A former MP today gave the Democratic Unionists a clear run in a bid to wrest away a safe Ulster Unionist seat in the general election.

A remarkable collection of world leaders and royalty rubbed shoulders today at John Paul’s funeral, with only an alphabetical seating plan to divide heads of state whose relations could be frosty or even non-existent.

Gareth Llewellyn hopes to achieve a notable career double against England next Saturday – even if it has been 12 years in the making.

Oldham 0 Bolton 1

An own-goal of horrendous proportions brought an ignominious end to Colchester’s hopes of any giant-killing heroics as Blackburn took full advantage to register a comfortable victory in the FA Cup fourth round today.

Newcastle strikers Alan Shearer and Shola Ameobi made light of the absence of Craig Bellamy to help fire their side into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Cardiff Blues 12 Edinburgh 17

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his “cheat, cheat, cheat” comment in a post-match interview after the Carling Cup semi-final first leg clash with Manchester United.

Throngs of pilgrims waved Polish flags, recited the rosary and sang hymns as they packed the cobblestone streets leading up to the Vatican today to bid an emotional farewell to Pope John Paul.

Newcastle 1 Sporting Lisbon 0

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists young goalkeeper Scott Carson will not be blamed for allowing Juventus back into their Champions League quarter-final.

West Yorkshire Police officers sustained injuries following running battles which took place with Leeds fans following today’s Coca-Cola Championship clash against Cardiff at Elland Road.

Tottenham 0 Chelsea 2

Neath-Swansea 20 Castres 11

US soldier Charles Graner, said to be the ringleader of a band of rogue guards at Baghdad’s notorious Abu Ghraib prison, is facing up to 15 years behind bars today after being found guilty of abusing Iraqi detainees.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho today insisted that any punishment from the Football Association for his comments concerning Alex Ferguson or the antics of his players would be unacceptable and unfair.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has again risked action by the Football Association by claiming his side were cheated in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

Craig Bellamy’s attitude has again been brought into question after Hibernian defender Gary Caldwell branded the on-loan Celtic star’s conduct “degrading” as he refused to shake his hand following the Hoops’ impressive 3-1 victory at Easter Road.

Bank of Scotland Premier League champions Celtic took advantage of an unexpected Rangers slip-up to regain pole position in the title race with a comfortable win at Hibernian today.

Chelsea’s relentless push for the Barclays Premiership title gained added momentum as they opened up a 3-0 lead against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge.