old, who owns Sam’s Sweets and Shakes near Brentwood station, tasted the magic of the cup firsthand back in 2017.That was when he helped fire Heybridge Swifts into the first round proper and scored in their 3-1 defeat against their Football League opponents at St James Park.He moved to Isthmian League North Division outfit Tilbury this summer and capped his home debut with a hat-trick against Buckhurst Hill.But his exploits were caught on camera, and he soon went viral when his third, an audacious effort from inside his own half, was shared online.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’ve tried it a few times but it hasn’t always come off. If I could do it all the time then I wouldn’t be playing the level that I’m playing at,” he told Sun Sport.“I hit that perfectly and as soon as I did I knew it was going in. I’ll always remember it.” I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying roundBantick has never been to an FA Cup Final, but after discovering the prize that awaits the top goalscorer, he says it would top the “best day of my life” at Exeter if he went to Wembley to collect the trophy.He said: “I’ll have to try a bit harder on Saturday now.“We don’t often get exposure or the chance to play big sides, of course you want to help your team out, but to get the chance to get honoured on a personal level like that is unreal.”And ahead of welcoming National League South outfit Chelmsford City to Chadfields, he added: “It’s going to be really tough, but it’s XI vs XI.“We know we’re massive underdogs but they’ll have to come to our ground, the changing-rooms will absolutely stink and we’ll try and make it as hard as we can for them.”Sparkie Sonnie Coleman, 27, is another looking to continue his hot-streak of six goals in three matches.And the Northern League Crook Town striker, who scored to help Hardwick Social retain the FA Sunday Cup in 2018 at Bramall Lane, has even played at Wembley before.He was part of the Stockton Town side that suffered FA Vase Final heartbreak at the hands of Thatcham Town six years ago.Tilbury hero Sam Bantick went viral earlier in the competitionCredit: Focus PhotosHe runs a family sweet shop near Brentwood stationCredit: Focus PhotosHe said: “Winning the Sunday Cup two years running was great but the Vase was the biggest game I’ve played in. That was the first and only time that I’ve ever been to Wembley. “So it would be amazing to get there and I have been keeping my eye on it.“I’ve seen the leader has eight, but I feel a bit ripped off as we haven’t had one replay and just gone straight through. He’s had a couple of replays but he’s obviously doing very well.”Coleman is gunning for Witton Albion, who are a step above them in the pyramid, on home turf on Saturday and added: “It’s already the furthest the club have been in the cup this century.“We’ve beaten Ashington already, who were from a step above, so let’s see if we can go even further.”The man they are all chasing is Ashford United’s Gary Lockyer.He already has EIGHT – including a four-goal haul in the last round – but was only told about JJ Lacey’s haul of ten being enough to secure the Golden Ball last season a fortnight ago.Sonnie Coleman of Crook Town already has some fabulous Wembley memoriesCredit: Si CrumbsLockyer, who works night shifts as a telecoms engineer for Network Planning Solutions, said: “After the four goals took me to eight, my manager said ‘you should be really up there’ but I hadn’t really thought or known about it.“I then looked it up and saw that the gentleman won it with ten goals last time and instantly thought ‘I’m quite close here’ and it would really be something to remember.“So I’m definitely hoping for a few more.”Man Utd fan Lockyer, 31, has experienced the first round proper when he was 17 at Hyde Town but didn’t play and he has also attended finals under the arch as a spectator.But the father-of-four is determined to stave off his competition and beat the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the scoring stakes to land himself and his wife a VIP day out under the arch.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after being informed that his rivals were desperate for him to draw and blank and for Ashford united to be eliminated, Lockyer added: “I’m exactly the same!“I’m one for healthy competition and I’m eager to get it now that I know I’m in the lead. Hopefully I can get a few more this weekend.” More

    • 100 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What did Rodrigo Bentancur say to Son Heung-Min?

