Changing room chat: Joh Hughes | Barry Robson

Published on 18/02/2013 00:50

JOHN Hughes was given a massive boost in his bid to steer Hartlepool United away from relegation when two goals in the last three minutes lifted his side off the foot of League One as they snatched a 2-1 win at home to Leyton Orient.

After Peter Hartley and Luke James’ dramatic late strikes extended Hartlepool’s unbeaten run to five, former Hibs manager Hughes said: “We know the task in front of us and we won’t get carried away, but I’ve said to the players to go and enjoy the sweet taste of victory.”

Robson hits home in first match back in UK

FORMER Celtic midfielder Barry Robson was praised after his winning debut for new club Sheffield United.

The Scotland international midfielder, released by Vancouver Whitecaps last month, netted in the 3-0 victory over Colchester at Bramall Lane.

Robson opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he was brought down by former Celtic team-mate Josh Thompson as he raced into the penalty-box. The 34-year-old took the spot-kick and hammered it home. Kevin McDonald and Dave Kitson completed the scoring.

Napoli’s Hamsik robbed at gunpoint after draw

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik was held up at gunpoint as he left the Stadio San Paolo following the Serie A club’s goalless draw against Sampdoria yesterday. A report on Napoli’s official radio station said that the Slovakian was on his way to the city’s Capodichino airport. Two individuals were reported to have stopped his car, smashed one of the windows and, after waving a gun in the 25-year-old’s face, made off with his watch and other valuables, before police arrived.

Rangers reserves look to seal league title

RANGERS could clinch a first SFL league title in 15 years on home soil tonight after Queen’s Park agreed to move their Reserve League meeting to Ibrox. A win would give Rangers their first SFL trophy since quitting the Hampden body to help form the SPL in 1998. The Ibrox second string sit three points and two goals ahead of the Spiders as both sides enter their final game of the season and a win for Rangers would also end the interest of second-placed Morton, who sit one point behind with one game to play.

Cash–strapped Pars to sell 25% of club to fans

Dunfermline will launch their share issue on Wednesday as the cash-strapped Fifers seek to raise the £300,000 required to survive until the end of the season. If fully subscribed, the scheme will see a stake of about 25 per cent handed over to fans, while three supporters will be handed a place on the club’s board of directors. The Pars, who have debts of more than £8 million owed to past and present directors, hope to raise at least £300,000, but the windfall could rise to £500,000 if fans snap up the maximum amount of available shares.