Georgios Samaras put 17 games of goalscoring misery behind him to net the second-half double that allowed Manchester City to welcome the new year on a winning note at Eastlands.

Munster climbed menacingly up to fifth in the Magners League table as they defied the wind, rain and a dogged Connacht pack to secure a win at the Sportsground.

New York 1-14 Antrim 2-20, Canton

Reading 0 Arsenal 4

Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 0

Terenure College 23 Dungannon 12

Tomas Berdych was not intimidated by having to play Rafael Nadal on his turf.

London Irish 25 Llanelli 32

UEFA admit it will be difficult to find “hard evidence” to punish allegations of racism towards Benni McCarthy during Blackburn’s clash against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry would love to be able to have a friendly chat with referees – just like in rugby.

Ajax 0 Manchester United 1

Manchester United 3 FC Porto 1

Chelsea 2 Werder Bremen 0

Mobile media network 3 has signed a retail distribution agreement with Xtra-vision, under the terms of which Xtra-vision will distribute 3’s products and services through 154 stores around the country.

Yeats stands out among the 11 confirmations for Saturday’s Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh.

England full-back Ashley Cole has revealed how Arsenal’s favourable treatment of Thierry Henry was one of the reasons why he wanted to leave the club for Premiership champions Chelsea.

Arsene Wenger struggled to hide his concern after Arsenal’s stuttering start to the campaign continued with a 1-1 draw against 10-man Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium.

Aberdeen 0 Celtic 1

Reading 1 Bolton 0

The Longford hurlers will be without the considerable presence of centre forward Sean Browne for Sunday's Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final against Donegal (Enniskillen, throw-in 12.15pm).