D Thursday, February 4, 2010 SPORT 27 Benjanis keen to get on goal trail Benjani is desperate to kick-start his career after finally securing his move to Sunderland. The striker, 31, only completed his loan move from Manchester City on Tuesday a day after the transfer window closed. But the Zimbabwe international is determined to show City what they are missing. Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was delighted to bring in a new striker following Mondays goalless draw with Stoke, and Benjani said: i am very happy with my decision. Sunderland is a good club. i have a chance to play regularly and hopefully i will get the time on the pitch. i need to play and it has been frustrating not to. Terry wont give up England role John Terry will not discuss his status as england captain before meeting with boss Fabio Capello, amid claims he will not offer to resign. Terry, who could miss Chelseas FA Cup fifth-round tie next weekend to deal with his personal problems, issued a brief statement yesterday after calls for him to stand down as skipper over allegations he had an affair with the ex-partner of england team-mate Wayne Bridge. Phil hall, the defenders spokesman, said: John Terry asked me to make it clear he has made absolutely no statement about his future as england captain. he is keeping his own counsel until he speaks to england manager Fabio Capello and then Mr Capello will decide what announcement will be made. Matts moving on SToke winger Matthew etherington is confident he is winning his battle with a gambling problem. The former West ham midfielder, 28, who joined the Potters 13 months ago, has been one of his sides most consistent performers this season. he said: My problems had been well documented and I would like to think they are long behind me now. Ive got over that and come out the other side. footballdigest Star and stripes: Benjani FIXTURES GoLF (until Sunday) omega Dubai Desert Classic (emirates GC, Dubai). northern Trust open (Pacific Palisades, California) SOCCER FA CUP Ball watching: Spurs striker Peter Crouch, left, is blocked by Bradley Johnson at elland road last night Picture: PA Giantkilling Leeds are cut down to size by Jermain Leeds 1 tottenham 3 By Chris Stocks JERMAIN DEFOES hat-trick proved the difference as Tottenham finally killed off giantkillers Leeds at Elland Road last night. Simon Graysons side had already beaten Manchester United in the previous round before holding Spurs to a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. But Harry Redknapps men ended the League One sides FA Cup run thanks to the predatory instincts of Defoe and now face a fifth-round trip to Bolton. Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren was on fine form, twice denying Defoe and producing an even better save to keep out Gareth Bales deflected effort. The visitors, though, went ahead in the 37th minute Defoe this time beating Ankergren with a mis-hit shot. Leeds responded well and Luciano Bec- chio drew level in first-half stoppage time, theArgentine bundling in from close range after Heurelho Gomes parried Jermaine Beckfords shot into his path. Ankergren was again on form after the break, denying Dawson and David Bentley. But the winger teed up Defoe for his second in the 73rd minute sliding in a pinpoint cross for the striker to convert. And Defoe sealed his hat-trick in injury time, sprinting on to Jermaine Jenas long ball over the top and keeping his cool to round Ankergren and slot home. A delighted Defoe said: That was a dif- ficult game. A cup tie is always difficult. Away from home it was a great perform- ance from the lads, I am pleased with the win. We stuck in and still passed the ball. Bentley, who has had a difficult time at White Hart Lane since his move from Blackburn in July 2008, was voted man of the match despite Defoes hat-trick and he added: My time at Tottenham has been a hard one but hopefully I can start enjoy- ing it now. Leeds: Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor, Michalik, Hughes (White 76), Howson, Doyle, Johnson (Crowe 86), Snodgrass, Beckford, Becchio (Grella 86). Booked: Johnson, Beckford. Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, Bassong, Bale, Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, Kranjcar, Crouch, Defoe. Booked: Bentley. Attendance: 37,704. referee: Andre Marriner MATCH FACTS PREMIER LEAGUE Greening strikes to pile misery on Grant Jonathan GreeninG piled yet more misery on beleaguered Portsmouth as Fulham took the honours at Craven Cottage last night. Greening fired the ball past David James on 74 minutes for what proved to be the only goal in a keenly fought encounter. the result was harsh on avram Grants side, who despite being rooted to the foot of the Premier League, produced a spirited display and for long periods looked the more likely to score. Kevin Prince Boateng, Frederic Piquionne Starting out: Shorey challenges Frederic Piquionne Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly (Dikgacoi 55), Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey, Duff, Murphy, Baird, Greening, Okaka Chuka (Nevland 70), Zamora (Elm 78). Portsmouth: James, Finnan, Wilson, Ben-Haim, Belhadj, Yebda, Basinas (Owusu-Abeyie 82), Boateng, OHara, Dindane, Piquionne (Webber 62). Booked: Ben-Haim ref: Anthony Taylor and angelos Basinas all tested home goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer as Pompey enjoyed the best of a scrappy opening half. it was 25 minutes before aaron hughes forced James into making a save as the hosts, who handed starts to loan signings Stefano okaka and nicky Shorey, struggled to find their rhythm. okaka was gifted the best chance for Fulham but managed to put his header wide from barely two yards out. the hosts looked sharper as the second half wore on and when Greening turned Duffs cross home on 74 minutes Portsmouth, for all their effort, could find no reply. fuLham 1 portsmouth 0 FA CUP FOURTH-ROUND REPLAY Leeds ...............1 Tottenham....... 3 Becchio 45 Defoe 37, 73, 90 att 37,704 bARCLAYs PREmiER LEAgUE Fulham.............1 Portsmouth..... 0 Greening 74 att 21,934 P W D L F A Pts Chelsea 24 17 4 3 58 20 55 Man Utd 24 17 2 5 56 20 53 arsenal 24 15 4 5 60 28 49 Tottenham 24 12 6 6 45 25 42 Liverpool 24 12 5 7 42 26 41 Man City 22 11 8 3 44 30 41 aston Villa 23 11 7 5 31 18 40 Birmingham 23 9 7 7 22 23 34 everton 23 8 8 7 33 34 32 Fulham 24 8 6 10 27 28 30 Blackburn 24 7 7 10 25 40 28 Stoke 22 6 8 8 19 26 26 Sunderland 23 6 6 11 30 40 24 Wigan 22 6 4 12 24 47 22 West Ham 23 4 9 10 29 38 21 Bolton 22 5 6 11 29 44 21 Wolves 23 5 6 12 19 40 21 Hull 24 4 9 11 23 49 21 Burnley 23 5 5 13 23 46 20 Portsmouth 23 4 3 16 19 36 15 COCA-COLA CHAmPiONsHiP Blackpool ........2 West Brom ...... 3 Southern 25 Bednar 29, 40 Dobbie 80 Dorrans 83 pen CO-OP iNsURANCE CUP sEmi-FiNAL rangers ...........2 St Johnstone .. 0 RESULTS RyAN GIGGS believes Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney is close to being regarded as one of the best players in the world. The 24-year-old has just completed a memorable week, which began with his first four-goal haul in the Premier League victory over Hull. Rooney then headed home to secure another Wembley final for Sir Alex Fergusons side at the expense of Manchester City in the Carling Cup, before finally netting a sensational second goal in Uniteds 3-1 demolition of title rivals Arsenal at the weekend. And Giggs believes Rooneys form could soon earn him the kind of recognition currently enjoyed by Lionel Messi, Kaka and former Old Trafford favourite Cristiano Ronaldo. He is getting nearer that group, said the Welshman. you have seen it for England and for us on the bigger stages. That is what all the top players do. He is 24 now but he is only going to get better. His appetite is strong and he is a great player to have in your team. Giggs: Wayne among the elite Micks fury at exit WoLVeS Fa Cup flops will not be allowed to forget their dismal display at Crystal Palace in a hurry. Boss Mick McCarthy has promised a lengthy investigation after his side, on the back of encouraging Premier League draws against Liverpool and Hull, crashed to a 3-1 defeat in their fourth-round replay at Selhurst Park. McCarthy said: i had my pound of flesh in the dressing room and ill have another when we train on Thursday and well sort it between us. index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html