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Promotion contenders shocked by bottom-table stragglers

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  High-flying Stockport County were set for a challenging 300-mile away trip against a side still recovering from their shock relegation last campaign , writes Saad Nazir . Written by: Saad Nazir The contrasting fortunes of the two teams after the first six rounds of the season were stark: Stockport remained unbeaten in five with 11 points, while Plymouth Argyle had endured their worst start since 2011, losing five of their opening six games. For their 24th head-to-head meeting—and first since 2004—Plymouth were desperate to kick-start their bid for an instant return to the Championship. READ MORE: It will be a big match as Lancashire travel to Surrey for women’s cricket Stockport seized the early initiative, forcing play into Plymouth’s half and earning a couple of set-piece opportunities. Meanwhile, Plymouth struggled to settle. It looked like another long afternoon where they would be handed their seventh loss of the campaign. But the Pilgrims ha...
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Opinion: Good business or dirty game? The two sides of football’s transfer market

  Alexander Isak. Marc Guehi. Same destination, same window. Yet, the actions of the players and the reactions of those looking in reveals the two extremes of the Transfer Market, writes Saad Nazir. “You will never be forgiven.” “We will be better without you. Traitor.” These were the words that echoed through social media and message boards as Alexander Isak forced his way out of Newcastle — in the wake of what had been his most prolific season yet. It was a season that included a goal against his new team, Liverpool, in the Carabao Cup final win. Players have come and gone. Bigger and better players have left the clubs that gave them the platform to shine on the biggest stages. What made Isak’s departure such a tough one to take for his beloved fans? READ MORE: Manchester United women are becoming a force to be reckoned with From the moment the transfer window opened, Gueh...
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Lancashire advance to T20 Blast semi-final courtesy of Liam Livingstone

  Liam Livingstone proves to be the difference maker as the Englishman’s stellar all-round display guides Lancashire to victory over Kent. The 32-year-old’s batting and b owling prowess were on full display as Lancashire won by three wickets in the quarter-final of the T20 Blast. Having bowled Kent out for 153, Lancashire’s chase was spearheaded by Livingstone’s 85 not out, off 45 balls, with multiple fours and seven sixes contributing to his innings. Livingstone’s bowling was efficient as well. In four overs, he notched two wickets, giving away 21 runs, attaining an economy of 5.25, earning him the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the game, Livingstone said : “That was just a very enjoyable afternoon to be honest. “It’s always nice to be able to contribute to a team winning, especially at such a crucial stage of the tournament. “I feel like the cricket that we’ve played over the last however many months this tournament goes on for,...
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Player Focus: Hannah Shaw

  Manchester Basketball recently announced the re-signing of their renowned center. But who is this 6’4″ colossus? Born in Stockport, Hannah Shaw began her basketball journey while watching her brother’s matches for a local team. Even at a young age, she was blessed with an imposing figure. The club soon reached out to her for their women’s side — and she never looked back . READ MORE : Manchester basketball announce return of veteran center for upcoming season   Shaw quickly became a permanent fixture in regional teams across the country. Her commanding presence, coupled with the calm authority with which she played the game, ensured she was known throughout England. A true center, with a blend of physical strength, defensive awareness, and an unselfish style of play, she established herself as a trusted figure in British basketball for over a decade — culminating in her first England call-up. She made her England debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games ...
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The death of the 10

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25 January 2015 . The "lazy magician" hangs up his boots. His whole career, he had to bear such labels. Slow, unathletic, trouble, burden.     Slow and unathletic, he was. Aesthetic? Brimming with it. He was never the quickest or the strongest. He always seemed a mere pedestrian on the field. Hopping from place to place, demanding the ball from his teammates. When his teammates would eventually find him, every second was enchanting. With the ball at his feet, he was anything but slow. He was not rapid but his feet were quick. Opponents danced to his tune. Though he was the slowest, he could set the pace of the game, the tempo. He glided through the grass, the ball stuck to his feet. He flaunted his skills, every one as necessary as breathing is to life. Never excessive, always classy. He didn't need to be the fastest, but the speed of thought and the uniqueness of his ideas shone through. A burden, he was. He would not help out in defending much so they would need another...
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