With the Irish League title almost certainly gone and, following their elimination from the Irish Cup, the Blues may have to rely on the BetMcLean Cup for a possible route to European football

Linfield came back off the ropes following their shock Irish Cup exit at their weekend with an impressive win over Rodney McAree’s Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.

Goals from Matthew Fitzpatrick, who bagged a sensational treble, skipper Kyle McClean and substitutes Isaac Baird and Sean Brown helped lift the gloom that has hovered over David Healy’s team.

The reality is, with the Irish League title almost certainly prised from their grasp and, following their elimination from the Irish Cup, the Blues may have to rely on the BetMcLean Cup for a possible route to European football.

They face Glentoran in next month’s showcase final, with the winners guaranteed a slot in the end-of-season Euro Play-off Final.

At least their fans at last had something to smile about last night.

It was the Swifts who had the first sniff at goal after only five minutes. Kealan Dillon slipped a clever pass to Adam Glenny on the left channel, and his shot was superbly saved by Chris Johns at the near post.

Linfield retaliated with Fitzpatrick picking out Samy Taylor at the back post, only to see his rasping left-footed drive whacked off the goal line by Steven Scott.

The Swifts threatened again with Leo Alves tricking his way past Ben Hall, but his finishing shot fizzed high and wide.

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Linfield’s Ethan McGee had a glorious chance to break the deadlock on 16 minutes when he met a Kirk Millar corner, but his downward header crashed off the surface and over the crossbar.

Healy’s men finally forged ahead four minutes later. McGee’s penetrating run sliced open the Swifts defence and he found Fitzpatrick, his shot arrowed into the bottom corner.

Dungannon responded in a positive manner with Dillon sending in a fierce drive from 30-yards that had Johns clawing out of the bottom corner.

The action quickly switched to the other end. Fitzpatrick sent Millar charging through the middle and, just when he was about to pull the trigger, Glenny came in with a goal saving block.

Swifts goalkeeper Declan Dunne then produced a wonder save to keep out a stinging Josh Archer drive, the ball spinning agonisingly for a corner kick.

But the Blues were not to be denied. They nicked a second three minutes before the interval when Adam Frizzell’s cutback from the left found McClean, who shot low and hard past Dunne.

Linfield were out of sight on 62 minutes with Baird gobbled up the third.

He was only on the pitch for 90 seconds when he latched on to a McGee cross and he thundered the ball home from close range.

Fitzpatrick then produced a classy finish to a Darragh Leahy cross 15 minutes from time, his deft little back flick, creeping past Dunne.

And, he done it again with three minutes left. Again, Leahy was the provider and this time the former Glenavon man flicked home with the outside of his boot.

Substitute Sean Brown put the icing on the cake with practically the final kick, thundering home a Charlie Allen pass.

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Skatefest 2026 will take over Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale on Saturday, May 23, running from 10am to 4pm with a packed programme of activities.

The free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and aims to celebrate skateboarding while supporting the long-term regeneration of the skatepark.

Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale (Image: Supplied)

Ryan Swain, a community advocate and lead organiser, said: “This is about community coming together.

“Working alongside the Manthorpe Play Park Committee, we wanted to create a free event that celebrates skate culture while also giving something lasting back to the village.

“The skatepark is a brilliant space and this is about helping rejuvenate it, inspire pride in it, and make it somewhere young people feel excited to be.”

Skatefest is a collaboration between the Manthorpe Play Park Committee and Ryedale Skate School.

Skatefest 2026 will take over Manthorpe Park Skatepark in Thornton-le-Dale (Image: Supplied)

Organisers describe Skatefest as a community culture festival, aiming to bring together families, young people, creatives, and residents.

The skatepark, which opened in February 2001, marks its 25th anniversary this year.

New graffiti and street art features will be added to the skatepark wall as part of the wider improvement project.

These will be created voluntarily by artist Ben Walgate, known professionally as Moni Graffiti Art.

Skatefest 2026 (Image: Supplied)

The artwork is intended to give the park “a more inspiring, welcoming environment for young people and the wider community.”

The wall is also being restructured thanks to funding from Matthewsons.

The Skatefest line-up will include live music from bands and DJs such as Lukey-G, Swag, Ryan Swain, Charlie Boy Sings, Strawb, and Callum Russell.

There will also be skate competitions with prizes for best tricks and best runs, as well as free learn-to-skate sessions led by Ryedale Skate School.

Artisan stalls, food vendors, and live street art and graffiti demonstrations will further add to the festival atmosphere.

Organisers say additional activities and announcements will follow.

The event is one of two free community skatepark gatherings planned for the year across Ryedale, with details of the second still to be announced.

Organisers are calling on performers, traders, sponsors, and community partners to get involved.

Enquiries, participation requests, and sponsorship opportunities can be directed to ryedaleskateschool@gmail.com.

The Invermen led the game early on thanks to Paul O’Neill’s penalty, but two goals either side of half-time from Pat Hohan turned the contest on its head before more late drama

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Andy Ryan’s 94th minute leveller to make it 2-2 saw Larne rescue a huge point in their top of the table clash with Glentoran at a rain-lashed Inver Park.

The Invermen led the game early on thanks to Paul O’Neill’s penalty, but two goals either side of half-time from Pat Hohan turned the contest on its head as it looked like the visitors were going to eat into the Invermen’s handsome lead at the top.

However, Andy Ryan scored the rebound after his own penalty was saved in stoppage time to keep Declan Devine’s men at arm’s length. Hoban was sent off while the Glens also had Ryan Cooney red carded after the final whistle.

“It was an outstanding performance by us, a horrendous performance from the officials,” fumed Glens boss Declan Devine afterwards. “Andy Mills, it looks a penalty initially but he gets the first touch.

“There is no handball in the second one (goal). And if Pat Hoban’s is a sending off, where a man’s grabbing him and he pushes his hand away, then I don’t know the game any more.

“I’m so angry. The decisions that have went against us tonight were diabolical and I’m not surprised. That’s the bottom line, I’m not surprised.

“When a referee is telling the first team coach at half-time that he knows more about the game than you, then that sort of sets up the arrogance of it all. It’s not acceptable when there’s so much at stake. I have to be careful, because it’s just not acceptable.

“I’m absolutely proud of the players, we took the game to them. The game is defined on fine margins, we defended our box really well. There’s a lot of football to be played, the players have showed they can go toe to toe with everybody.

“Then to send Ryan Cooney off after the game, it just puts the icing on the cake for them. I’m sure they’ll be happy tomorrow. Tonight’s just raw.”

Elsewhere, Coleraine’s late winner against Portadown did see the Bannsiders reduced the lead to six points, although Gary Haveron’s Larne enjoy a game in hand.

The game sparked into life on 17 minutes when a lofted ball from Chris Gallagher inside his own half allowed Paul O’Neill a clear run on goal.

He got to the ball first with Andrew Mills in the Glentoran goal taking out the striker, picking up a knock in the process.

After a two-minute delay for treatment, O’Neill dusted himself down to slot the penalty home down the middle despite Mills getting a hand to it.

A large slice of fortune helped to Glentoran draw level two minutes before the break.

Paul O’Neill’s pass was intercepted and it allowed Glens’ skipper Marcus Kane to drive forward and let fly from 35 yards, with his effort taking a large deflection off Pat Hohan to wrongfoot Rohan Ferguson.

It set up the second half nicely for Glentoran, who were now just potentially a goal away from the result they needed.

As the game swung from one end to the other it was Glentoran who got their noses in front on 49 minutes.

James Singleton had an age to cross from the left flank and he produced a superb ball to the back post for Pat Hoban to cushion a lovely finish into the roof of Ferguson’s goal much to the delight of the Glentoran fans just behind the goal.

Glentoran really had their tails at up at this point and home boss Haveron responded by making four changes in one fell swoop midway through the half.

Within a minute of the changes, however, the Glens had a chance to extend their lead, but James Singleton crashed an effort from a throw-in off the base of Ferguson’s left-hand post.

It was an action-packed final quarter to the game Larne had a Ryan effort cleared off the line with strong appeals for a penalty from the home side.

From the resulting corner, the league’s leading goalscorer Hoban was sent off for an off-the-ball altercation with Andy Ryan.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Glentoran sub Jordan Jenkins broke the offside trap, but could only fire straight at Rohan Ferguson with defender Matt Ridley bearing down on him.

The biggest moment of the game came in stoppage time when Ryan was first to react to Mills’ save and there was worse to come for the Glens when Ryan Cooney was sent off after the full-time whistle for something said to referee Shane Andrews.

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Dr Katerina Steventon, from Beverley, will lead the 10th annual anti-ageing skin care conference.

The event will be held at the Royal College of Physicians in London on June 23 and 24.

Dr Steventon said: “With a focus on the biology of skin ageing, new technologies, efficacy testing, and future trends, this event is one of the only in the beauty industry calendar that provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration.

“It is a pleasure to bring together an event dedicated to advancing knowledge and inspiring discussion around Systems Biology and Skin Ageing.”