      by

      RODRIGO Bentancur drew widespread criticism after he made a comment at the expense of his Tottenham teammate Son Hueng-min.The footballer now faces charges from the FA, after making the comment on a Uruguayan TV show.Rodrigo has been charged by the FACredit: Reuters- Action ImagesSon Heung-min has addressed Bentancur’s commentsCredit: AFPOn the show, Rodrigo was asked about a teammate’s shirt.He responded: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too. They all look the same.”The video quickly spread across social media, leading Bentancur to post an apology on his Instagram story. In the video, he said: “Brother! I apologise to you for what happened, it was just a very bad joke!”Read more in sportsHowever, there is still the possibility that Bentancur could face a serious ban.What have the FA said about Bentancur’s comments towards Son?The FA charged Rodrigo with breaching FA Rule E3, which covers references to someone’s nationality, race, or ethnic origin. The football body went one step further by releasing a public statement about the incident. The statement read: “Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.Most read in Football”It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.”It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”Rodrigo has until September 19, 2024, to respond to the charges.How will Bentancur be punished for his comments towards Son?It is not known how the FA will respond, once Rodrigo has addressed the charges, but they have a long history of punishing racist comments made by players.In 2011, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was fined £40,000 and given an 8-match ban, after he was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.Tottenham complete £20m Rodrigo Bentancur signing on permanent transfer from Juventus Also, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, was fined £50,000 and given a one-match ban, after he made a comment about Benjamin Mendy.Tottenham Hotspur FC released a statement regarding the incident, which included comments from Son.Son said: “I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised.“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe football club has also said that further education promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion will be given to their players.They also said they hope that this will have a positive outcome. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

      by

      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I broke FA Cup record against Man Utd in final.. 20 years later I’m playing for non-league side in qualifying round

      by

      CURTIS WESTON made history against Manchester United in the 2004 FA Cup final… and is still going in non-league 20 years later.The midfielder, 37, came on for Millwall’s player-manager Dennis Wise in the 89th minute at the Millenium Stadium.Curtis Weston replaced Dennis Wise in the 2004 FA Cup finalCredit: ReutersWeston is the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup finalCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The SunThe second-tier side trailed 3-0 when Weston entered the fray – and that was how it stayed.Yet despite it only being a brief appearance, he still made history as the youngest player to participate in an FA Cup final at the age of just 17 years and 119 days.It was only the second game of his career – and the record still stands today.Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Don’t forget I was 17, a kid, and I was going to the FA Cup final. It was a great achievement in itself to be named in the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was only on the day of the final I was told I was going to be on the bench. I was surprised, shocked, so excited.”He added: “I spent as much time as possible warming up on the side of the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, getting close to the action because [Cristiano] Ronaldo was doing all his tricks.”More than two decades on and Weston, who still has ex-Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre’s shirt, is yet to hang up his boots as he continues his career in the lower divisions.After leaving Millwall in 2006, he went on to play for Swindon, Leeds, Gillingham, Barnet and Chesterfield.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe won the League Two play-offs with Gillingham and Conference with Barnet, before he dropped down to non-league.Brief stints at AFC Fylde and Buxton in the National League North followed.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamAnd now he is preparing to return to FA Cup qualifying with Derbyshire-based outfit Mickleover.Weston’s side will come up against Anstey Nomads in the second qualifying round on Saturday.He said: “The second qualifying round is a long, long way from the final.”But playing in the FA Cup still brings me an awful lot of pleasure.”Weston also revealed his former Millwall manager Wise recently contacted him.He added: “It’s funny because Dennis [Wise] contacted me recently on social media to see how I was doing.”It’s crazy how time flies. I know it’s 20 years ago but I remember it all like it was yesterday.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham hit with their own injury blow after Arsenal lost Odegaard as star limps off on international duty

      by

      YVES BISSOUMA is a doubt for the North London derby after limping off on international duty.The Tottenham midfielder, 28, was in action for Mali against Eswatini on Tuesday and netted the only goal of the game.Yves Bissouma limped out of Mali’s clash with EswatiniCredit: GettyArsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an injury against AustriaCredit: SplashBut he was forced off with a knock in the 65th minute after a heavy tackle and now Spurs are sweating on his fitness for Sunday’s powder-keg clash at home to Arsenal.Bissouma was handed a one-match club ban last month for filming himself inhaling nitrous oxide, so missed the season-opener at Leicester.Yet he has started both games since and netted a stunner in the 4-0 victory over Everton.The blow comes just days after Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury while playing for Norway.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners’ captain will miss the derby game and could be out for at least three weeks.Meanwhile, fellow midfielder James Maddison says it is the current Spurs squad’s “duty” to end their trophy famine.Tottenham have not tasted silverware since winning the League Cup in 2008.They compete in the Europa League this term, while they have a potential banana skin of an opening Carabao Cup tie away to Coventry on Wednesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking to Australian channel Optus Sport, Maddison said: “What trophy would I like to win? I’d like to win all of them!“It’s spoken about a lot in the media here and kind of a bit of a black mark against Tottenham’s name in terms of silverware.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TV“That’s on us, that’s our duty to try to change the history of recent times and try to get our hands on silverware.“It’s not a thing that we should not talk about.“The club needs to be winning trophies of this size and with the quality that we have, we should be battling it out for trophies.“So we’ve got a good few competitions this year with the Europa League, the Carabao, the FA Cup and the Premier League.“Hopefully we can have a deep run in one of them because winning trophies is for sure the best thing about football.“When all is said and done at the end of your career, you look back on what you’ve won, I think.”James Maddison wants to end Spurs’ trophy droughtCredit: GettyHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ralf Rangnick bluntly says ‘I was right’ about state of Man Utd two years after saying club needed ‘open heart surgery’

