All posts by h79snht.top

Manchester United's hopes of securing progression to the last four of the Europa League remain firmly in the balance following a 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Thursday evening, with Erik ten Hag's men suffering a late collapse on what was a night of mixed fortunes at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils had appeared on course for an easy passage into the semi-finals after a quickfire double from Marcel Sabitzer capped what was a rampant opening for the hosts, albeit with the Premier League side failing to maintain that momentum as the pendulum swung late on.

With the visitors having rarely threatened throughout the encounter, the six-time winners of the competition were gifted a route back into the match following some slack defending from Tyrell Malacia at the back post as the ball ricocheted in to beat David De Gea from the angle.

With United have already suffered a setback after seemingly losing Raphael Varane to injury at the break, the Frenchman's centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez was also forced off in the closing stages to leave the home side down to ten men.

The struggling La Liga outfit made that man advantage count at the death as Youssef En-Nesyri's header found its way in following a fluke deflection off an unfortunate Harry Maguire, with that ensuring it is still all to play for heading into next week's tie in Seville.

Who were the worst performers against Sevilla?

It is fair to say that United had largely been coasting in the first-leg encounter prior to that piece of 'dismal defending' from that man Malacia – as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst – with the Dutchman inexplicably deciding not to deal with the inswinging delivery.

That lapse in concentration epitomised what was an all-round grim performance from the former Feyenoord man as he also won just three of his 11 total duels and lost possession on 11 occasions, while the 23-year-old's 6.0 match rating, as per Sofascore, was the worst of any of his teammates.

The diminutive full-back was not alone in having let his manager down last night, however, with £73m man Jadon Sancho having also yet again come up short on the flank, with the Englishman's decision-making having notably been "awful", according to journalist James Wokabi.

The former Borussia Dortmund starlet did see an early goal ruled out for offside after initially producing a composed finish, although the £350k-per-week man was otherwise rather underwhelming, with his 6.5 match rating a marker of the winger's woes.

Much like Malacia, the 23-year-old was also something of a liability defensively after losing possession on 12 occasions and winning just three of his eight total duels, while the fleet-footed enigma's lack of attacking impact was showcased by the fact that he made just 33 touches – fewer than even teammate De Gea enjoyed in the sticks (41).

Despite offering some form of creative threat after providing two key passes in his 63-minute outing, Sancho was a regular source of frustration due to his inability to take on the opposition, having completed just two of his four attempted dribbles.

Those woes were noted by GOAL's Richard Martin, who stated in his post-match player ratings piece: 'He routinely failed to beat his man and was too slow to release the ball'.

With the absence of compatriot Marcus Rashford having heightened the need for Sancho and co to step up, the misfiring dud yet again showed why Ten Hag is believed to be growing 'increasingly impatient' with his inability to perform.

Newcastle United are ready to sell Allan Saint-Maximin to generate transfer funds for new arrivals this summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Saint-Maximin's future?

The Frenchman first arrived in the Premier League from Nice back in August 2019 and has gone on to become a fan favourite, making 119 appearances to date, but he’s recently fallen out of favour under Eddie Howe. The Magpies winger has made just 11 starts in the top-flight this season and has noticeably been given less of a look-in since the arrival of Anthony Gordon from Everton in January.

The St. James’ Park star admitted that he was the subject of interest at the start of the new year and had the opportunity to leave, but instead decided to stay and help the team as much as he could before the end of the season. Despite the 26-year-old’s commitment though, TEAMtalk recently reported that the northeast outfit believe he doesn’t deserve a new contract and doesn’t have a long-term future at the club, and that has now been even further backed up.

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are “ready to cash in” on Saint-Maximin, with PIF having already decided that his transfer fee will be used to offset deals for incoming players this summer. The £70k-per-week attacker is claimed to be “questioning his role” in the first-team having been edged out by Gordon and should he depart, the board feel he could “command a decent fee”.

The Magpies “want to add” to their ranks by bringing in fresh faces during the upcoming window but are only planning to spend £20-25m in a bid to “keep on the right side” of Financial Fair Play rules, though it’s worth noting that figure “could change” should they qualify for the Champions League.

Should Newcastle sell Saint-Maximin?

Saint-Maximin might not be as much of a regular feature as he would like at Newcastle at this moment in time, but having been hailed “unstoppable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Howe should definitely retain his services beyond the summer.

