Bolton suffered an embarrassing League Cup second round exit as Northampton won 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium, while West Bromwich Albion and Hull also crashed out on Tuesday.
Gary Megson’s side were the biggest of the three Premier League casualties after Adebayo Akinfenwa’s first half double gave League One Northampton a famous victory.
Megson made five changes to the team beaten at Newcastle at the weekend but still fielded a strong line-up.
Northampton weren’t overawed and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Akinfenwa scored from the penalty spot and increased the lead six minutes later with a powerful header from Abdul Osman’s cross.
Kevin Nolan’s 82nd minute strike couldn’t save Wanderers.
Albion’s nightmare start to the season continued as the Premier League newcomers lost 3-1 at League One Hartlepool.
Tony Mowbray gave a debut to Spanish midfielder Borja Valero but Albion fell behind to Joel Porter’s 61st minute strike.
Robert Koren’s 87th minute goal forced extra-time but David Foley struck in the 102nd minute before Richard Barker’s effort sent Albion crashing to their third successive defeat.
Hull slumped to a shock 2-1 extra-time defeat against Championship club Swansea.
Tigers boss Phil Brown made 11 changes at the Liberty Stadium and paid the price.
Dean Windass gave Hull the lead in the 11th minute but Gorka Pintado equalized for the hosts after 63 minutes and Jordi Gomez’s 105th minute penalty put the Premier League side out.
Michael Owen came off the bench to give Newcastle a 3-2 win over Coventry after extra time.
The Magpies blew a two-goal lead after going ahead through a Scott Dann own goal and James Milner’s speculative effort.
Clinton Morrison reduced the deficit in first half stoppage time and Dann struck in the last minute to send the tie to extra-time.
But Owen, who came off the bench in the second half, snatched a 97th minute winner.
Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes marked their first Middlesbrough starts with a goal each in a 5-1 win over League One Yeovil at the Riverside Stadium.
Digard struck in the 23rd minute after Mido had opend the scoring in the 11th minute.
Gareth Southgate saw his side increase their lead through Jeremie Aliadiere in the 32nd minute.
Gavin Tomlin pulled one back for Yeovil on the stroke of half time before Dutch winger Emnes steered home the fourth in the 47th minute. Adam Johnson buried the fifth after 66 minutes.
Henri Camara scored twice as Wigan eased to 4-0 victory over Notts County at the JJB Stadium.
Wigan took the lead through Camara in the 32nd minute. Amr Zaki made it 2-0 on the hour and Camara notched his second two minutes later. Tomasz Kupisz completed the rout in the 90th minute.
Stoke beat League One Cheltenham 3-2 at Whaddon Road.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely