UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship - UCI confirm mechanical doping case at Cyclo-cross World Championships

The 19-year-old's bicycle was confiscated for examination on Saturday after she was suspected of mechanical doping, and it has now been confirmed

    YORICK JANSENS Confirmed: A concealed motor was found in Femke Van den Driessche's bike

UCI president Brian Cookson today revealed that Femke Van den Driessche's Cyclo-cross World Championships bike did contain a concealed motor.

The 19-year-old's bicycle was confiscated for examination on Saturday after she was suspected of mechanical doping, and it has now been confirmed.

"It's absolutely clear that there was technological fraud. There was a concealed motor. I don't think there are any secrets about that," Cookson said.

"Technological fraud is unacceptable.
"We want the minority who may consider cheating to know that, increasingly there is no place to hide, and sooner or later they will pay for the damage they’re causing to our sport."

Threat: Van den Driessche faces a six-month ban and a fine 

Van den Driessche was taking part in the under-23's race, which was eventually won by Great Britain's Evie Richards.

Rumours of mechanical doping have been around for some time - the UCI have been scanning bikes at major tournaments for years - but this is the first confirmed case at the top level of cycling.

Speaking to Belgian TV channel Sporza, Van den Driessche said: “It wasn’t my bike, it was that of a friend and was identical to mine.

“This friend went around the course Saturday before dropping off the bike in the truck. A mechanic, thinking it was my bike, cleaned it and prepared it for my race.”

If found guilty, Van den Driessche faces a six-month suspension and a fine of up to 200,000 CHF (£137,000)

 

 

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Boxing - George Groves stops Andrea Di Luisa in fifth round on convincing return to the ring

The Saint is eyeing a fourth world title shot after defeats in his previous three attempts, and looked good against the Italian 

 

George Groves began his ascent back to world level with a comfortable stoppage victory over Andre Di Luisa at the Copper Box in London.

The Hammersmith fighter dominated from the first punch to the last in his hometown, landing solid shots to the head and body of his opponent.

Groves' jab was working well and he wore Di Luisa down with his technical skill as much as his power, before the towel was thrown in during the fifth round.

It came after the second knockdown of the round, with the Italian giving a couple of knowing glances to his corner that he didn't want to continue.

Groves has lost in each of his three previous world title fights, twice against Carl Froch and once against Badou Jack, but was convincing on Saturday evening as he looks to fight his way back to the top.

      Action Images via Reuters

     Action Images via Reuters

        Action Images via Reuters

        Action Images via Reuters

It was his first fight under new trainer Shane McGuigan, who is also working with Carl Frampton and David Haye.

Groves hailed the impact of McGuigan after the bout, and predicted they will go on to form a successful partnership.

He told Sky Sports: “I was really happy with the performance. I boxed well, there were a couple of mistakes in my first fight back in a little while, but I was happy.

      Action Images via Reuters

         Action Images via Reuters

              Action Images via Reuters

           Action Images via Reuters

"I promise I didn’t eat too many Christmas puds! I dictated the pace from the start.

“I am going to go back and watch it but Shane [McGuigan, trainer] was asking me to vary the jab to the body, nice and fast. I don’t think I have every thrown body shots as well as I did today. I was finding the target.

“My feet are an asset, one of the best I’ve got. Shane encourages that. I’m enjoying myself - we’re going to be a winning team.”

 

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FA Cup - MK Dons vs Chelsea live score and goal updates from FA Cup fourth round clash

The final game of the FA Cup weekend takes place at Stadium mk - follow all the action here as it happens

 

Key Events So Far

• 13 hours ago FULL TIME: MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea
• 13 hours ago GOAL! MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea
• 13 hours ago GOAL! MK Dons 1-4 Chelsea
• 14 hours ago HALF TIME: MK Dons 1-3 Chelsea
• 14 hours ago GOAL! MK Dons 1-3 Chelsea

18:11

Robinson: Chelsea were scary

Speaking to BBC Sport the MK Dons boss said: “This was a free game for us but I’m disappointed as well, I thought we were poor.
“We almost caused our own problems at times in the game.

