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      MK Dons 1 Tottenham 3: Son, Dele and Lucas score in back-to-back pre-season games as Santo extends unbeaten run

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      DELE ALLI delivered a goal and an impressive display on his first return to MK Dons since leaving to join Tottenham.Alli has not played back at the MK Stadium since Spurs splashed out £5million to sign him as a raw teenager six years ago.
      Tottenham forward Son Heung-min broke the deadlock at Stadium MK in the 35th minuteCredit: Rex
      Spurs duo Son and Dele Alli have now scored in back-to-back pre-season matches
      But the England star was back at home – and more importantly back doing what he does best – as he did his chances of becoming a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo no harm with a fine display in the centre of midfield.
      Alli has struggled for form and confidence over the past few seasons, but after working hard on his fitness and condition over the summer he looks sharp and ready to hit the ground running.
      The 25-year-old provided plenty of flashes of quality in a creative role behind a pacy front three of Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn – who were too much for MK to handle.
      He looked happy to be trusted in the central role where he was able to play a key role for the side, unlike several displays last season when he was only on the fringes of the game.
      And he capped his good performance with the second goal, as Spurs continued their preparations for their tough opening day clash with champions Manchester City with a victory over their League One opposition.
      Son continued his own good form since returning from his summer break and signing a new long-term contract, opening the scoring in the first half before teeing Alli up for his strike.
      Moura added a third for Spurs before sub John Freeman pulled a goal back on 85 minutes for MK Dons.
      Dons had seen a fifth minute Matt O’Riley penalty saved by 22-year-old keeper Alfie Whiteman.
      Brazilian winger Lucas Moura scored the third for Spurs against the League One outfitCredit: PA
      Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo is unbeaten from his opening three matches in chargeCredit: Getty
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      Santo is now unbeaten in his first three games in charge following their 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient and 3-0 win against Colchester.
      And just like in the victory against Colchester, it was Son, Dele and Lucas all on the score sheet again.
      Attention will now turn towards the clash against London rivals Chelsea on August 4 in the Mind Series.
      Son Heung-min signs bumper new Tottenham contract until 2025 More

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      Watch Man Utd star Harry Maguire wallop home penalty for Sheff Utd at Wembley nine years before Euro 2020 spot-kick

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      ENGLAND star Harry Maguire smashed home his penalty during his country’s shootout defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final.But that’s not the first time the defender has scored and lost a Wembley shootout – doing the same for boyhood club Sheffield United nine years ago.
      Harry Maguire, 28, scored his penalty in the shootout against ItalyCredit: Getty
      The defender came through the ranks at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Maguire, 28, was part of the Blades squad that reached the League One play-off final in 2012.
      The South Yorkshire side played out a dull 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town at Wembley and the game went to penalties.
      Maguire, then aged 19, wasn’t due to shoot from the spot with more experienced team-mates stepping up.
      But with the shootout level after six penalties, the future Manchester United captain was called upon.
      And the pressure was on as Gary Roberts had already hammered Huddersfield’s seventh penalty beyond Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
      But Maguire, shooting in front of the Terriers fans, was the coolest man in Wembley – walloping the ball past Huddersfield stopper Alex Smithies.
      The event draws comparisons with England’s shootout defeat on Sunday, with Sheffield United also ending up on the losing side.
      Maguire came through the ranks at Bramall Lane, winning the club’s Player of the Year award three years in-a-row before moving to Hull City in 2014.

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      Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the Three Lions defender revealed his dad has suspected broken ribs after ticketless fans trampled on him at Wembley.
      Maguire has also paid tribute to England’s penalty takers – and admitted he would have thought twice about taking one for his country at such a young age.
      And the Premier League star is aiming to go one step further in Qatar next year by winning the World Cup.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Heartwarming moment Gianluigi Buffon sends video message to brave Crewe Alexandra Under-12s keeper suffering from cancer

