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      Legia Warsaw 0 Chelsea 3: Blues have one foot in Conference League semi-finals as Sancho shines despite exit links

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      THE flares and pyrotechnics were in the home areas but it was Chelsea who delivered the second half explosives to effectively seal their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.This Blues team which cost over £1billion to put together has not exactly set alight the tournament which was introduced by Uefa for the game’s paupers.Noni Madueke made the difference after coming onCredit: PAJadon Sancho provided two assistsCredit: ReutersMadueke taps in Chelsea’s third from close rangeCredit: GettyTyrique George scored the first senior goal of his careerCredit: RexBut no other team in the Conference League can afford to take off a player like Cole Palmer at half-time and introduce a player like Noni Madueke.Blues manager Enzo Maresca was rewarded for his change with Madueke playing a part in the first goal, scored by teenager Tyrique George, before the England international grabbed the next two goals.Madueke’s second goal, for 3-0, came 25 seconds after striker Christopher Nkunku missed a penalty.And while Chelsea failed to score in the first half for a seventh successive game, they are in a good place for next week’s second leg when Legia and 1000 of their notorious fans – after a five-match away ban – will head to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN CHELSEAFor Chelsea, this was a first ever competitive game in Poland and it looks as though a second one in the same country will follow next month.While only 742 of Chelsea’s hardcore away support were allowed into this quarter-final first leg – and they were kept in for 60 minutes after the match for their own safety – the supporters will surely be heading back here in much greater numbers on May 28.As expected, the atmosphere inside the Polish Army Stadium was pretty lively and the home ultras’ constant use of flares is certain to land them with a Uefa fine. Another one.Chelsea were poor in the first half and created very little with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having their only shot on target.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut four minutes into the second half, Reece James’ long-range shot was parried by the home keeper Kacper Tobiasz and George neatly tucked away the rebound for his first senior goal.That certainly took the sting out of the tie and the second goal duly followed with keeper Tobiasz at fault again, this time his poor clearance being cut out by James.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea ratings vs Legia Warsaw as Tyrique George scores first ever Blues goalCHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.The home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Chelsea victors…Jadon Sancho, who did little in the first half but played with a bit more zip after the break, picked out Madueke and he stroked a shot into the bottom corner from near the penalty spot.Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick after a foul on Dewsbury-Hall but Nkunku , who looks devoid of all confidence, saw his penalty saved by Tobiasz.Yet just 25 seconds later, Sancho burst down the left and his cross was turned in at the far post by Madueke.For Maresca, he can once again focus on claiming a top five spot in the Premier League with a game at home to Ipswich on Sunday.And due to this result, the Italian coach can make a few more changes for the second leg before trying to clip the wings of their lofty west London neighbours Fulham three days later. More

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      Tottenham vs Frankfurt LIVE RESULT: Spurs held by Frankfurt in tense first leg in London

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      TOTTENHAM were held to a 1-1 draw with Frankfurt in London.Ange Postecoglou will know the European competition is Spurs’ only hope of saving their season after a torrid domestic campaign.The North London club failed to get their quarter-final off to a flying start, and now must go to Germany and WIN if they are to go through. Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 3Live stream: discovery+CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Former EFL owner agrees £25million deal to buy Reading with race against time to save crisis club from administration

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      ROB COUHIG has agreed a £25million deal to buy Reading and save the club from administration.The former Wycombe owner has revived a takeover offer he made to Reading owner Dai Yongge last summer after a rival bid from Robert Platek collapsed earlier this week.Rob Couhig has agreed to buy Reading and save the club from administrationCredit: GettyThe former Wycombe Wanderers chairman (blue tie) has paid £25mCredit: PAReading fans have long protested over Dai Yongge’s ownershipCredit: PACouhig faces a race against time to get the deal done as the EFL have given Yongge a deadline of April 22 to sell the club.The Chinese businessman was disqualified under the league’s owners’ and directors’ test in February owing to debts and court rulings in China.  Couhig is understood to have agreed to pay more of Yongge’s asking price up front than he did last summer in order to complete the purchase this month. The American lawyer has also agreed to conduct quicker due diligence and to a shorter cooling-off period than is customary in such transactions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe EFL are being kept informed of the negotiations between Couhig and Reading.And they are hopeful that the sale will finally be completed to end a long-running saga.Reading have been for sale for almost 600 days.Yongge has signed exclusivity deals with five different buyers, including twice with Couhig.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe EFL’s position is that Reading must be sold by 22 April.But the EFL Board could grant an extension if necessary if they judge that a deal is close to completion at that point.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsDespite turmoil off the pitch, the Royals have mounted an unexpected playoff charge in League One.Reading currently sit in sixth, with a two-point cushion to Bolton in seventh. They have won three of their last four games, including a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday.The Royals take on Northampton Town this weekend. Reading, Couhig and the EFL declined to comment when approached by SunSport. More