“They [Chelsea] were on it. They were quality all over the pitch. I think one or two of mine let themselves down today but that’s the reality of the industry. I have a team to pick to face Cardiff and there are one or two who will be waiting in the wings.

“Defensively today we got carved up far too easy. But there’s some stuff we can take away from here and work on.”

Mike Hewitt

18:10

Terry: We had to come out of the blocks

“The majority of the squad know what the FA Cup is about,” says the Chelsea captain to the BBC after the game.

“We had to come out of the blocks and we did, it could have been three or four early on.

“It’s great for Eden to get off the mark, he’s just come back from injury and now he can kick on.

“It’s good at the moment, we are playing well. It would nice to be on a cup run, you want to go all the way once you’re in it.”

Mike Hewitt

17:56

17:53 Key event

FULL TIME: MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea

And that’s that. No magic in the FA CUp today after Chelsea’s 5-1 win at MK Dons and Everton’s 3-0 win at Carlisle.

A very professional performance from Guus Hiddink’s Blues, it was one way traffic really.

Oscar was the star of the show with a first half hat-trick but Eden Hazard will be most pleased with his first Chelsea goal of the season.

Clive Mason

17:45

Nice from Powell there, working his way past three defenders but his shot is right at Courtois.

17:41

Final MK Dons sub

Carruthers off for youngster Powell.

17:37

That should be six.

Baba breaks down the left and has every right to shoot but squares to Traore instead and it’s a bit behind the Chelsea striker.

He can only send it wide of the near post.

17:35

MK Dons sub

Dean Bowditch goes off and is replaced by Nicky Maynard.

17:34

Fabregas nearly gets in on the act with a chance at the near post but Martin blocks his shot down low.

17:27

MK Dons sub

Murphy comes off and is replaced by Palace loanee Jonny Williams.

17:24

Chelsea subs

Hat-trick hero Oscar and Hazard off,
Willian and Pedro on.

17:23

 

17:23

After that penalty shout, Chelsea go right down the other end and make it 5-1.

Hazard wriggles to the byline and squares to Traore who hits a nice left-foot shot into the bottom corner.
He’s only been on the pitch five minutes. That may well be his first touch.

Mike Hewitt

17:22 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea

Traore scores five minutes after coming on.

17:21

MK Dons penalty?

Now it’s MK Dons’ turn to ask for a penalty.
Murphy goes down in the box but not given by referee Jon Moss.

Looked very similar to the one he did give for Hazard a few minutes ago though.
Hmmm...

 

17:20

Hazard kisses the Chelsea badge after scoring.
Wonder what that means with deadline day just around the corner and those rumours of a move to Real Madrid?

17:17

Took him long enough to get it!

17:16

Chelsea sub

Bo goal for Costa today, he’s taken off for Bertrand Traore.

17:14 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 1-4 Chelsea

...and scores .

Mike Hewitt

17:14

Chelsea penalty!

Hazard goes down in the box under Potter’s challenge and a spot kick is given.

Not sure about it to be honest, there was a clash of legs but Hazard took a step or two before going down.

Still, doesn’t really matter does it? It’s given.
Hazard steps up for his first Chelsea goal of the season...

17:07

What went wrong, Karl?

The MK Dons manager tells the BBC at half-time: “We know we weren’t great in the first half.
“We caused our own problems.
“We have a philosophy but certain elements override that.
“We showed them too much respect too.”

17:06

Aaaaand we're back

Back underway at Stadium mk (huh, that rhymes!)
No changes for either side during the break.

16:55

In pics: Story of the first half

Mike Hewitt

Oscar opened the scoring for Chelsea...

Mike Hewitt

...before Potter equalised...

Clive Mason

...but Oscar restored the Blues' lead then added another.

16:54

Oscar's first half stats

Shots - 7
On target - 4
Goals - 3
Dribbles - 3
Tackles - 1
Key passes - 1

Clive Mason

16:51

Chelsea team-mate Isiah Brown is impressed with Oscar.

16:50 Key event

HALF TIME: MK Dons 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea could basically be about 7-1 up here. They’ve had so many chances aided mostly by terrible defending from MK Dons.