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      JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon invited a Crewe academy player to watch a match with him as he undergoes treatment for cancer.Ashton Hulme was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in January.
      Ashton Hulme received a video message from Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      The youngster, who has a form of bone cancer, received a signed shirtCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      Buffon invited Ashton to a Juventus game once he is able to travelCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
      The family of the Under-12s goalkeeper are raising money for his treatment and Italian hero Buffon – who has just completed a free transfer back to boyhood club Parma – has leant a helping hand.
      The 43-year-old sent in a video message of support to young Ashton and offered him a trip to Juventus when possible.
      He said: “Hi Ashton, I’m Gigi Buffon and I want to send you a big hug.
      “And I want to tell you that when this ugly pandemic is over, Juventus and I will invite you to Juventus Stadium to watch a match togther.
      “And remember, I cheer for you. Ciao ciao!”
      Ashton, who began chemotherapy in January, was shown Buffon’s message in a clip posted on Crewe’s social media pages.
      The youngster appeared taken aback at the video and later posed with a signed shirt of the goalkeeper’s.
      At the announcement of Ashton’s diagnosis in January, Crewe academy manager Aidan Callan said: “This news about Ashton has completely devastated everyone here at the club.

      “Ashton is not only a talented young goalkeeper, but more importantly a brilliant young lad full of personality, energy, politeness and is extremely well liked by everyone here at the Academy.
      “Ashton has the support of an amazing family, great friends and I know from the messages received this week, everyone is behind him.
      “We will be there for him every step of the way, doing anything we can. The football family is really pulling together for Ashton and his family.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Gianluigi Buffon makes emotional return to Parma on free transfer aged 43 More

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      SUNDERLAND 2 LINCOLN 1 (2-3 agg): Black Cats stuck in League One as Imps survive comeback to seal Wembley play-off date

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      TOM HOOPER ensured sorry Sunderland’s misery is here to stay as they face up to a grim FOURTH League One season.Trailing 2-0, a comeback for the ages had lift off inside a rocking Stadium of Light after Ross Stewart and Charlie Wyke’s early strikes.
      Lincoln City are on their way to Wembley thanks to Lee HopperCredit: Iam Burn/News Images
      Sunderland fans are facing a fourth-straight year of League One footballCredit: Getty
      Ross Stewart got Sunderland back into it with an early strike to break the deadlockCredit: Rex
      Charlie Wyke then struck to tie the contest as the Black Cats looked to be romping their way to WembleyCredit: Getty
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      But Hooper’s header made it 3-2 on aggregate to leave Lincoln a Wembley win away from a first visit to the second-tier in 60 years.
      New Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus brought fresh hope following years in the doldrums.
      But it was the same old story of Wearside woe after Lee Johnson’s side blew their shot at automatic promotion before paying for their shocking first-leg showing.
      Roared on by 10,000 raucous fans, the Mackems flew out of traps and were ahead 12 minutes in courtesy of January signing Stewart.
      Aiden McGeady galloped down the left and put in a teasing low ball, with the former Ross County man darting to the near post and poking home.
      The noise had the Imps frazzled and they should have been two down 10 minutes later after some calamitous passing out from the back.
      Charlie Wyke seized on the loose ball and rounded Alex Palmer before somehow fluffing his lines with the goal gaping, firing straight at the covering Timothy Eyoma.
      But Sunderland’s top scorer made amends moments later, notching his 31st of the season in all competitions.
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      McGeady, 35, was the architect again with another peach from the left, putting it on a plate for Wyke to stab in from close range.
      Frozen out under former boss Phil Parkinson and not making his first appearance until December 5, it was the Republic of Ireland veteran’s 18th assist in all competitions – taking him level with Bruno Fernandes across the country.
      If the quarter-full Stadium of Light was bouncing before it was virtually shaking now, with Johnson’s boys in overdrive.
      But the break allowed Lincoln to take a chill pill and regroup, with the visitors going 3-2 up on aggregate 56 minutes in.
      Regan Poole headed a warning shot off the bar, causing nerves to sneak around the Stadium of Light for the first time.
      And Hooper ratcheted up the anxiety levels by peeling off Wyke to nod in Jorge Grant’s corner.
      Full-blown panic was then in the air when Luke O’Nien hacked sub Conor McGrandles in the area, only for Lee Burge to leap superbly to his right to save Grant’s penalty.
      McGrandles then had a great chance to kill the tie off but blazed over when through on goal.
      McGeady nearly drew them level but fired off the post with Wyle smashing the rebound into the side netting, before sub Aiden O’Brien was denied late on by Palmer.
      Tom Hopper scored the decisive goal in the second halfCredit: Rex
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Sunderland takeover confirmed by EFL as billionaire heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus promises new era for Black Cats More

