Daniel Farke congratulated Chelsea and singled out Robert Sanchez for special praise his Leeds side missed out on a place in this year’s final with a 1-0 defeat at Wembley.

Enzo Fernandez headed Pedro Neto’s cross beyond Lucas Perri to open the scoring in the 23rd minute and the Argentine’s early breakthrough proved decisive, with Leeds coming up short in search of an equaliser in the capital.

Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both squandered golden opportunities to make it all square as Sanchez stood strong after what has been a difficult season for the error-prone Chelsea goalkeeper.

And while Leeds threatened to take the tie to extra-time in the closing stages, the Blues held firm to advance through to the FA Cup final for the 17th time in the competition’s history.

Calum McFarlane, who took over the reins on an interim basis after Liam Rosenior’s sacking at Chelsea, will steer the club into this year’s showpiece against Manchester City on May 16.

The west London giants are aiming to lift the trophy for a ninth time, having last triumphed under Antonio Conte back in 2018.

‘First of all, congratulations to Chelsea for making their way through to the final,’ Leeds head coach Farke told TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle.

‘I think it’s fair to say it was a very tight game. If you have a look at the statistics, we had more expected goals, more shots, more shots on target, more big chances missed.

‘It could go in both directions but it’s also fair to say that we were not at our free-flowing best today, especially in the first half.

‘It’s not that we were played off the park but we made one or two unnecessary mistakes in the build-up, a bit clumsy, and gave more or less the only situation where Chelsea had a chance.’

Farke highlighted Sanchez’s assured display between the sticks for Chelsea, with the Spaniard proving a thorn in Leeds’ side in the second period.

‘We had the first chance to score, a big chance, and it was a good save from their goalkeeper as well,’ the German added.

‘Second half, we tried everything, we changed our base formation and brought more offensive-thinking players in. We went a bit more men-against-men, also from the start were dominant.

‘The goalkeeper again, there were good saves against Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

‘Our set-piece deliveries and crosses were not that precise, like in the last few weeks, and were not that free-flowing in and around the opposition box so we didn’t create enough clear-cut chances. This is what we can criticise.’

According to Farke, Leeds’ players had displayed signs of ‘nervousness’ across the 90 minutes.

‘Perhaps you could feel a bit that the lads were a bit nervous. So much was made out of this game and we were not at our very best today,’ he explained.

‘But yeah, it’s football. In tight games, the team defends a bit more concentrated wins the game and this was today Chelsea and for that, congratulations to them.’

Asked if the occasion had perhaps affected his players, Farke replied: ‘Yes, of course.

‘The players are not used to play always on a Champions League-level. So much of made of it being the first game in four decades.

‘Yes, of course it’s difficult. The commitment was there, the effort was there.

‘We were competitive and also had our chances, but it was perhaps that we were a bit nervous in possession to create more and dominate the game.’

More to follow.

MORE: Who is Calum McFarlane? Chelsea interim manager in charge for the rest of the season

MORE: Chelsea make transfer decision as Premier League club target Nicolas Jackson

MORE: Antoine Semenyo out of Man City squad as Pep Guardiola explains FA Cup selection

Arsenal: van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Russo, Little, Caldentey, Smith, Blackstenius, Foord. 

Subs: Votikova, Borbe, Codina, Maanum, Pelova, Hinds, Holmberg, Harwood. 

Lyon: Endler, Lawrence, Renard, Engen, Svava, Albert, Horan, Yohannes, Diani, Hegerberg, Brand. 

Subs: Belhadj, Bacha, Junttila-Nelhage, Dumornay, Becho, Katoto, Egurrola, Fathallah, Sombath, Chawinga, Benyahia, Tarciane Karen.

Police and fire were called to Chew Brook Drive, Greenfield just before noon, and the discovery meant a cricket match had to be cancelled nearby.

A large police presence was called (Image: Phil Taylor)

Police say that following an assessment Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, several items have been safely removed from a house.

They have now been sent away for further analysis.

Some residents were asked to leave their properties after a cordon was put in place, police say, for the safety of the public.

Officers on the scene (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

As of around 6pm on Sunday evening officers were still on the scene, but people could move freely too and from their homes.

Chief Inspector Ian Partington said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience and co-operation today while we carried out our investigations alongside partners at the EOD and the fire service.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:

“At just before 12pm today (Sunday 26 April) fire crews were called to support Greater Manchester Police on Chew Brook Drive, Greenfield.

“Fire engines from Chadderton, Hollins and Mossley attended, along with specialist officers and technical rescue units. A cordon was established around the premises, and residents within the affected area were advised to remain indoors or were evacuated as a precaution.

“Firefighters are working closely with police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and other agencies to ensure public safety. The incident remains ongoing, with emergency services standing by to make the area safe.”

Greenfield Cricket Club said it has to cancel its Women’s 1st XI match today.

It stated: “Due to an ongoing incident on Chew Brook Drive there is currently an 100m exclusion zone in place. Emergency services currently in attendance.

“As such today’s match has been postponed and the police have instructed the public not to attend the cricket ground and park.”

Although is not clear what items were found by the police teams, there have been cases across Greater Manchester where people have discovered have old grenades, leading to large cordons until they can be disposed of safely. Other times controlled explosions have taken place after being found.

Stephen Welsh couldn’t hide his delight as Motherwell stunned Rangers at Ibrox

Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh was visibly elated after Motherwell pulled off a dramatic comeback victory against Rangers at Ibrox.

Danny Rohl’s side fought back from being two goals behind to draw level, before Emmanuel Longelo’s injury-time strike delivered a crushing blow to the Gers’ championship ambitions.

Jens Berthel Askou’s men ended a five-match winless run in Glasgow, strengthening their pursuit of European qualification while simultaneously aiding Rangers’ championship competitors.

The Hoops – Welsh’s parent side – secured victory over Falkirk on Saturday to draw level at the Premiership summit with Hearts, who were losing 1-0 to city neighbours Hibs at Easter Road when proceedings finished at Ibrox.

The Ibrox club occupy third position, one point adrift of the league leaders, with four fixtures remaining and challenging away encounters at Tynecastle and Celtic Park looming before the campaign concludes, reports the Daily Record.

Behind-the-scenes footage from Motherwell captures defender Welsh revelling in the post-match celebrations as he made his way towards the changing rooms.

He could be heard screaming “yaaassssss” as he clenched his fist and savoured the moment in the Ibrox corridor.

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories.

The 1995 BBC adaptation has been praised as one of”the best TV show ever made”

Advertisement

A celebrated period drama regarded as the benchmark for literary adaptations is available to stream without charge in the UK.

The BBC’s legendary 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice transformed Jane Austen’s 1813 story of romance, social hierarchy and prejudice in Regency England for television audiences and achieved enormous success.

The description on BBC iPlayer states: “There’s great excitement for the Bennets when a young aristocrat makes an appearance. The spectacular adaptation that sparked Austen-mania. Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.”

Viewers were captivated by the palpable chemistry between Ehle and Firth, whose smouldering portrayal of Mr Darcy catapulted him to stardom.

The six-part series was adapted by Andrew Davies and helmed by Simon Langton, reports the Express.

Advertisement

READ MORE: BBC Casualty fans ‘don’t see this ending well’ as they fear for Stevie NashREAD MORE: BGT’s Simon Cowell faces backlash after ‘rude’ swipe to Dec Donnelly

One enthusiast on Reddit commented: “I maintain that the 1995 Pride And Prejudice is the pinnacle of Period Drama. Every second of it is pure delight. I’ve seen it at least ten times and it is still the best television I’ve ever seen in any genre. Yeah I like it a little LOL.”

Another commented: “Agree wholeheartedly! It’s simply peerless! The costumes, music, filming, locations, cast and the technical staff made this absolutely memorable.”

“And if course Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle simply are Darcy and Lizzie! Shows what the BBC can do – entirely worth my licence fee!” A third commented: “I just started my millionth rewatch today and have to agree. I found myself appreciating all of the little things and thinking how amazing the cast and director were.

“The opening shots of each chapter that set the scene, the small facial expressions that said so much, the costume choices and the music. Ahh, it’s divine!”

A fourth remarked: “Nothing beats it to this day, and I don’t think anything ever will. It was one of those moments when the stars aligned, and the final result was an instant classic.”

Enthusiasts also lauded it on discussion forum Bogleheads.org, with one responding to a request for British and American period drama suggestions, describing the 1995 BBC production as “arguably the most famous and beloved of all”.

One admirer on Rotten Tomatoes revealed they “binge watch the whole series several times a year, it is that good, if you are a P & P the book fan”.

“No film is long enough to do the book justice, I feel cheated now watching a movie of this great classic.”

Another posted: “The best adaption of Pride and Prejudice! An absolute masterpiece. No one will ever forget Colin coming out of that lake.”

A third dubbed it the “Best TV show ever made”. The series boasts an impressive 96% rating from over 100 audience reviews on the platform. It also holds a solid 88% score amongst approved critics (from 17 reviews).

Pride and Prejudice is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.

When questioned about extra concerns for the King’s safety during the state visit, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.”

Overdale Road, in Park End, Middlesbrough, has seen children, believed to be as young as eight, hurl rocks at passing vehicles.

Middlesbrough Council says an operation to stamp out mindless criminal damage being caused to buses and other vehicles has been launched.

Local MICA Councillors Mick Saunders and Donna Jones said that the issue has been an ongoing problem over the past six-eight weeks, with missiles being thrown at buses, cars and taxis.

A rock next to the road, typical ammunition for throwing at passing vehicles. Credit: Daniel Hodgson. Free for LDRS use.

Cllr Jones believed that five or six buses had been hit – there had been discussion of buses stopping entirely, as Cllr Saunders said: “Put yourself in the position of a bus driver.” 

Cllr Saunders wanted a dispersal order in place and said the “ammunition” was rocks from the “mounds of mud and rubble” left by Northumbrian Water from their works, located next to the Family Shopper on Overdale Road – the rubble has now been cleared.

Weapon of choice

The councillors explained how youths could pick up their weapon of choice, chuck it at vehicles driving along the road and then dart off through the neighbouring skate park. 

The council has said that additional CCTV was installed to cover a nearby play park where gangs had been gathering. This week, plain clothes officers from Cleveland Police supported the work by travelling on buses through the area to gather intelligence and identify further culprits.

A significant reduction of issues in the area is being put down to the co-ordinated response.

Middlesbrough Council’s neighbourhood team in East Middlesbrough – with the support of Cleveland Police and other partners – has identified a number of offenders, with visits carried out to the homes of youths in the area.

Neighbourhood wardens travelled on buses and followed bus routes in their own vehicle in an attempt to deter further attacks and identify the youths responsible, while the council’s neighbourhood safety officer engaged with local families to warn that legal action could be taken.

Police staff taking part in an operation to identify those throwing objects at buses in the area. Credit: Middlesbrough Council. Free for LDRS use.

Disabled woman attacked

Cllr Jones explained the issues went beyond the attacks on vehicles, discussing the matter of “little-uns” starting fires, as she highlighted the plight of a local disabled woman, 63 year old Dot, who was attacked in the area. Dot hid the rocks to prevent kids getting their hands on them and using them as missiles.

The councillors said bus routes have changed to avoid the lengthy Overdale Road and Cllr Jones detailed instances of people having to get off their bus at Ingram Road and walk quite a distance to get home. Services have now returned to Overdale Road.

A Stagecoach North East spokesperson said they are continuing to monitor the situation “closely”, working in partnership with the council and the police to understand the “root causes” of the behaviour. 

The spokesperson added: “Our focus is not only on responding to the immediate issue, but on working collaboratively to help eliminate this type of behaviour altogether and ensure that communities can rely on safe, consistent bus services.”

Cllr Saunders was complimentary of efforts made by the council, riding along on buses amongst other things.

He highlighted that what the youths, some believed to be as young as eight, were doing was a “criminal offence”, rather than simply anti-social behaviour.

He said there’s “no extra police around here” and posed the question: “What will it take for the police to take more serious actions?… Will it take someone to be very seriously injured?” 

Cllr Saunders thought the problem was worse in Park End than in Coulby Newham – the latter had seen a dispersal order put in place for a similar problem, something Cllr Saunders wanted to see in East Middlesbrough.

Both he and Cllr Jones thought there should be a curfew in place to deal with the problems. The Coulby Newham dispersal order gave officers the power to order people to leave an area bordered by Newham Way, Stainton Way, Ryehills Way and the B1365.

Lives at risk

Neighbourhood Inspector Des Horton, from Cleveland Police, said: “We have shown that we will not tolerate this behaviour and will take action against anyone found to be throwing objects at vehicles.”

Cllr Ian Blades, executive member for neighbourhoods at Middlesbrough Council, said: “This is stupid, dangerous behaviour that not only causes damage but can put lives at risk.

“We will continue to work closely with Cleveland Police and other partners to identify those responsible and put a stop to this on behalf of the vast majority of Middlesbrough people fed up with this mindless behaviour.”

Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police have also worked with social housing company Thirteen, who accompanied officers on home visits and warned that tenancy action can be taken against families with children involved in anti-social behaviour. 

The incident mirrors a similar attempted attack at Lurgan Police Station last month.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said that those behind a car explosion outside Dunmurry Police Station on Saturday night “have nothing to offer society.”

A food delivery vehicle was hijacked in the Twinbrook area of West Belfast shortly after 10:50pm. A gas cylinder device was placed in the boot, and the driver was forced to drive to the police station.

The device exploded as residents, including two babies, were being evacuated from nearby homes. No one was harmed in the incident.

The incident mirrors a similar attempted attack at Lurgan Police Station last month.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Those behind this reckless attack have put lives in danger and shown a total disregard for the local community.