Oscar has made the most of the generous home side defending but Costa and Hazard have also had chances.

Unless Karl Robinson changes this, this could end up being a rout.

16:48

 

16:46

And there it is; Oscar has his hat-trick.

It’s a lovely curled effort into the far corner but he’s allowed to run almost from the left touchline all the way into the the middle of the pitch to have a crack.

Terrible defending but wonderful finish.

16:45 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 1-3 Chelsea

Oscar has a first-half hat-trick.

16:44

Oscar gets closer to his hat-trick.
Drilling a low shot in from just inside the area.

It goes just wide but Martin was rooted to the spot and wouldn’t have got there.

16:43

Forster-Caskey - who’s name is spelt ‘F-Caskey’ on the back of his shirt which looks like some sort swear word - has a crack from distance.
It flies over but at least MK Dons are getting forward a bit.

16:39

Oscar has a crack looking for a 35 minute hat-trick but his effort from 25 yards is right at Martin.
He’s the only MK Dons player really pulling his weight today.

16:38

 

16:38

 Like the Carlisle - Everton game earlier this one is really showing that gap in quality between the two sides.

Unlike the game earlier, though, MK Dons have scored and are still somehow in this.

16:34

Lovely goal from Chelsea and you can’t deny it had been coming!
It’s Oscar again after being played in by Loftus-Cheek with a lovely little reverse pass.
Oscar connects well and fires it across goal into the side netting giving Martin no chance.

Clive Mason

16:33 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 1-2 Chelsea

Oscar scores again

16:32 Yellow card

Booked: John Terry

Silly foul by Terry on Carruthers there.
Easily decision.

16:32

16:28

ANOTHER Chelsea chance

How did Chelsea not score this?
Baba Rahman gets in behind the full-back down the left and squares it; Oscar is waiting at the back post but Costa comes sliding in and takes it off his toes...but pokes it wide.
Not sure how Chelsea aren’t winning this to be honest.

16:27

Hazard hits the post

He just can’t catch a break can he?

The Chelsea man must have thought he’d have finally scored his first goal of the season after breaking the offside trap.
he bears down on Martin but instead of trying to slot it in the corner goes for power and the MK Dons keeper does well to save a divert it onto the post.

16:24

Well, wasn’t expecting that but MK Dons are back level!
It’s come against the run of play to be honest but the home side won’t care.

And it’s Darren Potter who’s got it, hitting a shot from 25 yards that takes a wicked deflection over Courtois and in.
Something something Potter magic of the cup

16:23 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 1-1 Chelsea

Potter equalises with a deflected shot.

Mike Hewitt

16:20

First shot on target for MK Dons as Carruthers manages a shot inside the box but it’s weak and Courtois collects easily.

16:19

Third time lucky for Oscar and he really couldn’t miss this one .
MK Don’s defender McFadzean has a horror moment as he tried to pass back inside but under hits it woefully and basically gives it to Costa.

The striker draws Martin out of goal and squares to Oscar who slides it in.

Mike Hewitt

16:17 Goal

GOAL! MK Dons 0-1 Chelsea

Oscar opens the scoring.

16:15

Oscar misses the target again!
That should be a goal.

Costa does well to hold it up at the back post and find Hazard who draws keeper Martin in before laying back to Oscar.
But the Brazilian’s shot it wide of the mark again.

 

16:13

Beautiful move from MK Dons which nearly lets Josh Murphy in but his touch is too heavy and it goes out for a goal-kick.

Samir Carruthers’ dummy to play in his team-mate was lovely.

The home side showing they have something about them here.

16:08

Another chance for Chelsea but Oscar can’t convert Hazard’s square ball.

He misses the target when really he should have at least been forcing Martin into a save.
The Blues have started brightly here.

16:05

BIG save from Martin to deny Costa

That was almost a carbon copy of Kone’s opener for Everton in the early kick-off.
But this time David Martin does what Mark Gillespie couldn’t do and saves well from Diego Costa.
Pretty much point blank that. Very, very good stop.

16:02

Robinson doesn't see a replay

Karl Robinson to BBC One before kick-off: “When you look at the Chelsea side - it’s a phenomenal set-up and players - my players are excited.

