Mossley grab draw

FOOTBALL: Mossley produced a much-improved defensive display at AFC Fylde as they ground out a goalless draw in their UniBond League first division north fixture.

The Lilywhites, who had conceded six goals in their two previous defeats, shored things up at the back. Although Fylde had massive territorial advantage, they were unable to break through - ‘keeper Peter Collinge making one vital late save.

However, Mossley, whose front players Mike Fish, Lee Blackshaw and Nathan Neequaye have all left in recent weeks, are desperately lacking firepower and only Nathan McDonald went close, also being denied a good penalty shout.

CRICKET: Nick Compton made an unbeaten but vain 52 for Middlesex as their top–of–the–table Pro40 Division Two match against Lancashire at Lord's was rained off.

FOOTBALL: Last night’s results: UEFA Champions League Play–Off Second Leg: Apoel Nicosia 3 FC Copenhagen 1 (Agg 3–2), Arsenal 3 Celtic 1 (Agg 5–1), Fiorentina 1 Sporting 1 (Agg 3–3)Fiorentina win on away goals rule, Olympiacos 1 FC Sheriff 0 (Agg 3–0), VfB Stuttgart 0 Politehnica Timisoara 0 (Agg 2–0)

Carling Cup, Second Round: Blackpool 4 Wigan 1, Bristol City 0 Carlisle 2, Cardiff 3 Bristol Rovers 1, Doncaster 1 Tottenham 5, Leyton Orient 0 Stoke 1 (aet), Newcastle 4 Huddersfield 3, West Brom 4 Rotherham 3 (aet).

RUGBY UNION: New Zealand’s Luke McAlister (son of former Oldham RL man Charlie) and Conrad Smith have been ruled out of the Tri–Nations series due to injuries sustained in the 19–18 win over Australia .