Football

The Bluebirds had won both their opening league encounters and looked to be heading for defeat after Sean McConville’s first-half goal until the late leveller.

The last time these two sides faced each other in the Football League was in 1961-62 season – then Division Four – the campaign in which Stanley resigned from the league.

There was not a shot on target until the Reds took the lead in the 36th minute. Tommy Leigh’s ball in was headed down by Jay Rich-Baghuelou, it deflected off David Worrall and McConville was there to tap the ball over the line.

Barrow pressed thereafter with their best chance of the first half Gerard Garner’s long-range effort which was narrowly over the bar.

The game livened up after the break but chances were still at a premium until Barrow equalised with their first shot on target in the 87th minute. Junior Tiensia fed the ball into fellow substitute Acquah and he fired the ball into the far corner of the net.

Spence curled in a right-footed free-kick to register his seventh goal of the campaign but Pete Wild’s side were made to work hard for their second home 2-0 win in five days.

Danny Cowley’s visitors, beaten for only the second time in nine games, enjoyed the majority of possession.

However, they struggled to turn it into meaningful goal threats, although Tom Hopper did force Bluebirds goalkeeper and skipper Paul Farman into one first-half stop.

Farman, who was under Cowley’s management at Lincoln, was at full stretch to deny Cameron McGeehan in the second half.

Barrow defended resolutely towards the end of a win that keeps them in the play-off picture.

And as relegation threatened United pushed for an equaliser, the Bluebirds broke away and Ben Whitfield squared the ball for Foley to finish from close range.

But the Bluebirds chief urged his side to “stick together” and get through their sticky patch after they lost ground in the promotion race.

Cole Stockton’s stunning 25-yard chip of emergency loan goalkeeper Vincente Reyes restored parity after Kyle McAllister’s deflected header put the visitors in front at Holker Street.

But Manny Osabede was allowed to run through Barrow’s midfield to fire home a second-half winner.

After seeing his side drop four points off the top three, Wild said: “I’m frustrated tonight.

“First and foremost well done to Forest Green, they’ve taken their opportunities.

“But it’s two silly, frustrating goals for us to give away. They’ve taken them well and left here with the points.

“It’s a really frustrating evening. It’s an evening that promised so much.

“Again for large parts I felt completely in control and quite at ease.

“To come away with nothing is a tough pill to swallow.

“We just now need to regroup and stick together.

“Nobody said it would be easy, nobody said it was going to be a walk in the park.

“It’s certainly not been that at the moment. It’s really important now that we stick together and get back to basics and make sure we come out of this little blip as soon as possible.”

Relegation-threatened Rovers dragged themselves off the foot of Sky Bet League Two with a welcome win.

It was Steve Cotterill’s first since taking charge of the Gloucestershire club and more importantly ended a painful 15-game winless run which stretched back to the end of October.

“It’s a brilliant win for us,” said Cotterill, whose side had a 472-mile round trip for the game.

“There’s no shying away from the fact it’s a long way to come for us.

“We didn’t want to come all this way and leave with nothing, so we’re delighted.

“Hopefully it’s a sign of an upward curve for us. The players have been brilliant since I’ve come in and this is what we’ve been working towards.

“They’ve worked hard on the training ground and results have been good.

“A special mention has to go to Vincente (Reyes). He’s come here on an emergency loan for us and been thrown straight in.

“We want to thank everybody at Norwich for their co-operation yesterday (Monday) to make it happen.”

The Bluebirds suffered a fifth defeat in a painful six-game winless run with a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Bradford.

It means they have to get a result when they host promoted Mansfield on Saturday.

Bobby Pointon opened the scoring with a great strike in the first half before Kian Spence levelled with a free-kick after the break.

But former on-loan Barrow forward Tyler Smith came off the bench to score a bruising stoppage-time winner against his old club.

And Wild said: “We didn’t do anything with or without the ball. We were frustrated at half-time. I told them ‘we’ve got to have a go and try to get over the line’.

“We played really well second half, had a go, came out fighting and got the goal, but it wasn’t enough.

“We were on the front foot. We kept trying to throw subs on to put impetus into the game and you get hit by a sucker punch at the end.