“We have a gameplan, but that can go wrong very quickly.
“Collectively we have to make sure we have more hunger and desire.

“I can’t see this going to a replay. It’s nice this match is on a world stage.”

16:01 Key event

KICK OFF!

And we’re underway!
Packed out Stadium mk here, these home fans sense an upset here against a Chelsea team having a horrible season.

15:58

The players are in the tunnel ready to come out and...hang on. Is that Patrick Bamford? I thought he’d gone to Norwich?

15:56

Hiddink: We take this competition very seriously

The Chelsea boss tells BBC 1: “The 2009 FA Cup win is highly ranked. The FA Cup is not just in England but worldwide recognised as a major trophy.

“We always like to go for a win at any stadium.
“We take this competition very seriously. Playing against MK Dons is not easy because they have a reputation of previous years.

“The players are well aware of what can happen. The players are committed to getting a good result.”

Clive Mason

15:53

Paul Ince is trying to claim credit for Karl Robinson’s success at MK Dons.

“I like to think I played a part in Karl Robinson’s development. I used to watch training sessions at Liverpool when my son Tom was there and Karl was in charge of the under nines.

“We built up a relationship and at MK Dons I thought he was the perfect man. He’s done a really great job.”
Come on Paul, be cool...

Getty

15:50

What about Chelsea? They’ve improved under Guss Hiddink since Jose Mourinho was sacked.
But Eden Hazard is still struggling to hit the heights of last season. He’s yet to score this campaign but Hiddink is confident the Belgian can rediscover his form.

“When getting his rhythm back, he’s of big value to Chelsea,” said the west Londoners’ interim boss. “He’s a very important player to us. A nice player. He has this injury and that’s been an unstable situation for at least two months.

“He is eager to perform, but the physical fitness must be there.

“Hopefully, he is coming back to where he was before. But he needs training and game fitness, and you get that by playing games.

“For the club, beautiful times can come up for him. And on top of that there is the Euros coming up. Everyone who is a ­candidate for being a big player in the upcoming time, and then the Euros, it’s a beautiful period for them.”
 

15:47

Karl Robinson bigs his club up before kick-off.

“Every season we have overachieved and I’m so proud of the players and the way the chairman has chosen to run the club.
“We can’t spend silly money that we don’t have. We run it in a very good way.”

Mike Hewitt

15:43

Meanwhile, at Casa de Southall...

15:39

Remember this?

MK Dons caused a shock last season when they knocked Manchester United out of the League Cup with a 4-1 win.
They’ll be hoping for more of the season today.

Clive Mason

Action Images

Action Images

 

15:37

Um...a bit late Michael

15:35

Courtois doesn’t have time for autographs.

15:31

MK Dons hoping for an upset

Because MK Dons do not have their own training pitch and the one Robinson had ear-marked was scheduled for an Under-fives tournament.

“I think I am probably the only manager whose first question, when he arrives in the morning, is ‘where are the team training today?’” said Robinson.

“Yes, we have a gym but that is only 60 by 40. I’d think we are probably the top five-a-side team in the country!

“There is a soccer tournament that is supposed to be held on the pitch I wanted to use to prepare for Chelsea. A school party. But I am not complaining. That is part of the life here.

“Sometimes we use a school pitch 10 miles outside Milton Keynes. We have been rescued by schools.

“Maybe one day the council will give us some land to build our own training ground. Maybe. The simple fact is we have the lowest budget in the Championship and no training ground. Every year, we have over-achieved.”
 
Pete Norton

15:25

MK Dons vs Chelsea teams

We turn our attentions immediately to today’s other FA Cup clash at Stadium mk where MK Dons host Chelsea.
These are the teams for that clash:

MK Dons: Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Walsh, Lewington; Potter, Forster-Caskey; Carruthers, Hall, Murphy; Bowditch.

Subs: Cropper, Hodson, Kay, Williams, Powell, Church, Maynard.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill Terry (c), Baba; Matic, Fabregas; Oscar, Loftus-Cheek, Hazard; Diego Costa.
Subs: Begovic, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Mikel, Pedro, Willian, Traore.

