NEWCASTLE climbed back to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship last night but needed a lucky own goal from Sheffield United skipper Chris Morgan to do so.

A SENIOR Croke Park official last night admitted that “health and safety is not taken as seriously in GAA as it should be”.

IRISH goalscoring legend Niall Quinn has added his voice to those who believe that it is now time for Irish football to put the ‘Hand Of Gaul’ firmly behind it and begin to look, with confidence, to the European Championship campaign.

BARCELONA winger Lionel Messi yesterday said the Catalan giants never gave up hope of reaching the Champions League final even though Chelsea looked to have ruined their dreams at Stamford Bridge.

IT WAS billed as beauty against the beast and although Barcelona’s beautiful football was rewarded in the end it will be remembered as much for the ugly side of Didier Drogba.

DANNY GUTHRIE fired Newcastle to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship last night as the depleted Magpies edged their way past Leicester.

IT was a far cry from the carnival atmosphere and soaring temperatures of Rio for Brazilian football legend Socrates, who came out of retirement at the weekend for lowly Garforth Town.

CORK, surprisingly, contest the Suzuki Ladies Football National League final in Pearse Stadium tomorrow against all-conquering Mayo, who were only allowed back into the competition at the 11th hour.

THOSE of us who rarely, if ever, have the chance of watching the world’s top players in action delighted in last night’s action at the Trilogy Tennis Challenge at the RDS.

Leeds United 2 Newcastle United 2

THE first drop goal of his international career and what an important one!

Hibernian 2 Celtic 2

RUUD van Nistelrooy’s anger spilled over again in Tokyo last night as the Dutch striker was involved in a furious face-to-face row with Rio Ferdinand.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has demanded greater protection for goalkeepers after watching Jens Lehmann become embroiled in a spat with Southampton striker Kevin Phillips during Monday night’s 1-0 victory.

OLYMPIC gold medallist Cian O’Connor is innocent until proven otherwise, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern urged yesterday.

Ardmore 0-12, Clashmore 0-9

RANGERS and rivals Celtic are close to resolving their dispute with the 10 other clubs in the Scottish premier league (SPL), according to Rangers chairman John McLelland.

PHIL MICKELSON, relieved to be back in the winner's circle after a 19-month absence, believes a more positive approach will enhance his challenge at this year's majors.