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      Wigan chairman savages Tottenham in cheeky tweet and jokes he is ‘monitoring the Harry Kane situation closely’

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      NEW Wigan chairman Talal Al-Hammad has mocked Tottenham by telling his Twitter followers the League One side are ‘monitoring’ Harry Kane.The England captain wants to leave North London and the Wigan chief jokingly offered to have him at the DW Stadium next season.
      New Wigan chairman Talal Al-Hammad has mocked Tottenham on Twitter
      Harry Kane, 27, wants to leave Spurs this summerCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
      Having lifted silverware more recently than Tottenham Hotspur we are continuing to monitor the Harry Kane situation closely https://t.co/UV0Dw8ZEMt— Talal Al Hammad | طلال الحماد (@Talalalhammad32) May 21, 2021

      The banter started when Al-Hammad tweeted an inspirational quote.
      He wrote on the social media platform: “Dream big – dream very big.
      “Work hard – work very hard, don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon. Up the Tics.”
      Al-Hammad, who became Wigan’s new chairman in March following a takeover, then received a bit of banter from a fan.
      The Latics supporter tweeted: “Can’t believe we’re in the running for Kane.”
      To which Al-Hammad replied: “Having lifted silverware more recently than Tottenham Hotspur we are continuing to monitor the Harry Kane situation closely.”
      The Wigan chief was referring to the club’s FA Cup final victory against Manchester City in 2013, when Ben Watson’s header secured a famous 1-0 win.
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      Wigan were a Premier League club at the time but were relegated the same season and have gone on to struggle financially, dropping down to League One three times.
      But the Latics have also won the division twice during that time, meaning they’ve lifted three trophies since Tottenham’s last success in 2008, when they won the League Cup.
      Kane, 27, is yet to win a major club honour in his career and he’s made no secret of his desire to play at the highest level and win trophies.
      Tottenham have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second successive season and seem unlikely to even reach the Europa League.
      They are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points behind West Ham in the final UEL spot heading into the last game of the season.
      If they remain in their current position, Tottenham will compete in the Europa Conference League next term – Uefa’s new tertiary competition.

      Some Spurs fans were furious with Al-Hammad’s banter, with one replying: “Us buying Alfie Devine is one of the reasons your club still exists.”
      Wigan sold the 16-year-old midfielder, who scored in the FA Cup against Marine earlier in the season, to Tottenham last summer during the peak of their financial woes.
      And one Latics fan wasn’t impressed by the chairman’s joke either, telling him current strikers Callum Lang and Will Keane are BETTER than the England forward.
      The Wigan pair have scored 20 League One goals between them this term, two less than Kane’s managed in the Premier League.
      SunSport understands Kane is not interested in joining Wigan this summer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Harry Kane will hold transfer talks with Tottenham amid Man Utd and Man City interest More

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      Doncaster ready to make Richie Wellens new boss and finally replace Darren Moore just months after Salford axe

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      DONCASTER Rovers are ready to make Richie Wellens their new boss – and bring back their former midfield dynamo.Rovers have picked out Wellens ahead of rivals for the vacancy left by Darren Moore’s departure to Sheffield Wednesday.
      Wellens was sacked by Salford in March
      Wellens played for Rovers at the height of his playing career and leapt at the challenge after leaving Salford a couple of months ago.
      He was sacked by the League Two side after showdown talks with owner Gary Neville in March.
      Wellens had taken Swindon into League One last season but quit to return to his home town of Manchester.
      However, with the ambitious Class of ’92 outfit sitting six points off the play-offs, he was let go.
      It came after SunSport exclusively revealed that co-owner Neville had held a huge inquest into Salford’s shaky promotion campaign.
      Gary Bowyer then took charge until the end of the season to save their push to go up following Wellens’ sacking.
      The tactician secured 20 points from 11 games, but it wasn’t enough and left Salford two points shy of a play-off place.
      And this week he has been handed a two-year deal at the club after appearing to be heading back to his role as Derby U-23s boss.
      Moore left Rovers in March to take over Sheffield WednesdayCredit: PA

      Doncaster have been led by caretaker boss Andy Butler since Moore’s departure in March.
      But results have gone against him, with Rovers winning just four of his 18 league games in charge and finishing a disappointing 14th in League One.
      He will return to running the Belles side, while Wellens is one of three candidates to be shortlisted for the full-time job.
      The former Manchester United starlet, 41, will know his way around the Keepmoat, having played 84 times for Rovers from 2007 to 2009.
      Man Utd legend Gary Neville wants to move Salford City into Man City’s old training base at cost of £80,000 a year More

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      Portsmouth blow play-off hopes with defeat against Accrington as Oxford sneak into top six and Charlton miss out

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      OXFORD have sealed the final play-off spot after Portsmouth blew their chance for a Championship shootout.Pompey, who appointed Danny Cowley in March, needed to beat Accrington at home to ensure they would finish in sixth but succumbed to a dismal 1-0 defeat.
      Oxford boss Karl Robinson celebrates his side scoringCredit: PA
      Oxford smashed Burton to ensure they booked their play-off spotCredit: PA
      Oxford were emphatic on the other hand and needed no second invitation to creep into the top six after smashing Burton 4-0.
      Charlton were also in with a shout before kick-off but narrowly missed out on goal difference despite an impressive 1-0 win over champions Hull.
      It means Karl Robinson’s Oxford will now play third-place Blackpool while Sunderland take on Lincoln in the play-offs.
      First-leg matches will take place on May 18 and 19 with the return fixtures three days after.
      The final held at Wembley will be held on May 30.
      Hull and Portsmouth had already sealed their Championship status with the latter celebrating with a emphatic 4-1 victory over Doncaster.
      At the other end of the table Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers finished rock-bottom following a 1-0 defeat at Blackpool.
      They will be joined in League Two by Swindon, Northampton and Rochdale.
      Portsmouth bottled their hopes of the play-offs following a 1-0 defeatCredit: Rex

      Wigan avoided back-to-back relegations despite a 4-3 defeat against Swindon and finished one place above the drop zone.
      Meanwhile Cheltenham, Cambridge and Bolton all sealed their promotions into League One following Saturday’s drama.
      Morecambe, Newport, Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere will all duel it out in the play-offs.
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      Pop icon Ed Sheeran announces he will be sponsoring beloved League One Ipswich Town next season with album names on kit

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      ED SHEERAN has given Ipswich Town fans some Perfect news by announcing he will sponsor his beloved club next season.And the music megastar has dropped a big hint he is ready to go on tour again via the logo that will be on the front of the Tractor Boys shirts.
      Ed Sheeran has announced he will sponsor his beloved Ipswich Town next season
      The music mega-star fell in love with the Tractor Boys as a boy and remains a huge fanCredit: Instagram
      Ed Sheeran is now worth an estimated £200mCredit: Reuters
      The message ‘+-=÷x TOUR’ will appear on the men’s and women’s teams’ jerseys, in reference to his previous albums.
      Sheeran, who is worth an estimated £200million, has agreed an initial one-year deal with Ipswich.
      When pressed on what the logo means, the Shape of You sensation replied cryptically: “All will be revealed in time.”
      Sheeran was born in Yorkshire but grew up in Suffolk and has been a huge Ipswich supporter since he was young.
      The 30-year-old was a regular to Portman Road during the 2019-20 season following the end of his ÷ tour.
      He went to at least ten games with his mates, who are also big Town fans, despite the club being in League One and even attended a Leasing.com Trophy match.
      Sheeran used a Suffolk phrase ‘sloightly on the huh’ – meaning ‘slightly off kilter’ – in his message to fans upon the revealing of his shirt-sponsorship deal as he predicted better times ahead for his hometown team.
      The world-famous singer-songwriter added: “The football club is a big part of the local community and this is my way of showing my support.
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      “I have always enjoyed my trips to Portman Road and I’m looking forward to going back there as soon as supporters are allowed into stadiums again.
      “With the new owners from the US coming in, there are sure to be exciting times ahead for Ipswich fans, including myself. Hopefully we can stop being sloightly on the huh!”
      Flame-haired Sheeran also also posted a picture of himself as a youngster in an Ipswich shirt on his Instagram account, which has a whopping 31.9million followers.
      The ‘A Team’ star accompanied it with a post which read: “This bloke is the new sponsor of @ipswichtown football club. Do well”.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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