Mike Hewitt

15:22 Key event

FULL TIME: Carlisle 0-3 Everton

That’s that then, and in truth it was never in doubt since the second minute when Arouna Kone opened the scoring.

Everton dominated for most of the match and aside from a couple of chances right at the death they rarely troubled Joel in the Toffees goal.

Staging this match was impressive enough for the Cumbrians given recent events but the gulf in class between the League Two side and their Premier League hosts was just too much in the end.

Everton into the hat for the fifth round draw tonight.

15:16

Meanwhile, in America...

15:16

Another Carlisle chance

Substitute Jabo Ibhere nearly gets a consolation goal but his shot is blocked by Phil Jagielka.
the Everton captain gets a big hug from his goalkeeper for saving his clean sheet.

15:13

Reuters

15:11

Joel is called into his first proper save after 83 minutes to deny Raynes at the near post.
From the resulting corner the Everton keeper comes and gets nowhere near the cross and there’s mild panic in the box but it’s eventually cleared.

15:09

Final Everton sub

Coleman off
Galloway on

15:07

Kone is caught offside.
He’s been great today. Everton haven’t missed Lukaku at all.

AFP/Getty Images

15:03

Everton sub

Barkley goes off to applause from all around Brunton Park. He’s been brilliant today.
He’s replaced by Gibson for the final 15 minutes.

15:02

Kone hits the post

Very unlucky from Kone who somehow hits the near post from the tightest of angles.

15:01

Cleverley tries to bend one into the near post but can’t get it on target.

14:58

Pass masters

Before that Barkley goal Everton put together TWENTY TWO passes.
They’ve dominated today.

14:55

And that, as they say, is that.

He came close a few minutes ago but this time Barkley finds the net and the game is over.

He curs inside from the left, just like his chance a few minutes before, and arrows a shot towards goal.
It takes a deflection off a defender and flies in, giving Gillespie no chance.

No cup upset here today.

 

14:53 Goal

GOAL! Carlisle 0-3 Everton

Ross Barkley makes it 3-0.

14:52

Big Dunc struggling to fit in the Carlisle dugouts.

Stu Forster

14:50

Final Carlisle sub

Comley off after making his debut.
Top scorer Jabo Ighere on.

14:49

Everton sub

Piennar off
Osman on

14:49

Superb run from Barkley who beats four men but can’t quite find the space in the box for a shot to finish it off.

14:48

Keith Curle today going for he ‘Head Teacher’ look.

Clint Hughes

14:47

Everton back on the ball and nearly in twice but good defending from Carlisle.

First Barkley’s lovely long ball finds Kone but he is squeezed out.

Then Lennon finds Coleman in behind the full-back with a nice squad ball but the right-back’s shot is well blocked.

14:44

Good break from Carlisle who get it up to Asamoah quickly.
The forward cuts inside and gets off a good shot which is blocked for a corner.

If anyone is going to get the home side back into this its’s him.

14:43

Barkley tees up Cleverley on the edge of the box.....
.....over.

14:37 Yellow card

Booked: Jason Kennedy

Carlisle’s Kennedy goes into the book a few seconds in the second half for a foul on McCarthy.
The Everton man requires treatment but manages to get up and hobble to the sidelines.

He’s back on though and looks ok.

14:34

Not the busiest first half for Carlisle’s social media team.

14:33

Aaaaaaand we're back

Carlisle have made two changes at half-time
Gillesphey and Dicker are off, Hope and Gilliead on.

Will those changes help them get back into the game?

14:21

In pics: Story of the first half

PA

Carlisle fans were in high spirits...

 

 

...until 90 seconds in when Kone scored...

 

...Lennon added to it soon after and Everton lead 2-0 at the break.

14:19 Key event

PEEP PEEEEP! Half time!

Well that’s the half-time whistle and it’s all going to plan for Everton.

They are cruising and lead League Two Carlisle 2-0.
Arouna Kone opened the scoring after just 90 seconds and Aaron Lennon doubled the lead not long after.
No FA Cup magic so far today, I’m afraid.

Stu Forster

14:16

Carlisle nearly get a half chance as the ball bounces around the box but Joel is out quickly to gather.
The home side haven’t really got into their stride and managed to create a decent chance yet.