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      How Ruben Amorim can fix Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho problem with key role vs Newcastle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to visit high-flying Newcastle in one of their toughest tests of the season.The Toon Army have shown no signs of letting up with two wins out of two since they lifted the Carabao Cup to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.Ruben Amorim will need to get his tactics right if United are to be successful at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyAlexander Isak headed home as Newcastle eased to a 2-0 win at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersAnd Ruben Amorim knows he will have to get his tactics spot on after being outwitted by Eddie Howe in a comfortable Newcastle win at Old Trafford back in December.In the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our expert Dean Scoggins looks ahead to the big game…TOON OF SPACENEWCASTLE are very, very brave in the press and will try to turn the game into a midfield battle which they are confident of winning.Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be asked to press high and ensure the majority of the game is played in the final Man Utd third.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut, unlike a lot of teams, the Magpies’ back four will continue to occupy deeper positions so as not to be beaten by a ball over the top.This could leave up to 60 yards of space to be patrolled by Sandro Tonali alone, which is where Bruno Fernandes comes into the picture.Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will press high for NewcastleCredit: AlamyThere is a 60-yard space that Newcastle’s style of play leave openLEADING FROM THE FRONTIF Bruno Fernandes can occupy the space between the Newcastle midfield and defence, I don’t think the back four will follow him in.They would rather risk having space in front than behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKYou could then end up with a split defence with the two players on the left sticking back while those on the right come forward.If that happens, there will be a little offside line for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho to exploit.Bruno Fernandes should have plenty of space to operate inCredit: AlamyBruno Fernandes can hurt Newcastle if he occupies these kind of spacesMan Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’GARNA GO FOR ITTHERE has been a lot of talk about Man Utd dropping out-of-form Garnacho, but I can’t see it happening in this game.Amad Diallo is still injured and they have nobody else with the pace Ruben Amorim is looking for.And if United get things spot on, I can see Garnacho having a lot of success in this game.It will be up to Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee to keep the Newcastle defenders occupied and, from there, the team will need to get the ball to Garnacho quickly.If that happens, he will be able to do a lot of damage in a one-on-one battle with Kieran Trippier.But if the build-up is slower and involves a lot of passes, Fabian Schar or Jacob Murphy will be able to quickly double up on Garnacho to cover 34-year-old Trippier.Many are expecting Garnacho to be dropped, but I think he could turn his form around in this gameCredit: GettyGarnacho hasn’t been at his best this seasonGarnacho can get at Kieran Trippier in these areasFLICKING THE SWITCHONE card Newcastle could play is to switch the full-backs around, with Livramento a natural right-back and Trippier having played for England on the left.This would allow the 22-year-old ex-Southampton star to deal with the pacey threat of Garnacho and Dorgu, and Trippier to use his experience to keep his eye on the crafty Fernandes and the more defensive-minded right-back Noussair Mazraoui.It would also give Newcastle the chance to fire in-swinging crosses towards a Man Utd defence that has struggled in the air.Kieran Trippier (above) could move to the left to allow Tino Livramento to deal with the threat of GarnachoCredit: PAHEADS, YOU WINNEWCASTLE eased to victory at Old Trafford with two early headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton, so the Man Utd defence will have to be on its toes in the North East.Though Harry Maguire is the best header of the ball in Ruben Amorim’s squad, I would like to see the Man Utd boss put Leny Yoro on dangerman Isak.The Swedish striker will normally look to receive knockdowns rather than challenge in the air, and Man Utd should try to avoid Maguire being caught in a foot race with him the way Virgil van Dijk was at Wembley.Therefore, I’d expect Maguire to play on either side of the back three and Yoro in the centre.Read More on The SunUnited will also be in with a much better chance of winning if Matthijs de Ligt is back to help Maguire deal with the aerial threat.And during set pieces, they will need to try to keep a high line to give as much space as possible for Andre Onana to come out and command his area.Harry Maguire will need to be at his best to combat Newcastle’s aerial threatCredit: GettyKieran Tripper could cause problems with crosses in from the left sideAndre Onana will have to come off his line and into the danger zone to claim crosses More

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      Why rising Lioness star Michelle Agyemang has been tipped for the top by Arsenal and England icon

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      MICHELLE AGYEMANG took just 41 seconds to produce a moment of world-class magic that wowed fans watching England in the Nations League. On a disappointing night with the Lionesses’ 3-2 loss to Belgium on April 8, her stunning strike on her senior debut was a bright spot.Having shone for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s Michelle Agyemang made a stunning bow by scoring less than a minute into her senior international debutCredit: GettyAgyemang and her team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones are regarded as two of the Lionesses’ most promising forwards with both bagging senior debut goals this monthCredit: ReutersThe WSL starlet has made 14 WSL appearances from the bench for Brighton during her loan stint at the club this termCredit: AlamyAn audacious delivery into the box was followed by a swift and superb volleyed finish from Agyemang. With England blighted by injuries to some of their key forwards, the 19-year-old’s emergence is very timely for boss Sarina Wiegman. Her squad have had rotten luck with injuries recently with Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Lauren James withdrawing from the team’s April international camp. And Lauren Hemp has been out of action last November following a knee op, although the Manchester City forward is back training on grass at her club. Read More Football Stories With these fitness concerns, Agyemang’s goalscoring cameo in the Nations League could prove significant for the Euros titleholders.  On July 5 the Lionesses will kick-off their bid to remain European champions when they take on France. Wiegman’s side are in a ‘group of death’ which also includes 2017 Euros champions the Netherlands and contest debutants Wales. With the tournament’s start in Switzerland less than three months away, Agyemang has provided Wiegman with a fresh option as either a nine or in a wing position. Most read in FootballAnd with her game-changing capability and threat in front of goal, she has made a case for England squad consideration for the Euros. Among those with high hopes for the future of the striker, currently on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, is Gunners legend Kelly Smith. The England icon, who trains the club’s WSL forwards, has backed Agyemang to make her mark. Last August Smith, who scored 125 goals in 144 Arsenal games, said: “What I like about Michelle’s strengths is her hold-up play is really good.”She’s physical, aggressive and got a fantastic shot on her.”The fans always like to see a home-grown player do really well.”It’s a credit to Arsenal, the academy staff and structure we have to develop these players and bring them through.”Here is a look at Agyemang’s football journey and some of the moments that fuelled her rise. Agyemang, currently on loan at Albion from Arsenal, is regarded as one of the Gunners’ rising stars along with Vivianne Lia (left), Freya Godfrey and Maddie EarlCredit: GettyHale End journey Agyemang standout cameo for the Lionesses will not have come as a surprise to those who monitored her progress at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The technically versatile and robust forward, who grew up in Southend, Essex, joined the Gunners’ youth set-up at the age of six. During her earliest years there she would play matches with the boys’ Under-7s side, initially in central defence, before specialising as a forward. While playing for Arsenal’s Academy league side in the 2022-23 season Agyemang netted 19 goals in 11 appearances. And her efforts helped the young Gunners end that season as Academy League champions with a five-point lead over runners-up Chelsea.Senior Arsenal debut and rise through England’s ranksIn November 2022 Agyemang made her senior club debut at 16 coming on in the 77th minute of the team’s 4-0 win away against Leicester City in the WSL. Her first senior goal for the Gunners would follow two months later during a 9-0 FA Cup fourth round demolition of Leeds. Just as she did for England, Agyemang showed her knack for making an almost instant impact straight off the bench. Agyemang scored in England Under-19’s 5-1 win against Austria this month before being called up to Wiegman’s squad following an injury to Alessia RussoCredit: GettyIt took her just four minutes to find the back of the net after coming on as a 76th-minute substitute. In 2023 Agyemang was named in the young Lionesses’ side that competed in the Women’s Under-17 Euros. She netted four times during the contest in May that year with her team reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Spain. Ex-Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall suggested the then 17-year-old had the tactical and technical knowhow that “outmatched” other players in her age group. And Agyemang demonstrated this a year later helping England’s youth players reach the semis of the Women’s Under-19 Euros. In May 2023, then Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “Michelle has a tactical and technical level and also a physical level that outmatches players at U17 level. “She can do that at senior level too. What she is doing (at the U17 Euros) is no surprise to me at all.”Bright spark for Brighton Last May Agyemang took a significant step in her club career signing her first professional contract with Arsenal. The striker’s first pro deal followed her building up her game time as a dual-registration player with Watford FC after joining them in August 2023.  The first three months of Agyemang’s Golden Girls stint were hampered by injury with the striker sidelined by a knee problem. However the player would make a goalscoring comeback in December that year netting in a 6-0 FA Cup third round dismissal of Southampton. The fourth round of the contest that season would see Watford take on the Gunners with Agyemang starting against the Gunners. And while the Golden Girls were trounced 5-1 Agyemang made her mark scoring the team’s only goal in that game last January. Former Watford Women’s boss Damon Lathrope, now assistant manager of the club’s men’s side, told Gooner Fanzine: “Michelle is an absolute super talent. “She’s physically on a different planet, to be honest, and she ticks a lot of boxes. “She’s technically very efficient. She’s a very good finisher, really powerful, quick and mobile.”Agyemang impressed for Arsenal during their pre-season tour in the summer of 2024Credit: GettyThis season has seen Agyemang clock up minutes in the Women’s Super League after joining Brighton on a one-term loan. Read More on The SunBut while the Albion loan ace has made 14 top-flight appearances from the bench she is yet to make her first start in the league for the Seagulls.Having impressed Wiegman’s England, it would be a surprise if the forward does not feature in Brighton’s first eleven before the end of this season. More