      by

      RALF RANGNICK sent out a fresh warning to Erik ten Hag after claiming he was “right” about Manchester United all along.The Red Devils have continued to struggle after the German interim boss left the club at the end of the 2021-22 season.Ralf Rangnick said it looks like he was ‘right’ about Man UnitedRangnick said he heard Ten Hag agreed with his ‘open heart surgery’ diagnosisDespite the FA Cup won in May, Man United finished eighth, a record-low, in the Premier League last term.And after splashing out £205m in the summer window, the problems have spread into the new campaign, with two defeats following their marginal opening day win over Fulham.In fact, United have won just five of their last 15 Premier League matches since their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in March.Now former caretaker Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021, has arrived to rub salt in the wounds, doubling down on the ‘open heart surgery’ remarks he made before his exit.He told Norwegian news outlet TV2: “I probably made that statement when the season was almost over about two years ago. “It is probably only two or three weeks since Ten Hag was asked the same thing.”Then he said that I was right in my analysis. I don’t know how many players they have signed since, but it looks like I was right.”Rangnick originally made the comments in April 2022 after United slipped to a 4-0 defeat at Anfield in one of his final matches at the helm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe now Austrian boss said back then: “We need positive energy for the new team and the new manager.”It’s not the manager’s quality – it’s changing all the other things that have brought the club into a position we are in right now.I rebuilt Rashford’s wrecked Rolls-Royce”The good thing – one of the few – is it’s crystal clear. You don’t even need glasses to see the problems.”Now it’s only about how you can solve them. Not minor cosmetic things. This is an open heart operation. If everyone realises this has to happen and works together, it doesn’t need to take years.”It can happen within one year. Other clubs have shown it’s possible within three transfer windows.”Many United fans agreed with Rangnick and believed the club were starting to make positive steps this summer, with the overhaul of the ‘elite’ old guard in charge in senior management.United appointed Man City chief Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO in January and Jason Wilcox as technical director in April.The owners paid a £10m compensation fee for Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, making him the new sporting director at Old Trafford.And just last week, Ashworth, 53, hired Sam Erith as performance director until the end of the season. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I quit football aged 37 after scoring at Anfield… now I’m back aged 43 and chasing England legend’s FA Cup record

      by

      DEREK ASAMOAH has his heart set on smashing an FA Cup record jointly-held by Sir Stanley Matthews – even if he has to wait another six years when he’ll be nearly 50.The 43-year-old became a fan favourite at several EFL clubs, including Northampton, Shrewsbury and Carlisle, as well as enjoying spells in Scotland, France, Bulgaria and South Korea.Ex-Carlisle hero Derek Asamoah, pictured after scoring at Anfield, is chasing FA Cup historyCredit: AFPHe’s still banging in the goals for Haringey Borough aged 43Credit: X @d9asaHe is aiming to beat the late, great Sir Stanley Matthews’s FA Cup recordCredit: PAHis exploits were also recognised on the international stage with Ghana, with whom he scored once in four caps.But despite retiring from the professional game seven years ago, the striker is still making headlines by banging in the goals for Haringey Borough.He signed for the Isthmian League North Division outfit in the summer and has already found the net three times for them. His latest strike came in Tuesday’s 2-1 FA Cup replay victory over Brightlingsea Regent.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEngland legend Matthews and former Manchester City man Billy Meredith both hold the distinction of being the oldest goalscorers in the competition’s history at the age of 49.But Asamoah, who famously scored for Carlisle at Liverpool in 2015, is adamant he can beat that as he told SunSport: “100 per cent I’m on their tails.“Listen, I’m really enjoying playing and plan to do so as long as possible. I’m just really loving playing football still.“I definitely feel I can still be playing in six years. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Last week I played 90 minutes on Saturday and another 90 on Monday and I was absolutely fine the next day and up and about.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“This week as well I’ve got Saturday and Monday matches as well so I definitely think that if I look after myself“I’m one of the few players that doesn’t need to see a physio or get a massage before the game, I’m just ready to go.What’s new this season? “So if I keep looking after myself, eating and living right, then I don’t see any slowing down.”Asamoah quit football aged 37 and stopped playing competitively altogether until he was convinced to make a comeback.He explained: “I actually stopped playing and just took part in vets football but the manager for my vets team was also in charge of a semi-pro team.“He kept telling me ‘I need goals’ but I said that I didn’t want to do it. Eventually, he convinced me and I haven’t looked back since.”Asomah has got to fulfil one ambition by lining up alongside both of his boys, 20-year-old Zayshaun, now at Hullbridge Sports, and 21-year-old Maleace, who has just joined Wigan from Fleetwood this summer.Now as he and Boro prepare to face Witham Town at home on September 14 in the FA Cup second qualifying round, he cannot stop thinking about another potential magical moment.The striker pictured in action for Ghana against Australia back in 2008Credit: AFPAsamoah is only three wins away from possibly having the opportunity to line up against Wigan and Maleace in the first round proper.He said: “Imagine that. Oh my god. That would be an absolute dream, a miracle. I don’t think anything like that has ever happened before.“It sounds like a fairytale but it’s just three games away and anything can happen in that first round proper draw.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut would dad still come out on top? Asamoah added: “Definitely.“I’m sure he’d say differently if we get drawn together but I always come out on top.”Derek is dreaming of facing Wigan and his son Maleace in the FA Cup first round properCredit: Wigan Athletic More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend reveals EIGHT players had to restrain him after ‘shouting match’ with Sir Alex Ferguson