The conference will feature talks from experts on the skin microbiome, the brain–gut–skin connection, emerging consumer trends, and longevity skincare.

Dr Steventon has assembled a line-up of speakers from leading companies, including L’Oreal, Boots No7 Company, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble.

She added: “This leading international event will explore the science of healthy skin ageing, longevity, and functional skincare innovation.”

Dr Steventon is known for her work in psychodermatology and facial skincare and touch therapy.

Early bird tickets are priced at £1,150.

Visit https://hpcimedia.com/anti-ageing/ for more information.

TikTok users reveal how to switch to better seats on Ryanair flights without paying extra fees using the airline’s manage booking feature

Ryanair passengers have uncovered a simple hack that could significantly improve your in-flight comfort without spending a penny. The secret? Changing seats at the last minute.

It’s among those savvy strategies that seasoned travellers swear by. If your original reservation landed you in a middle seat or cramped spot, this trick could bag you a window, aisle, or a place with more legroom. All without shelling out for an upgrade.

The hack was shared by LivCityTravels in a TikTok clip, and it’s garnered substantial interest across social media. At the time of writing, the 13-second video has racked up over 50,000 likes, 21,000 favourites, and an impressive 12,500 shares.

It says all you need to do is the following:

1. Open the Ryanair app
2. Click on ‘Manage Booking’
3. Click on ‘Add Extras’
4. Click on ‘Add or Change Seats’
5. Rows of unallocated seats will appear, choose one you fancy and it’s yours

The approach capitalises on how Ryanair releases unallocated seats. As travellers check in and pick seats earlier in the day, some positions remain available.

By waiting until the final hours before departure, you can often snag superior spots that weren’t available when you initially booked.

While this tip won’t secure you an entire row or a seat with endless legroom, it can significantly improve your flight experience – and all it takes is a few taps on your mobile.

TikTok users have been quick to share their reactions to the revelation in the comments.

“This works up to three hours before boarding,” one person disclosed. “Also, don’t try this in the first six rows or the last three rows when the flight is half full.”

Another confessed: “I have done this three times and it’s always worked.” A third user pleaded: “Don’t tell anybody!” However, there was a word of warning: “Only works until too many people decide to do it”.

So, the next time you’re getting ready to board, it might be worth giving the app one last look. With a bit of good timing, you could turn a cramped middle seat into a spacious, comfortable journey – without having to part with any extra cash.

LK Bennett currently operates a concession at John Lewis in the Trafford Centre, alongside nine standalone stores and 13 concessions across the UK and Ireland.

The retailer has been acquired by US investment firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland.

However, the deal did not include LK Bennett’s physical stores or concessions.

Administrators have confirmed that the outlets will continue trading for up to three months, with all remaining stores and concessions expected to close by spring 2026, likely around April.

A statement published on the LK Bennett website said: “John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of LK Bennett Fashion Limited on 27 January 2026 pursuant to paragraph 22 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986.

“Immediately following their appointment, the LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property were sold to LKB IP Holdings, LLC, a Gordon Brothers-affiliated entity.

“The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the administration.

“Online sales via the LK Bennett website continue for the foreseeable future.”

The closures could lead to up to 89 redundancies, according to retail trade publication Drapers.

LK Bennett employs around 145 staff across the UK and Ireland, with 89 roles linked to its store and concession estate.

Founded in London in 1990 by Linda Bennett, the brand rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s and became a favourite of the Princess of Wales, contributing to its reputation as a premium British fashion label.

Shoppers in Trafford and across Greater Manchester will still be able to visit the John Lewis concession in the short term, but it is expected to close permanently once the administration trading period ends.

Carrick’s initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The ones against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems that had to be solved.

Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, the end outcome is United are fourth, with a handy, but by no means pivotal, advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return, something few could visualise in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal following the draw at Leeds on 4 January.

“We know how hard it is to put a run together in this league,” said Carrick, whose side are now unbeaten in nine league games, which spanned three managers, including initial interim Darren Fletcher.

“Sometimes it comes naturally, it flows and everything clicks. You look really dangerous and there’s a spark. Sometimes it’s a little bit stodgy.”

The question being asked of Carrick is whether his side can deliver winning performances against opposition they are expected to beat.

Many felt West Ham were in that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were aiming for their fourth win in five league games and they had led Chelsea 2-0 in the one that got away.

Carrick did not manage a victory.

What he did do was take a risk to try and get something from a game that appeared lost.

When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Amorim’s only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time.

His last change was one defender, Lisandro Martinez, for another, Luke Shaw. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young forward Shea Lacey remained on the bench.