The Puma-sponsored gem has racked up 34 goal contributions (21 assists and 13 goals) during his time in the northeast, including six in 20 top-flight outings this season, so has proved that he is able to deliver the goods when presented with the opportunity to play.

As per FBRef, Saint-Maximin also ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and the 97th percentile for progressive carries when compared with other wingers, showing that he’s constantly looking to get past his marker and drive forward even if he’s not always on the scoresheet.

He’s exactly the positive profile of player the boss needs to keep at St. James’ Park, and could even become less injury-prone if he is happy with an impact substitue role.

نجح فريق بيراميدز في تسجيل هدف التعادل بشباك نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا، خلال المباراة التي تجمع بينهما حاليًا ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

ويلتقي بيراميدز مع نظيره سيراميكا كليوباترا، على استاد محمد بن زايد بنادي الجزيرة، لتحديد المركزين الثالث والرابع بكأس السوبر المصري.

وجاء هدف التعادل لبيراميدز في الدقيقة 78، عن طريق مصطفى فتحي الذي وضع الكرة بشكل رائع “لوب” في شباك محمد بسام المتقدم عن مرماه.

طالع أيضًا.. تشكيل بيراميدز أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في السوبر المصري

وكان أحمد قندوسي قد سجل هدف سيراميكا كليوباترا الأول في الدقيقة 70 من عمر المباراة، بعد كرة عرضية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء استقبلها بتسديدة رائعة سكنت الشباك. هدف تعادل بيراميدز أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا في كأس السوبر المصري

Arsenal boast one of England's most prestigious academies, with players keen to graduate through Hale End given the endless opportunities on offer.

Mikel Arteta's squad is littered with former academy stars, making the Gunners such a likeable rival for the riches of Manchester City. Even their loanees like Folarin Balogun have been starring, only exacerbating the success Per Mertesacker has had in producing quality assets.

Although likely below the necessary standards to truly back up Gabriel Jesus and challenge for elite honours, even Eddie Nketiah played his part for a portion of this season, deputising in the Brazilian's absence to score four goals across a five-game period in January.

However, if they are to truly take that next step in the coming years, their Spanish boss is surely aware that upgrades will be needed. Liverpool are a prime example of how, if a team is not given the necessary backing, they can quickly fall from title challengers down to struggling for European spots.

With the striker turning 24 next month and yet to prove himself as a consistent finisher at the top level, perhaps it is time for the Gunners to cut their losses on one academy graduate and put their faith in the next big thing. From the current crop of U21s, Khayon Edwards marks the outstanding candidate to be given his chance.

Who is Khayon Edwards?

Having joined the club at the age of just five, the 19-year-old is described on Arsenal's official website as: "a hard-working, natural goalscorer with pace to burn."

This has certainly been showcased in his blistering form across various youth sides, with four goals in 13 Premier League 2 appearances marking a fine first year outside of U18s football.

Last year, the versatile attacker marked himself out as a true asset and someone who certainly could fit into Arteta's system. Playing largely up front, but at times dropping in to play ten, Edwards notched 16 goals in as many U18s Premier League games alongside providing five assists.

Upon signing his first professional contract last May after such a fine campaign, the teenage star was interviewed about his prospects for the future. He noted: "I've worked hard for this moment. It's been a very important season for me, but now it's time to step up and prove what I've proved time and time again."

Clearly flowing with confidence, a trait that is almost a prerequisite when playing up top, there is cause to believe that the young forward has all the traits to emulate Nketiah's rise and surpass his growth with ease. Especially when spending precious time in the presence of someone as experienced as Jesus.

أكد أيمن يونس، لاعب الزمالك السابق، أن الأجواء العامة في القلعة البيضاء تتجه للتعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي، خلفًا لـ معتمد جمال، ويُحذر مجلس الإدارة بشأن أحمد سيد زيزو.

وكان الزمالك قد أعلن التعاقد مع معتمد جمال، بعد رحيل الكولومبي خوان كارلوس أوسوريو، المدير الفني السابق، بسبب سوء النتائج.

وقال أيمن يونس في مداخلة عبر برنامج “ملعب أون تايم”، على قناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “الأجواء العامة الآن في الزمالك تتجه نحو التعاقد مع مدير فني أجنبي، ومعتمد جمال نفسه يعلم أنه سيرحل، والأمر أصبح واضحًا”.

