Beckham breaks United deadlock

David Beckham put a difficult few days behind him by helping Manchester United into the last 16 of the Worthington Cup last night with the first goal against a resilient Leicester City.

Beckham has been busy reviewing the safety of his family after the plot to kidnap his wife Victoria and their sons Brooklyn and Romeo was unearthed on Saturday but last night his penalty 10 minutes from time broke the deadlock. The 18-year-old Kieran Richardson then scored his first United goal to secure a 2-0 win.

Rotherham United knocked out their First Division rivals Wimbledon, winning 3-1 at Selhurst Park, in front of just 664 fans. Patrick Agyemang gave the hosts the lead but second-half goals from Andy Monkhouse, Richard Barker and Alan Lee sealed Rotherham's progress.

Preston of the First Division knocked the Premiership club, Birmingham City, out with goals from Ricardo Fuller and Eddie Lewis. Birmingham played most of the match at St Andrew's with 10 men after Geoff Horsfield was sent off.