The Sport Matrix: Friday 23 January 2015

Cambridge United for glamour Cup tie

Tonight’s televised FA Cup tie with Manchester United at the Abbey Stadium represents a fresh high for Cambridge United. Three years ago the club were struggling in the Conference, seeking new owners and cash. A number of supporters and local businessmen helped save the club, resulting in successive trips to Wembley last spring, silverware and a return to the Football League.

Tunisia recover to move top of group

Tunisia maintained their unbeaten start to the African Cup of Nations as they came from behind to beat Zambia 2-1 and move top of Group B yesterday. Southampton forward Emmanuel Mayuka gave the Zambians the lead before late goals from Ahmed Akaichi and Yasine Chikhaoui turned the match around. The other match in the group, between Cape Verde and Congo, finished 0-0.

Rodgers: we were never in title race

Brendan Rodgers has claimed Liverpool were never in a realistic place to challenge for the Premier League title this season following the summer sale of Luis Suarez. “The reality for us was, could we finish in the top four?” he said. “With so many changes we weren’t going to challenge for the league. We were looking to win a trophy and then come next summer we will be ready to challenge for the title again.”

‘Dangerous’ jump makes comeback

The disputed and dangerous jump at the end of the Kitzbühel downhill course is back.

Seven years after American skier Scott Macartney’s near-fatal crash, racers in tomorrow’s downhill will be airborne again just before crossing the finish line.

Organisers changed the bottom of the hill after Macartney in 2008, and Switzerland’s Daniel Albrecht the following year, suffered life-threatening brain injuries when they lost their balance in the air and smashed into the icy slope in two similar, horrifying crashes.

However, the section is now better marked and less dangerous, say organisers. And the jump has not caused major troubles in the two training sessions this week.

“It’s working pretty good,” Hannes Trinkl, the FIS director for men’s speed races, said yesterday. “It’s wide enough, and it’s very important that it’s not too high. It’s a really nice jump.”

Chief of race Peter Obernauer added: “It isn’t dangerous.”

Irish pair back in Six Nations squad

Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien should return in time for the Six Nations clash with England in March after being included in Ireland’s squad for the tournament. Both the Leinster men have returned to training and were considered for a match at Wasps tomorrow.