In Holland: Shota Arveladze struck a minute before time to hand AZ Alkmaar a 2-1 home win against Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of the Dutch league play-off final yesterday. The return next Sunday in Amsterdam will decide which team makes the third qualifying round of the Champions League. PSV Eindhoven secured the Dutch title at the end of the regular season three weeks ago, edging out Ajax and third-placed Alkmaar.
No parade: Chelsea say logistical problems are behind their decision not to hold a victory parade to celebrate their FA Cup final win over Manchester United. "Our preferred date for a victory parade was May 20. But due to logistical problems of organising it at short notice and the costs involved it wasn't achievable," a spokesman said.
Morecambe: Morecambe claimed a place in the Football League for the first time yesterday after beating Exeter in a pulsating Conference play-off final at Wembley. Lee Phillips headed Exeter in front. Gary Thompson levelled for Morecambe, taking advantage of a defensive error. Danny Carlton's rasping shot earned Shrimps' boss Sammy McIlroy promotion to the League.
Novellino: Walter Novellino fought back tears as he confirmed he would be leaving Sampdoria at the end of the season. "I want to thank everyone," he said after the 1-0 victory over Catania. "In these years in Genoa it was right to criticise and hold me up to a high standard. I thank the club, as when I took over they were in real difficulty and now are at the top level." Reggina boss Walter Mazzarri is the favourite to replace him at Sampdoria.
Deschamps: Didier Deschamps has vowed to stay at Juventus after guiding them to promotion to Serie A. The Frenchman's future has been the subject of conjecture in recent weeks amidst reports of tension between the manager and the Juventus board. "I am sorry that some of my declarations have been invented," Deschamps said. "I respect everyone and I'd like to be respected. Let's celebrate the promotion and now it starts the second phase of our plan, a long term one."
Test cricket: Monty Panesar captured six for 129 and Kevin Pietersen scored 109 yesterday to give England a platform to press for victory on the final day of the first test against West Indies at Lord's. At the close of the fourth day West Indies, set 401 to win, were seven for no wicket after England had declared their second innings closed at 284 for eight.