14:15 Yellow card

Booked: James McCarthy

First yellow card of the game goes to Everton’s James McCarthy for a foul on Comley.
About right.

14:13

...on and off the pitch.

 

14:12

Nearly 3-0 Everton there as Kone has a decent chance.
He doesn’t quite connect with Oviedo’s cross as he’d like and Gillespie gathers with ease.

The Toffees massively on top again here.

14:10

This is about as magic as it gets today.

14:02

 

14:01

Would imagine this guy regrets wearing just swimming trunks given how cold it is.

 

14:00

In pics: Lennon's goal

Getty Images

The little winger slides the ball under Gillespie...

PA

...and celebrates putting Everton 2-0 up.

13:59

Carlisle are getting back into this a little bit.

Two corners in quick succession; both come to nothing but at least the Cumbrians are looking a bit better going forward.

 

13:57

Loves a nice jacket, does Roberto.

Reuters

13:47

This game looks to be getting away from Carlisle already.

Everton with all the possession and putting together some nice little one-touch moves.
They’re enjoying themselves here.

13:45 Goal

GOAL! Carlisle 0-2 Everton (Lennon)

That’s a lovely goal from Everton.
Kone and Barkley work the ball well outside the box and find Oviedo.

His low cross into the middle is killed dead by Lennon with a superb first touch, with his second he rolls it under the keeper and in.
The Toffees dominating here.

PA

13:41

Lennon is in again behind his full-back but Kone can’t control it to shoot.

 

13:39

Argh! Great chance for Carlisle to get back into this but Asamoah makes the wrong choice.

He takes advantage of a mistake from Funes Mori and smashes a volley at goal which Joel is equal to.
But he probably should have squared to two waiting team-mates in the middle.

 

13:37

First Carlisle chance goes to Asamoah who has a pop from 25 yards out.
He skews it wide but that’s better from the home side.

 

13:36

That really wasn’t the start Carlisle were hoping for.

Everton are now sweeping the ball about confidently and have taken control of this game early on.
A big statement from the Premier League side to remind the League Two outfit of the gulf in class between them.

But there’s still a loooooong way to go.

13:33 Goal

GOAL! Carlisle 0-1 Everton (Kone)

Worst start possible for Carlisle.

Everton have scored after just 90 seconds and its Arouna Kone who’s got it.
Aaron Lennon lost his marker on the right and squared to his team-mate who couldn’t miss from a yard out, scoring with what must be his first touch.

Reuters

13:31

£1.20 for a pie! Absolute bargain!

Clint Hughes

13:31

PEEEEP! And we're underway

Everton get us underway at Brunton Park.
The ground is packed and the surface looks incredible given it had to be dug up and replaced during the middle of the season.
Great noise from the home fans too - they sense an upset.

13:27

Carlisle captain Danny Grainger on the flood clean up

13:16

13:10

I’ll be honest, this looks terrifying.

Stu Forster

13:00

You can’t say the people of Carlisle don’t have a sense of humour...

12:57

How Carlisle United are recovering after the floods

A month ago, Keith Curle was managing Carlisle’s League Two promotion aspirations. Then the city had devastation visited on it when Storm Desmond tipped his hat into the River Eden and the ensuing flood left the area around Brunton Park under seven feet of water. It cost Carlisle £155,000 to lay a new pitch during the week.

Dressing rooms, offices and the like will take a lot longer to repair. But at least the League Two club were insured. Some residents in the surrounding streets weren’t so lucky. And the endless rows of yellow skips, piled high with ruined furniture and carpets, testify to the fact that lives have been ruined.

Carlisle’s players went out to help locals deal with the clean-up. “It has been difficult for the players to concentrate on their football because of the devastation that’s all around us,” says Curle.

“But it was a natural reaction from them to help. They weren’t prompted, it was just something they had to
do.

“The rebuilding has really started now and there is a renewed sense of optimism around the place. And despite the devastation that is all around, sometimes you have to laugh.

“Our goalkeeper, Mark Gillespie, had to be rescued from one of the club houses we have at the front of the ground.