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Ince claims eight players had to restrain him during an fiery shouting match with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.Ince, 56, joined United in 1989 and spent six glittering years at Old Trafford as he won two Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies and the 1992 League Cup.Manchester United legend Paul Ince had a fiery confrontation with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1993Credit: PA:Press AssociationInce claims he was held back by eight team-mates during his shouting match with FergusonCredit: GettyInce and Ferguson didn’t talk for 48 hours after their falloutCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former midfielder enjoyed immense success playing under Ferguson, but the two men had a heated confrontation in 1993 after a 3-1 victory over then title rivals Norwich at Carrow Road.The ex-England international had a “decent game” but gave the ball away towards the end and the Canaries almost scored – something that didn’t go down well with Sir Alex.Fergie gave Ince his famous Hairdryer Treatment in the dressing room after the full-time whistle and the player got so furious he had to be held back by his team-mates.Ince told talkSPORT: “We had a big, big game with Norwich in 1992/93 and Norwich were going for the title.Read More on Man Utd“They were a very, very good team and I think we won the game 3-0 or 3-1, and with about five minutes to go I had the ball and I went on a little mazy run and I lost the ball, they went up the pitch and nearly scored.“I didn’t think anything of it, so we got into the changing room, all the lads are patting each other on the back and saying ‘well done’ and I’m joining in the fun and then Sir Alex comes storming through the door like Rambo and absolutely slaughtered me.“He was shouting ‘What are you doing Incey? You’re not [Diego] Maradona, get the ball and pass it to the best players!’“I’m thinking ‘Where’s this come from?’ And me being me I bit back, we’d just beat title contenders comfortably at Carrow Road and I’ve had a decent game.Most read in Football“But it was all about standards for him and doing the right things all the time and not coming away from that, and that shows the greatness of the man. But me being the character I was at the time, I bit back, started having a shouting match.”talkSPORT host Jim White then asked about previous rumours suggesting four players had to restrain Ince.England legend Paul Ince praises diversity of Euro 2024 squad – and reveals his prediction for score in Sunday’s finalThe ex-Liverpool star replied: “I thought it was eight but I’ll take four. I was having a go. I don’t think it was right, now looking back I don’t think players should confront a manager, any manager.“That was it, we got back on the coach, he didn’t speak to me, I didn’t speak to him.”Ferguson and Ince didn’t speak for 48 hours after the incident, but the Scottish mastermind ended the stalemate with a massive statement to his player, then nicknamed as The Guv’nor.Ince added: “We came back in [to training] on the Thursday and were playing head tennis and Fergie was the referee. I hadn’t spoken to him for 48 hours, hadn’t said good morning or anything.“It was first to 11, the score was 10-10 and the ball went up in the air, I did an overhead kick, the ball went right in the corner of the court and we won the game 11-10, we were jumping about celebrating.“Sir Alex shouts ‘ball was out’ but it wasn’t out, but because I wasn’t speaking to him I couldn’t say anything, it was just bubbling inside me, but because I hadn’t talked to him in 48 hours I couldn’t contest the decision and he said ‘winners them’.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m walking away and all of a sudden he shouts ‘Incey!’.”I turned around and he said: ‘There’s only one Guv’nor here, son!’ and I started to laugh and after that we were speaking again and that was it. That was the greatness of the man.” More