وتابع: “لكن ما نريد أن نفهمه، كيف يتم حل الأمور المالية، مدير فني أجنبي وصفقات جديدة، الله يكون في عون مجلس الإدارة، مُطالب بحل أزمات كثيرة جدًا في وقت قصير”.

طالع أيضًا | طارق السيد: زيزو رفض عرضًا للرحيل عن الزمالك بقيمة 5 ملايين دولار

وأضاف: “بالتأكيد ضد بيع أحمد سيد زيزو، ومع التجديد له، الزمالك يحتاج 4 لاعبين مثله، لو فقدنا أهم الأركان في الفريق ستكون مشكلة، زيزو لا يوجد في ملفه نقاش”.

وواصل: “لا يوجد لاعب في مصر يحل محل زيزو، هو أفضل لاعب في مصر، ولو حتى 300 أو 400 مليون لن يعوضوه، الزمالك من غير (سوبر ستار) لا يصح”.

واختتم: “مجلس الإدارة يعلم حجم الضغوط، هم ترشحوا في الانتخابات ويعلمون حجم المشاكل، وزيزو خارج هذه الحسبة، لا تحلوا مشاكلكم على حساب رحيل زيزو”.

Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett could be sold this summer by Eddie Howe if an agreeable offer comes in for his services, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

What's the latest news involving Matt Targett?

In midweek, Targett made his first Premier League start for the Magpies since last September and contributed to a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park, as per Transfermarkt.

Across 2022/23, the Eastleigh-born defender has made just 16 appearances in all competitions, falling down the pecking order due to the performances of Dan Burn in the left-back area.

Newcastle boss Howe took time to praise Targett's performance in the rout of Everton, as per The Northern Echo, stating:

"I thought Matt Targett did really well, and I think that shows the strength of the squad. It’s good to see players coming in and taking their opportunities.”

As per Football Insider, the Magpies are also keen on adding Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney this summer, which could force Targett even further down the ranks in his quest for regular minutes.

Capology understands that Targett earns around £100,000 per week in the North East and has a contract at St James' Park until 2026.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Sky Sports reporter Downie believes that Targett may be moved on if a suitable offer arises in the off-season.

Downie told FFC: "He did really well last season, but he either makes himself content with being a backup left-back, and by the way, looking at Kieran Tierney, his injury record, he might still get quite a lot of action, or he looks to go somewhere else.

"You've also got remember Dan Burn can play there as well, so I think if an offer came in for a Targett that they couldn't refuse in the summer, then he might be one that goes."

Should Newcastle United part ways with Matt Targett this summer?

Targett has been a perfectly serviceable asset to Newcastle in his time at the club; however, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 27-year-old be moved on this summer if Eddie Howe looks to strengthen at left-back.

In his spell at the North East outfit, Targett has featured 32 times all in, as per Transfermarkt, providing handy cover on the left-hand side of defence and even further up the flank when called upon.

Nevertheless, we know that Newcastle will be keen to bolster their squad for the imminent arrival of European football next term, which may see Howe move several players on to raise cash to spend in the transfer window.

After all, this is a player who Alan Shearer has hailed during his time on Tyneside: "Utterly reliable at the back and gave everything for the Newcastle United shirt," he said.

If enough interest in Targett arises, the 45-year-old may be tempted to sanction the sale of Targett to secure himself a little extra room for manoeuvre in the market.

رفض محمد مجدي “أفشة” صانع ألعاب النادي الأهلي، ما يقال عن حالة التشبع لدى اللاعبين، بسبب الفوز بالعديد من البطولات.

وقال اللاعب في حديث لقناة “dmc” الفضائية: “لا أحب أن أقول إن الأهلي حصل عنده حالة تشبع، لأن من يفوز بخمسة بطولات يريد الفوز بالسادسة، اللاعب الذي يشعر بالتشبع المشكلة، تكون عنده هو، خسرنا بطولة السوبر الإفريقي في بداية الموسم، والجماهير كانت حزينة، لكن الميزة في الأهلي عندما نخسر الأمر ينتهي في غرفة الملابس ونُفكر في القادم”.

إقرأ أيضًا..المستبعدون من قائمة منتخب مصر النهائية لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023

وعن مواجهة اتحاد جدة في كأس العالم للأندية، قال أفشة: “كأس العالم مختلف، الملاعب في مصر سيئة، الناس قد يشاهدون الملاعب من التلفاز ويشعرون أنها جيدة، لكن في الحقيقة لا يوجد سوى استاد القاهرة، لكن في كأس العالم للأندية الأمر مختلف”.

وأضاف: “قبل مباراة اتحاد جدة شاهدنا ما تردد في الإعلام هناك وأنا دائمًا أقول (الأهلي مش النادي إللي تعاند معاه) كنا كل يوم نجلس مع بعض ونتحدث، وكنا لا نريد أن نحصد المركز الثالث، كنا نريد أن نتأهل للمباراة النهائية، وعندما واجهنا اتحاد جدة كان 11 لاعبًا أمام 11 لاعبًا، أنا كنت على الدكة قبل أن أشارك وأرى الملعب من الخارج وفريق اتحاد جدة كان يترك مساحات كبيرة، لا تدل على أن اللاعبين جاءوا من أوروبا مع احترامي لهم”.

وبسؤاله، هل الضغط الإعلامي عليكم قبل المباراة كان مؤثرًا وجعلكم أكثر تركيزًا؟، أجاب: “بالتأكيد، نحن شاهدنا فيديوهات الجماهير هناك وكانوا يقللون منا، وكلنا اتفقنا على الفوز من أجل هذا الأمر وحتى لا ينزعج جمهور الأهلي”.

وتابع تصريحاته: “أسباب تغيير أداء الأهلي أمام فلامينجو؟ كنا نلعب على الهجمة المرتدة لأننا كنا مرهقين، وأهدرنا فرصًا كثيرة، وجاء الهدف بعد الدقيقة 70 ثم جاء الهدف الثاني، لكن الأهم إننا لم نخسر شيئًا، حصدنا في النهاية المركز الثالث”.

وواصل حديثه بشأن الجلوس على مقاعد البدلاء: “لا أحب المشاكل، جلست مع المدير الفني وتحدثت معه وقلت له ماذا ينقصني؟، أنا أتدرب جيدًا لأن هذا أكل عيشي، لعبت كوسط ارتكاز مع إيهاب جلال وحسام حسن وسامي قمصان، لكن كولر قال لي أنا أريدك أن تدافع مثل ديانج وحمدي فتحي، قلت له سأعمل على فعل ذلك، وبالفعل أصبحت أدافع بنسبة 70%، لأن المدير الفني يريد ذلك، والبعض يعتقد أنني لا أشارك باستمرار، لا أنا اشارك دائمًا، سواء كأساسي أو أشارك كبديل”.

وبسؤاله، ماذا يُمثل لك هدف القاضية؟، قال: “قدر من يلعب في الأهلي، عندما تفعل شيئًا تصبح ذكرى لـ100 سنة، هو أغلى هدف في حياتي، مهما سجلت ومهما حصدت بطولات، هذا رزق كبير جدًا، المباراة كانت صعبة بكل تفاصيلها، لم نكن في افضل حالاتنا في هذه المباراة، لكن كان يجب أن نفوز، هذه المباراة وضعتنا في مكانة مختلفة، في البطولتين التاسعة والعاشرة كنت أفضل لاعب في النهائيين وسجلت هدفًا في كل مباراة، ولم يكن وقتها توجد حفلات لجائزة أفضل لاعب، بسبب كورونا، وكنت أستحق التواجد في العامين كأفضل لاعب داخل قارة إفريقيا”.

وقال أفشة عن رفيقه في الفريق إمام عاشور: “يلعب كرة جيدة ويجيد اللعب تحت ضغط، وهو أحسن رقم 8 في مصر مثل عمرو السولية، وانضمامه للأهلي لم يؤثر على مشاركتي، بل على العكس، إذا لعبنا معًا سنقدم أداء أفضل، لكن الأمر يعود للجهاز الفني”.

وأردف: “أمنية حياتي كانت أن نلعب كأس العالم للأندية، ونفوز به، وكنت أقول لنفسي إذا حصلنا على كأس العالم سأطلب الرحيل من الأهلي، لأنه بماذا سأفوز بعد ذلك، أنا الآن أتمنى أن أحصد بطولات إفريقية كثيرة، أتمنى أن أحصل على 40 بطولة وأتخطى حسام عاشور، أنا أسعى”.