“We had four chances to clear the ball and that’s been the month hasn’t it. There have been key moments in game, chances and opportunities with the football and we’ve not done that.

“We weren’t getting a glove on them and we had to try and be braver, second half.

“I will never make it about them, it’s about us. We’re all a collective. We will win together and lose together and that’s how we’ve gone through the season.

“What we have to do now is just stick together and try to keep going.

“Across the last four games you have seen glimpses of us, but not enough of us across a full 90 minutes to get over the line.”

The Bantams were indebted to Sheffield-born Smith’s late winner for their fourth-straight win.

Boss Graham Alexander said: “I’m pleased that the players have once again showed character and personality to once again get a win from a game we should never have been drawing anyway.

“We were brilliant in the first half and should have been two or three up. But we weren’t and a good team like Barrow are going to come back into it and have a spell of pressure and momentum.

“Ultimately they got a goal from it. From our perspective it’s a poor one to concede going through the wall.

“Our performance became a bit flat after that. They had real quality and gained chances.

“The subs that came on halted their momentum.

“They were going for it as well and it was going to be (down to) who had that quality to score.

“To be fair to Tyler, he would have been under massive pressure in his own head, but he stuck it in the corner so fair play to him.”

Warren had not scored since finding the net against Rovers in September 2022 but he rose superbly to convert Elliot Newby’s cross to give Pete Wild’s side a 12th-minute lead.

Grant McCann’s visitors were chasing a third successive league win but fell 2-0 behind eight minutes into the second half, Garner firing in a deflected free-kick after goalkeeper Louis Jones had been penalised for handling outside his area.

Doncaster gave themselves a glimmer of hope three minutes later when Joe Ironside headed in his third goal of the campaign.

However, Barrow’s hopes of recording only their second home league win of the season were boosted five minutes from time when Acquah, capped by England C’s non league side earlier this year, made it 3-1.

Mo Faal’s goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time ensured a nervy finale for the Cumbrians – but they held on.

Emile Acquah headed Barrow in front shortly before the break, but Danilo Orsi’s penalty midway through the second half gave Scott Lindsey’s side a deserved point.

Crawley, with only two home wins since New Year’s Day, had an early let-off when their former striker Dom Telford mis-kicked in front of goal and the ball ran to the recalled Luca Stephenson whose shot was blocked by goalkeeper Corey Addai.

Barrow keeper Paul Farman made a one-handed save to deny Ade Adeyemo just before the half-hour mark after a clever one-two with Klaidi Lolos.

The Bluebirds broke the deadlock nine minutes before the break when Acquah headed his eighth of the season from the centre of the goal following a cross by Elliot Newby.

Crawley threatened on the stroke of half-time when Will Wright fed Lolos and his shot on the turn was turned over the bar by the alert Farman.

The Red Devils levelled on 64 minutes when leading scorer Orsi sent Farman the wrong way from the penalty spot for his 20th of the season after Rory Feeley was penalised for handball.

Orsi later failed to convert a pass from Liam Kelly before Farman kept out a low drive from substitute Adam Campbell.

Barrow also posed a threat and substitute Sam Foley put a good chance over when well placed before a header from Lolos was off target at the other end as the match ended all square.

Dom Telford’s first-half goal settled the match but the main issue occurred off the pitch and was addressed by both clubs after the final whistle.

A statement on Barrow’s website read: “We are aware of an allegation of racist abuse being directed at a Barrow AFC staff member during Tuesday evening’s Sky Bet League Two fixture at The So Legal Stadium.

“The club would like to make it absolutely clear that we abhor discrimination in all its forms and will take the strongest action possible, including pursuing life bans, for anyone found guilty of racism.

“We will be conducting a thorough investigation and would appeal to any fans who may have witnessed any discriminatory abuse to please come forward.

“We would like to thank Barrow AFC stewards and Barrow police for their swift actions in identifying the individual.”

Morecambe added: “We are aware of an incident that has taken place at this evening’s match with Barrow.

“Until full details and understanding of the incident have been made clear, the club will not be making any further comment at this time.

“Morecambe FC stands against all forms of discrimination.”

The PA news agency has contacted Cumbria Police for comment.

