Duff grabs headlines as season ends in Scotland and England
Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff grabbed some unwanted headlines on Sunday as the English and Scottish League seasons finished up. The Dubliner scored the only goal of the game – an own goal – as Newcastle fell to defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Going into the game, Newcastle knew at the very least they had to avoid defeat to have any chance of staying in England’s Premier League. It is the second time in his career that Duff has suffered relegation and a predicted clear out at Saint James’ Park in the summer could well include the winger.
Elsewhere, in the relegation dogfight, Hull City – including Kevin Kilbane and substitute Caleb Folan – narrowly avoided the drop despite losing to a second string Manchester United side.
However, making his first ever league start for Man Utd, Darron Gibson netted a wonder strike from 35 yards – the only goal of the game – giving manager Alex Ferguson something to think about for next season.
Sunderland, another side that at least had major Irish influence, also avoided the drop to the Championship – despite losing. The Black Cats suffered a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea but a new manager will now take the reigns of a side which stays in the top flight. Andy Reid and Daryl Murphy made appearances from the bench with Reid setting up Sunderland’s second goal. Nicky Colgan and Paul McShane were also on the bench but didn’t see any action.
In Scotland, Glasgow Celtic lost out to city rivals Rangers on the last day. Needing a win and then hoping for a favour from Dundee United against Rangers, Celtic could only manage a scoreless draw and one wonders if Irish winger Aiden McGeady may now look for pastures new after a rocky relationship with manager Gordon Strachan. Darren O’Dea made his tenth league appearance of the season for Celtic which made him eligible for a winner’s medal but unfortunately for him, Celtic’s faltering end to the season cost them dearly.
In England’s promotion race, Joe Murphy and Cliff Byrne were part of the Scunthorpe United side which reached the Championship with a 3-2 play off final win over a Millwall side which included David Forde at Wembley on Sunday.
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