At London Stadium, Carrick gambled. Not so much with Sesko, who replaced Matheus Cunha, who had been ineffective, a charge that could be levelled at all United’s attacking players on this occasion.

It was through his introduction of Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time where the risk and reward element came.

Carrick switched to a back three and pushed men forward.

He knew there was a chance of conceding a second. It didn’t happen, thanks to two superb saving tackles from another substitute, Leny Yoro, and a Senne Lammens save.

It meant as the clocked ticked past five minutes of injury-time played of the seven added, Carrick’s side still had a chance. Sesko’s brilliant finish ensured they did not head home empty handed.

“It’s always worth it to try and get something out of the game,” said Carrick of his substitution.

“We all want the perfect kind of performance, to be the best we can be.

“Sometimes it doesn’t quite happen, but it doesn’t mean you give up.

“Obviously we went for it, with three at the back and the rest all attacking basically to try and find that goal. That’s the way we should do it.”

It’s an attitude straight out of the Sir Alex Ferguson playbook. He was always prepared to gamble in order to get a desired outcome and felt it was why he enjoyed so many late successes in his stellar career.

An 87th-minute winner against Arsenal, a 90th-minute winner against Fulham, and now a 95th-minute equaliser against West Ham.

Carrick is pleased with 13 points out of 15 from his first block of games.

As he regroups before the next run of three matches, he will be just as delighted at the spirit and never-say-die attitude that helped to get them.

Emergency services were called to the major road near Osmotherley on Tuesday (February 10) after the lorry set on fire around 3.15pm.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets to douse the flames at the cab, while the trailer of the wagon remained in tact.

Two crews from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended alongside North Yorkshire Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The road was closed on both sides of the carriageway, sparking severe delays north and south. Traffic was released on both sides just before 5pm.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service has confirmed it attended but nobody required any medical assistance. 

A spokesperson said: “An ambulance crew came across an incident on the A19 near Osmotherley around 3.25pm on Tuesday afternoon, but no-one required medical assistance.”

The Derbyshire village decided on a voluntary quarantine in 1665 to stop the deadly disease spreading further

Tucked away in the Derbyshire countryside lies a charming village, rich in history and often referred to by visitors as a true “hidden gem”.

But the quaint cottage-filled village of Eyam hides a much darker past. During the horrifyingly dark days of the Great Plague in the 1600s, when the entire country was in chaos, the villagers of Eyam chose to defy convention.

Across Britain, people were abandoning their homes in a desperate bid to flee from infection. However, when the plague reached Eyam in August 1665, the villagers resolved to do the opposite and stay put.

It’s believed the disease was introduced to the village through a parcel of cloths, transported from London to a local tailor. The tailor’s assistant died a few days after airing the damp cloth, and the disease rapidly spread throughout the village.

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In a collective decision, the villagers opted for voluntary quarantine, believing that fleeing would only spread the plague further across the region. The rules were stringent – no one was to leave or enter the village – a policy that persisted for a gruelling 14 months.

Despite these measures, the village suffered a significant loss of life, with an estimated 260 losing their lives to the terrible illness, decimating a substantial portion of its population.

In fact, it’s reported that one villager tragically had to bury six of her children and her husband within a mere eight-day period.

Visitors can now discover the village’s importance during this dark period at Eyam Museum, which serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the area. Numerous sites across the village share poignant stories connected to the plague and its devastating impact.

A recent visitor described the venue as a “hidden gem”. Another wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really enjoyed our visit to the Eyam Museum. Staff were welcoming and friendly.

“Lots to see within the museum despite it being quite small; a good variation of visual displays about the Plague and also the history of the residents of Eyam. We’d certainly recommend a visit.”

Meanwhile, one person shared: “This museum was really interesting- much better than expected from a small museum! The history is fascinating and very well laid out – they manage to bring it to life by the stories of the individuals and families who both survived and died.”

The village is also home to Eyam Hall and Courtyard, a manor house from the 17th century featuring magnificent gardens alongside a venue to shop and dine at Bloom Bar and Grill.

Following a visit, someone said: “A beautiful venue for a wedding! Such a gorgeous, peaceful village with stunning surroundings and grounds. This made for an incredibly memorable evening.”

Where to eat and drink

Following a visit to the cafe on the premises, another individual said: “We dropped into Bloom looking for a light lunch.

“We settled for a coffee and a Margarita pizza, which definitely exceeded expectations – my friend said it was the best pizza she had ever tasted. Service was attentive, and the ambiance was calm and peaceful.”

If you fancy something stronger, The Miner’s Arms in the heart of the village is cosy pub serving lunch Thursday through to Sunday and evening meals Monday to Saturday.