“Our thoughts are with the delivery driver who was put through an extremely terrifying ordeal, as well as those residents who had to be evacuated.

“It is extremely fortunate that nobody was killed or seriously injured by the selfish actions of those who have nothing to offer our society.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Those responsible for this despicable attack put lives at risk. I have no doubt all right-thinking people will reject this sort of behaviour and see it as a cowardly attempt to try and drag us all backwards.

“We would like to commend the police officers for their swift response to this incident; their courage in the face of danger ensured local residents were protected.

“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed her gratitude to officers who responded to the incident “in a prompt and professional manner.”

She said: “It is simply unconscionable that just a few weeks after the widespread condemnation of the attack in Lurgan, that this incident has occurred in Dunmurry.

“Despite the fact that acts of violence such as this have been roundly rejected, lives have once again been put at risk by the actions of a very small minority who offer nothing but devastation and destruction.

“Indeed, it is extremely fortunate that no one was hurt or even killed as a result of this despicable attack.

“Those behind this attack have demonstrated a total disregard for every single person living in the area.

“My thoughts are with the motorist who has no doubt been left utterly traumatised by their ordeal, as well as the officers who were targeted in this cowardly attack.

“I would like also to pay tribute to those very same officers who, despite the threat they face, continue to turn up to work every day to serve the community.

“My gratitude also goes to the officers who responded to this incident in such a prompt and professional manner.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, described the incident as a “cowardly attempt to cause injury and destruction.”

“By targeting a police station in the heart of a residential area, those responsible have shown a total disregard for the lives of local people and for the men and women who work to keep our communities safe,” he said. “We are resolute in our commitment to peace, and these actions will only strengthen our collective determination. I would urge anyone with information about who was responsible to come forward to the PSNI.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Here are three of the plans approved in and around Darlington this week (April 20-24):

Improvements to access road approved

Plans have been approved to widen an existing access road off the A167 at Beaumont Hill, Coatham Mundeville.

The proposal also includes the construction of a temporary access track.

The application was granted with conditions.

Permission granted for residential extension

A home in Carlbury Court, Durham Lane, Piercebridge, will undergo significant expansion following planning approval.

The approved works include extensions to the north elevation, enlarging both the ground and first floors.

The scheme also involves alterations to the existing conservatory, including a new roof.

Additional work will see the installation of new windows, doors, and external cladding.

New public toilets for council depot

Plans have been approved for new facilities at Darlington Borough Council’s Lingfield Way depot.

The application covers the installation of two prefabricated toilet cubicles on the site.

The proposal was granted with conditions.

The Record brings you its regular 5pm round-up of the day’s best Scottish politics stories.

John Swinney accused of secret budget crackdown to fill £5bn black hole amid super-hospital plans

John Swinney is facing demands to “come clean” on plans for a new super-hospital amid fears it could be delayed as part of secret post-election budget cuts.

The Sunday Mail revealed a business case for a replacement Monklands Hospital in Lanarkshire submitted five months ago was not approved by ministers as expected before the Scottish Parliament dissolved this month.

They also learned the cost of the development has rocketed from £700million to £1.34billion at a time when Scotland is facing a £5billion budget black hole.

Sources have said a major funding announcement had been expected in February but instead the health board has been met with silence.

Read the full story here.

Labour candidate spends five hours at hospital for crucial op cancelled at last minute

An MSP candidate has demanded the next Scottish Government prioritises rebuilding the NHS after a crucial operation was cancelled due to staff shortages.

Monica Lennon was minutes from being taken into theatre to have an ovarian cyst removed after spending five hours at Wishaw General Hospital on Thursday.

But the Labour candidate for Rutherglen and Cambuslang in May’s Holyrood election was then told she would need to go home because there wasn’t enough staff to safely operate.

Lennon said: “To be sitting in a hospital gown for hours, minutes away from being taken into theatre, only to be told your operation is cancelled is a deeply shocking and emotionally draining experience.

Read the full story here.

Perjury claims at Alex Salmond’s trial still under investigation by Crown Office

Perjury claims at Alex Salmond’s trial continue to be investigated by Crown prosecutors five years after a complaint was initiated.

The allegations were made after the former first minister’s 2020 trial, when he was cleared of 14 charges of sexual assault.

Salmond’s lawyers wrote to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in March 2021 setting out a number of concerns and an advocate and senior prosecutor were assigned to the case. The probe is still active.

Ex-SNP justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “There was great concern over some of the evidence heard at trial and I know Alex’s lawyers wrote in detail to the Crown Office on a number of points. An investigation was launched in the wake of that correspondence but inexplicably five years later the matter has not been concluded.”

Read the full story here.