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      ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smoke

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      CHELSEA fans have fumed that they can’t see their own players following a crazy pyro show from Legia Warsaw supporters.The Blues are in Poland tonight for the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final. Legia fans unleashed a stunning tifo ahead of their Conference League game with ChelseaCredit: TNTSmoke billowed out from behind the goalCredit: TNTFans flocked onto social media to complain they couldn’t see the gameCredit: TNTThe Legia fans’ huge banner read ‘Fear no one’ and was accompanied by flaresCredit: PALegia fans welcomed the two teams onto the field with a stunning display from the terraces. Ultras behind the goal released a mammoth tifo, setting off flares and fireworks. A banner was raised by the fans, reading: “Fear no one.”But huge amounts of smoke billowed out down onto the field and remained there for almost 10 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans were quick to moan that they couldn’t see the players on TNT’s coverage from the Polish capital. One fan complained on X: “I am trying to watch the game of Legia vs Chelsea but I can’t see anything.”Another said: “I can’t be the only one struggling to see what’s going on in this Chelsea game.”While a third added: “I can’t even see the match , which kind of stadium is this.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a fourth fumed: “Why are they allowed to create smoke like this?”Enzo Maresca welcomed back Cole Palmer to the starting XI for the clash in Poland. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe England midfielder was dropped for Chelsea’s clash to Brentford last weekend.Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna await the winners of the two-legged clash.Chelsea aim to become the first club to win all three of Uefa’s active club competitions. For Legia, controversial coach Goncalo Feio has already guided the Polish club to their best European run in the 21st century. More

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      Erling Haaland looks unrecognisable in fake moustache as he stuns fans by pulling away disguise on photoshoot