Regarding the match itself, Barrow manager Pete Wild described Telford’s finishing as “a real art” as Barrow moved up to eighth in the table.

Telford had another second-half effort cleared off the line and Wild said: “Dom is between the sticks and that’s where good centre-forwards are.

“You look at the quality of his finish. He passed it into the net.

“Sometimes players can lash at it but Dom has the quality to pass it in. That is a real art and a real skill.”

Morecambe were 3-1 winners over Barrow in the EFL Trophy earlier this month during a run of five straight wins.

“They have been great across the last games I have watched,” added Wild.

“They are industrious and have got some good young players. But I don’t think anyone has gone to war like we did.

“That is the first thing we said because they have gone to war with everybody else.

“To a man we made it very difficult for them. It was an industrious team performance.”

The Shrimps lost for the first time in nine outings as boss Derek Adams saw his team miss a chance to go second in the table.

“A draw would have been fair,” he insisted. “I can’t say any team deserved to win the game. We certainly didn’t and I don’t think Barrow did.

“Over the 90 minutes it wasn’t a classic football match. They had two attempts on target, we had one attempt on target. One of theirs has gone in.

“We didn’t do well with the long ball and win the header. We don’t win the second ball and it goes into the back of the net.

“That’s the only thing that won them the game.

“We worked hard but didn’t find solutions to the problem. We couldn’t find any rhythm but that’s probably credit to Barrow because they made it that type of game.”

The Cumbrian club was due to host its West Yorkshire rivals at the SO Legal Stadium on Tuesday evening, but the fixture was postponed after a lunchtime inspection during which the pitch was found to be waterlogged.

A statement on the club’s official X – formerly Twitter – account said: “Unfortunately following a pitch inspection at the SO Legal Stadium, tonight’s match against Bradford City has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

“We will update fans as soon as possible about the rearrangement of this fixture.”

Barrow currently sit fifth in the table, seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places with five matches to play, but with two games in hand on MK Dons in third.

The Met Office warned of an area of low pressure following on the coat tails of Storm Kathleen, which brought difficult conditions to the UK over the weekend, on Monday.

A yellow weather warning for the west coat of Wales is in place until 3pm on Tuesday, when “a spell of strong winds” will affect the region.

In Scotland, 20-40mm of rainfall is expected in some areas until 6pm on Tuesday, while a few places could see as much as 50-60mm.

Further rainfall is forecast in western Scotland between 9am and 10pm on Wednesday and may cause flooding, with 20-30mm of rain expected in most places and 40-60mm on high ground.

Goals from Ben Whitfield and Niall Canavan secured all three points as the Bluebirds extended their record unbeaten league run to 10 games.

Whitfield put the home side ahead after 11 minutes, controlling Canavan’s long range pass before placing the ball perfectly into the far corner from the edge of the area.

The Bluebirds got the second they deserved with 19 minutes remaining when skipper Canavan pounced to force the ball home from close range for his second of the season, after George Ray’s initial effort was blocked.

Barrow have now registered five consecutive league wins for the first time since the 1967-68 season and moved up to third in the table.

Wild said: “Winning games breeds confidence and the more you win the more confident you get.

“I’m really pleased for the players and staff and everyone is really working hard this season and that’s paying off in terms of results.

“Good seasons are built on good runs and consistency, so the longer we can keep this run going the better for everyone at the club.”

“I thought it was a really solid front footed performance tonight. They say this is a tough place to come and I wanted it to be just that tonight.

“The way we started the game and the energy we played with was really pleasing and we got our first goal from being positive and getting at Walsall from the start of the game.

“I thought the way Walsall would play would give us space between the lines so I thought it would be an interesting one for Ben Whitfield to start and it paid off for us.”

Walsall are now six matches without a win and manager Mat Sadler said: “It was a tough watch for anyone who was at the game.

“We went into the game knowing how poor the pitch was and we highlighted how poor the pitch was and it suited the way they play as they play here every week, how they get goals, how they create chances.

“They get it in the areas and create chances from the wide areas which is what they did and we didn’t do that nearly enough for the ability we’ve got in our team.

“So we’re extremely disappointed to let them get their noses in front on a turgid pitch and we didn’t get anything near good enough going for the standards we set ourselves.

“We dropped well below the standards that we set ourselves tonight but we will put it right.”

Bennell, who is being held at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, appeared via videolink at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Monday.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against the 66-year-old, also known by his new name Richard Jones, relate to two complainants.

A review was conducted into a file of evidence from Cheshire Police "relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse", leading to the CPS' decision to charge.

Geoff Fryar, head of the Complex Casework Unit of CPS Mersey Cheshire, said on Monday: "The Crown Prosecution Service can confirm that Richard Jones, aka Barry Bennell, today (18/5/2020) appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Littlehey. 

"At the hearing Jones, 66, was charged with nine sexual offences in relation to two complainants.

"He has been charged with one count of buggery (S12 Sexual Offences Act 1956) and six counts of indecent assault (S15 Sexual Offences Act 1956) in relation to one complainant and two counts of buggery ( S12 Sexual Offences Act 1956) in relation to the second complainant.

"The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Bennell, a former football coach, after reviewing a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Barry Bennell are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. 

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

During his involvement in football, Bennell was a scout for Manchester City and a coach for Crewe Alexandra.

Corr, who took temporary charge when manager Mark Bonner was dismissed on Wednesday, said the club was already in talks with prospective new coaches.

He will take training again on Monday, but said: “I spoke to Ben (Strang, Cambridge director of football) after the game. He’s had a couple of informal conversations and formal interviews will start next week.

“I’d imagine if the process moves quickly, the new manager could be in place for the Charlton game next Saturday.”

The U’s blew Fleetwood away with three goals in six first-half minutes from Danny Andrew, Elias Kachunga and Fejiri Okenabirhie, before substitute Gassan Ahadme wrapped up the scoring in the second half.

Corr said: “Fleetwood haven’t started well in the last couple of games, so we talked to the players about the importance of a fast start and the game was probably done after 15 minutes, even though I was still nervous in injury time.

“I thought our front four were unplayable at times today.”

Andrew opened the scoring in the seventh minute, curling in a free kick from 22 yards after Kachunga had been fouled by Bosun Lawal.

Four minutes later Kachunga was on target himself, following up to score when Sullay Kaikai’s shot rebounded off the post. Then in the 13th minute the impressive Kaikai set up Okenabirhie, who ran clear and finished confidently.

Brendan Wiredu put Fleetwood’s best chance wide from close range before the U’s missed a penalty in the 29th minute – Ahadme’s tame effort easily saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Stephen McMullan after a foul on Kaikai by Lawal.

Ahadme made amends in the second half, converting Paul Digby’s 83rd-minute cross to complete the scoring.

Fleetwood’s leaky defence has now conceded 10 goals in three games and manager Lee Johnson apologised to the traveling fans for what was a meek performance.

Johnson said: “It was a crazy 15-minute spell at the start where the details were horrific in terms of our play. I picked a team that I believed could get on the front foot but we were out of sorts.

“I didn’t see that coming and 10 goals in a week is not acceptable. We’ve missed a massive opportunity to advance in the cup because I think Cambridge were beatable.”

Johnson bemoaned his side’s habit of conceding early goals. He said: “It’s been a problem all season and all we can do is get our heads down, fight, and do the basics right.”

Robson’s side had started slowly and when Lawrence Shankland headed the visitors ahead it was no less than they deserved. But that goal seemed to kick-start Aberdeen, and they were level through a close range Bojan Miovski effort early in the second half.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Leighton Clarkson turned home from six yards in the second minute of injury time to lift the mood at Pittodrie with a 2-1 win.

Robson said: “I said to my players that they’ve been hard done by at times this season but you can’t complain, and we got what we deserved.

“Over the last three games we’ve had 57 shots and it’s just needed a bit of luck to put the ball in, but they deserve it. They’ve been performing really well at times and not got the rewards they’ve deserved.

“We had to tweak how we wanted to play to deal with the conditions, but we got better as the first half went on. It was a difficult game and the second half performance – if we continue to play like that we’ll be OK”.

Hearts Head Coach Steven Naismith felt his side had beaten themselves and called for his players to show more bravery in the face of adversity.

“I’m extremely disappointed,” he said. “We started really well, really confident and to be so far ahead and then sit here after a defeat is extremely disappointing. We beat ourselves if I’m honest.

“We ended up getting bullied and that’s what’s cost us. As Aberdeen went more direct, we just didn’t deal with the first contacts enough, we didn’t deal with the second balls enough and we didn’t win enough 50-50s.

“If you want to be successful, you have to deal with that in Scottish football”.

Former Dons defender Andrew Considine headed into his own net just before half-time but the goal was ruled out by VAR as Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes, who was marginally offside, was deemed to be interfering with play.

That aside, Aberdeen failed to trouble the Saints in the first period but they went on to dominate after the interval without finding the breakthrough.

“In the first half we did not perform,” Robson said. “I thought we were sluggish and looked a bit lethargic.

“I don’t think St Johnstone brought anything either in the first half.

“I thought it was quite poor but we had a word with the players at half-time and I thought we came out a different team and in the end we could have come away with two or three goals.”

On the disallowed goal, Robson said: “Every single detail in the game is analysed to such scrutiny and it comes down to somebody else’s interpretation against somebody else’s. Where do we go from it?

“For me, I am done with all that and we move on. I just want my team to score goals and we went out in the second half and Bojan Miovski, who has been great for us, could have had two or three.”

St Jonhstone’s wait for a first win continues but manager Steven MacLean took plenty of positives from his team’s battling display at Pittodrie.

McLean said: “It is a good point and in the first half we were the better side.

“In the second half, we had to dig in and defend our box because Aberdeen are a big old side, who put set-plays and long throws in the box.

“We had to defend manfully and I thought we did that.”

An influx of new signings arrived at McDiarmid Park over the summer and MacLean believes his players are starting to gel as they look to reel in the teams above them in the table.

“We are going to get better as we go along,” he added.

“We are a team in transition with 11 new signings who came in at different times of the season, so we are getting better.

“I see it in patches in games and in training I see a really good side, but I don’t want to be one of those managers who says their team is good in training.

“We have to put it into a game and here we showed in patches we are a good side.”

After a dour first half at Hampden Park, the Easter Road side were denied an opener in the 49th minute when VAR ruled attacker Martin Boyle was offside before he had the ball in the Dons net.

It looked like Hibs had gained an advantage in the 75th minute when Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie was sent off by referee John Beaton for picking up a second yellow card for a silly push on Hibees defender Lewis Miller.

However, it was Aberdeen who responded positively when striker Bojan Miovski broke clear three minutes later to fire in the winner to set up a December 17 final meeting with either Rangers or Hearts, who play in Sunday’s other semi-final at the national stadium.

Boss Robson said: “First and foremost, I’m so proud of my players.

“We’ve had to play four games in nine days and we’ve had a day’s less rest than Hibs. They haven’t had the games we’ve had.

“So to fight like that, it shows the real spirit and determination that the group has got.

“We’ve been on our travels a lot and had a really hard game at Killie and then we were away again to Motherwell.

“Now we’ve come to Hampden so for me, to get that character and spirit is everything to me and more important than talent or ability.

“We couldn’t play the way we wanted with four games in nine days. With all the games we’ve had, it’s been difficult.

“We had to be tactically clever today – we just couldn’t go after them the way we wanted to. It’s impossible.

“But we were tactically good and the players performed.

“There wasn’t a lot in the first half. They started the second half well and we had a man sent off.

“Listen, Bojan could have scored three goals so for me, it’s a semi-final and it’s about winning.

“And coming on the back of all that travel, what a performance that is from my players.

“What a spirit, what a group. They are fighting for their club and they’re in a final.”

On MacKenzie’s second yellow, Robson said: “I never saw Jack’s second booking, I was looking at the other side. I’ll need to have a look back at it.”

Hibs boss Nick Montgomery was “definitely hurting” and claimed two decisions went against his side – the offside call on Boyle and the decision by VAR not to intervene when Dylan Vente went tumbling in the box under pressure from Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos, with referee John Beaton taking no action.

He said: “I thought it was a game we controlled for large parts and there were a couple of incidents that didn’t go for us.