“He had to be rescued by someone in a dinghy through a bedroom window and you can imagine the stick he’s taken about that. “A few of the lads have said that he wouldn’t jump!”

 

12:50

Osman: We need to back the boss

Leon Osman has urged Everton to show the same loyalty to Roberto Martinez they gave to former boss David Moyes.

Goodison Park boss Martinez has been hammered by some fans with the team struggling for consistency just below mid-table after finishing a disappointing eleventh in the Premier League last season.

A contentious Capital One Cup semi-final defeat at Manchester City did nothing to ease growing pressure on Martinez to deliver more winning results.

But as the Toffees head for a fourth round FA Cup tie at League One Carlisle on Sunday, Osman – Everton’s longest-serving star – reckons the Spaniard is still the manager to take the club forward.

“It wasn’t always a smooth ride under David Moyes. His tenure wasn’t always a straight line on the way up. There were dips and troughs, ups and downs.

“But the club seems to remain loyal to a manager, to give him enough time, and I wouldn’t expect that to be different now” says Osman.

Action Images via Reuters

12:43

Everton fans chip in

Everton fans have been doing their bit to help Carlisle recover from Storm Desmond.
Toffees supporters have raised more than £8,000 (and that’s still rising) as Carlisle count the cost of replacing their pitch to the tune of £150,000 which was flooded badly.

Ross Parry / SWNS Group

12:40 Key event

The teams are in

Right then here are your teams and subs for today’s game, folks. No Lukaku for Everton.

Carlisle: Gillespie, Atkinson, Ellis, Raynes, Miller, Kennedy, Dicker, Sweeney, Gillesphey, Comley, Asamoah.
Subs: Hanford, Wyke, Ibehre, Gilliead, Thompson, Hope, McQueen.
Everton: Joel, Oviedo, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Coleman, McCarthy, Cleverley, Lennon, Pienaar, Barkley, Kone.
Subs: Howard, Gibson, Stones, Lukaku, Deulofeu, Osman, Galloway.

12:36

A change of scene for Raynes

Michael Raynes usually spends his Sundays passing on his expertise to pub players of Newall Green FC in the Manchester Amateur League.

The Carlisle United defender will swap the touchline at Wythenshawe Park for a chance to pit himself against the Everton striker he rates as one of the best in the Premier League on Sunday.

And he can’t wait. Raynes, 28, hasn’t been losing any sleep about the prospect of marking Romelu Lukaku when Keith Curle’s League Two underdogs face Everton.

And, while boss Roberto Martinez probably won’t be fazed by the sparse facilities at Brunton Park – following the recent floods that devastated the Cumbrian city last month – Raynes reckons that it will be a test for elite players forced out of their comfort zone.

He said: “It’s probably been a while since any of Everton’s players have had to get changed in a Portakabin, but that’s how it will be for away teams until the repairs are finished.

“That’s one little advantage that we will look to exploit. Another one is the atmosphere our fans will generate. “Some people in Carlisle had their lives washed away by the floods and it will take months and years to return to normal.”

PA

Raynes helping clear out a Carlisle local's house after the floods

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The magic of the cup

We’re into the FA Cup fifth round Sunday and first up is Carlisle vs Everton.
The Cumbrians desperately need the money from this televised clash following the damage caused by Storm Desmond.

And they’ ve had a helping hand from pop superstar Rod Stewart who put his hand in his pocket and donated £10,000 to Carlisle.

Only Everton and Sunderland reacted to the Cumbrians’ appeal for help after Brunton Park was left underwater, according to The Sun, and Stewart has decided to help out.

The club reportedly need to raise around £3million to renovate their ground after it was left underwater by the extreme weather.

“I felt for Carlisle when I read about the problems they’ve had with their pitch and how hard it was for them to raise money,” Rod told The Sun. “I wanted to help. I’m donating £10k to their flood fund and wish them best of luck in the FA Cup game against Everton.”

Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins hailed the singer’s gesture. Jenkins said: “This is a wonderful gesture. Things like this help to give everyone a real lift.” Will Carlisle cause an FA Cup upset and beat Everton this weekend?

Caters

Brunton Park under water

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