Sunday
A struggling Everton side included Seamus Coleman in their starting eleven for the one nil defeat by visitors Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Southampton included Will Smallbone in their starting eleven but he was withdrawn at half-time while Shane Long was introduced from the bench in added time as the ‘Saints’ suffered a two one defeat by Watford at St Mary’s Stadium.
There was a noon kick-off for the Championship meeting of Luton Town and QPR at Kenilworth Road where the visitors included Jimmy Dunne and loanee Jeff Hendrick in their starting eleven. The hosts dominated much of the match and took a first half lead but the ‘R’s scored twice late on for victory. Hendrick was largely innocuous and withdrawn on 74 minutes.
The Scottish Cup quarter-final saw Motherwell go down to a two one defeat at Fir Park by Hibernian where Jake Carroll and Ross Tierney were unused on their substitute bench while Jake Doyle-Hayes missed out for the victors through injury.
Midfielder Josh Cullen was in action with RSC Anderlecht who leapfrogged visitors Royal Antwerp into third place in the Belgian First Division with a two one victory.
Saturday
Struggling Brighton & Hove Albion named Shane Duffy on their substitute bench for their two nil Premier League defeat by visitors Liverpool and substitute Caoimhin Kelleher early on Saturday afternoon. Burnley included Nathan Collins in their starting eleven with Kevin Long unused on their bench for their two nil defeat at Brentford where Collins was dismissed in added time following his concession of the penalty which led to the second goal. Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur and Matt Doherty by three goals to two in the late kick-off at Old Trafford.
Birmingham City included Scott Hogan on their bench for their Championship draw with visitors Hull City and Sean McLoughlin. Blackburn Rovers included Darragh Lenihan in their side with James Browne unused on the bench as they suffered an added time defeat by visitors Bristol City at Ewood Park. Swansea City were without the suspended Ryan Manning for their one nil defeat at Blackpool where Michael Obafemi and loanee Cyrus Christie were in their starting eleven. Mark Travers was in action for AFC Bournemouth who defeated visitors Derby County by two goals to nil. Young Eiran Cashin started for the ‘Rams’ with Jason Knight and Festy Ebosele introduced from the bench during the second half. Mark McGuinness started for Cardiff City while Joel Bagan was a late substitute in their scoreless draw with visitors Preston North End and Alan Browne. Coventry City defeated Sheffield United by four goals to one with John Egan and loanee Conor Hourihane both in the ‘Blades’ starting eleven. Millwall and Danny McNamara played out a scoreless draw with Middlesbrough and their loanee Aaron Connolly at the New Den. Peterborough United included Jack Taylor in their side for their two all draw with visitors Stoke City and goalkeeper Jack Bonham.
In League One, loanee Mipo Odubeko was in the Doncaster Rovers side which lost to the only goal from visitors Gillingham. Ipswich Town played out a scoreless draw with visitors Portsmouth and their Irish ensemble comprising loanees Gavin Bazunu and Aiden O’Brien together with Ronan Curtis and Sean Raggett. In form MK Dons included Warren O’Hora together with loanees Conor Coventry and Troy Parrott in their side for their one all draw with fellow promotion rivals Wigan Athletic for whom Will Keane started with Jamie McGrath on the bench while James McClean was suspended. Shrewsbury Town went down to a two one defeat by visitors Oxford United who included Mark Sykes and Luke McNally in their starting eleven. Sunderland and Dennis Cirkin secured a two nil victory over Crewe Alexandra at the Stadium of Light. Two further promotion contenders, Wycombe Wanderers and current leaders Rotherham United met at Adams Park where wide men Daryl Horgan and Chiedoze Ogbene were in opposition with Joshua Kayode unused on the visitors bench as the contest finished scoreless.
Crystal Palace loanee Jake O’Brien was in League Two action with Swindon Town who scored an added time goal to defeat Oldham Athletic at the County Ground.
The Scottish Cup quarter-final tie between Heart of Midlothian and St Mirren went the way of the hosts by four goals to two at Tynecastle this evening. Aaron McEneff was a 67th minute substitute for the hosts and scored immediately following his introduction while Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Connor Ronan who scored another stunning goal was joined in the visiting side by Joe Shaughnessy, Charles Dunne and Alan Power.