“All credit to Aberdeen, it’s one counter-attack and a moment in the game where we have to be smarter. We have to slow the game down. It’s possibly a foul on Lewis Miller.

“I’m pleased with the performance. I felt like the decisions didn’t really go our way.

“At Martin Boyle’s goal, if it takes five or six minutes to deliberate whether he is offside then it is not clear and obvious in my opinion.

“I have just looked back at it and I don’t see how he is offside. The lines are virtually touching the defender and him. It doesn’t go in favour of the attacker.

“And then the penalty incident. How that wasn’t looked at on the screen. From where I am the keeper has spilled the ball and Dylan Vente got there before him and touches the ball and is virtually rugby tackled in the box.

“For that just to be waved away and not even looked at… the rules of the game are you can’t make contact with an opposing player in the box.

“I felt at least one of those two incidents could have gone our way and that would have changed the reflection of the game.

“I thought we played well enough to get to the final. So very disappointed.”

On a day which started with a celebration of the club’s ‘Gothenburg Greats’, the Dons were poor on the pitch and had Kelle Roos to thank for a penalty save which earned them a point.

Hibs had been the better side throughout, but a goal never looked like coming until a penalty call from VAR referee Andrew Dallas saw Roos save Kevin Nisbet’s resultant spot-kick.

The home side ended with a number of players visibly nursing knocks and niggles, and Robson said: “I’m proud of the players and what they’ve given us. Over this last three months they’ve been outstanding.

“It was a big emotional game but we’ve kept another clean sheet. In football you don’t always play well and the most pleasing fact is that they dig in and fight and they come out with a point.

“I’m so pleased on that side of it because we didn’t have a good day and the boy didn’t play well. Can I sit here and get angry after what they’ve given me? No chance.

“I’m happy that we maintained our position. We kept a clean sheet and we move on.”

The sides traded blows until the 75th minute when a Hibs corner saw Elie Youan head off the crossbar and substitute Harry McKirdy’s strike seemingly come off the post.

However, VAR subsequently showed a Hayden Coulson handball and a spot-kick was awarded.

Nisbet stepped up confidently but his drive straight down the middle was saved by the legs of Roos, who survived a subsequent VAR check as to whether he had come off his line and the Dons support were suddenly alive again.

Hibernian boss Lee Johnson was also taking the positives from his side’s performance, saying: “I thought we were outstanding. I was super proud on a tactical level.

“Aberdeen have been on a good run but I honestly thought it was total domination. If that was a boxing match, it would have been stopped.

“Of course, they have threats, from set plays and areas like that. I didn’t think we produced enough quality in the final third, particularly in the first half.”

As well as the penalty, VAR also checked a nasty high challenge from Josh Campbell on Liam Scales which left both requiring treatment, but ultimately the Hibs man received only a yellow card.

Johnson added: “I was a bit worried as to whether Josh was going to be sent off.

“It was a high challenge but he was facing the wrong way so I understand why he wasn’t. Then obviously the key match moment never went our way.”

The Dons sealed third place in the cinch Premiership – and likely European group-stage football next term – by beating St Mirren 3-0 on Wednesday so they have little to play for other than personal pride when they visit the champions.

Robson is adamant there is no chance of him allowing his team to slip into holiday mode for their final match of the campaign.

“The players deserve a huge amount of credit for how they have performed but the message was made clear in training that the season isn’t over yet,” he said.

“We’ve got a huge game to come. The sign of a good team is being able to go right to the very end and we need to go to the very end because Celtic Park is one of the hardest places you’ll ever go to play football, especially against an Ange Postecoglou team who are relentless in the way they play.

“They have got a cup final to come afterwards so I’m sure all their players will be at it. They’ve been phenomenal this season but we need to go down there and be brave and be right at it. If we do that, we have a chance.”

Robson will be forced into two changes as on-loan Hoops defender Liam Scales is ineligible to face his parent club, while striker Bojan Miovski was carried off injured on Wednesday and will see a specialist on Monday.

Beyond that, Robson is of no mind to tinker with his team too much as he wants to ensure Aberdeen have a chance of finishing with a win.

“No,” he said when asked if he was planning to mix his team up. “We’re going down to the best team in the country.

“You can’t take that lightly because they’ve got some real top players. We need to go down there and put a performance on. We’re there to represent Aberdeen Football Club so we need to make sure we’re at it.

“I’ve been in this game far too long and you can’t take a game lightly. I’m not a big believer in playing friendlies either. Every game means something.”

Robson refused to be drawn on reports this week suggesting the Dons were close to agreeing a deal to sign on-loan Liverpool midfielder Leighton Clarkson on a permanent deal, insisting he would not comment on any transfer until it was officially confirmed.

Asked how much of a rebuild he anticipates this summer, Robson said: “We’re the same as anyone else.

“Every manager will be busy with players coming in and going out. It’s the same at every club but hopefully we can take some good players in that can help us.”

Barthez will work with Toulouse goalkeeper coach Patrice Garande and academy chief Denis Zanko for the Ligue 2 club, with whom he made his professional debut in 1991.

After leaving Toulouse the following year, Barthez went on to win the Champions League with Marseille, and two Premier League titles with Manchester United after claiming the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with Les Bleus.

"My pure passion has pushed me to invest myself in a consultancy role. I wish to convey and share my vision of this position in its entirety, in collaboration with the technical staff, for the goalkeepers of the first team and the academy," Barthez said in a statement.

"I would like to thank president [Damien] Comolli, the management team as well as Patrice Garande, Rudy Riou and Denis Zanko for their trust and their welcome."

Toulouse were relegated to Ligue 2 after the top-flight season was curtailed last April.

The club sit ninth after winning four of their opening 10 games, three points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

The visitors, who went into the game without a win in their last six, fell behind when Andre Burley grabbed Oxford’s opener with 16 minutes gone.

Olly Henderson latched onto a through ball from Canice Carroll to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute but Ashley Hemmings reduced the deficit from the penalty spot before half-time.

Kidderminster drew level when Amari Morgan-Smith rattled a shot off the underside of the bar early in the second period, while Oxford pair Josh Parker and Sanderson missed late chances to win it for the hosts.

A points deduction means that Southend sit on minus one after six games of the National League season, and their lot worsened when Louis Dennis scored for the hosts after 18 minutes.

Michael Cheek doubled the lead in the 55th minute as Bromley pulled clear of the relegation places.

A consolation goal scored a minute later by Noor Husin ultimately proved in vain as Southend finished the day six points from safety.

Regional matches in Brazil are in something of a limbo as authorities decide whether or not to press ahead with games, but the top tier in Belarus gets underway.

It is also a big day for Australia, with the NRL resuming and the 2020 AFL campaign kicking off in Melbourne, albeit both will be behind closed doors.

There is also some golf, where Sweden's Anna Nordqvist is the quality act in the field.

Energetik-BGU v BATE - Belarusian Premier League

Probably Belarus' most recognisable club, BATE saw a 13-year title-winning streak ended by Dynamo Brest in 2019.

Kirill Alshevsky, now in charge after stepping up from the reserves, will be keen to start 2020 in commanding fashion against a side they beat twice last season.

Richmond Tigers v Carlton Blues - AFL

Aussie Rules football gets underway at the MCG on Thursday, where fans will not be allowed in to watch due to restrictions on mass gatherings of more than 100 people.

The season begins with 2019 champions Richmond Tigers taking on the Carlton Blues.

Bulldogs v Cowboys - NRL

The second round of the NRL begins with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs facing the North Queensland Cowboys. Both sides are looking for their first points of the new season.

As with the AFL, the competition will be proceeding behind closed doors due to government measures against coronavirus.

Cactus Open - Golf

Much of golf might be shelved for the time being, but the Cactus Open - a feeder tour for professionals in the women's game - gets underway

Anna Nordqvist impressed in a traditionally all-male Moon Valley Classic last week, hitting a bogey-free round of 64, and she is the firm favourite.

Pamplemousses v Petite Riviere Noire - Mauritian Premier League

Reigning champions Pamplemousses have not enjoyed the best season, winning only four of 12 league games, but a win on Thursday will move them above Petite Riviere Noire and into fifth.