Liverpool may have 'admiration' towards Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Renato Sanches, though it is unclear whether they will pursue him this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Renato Sanches?

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are said to be 'closely monitoring' the situation of Sanches ahead of potentially initiating a swoop this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be keen on carrying out a squad rebuild in the upcoming off-season and the 25-year-old is a potential candidate to make way for new arrivals.

90min have also backed up reports that Sanches may be set to seek a new challenge, claiming that Liverpool, Aston Villa Newcastle, Tottenham and Wolverhampton Wanderers 'appreciate' the midfielder and are keeping an eye on developments alongside Serie A giants AC Milan.

The former Swansea City ace has made 22 appearances for his current employers this campaign in all competitions scoring on two occasions, as per Transfermarkt.

Capology understand that Sanches earns around €124,615 (109,540) per week on his contract at the Parc des Princes on a contract that runs until June 2027.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones hasn't had confirmation of Liverpool's interest in the midfielder and thinks we may need to wait until the summer to find out the Reds' preferred targets.

Jones told FFC: "I don't know that this is exactly the fix and the fit that Liverpool are looking for right now. There may be admiration there; he's obviously a player that's always had pedigree since he was very young in the game; people have been aware of his talent. I haven't had it confirmed that he is one they're looking to prioritise as we get into the window. At the moment, I think we'll just have to ease off on getting too excited about it."

Would Renato Sanches be a good signing for Liverpool?

Sanches is neat and tidy on the ball and would add some additional composure in the middle of the park at Anfield if he were to seal a move to Liverpool.

As per WhoScored, Sanches has maintained a passing accuracy of 92.2% for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions, demonstrating his ability to rotate the ball effectively and rarely cede possession.

FBRef show that the Amadora-born man has also successfully carried out 45 progressive passes in Ligue 1 this term, illustrating his capacity to advance attacking phases of play efficiently.

Nevertheless, Sanches has flattered to deceive at times during his career at the elite level and there would be questions as to whether he could handle the burden of Liverpool's high-octane style of play.

Only time will tell regarding whether the Portugal international pitches up at Anfield this summer as Reds boss Jurgen Klopp looks to enact a squad refresh.

نفى المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، كارلو أنشيلوتي، أن يكون الدافع في مباراة برشلونة غدًا في نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني هو الانتقام.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في ملعب “الأول بارك” في العاصمة السعودية “الرياض” بتمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

وكان برشلونة قد فاز باللقب على حساب ريال مدريد في العام الماضي، وهناك من وصف تلك المباراة بالانتقامية بالنسبة للملكي والمدرب الإيطالي.

اقرأ ايضًا.. سبورت توضح موقف كانسيلو من خوض مباراة ريال مدريد في نهائي السوبر الإسباني

وتحدث أنشيلوتي في مؤتمره الصحفي قبل المباراة، وقال: “نحن لا نخوض تلك المباراة بدافع الانتقام، بل نخرج بكامل قوتنا لأن الفوز هو شعار هذا الفريق، لا يوجد انتقام، برشلونة منافس نحترمه كثيرًا لأنه هزمنا”.

وأضاف: “هذه مباراة مهمة ولكنها ستنتهي بمجرد صافرة الحكم النهائية، الكلاسيكو مواجهة متكافئة دائمًا رغم أننا أثبتنا أننا أفضل قليلًا في المباريات الأخيرة والتفاصيل الصغيرة ستحسم مباراة الغد”.

وعن الفوز في الكلاسيكو الأخير في منتجويك: “لم نكن الأفضل ولكننا فزنا في النهاية، برشلونة تفوق في أول 70 دقيقة ولكننا حللنا اللقاء جيدًا قبل مباراة الغد”.

وعاد أنشيلوتي وأثار التكهنات حول حارس المرمى الأساسي أمام برشلونة، وقال: “لقد تعاقدنا مع كيبا عند إصابة كورتوا، لكن لونين يستحق البدء أساسيًا أيضًا، ولذلك لم أحسم بعد من سيكون الحارس”.

ومواجهة تشافي: “يقوم بعمل رائع مع برشلونة، ليس لديه الخبرة التي امتلكها، لكن مسيرته جيدة جدًا وهو ما ساعده أن يكون أفضل لاعب خط الوسط في العالم”.

