A controversial weekend goal highlighted the need to clarify the game's unwritten rules.

THE Burnley manager, Stan Ternent, realises his team face a tough challenge when they take on First Division Manchester City in the first round, first leg of the Worthington Cup tonight.

WIGAN PRODUCED a late run last season to pip Bournemouth for a spot in the play-offs but will be looking to go one better and win automatic promotion this season. As long as their multi-millionaire owner, Dave Whelan of JJB Sports and rugby league's Warriors fame, is prepared to spend, the task should not be beyond them.

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION is at the centre of a row after banning the UniBond League from starting the new season.

Steve Tongue tips the former Under-21 coach for club success

Brighton and Hove Albion 2 Hart 16, Freeman 64 Nottingham Forest 2 Scimeca 38, Platt 84 Half-time: 1-1 Attendance: 6,000

THE SUMMER'S longest-running managerial saga reached its conclusion yesterday when Stoke City unveiled Gary Megson as the successor to Brian Little, who resigned five weeks ago.

THE FAMED and feared Arsenal back four is unlikely to be a permanent fixture next season, after Arsene Wenger signed the Brazilian defender Silvinho yesterday. The 25-year-old left-back has moved from Corinthians for a fee believed to be around pounds 4m.

MARK VIDUKA'S troubled Celtic career could be over after barely half a season following his claim that Tottenham Hotspur are poised with a pounds 5m offer.

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE will investigate claims that referee Mark Halsey celebrated with Manchester City fans after their recent play-off victory at Wembley. The Hertfordshire official was allegedly seen drinking with City supporters at the hotel where he was staying, the Wembley Hilton, hours after refereeing their penalty shoot-out win against Gillingham.

THERE ARE plenty of skint football teams around, but as of yesterday, only one Skint football team. Brighton & Hove Albion have teetered uncomfortably between mediocrity and oblivion in recent years, finishing second from bottom of the Third Division in two of the last three seasons. When it comes to the ice-cool trendiness of their shirt sponsor, though, they can now claim to be in a league of their own.

Gillingham 2 Manchester City 2 (aet; Manchester City win 3-1 on penalties)

Second Division play-off final: Desperate Manchester City face newly ambitious Gillingham at Wembley tomorrow; Unlikely battle of little and large

STEVE BRUCE was yesterday unveiled as the new manager of Huddersfield Town. The former Manchester United defender, who resigned at Sheffield United last week, has signed a three-year contract.