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      ERLING HAALAND looked unrecognisable as he joined a whole host of other top footballers in a heartwarming surprise for young fans.Haaland joined Manchester City team-mates Josko Gvardiol and Ilkay Gundogan, as well as a few EFL superstars, to give football’s next generation of supporters the surprise of their lives.Erling Haaland looked unrecognisable for a heartwarming campaignCredit: SWNSHaaland, Ilkay Gundogan and Josko Gvardiol dressed up in disguises to surprise young football fansCredit: SWNSThe City stars took off their disguises to surprise the kidsCredit: SWNSCity’s big-hitters joined Will Grigg, Jay Stansfield and Ellis Simms to dress up as camera operators in a campaign for Kellogg’s Football Camps.The campaign celebrated Kellogg’s bringing back their football camps with over 30,000 FREE spots at the camps this summer.Young football fans were invited along to what they thought was a photoshoot for Kellogg’s new Puma shirt for the new camps.But instead they were surprised by their heroes who were dressed up as camera operators on the shoot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLErling Haaland donned a big bushy wig and a moustache as he hid his usual recognisable look and managed to blend in to the background.While Gundogan and Gvardiol hid away behind different disguises, only to rip away their covert clothing and show their real identities to the unexpecting youngsters.The young fans were in awe as they got to see their favourite players right in front of their very eyes.While other fans were just as shocked to see EFL goalscorers Stansfield, Simms and Grigg pull off their disguises too.Most read in FootballMan City’s trio of stars were all sporting different looksThe EFL goalscorers all looked completely unrecognisableEllis Simms left one young fan in aweWill Grigg gave another supporter the shock of his lifeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes after new research shows that over a quarter of UK kids dream of becoming a footballer and over half say they have been directly inspired to play sports thanks to their sporting heroes.Luckily, this summer, Kellogg’s Football Camps will kick off for a second year at over 70 clubs up and down the country. Jamie Carragher breaks ‘cardinal sin of TV’ as his daughter Mia makes unexpected debut on CBS Sports coverage Speaking about the importance of playing football from a young age, City midfielder Gundogan said: “Playing football teaches you so much – both about yourself and others. Growing up, it was the perfect way for me to socialise and connect with new people.”Sharing the same journey and special moments on the pitch brought us closer, and some of those friendships have lasted a lifetime. “Now, being in the dressing room with so many different personalities from all over the world, you learn about their backgrounds, their cultures. “I really enjoy that, because it shows just how much football can teach – especially for kids growing up.”While Chesterfield and Northern Ireland bagsman Will Grigg added: “It’s so important for kids to be active, not just to stay healthy but because of the social benefits that playing sport can bring. “Growing up, playing football gave me the opportunity to make new friends, feel part of a team and develop a sense of identity.Read More on The Sun”It also taught me how to be resilient, build confidence and self-belief – and it still teaches kids those same life skills today.”Signing up for a free Kellogg’s camp spot this summer couldn’t be easier. Parents simply need to purchase a pack of cereal then head to www.kelloggsfc.com and enter the unique cereal box code to secure a spot and be in with a chance to receive a free football shirt*. Young fans can follow in their footballing heroes’ footsteps at Kellogg’s Football Camps this summerCredit: SWNS More

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      Non-league goalkeeper scores stunning injury-time SCISSOR KICK as commentator goes absolutely wild

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      A GOALKEEPER left fans stunned after scoring a spectacular stoppage-time scissor kick in a cup final.Billy Johnson, Leiston FC’s shot-stopper, was the man of the moment in the Suffolk Premier Cup final, when he struck a superb equaliser in the dying embers of the game. Leiston goalkeeper Billy Johnson, in green, hits a spectacular last-minute scissor kickLeiston were trailing 2-1 to Felixstowe and Walton United going into injury-time, and it was kitchen-sink stuff as Johnson found himself joining the attack as the search for a leveller became increasingly more desperate.The goalkeeper displayed striker-like instincts to evade his marker, work a yard of space, and acrobatically send the ball flying into the corner to send the Leiston fans into delirium. Felixstowe supporters were stunned into silence at the absurdity of what they had just witnessed. Johnson celebrated like a striker, too, sliding on his knees in delight as his team-mates rushed to mob and congratulate their hero. Footage published on the Non-League Wonders YouTube channel featured hilarious commentary, with the commentator losing his mind – and perhaps his voice – when Johnson’s strike hit the net.He screamed: “The keeper has scored an absolute worldie!”Are you kidding me! I do not believe what I have just seen! That is goal of the season! Oh my goodness!””What a goal. The keeper has just scored an absolute blinder of a goal!”Most read in FootballJohnson’s heroics forced a penalty shootout to decide the winners of the Premier Cup, but he could not repeat his moment of magic when it came to his day job. Leiston lost 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Wyatt Hill and Eddie Jackson missing the crucial penalties. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite his finishing qualities going viral, Johnson is a ‘keeper first and foremost. He is a goalkeeping coach for the Ipswich Town ladies side when he is not between the sticks for Leiston. Johnson’s wonder-goal is similar to ones scored by Baroka FC’s Oscarine Masuluke, who scored a brilliant overhead kick to equalise against Orlando Pirates in the South African top flight back in 2016, or last year, when Keith goalkeeper Craig Reid bagged a bicycle kick to extend his side’s unbeaten run in the Scottish fifth tier.Masuluke executes a perfect overhead kick into the top cornerCredit: S4 HD LIVE More