وعن إمكانية التساوي مع زيدان في عدد الألقاب كمدرب مع ريال مدريد: “زيزو أفضل لاعب رأيته في التدريبات، كان يفعل أشياء لا تصدق، لقد ساعدني كمدرب مساعد فهو يعرف النادي جيدًا”.

واستمر: “أنا راضٍ جدًا وسعيد للغاية، لكن الألقاب تبقى من الماضي، الشيء المهم هو المستقبل، بغض النظر عما سيحدث”.

وعن صافرات الاستهجان ضد توني كروس من الجماهير السعودية: “لن يتأثر بها”.

Jake Ball has clocked up nearly 600 miles switching from his Test call-up from England to a couple of days county cricket at the Ageas Bowl – and there might not even be a Test debut at the end of it

Vithushan Ehantharajah at the Ageas Bowl22-May-2016
ScorecardJake Ball joins an England fielding session after his call up at Headingley•Getty Images

The county summer is entering that period when players jump from one format to another, from one side of the country to another, via coach or carpool. Dubbed “silly season” by some, the next 30 days sees the NatWest T20 Blast and the Royal London Cup fight for schedule space with the County Championship which will take a two weeks hiatus at the beginning of June.Nottinghamshire, for example, played a Friday night T20 in Birmingham before coming down to the Ageas Bowl for their four-day tussle with Hampshire. Jake Ball, however, has notched a few more miles on the clock.Released from his maiden England squad after day two of the first Test, Ball was given permission to play in the first two days of this match, at which point he will make his way from Southampton to Durham (he is expected to be replaced in the Notts side for Brett Hutton). The roundtrip, from Test to Test, will be 576 miles.Even then, all that travelling might only result in a second “thanks but no thanks” in the space of a week. Still, as a Test hopeful, he is more than happy to do it all again and make The Proclaimers look like slackers in the process.On today’s evidence, it looked like he took plenty of breaks on the way down – maybe even a few dynamic stretches at Winchester Services to get going before the Ageas came in view.Bounding in from the Pavilion End like a returning hero charging back through the city gates, his opening delivery – the very first of the match – beat Michael Carberry’s outside edge. Two balls later, that same edge was found only for Chris Read to drop the chance, diving full stretch to his left. Only in hindsight can you say it could have been left to first slip, such was the movement of the ball in the last few feet before it clanged into Read’s gloves.Ball would eventually get his man, changing his angle from around the wicket and enticing a drive from Carberry, who had reeled himself in for 19 off 58 deliveries up until that point. He had the number of both of the hosts’ opening southpaws. One of the more noticeable aspects of Ball’s game is his ability to move the ball away and into a left-hander, from both around and over the wicket.Jimmy Adams in particular was caused a great deal of discomfort: when he wasn’t playing and missing on a spicy track, he was taking all sorts of blows to the glove and torso. His innings of 30 from 79 deliveries was reminiscent of the opening scene of Robocop.Hampshire, sitting bottom of Division One, have been ravaged by injuries and had to dip into the free agency and Kolpak markets. Two of their walking wounded, Reece Topley and Chris Wood, used the delay of the late afternoon downpour to check out the new media centre.They would be mistaken for thinking it was safer haven for staff up there: even the club’s press officer is facing a period on the sidelines having worn a yorker on the toe in a local league match. Somewhere beneath the Ageas Bowl sits an ancient Indian burial ground filled with deceased black cats.Sean Ervine, too, was sent limping to square leg after jabbing a Harry Gurney yorker onto the top of his foot. His pre-lunch walk to the crease was instigated by a fine spell by Luke Fletcher, who was rewarded by his persistence with the wickets of Adams (caught and bowled) and Liam Dawson (lbw, walking across his stumps) in successive balls.However, for all the feeling of an innings collapse, the rain delays – the first seeing no play at all in the afternoon session, the second breaking up a long evening – and an unbeaten partnership of 65 between Ervine and 20-year-old Tom Alsop sees Hampshire in a healthier state. Ervine got by on experience and, when dropped on 26 by Dan Christian at third slip off Gurney, compounded Notts’ misery by smashing a four through point the very next ball.By contrast, Alsop played with the freedom of a youngster coming in at number six: punching straight and square of the wicket for a relatively sprightly 32. Early on in his innings, he nearly rearranged Ball’s teeth with an uppish drive down the ground for two. As much as those at the ECB rate the Mansfield-born quick, he might have had trouble claiming a trip to the dentist as part of his fuel allowance.