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Tottenham Hotspur have a “brilliant” academy talent who is going “under the radar” right now, with his performances away from the Spurs first team now attracting praise.

Tottenham draw with Roma as Postecoglou prepares Fulham

Spurs were held by Serie A strugglers Roma in the Europa League on Thursday evening, bringing them right back down to earth after their imperious 4-0 win over Man City last weekend.

Tottenham could sign £200k-per-week forward in major U-turn after Ange call

Spurs appear to have had a change of heart.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2024

The Lilywhites were holding a 2-1 lead for the vast majority of the 90 minutes – courtesy of first-half strikes from Son Heung-min (penalty) and Brennan Johnson – but Spurs couldn’t press home their advantage in the second half.

Tottenham vs Fulham

December 1

Bournemouth vs Tottenham

December 5

Tottenham vs Chelsea

December 8

Southampton vs Tottenham

December 15

Tottenham vs Liverpool

December 22

Veteran defender Mats Hummels made Ange Postecoglou pay for Tottenham’s wasteful finishing in the final third, notching Roma’s equaliser in added time and robbing the home side of all three points.

“Yeah frustration with the way the game ended,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Roma.

“Yeah we should have killed it off a lot earlier. We should have killed it off in the first half with the chances we had. At 2-1 you’re always keeping the opposition in the game and they’re throwing men forward, so disappointing we weren’t able to see the game out. Ultimately we’re still in a decent position.

“It is what it is. We’ve been in this situation for quite a while. We are fairly thin in terms of squad depth at the moment. We had four kids on the bench tonight so we couldn’t even fill the quota. It is what it is, we’ve been dealing with this for quite a while and I still think we certainly had enough of the game and enough clear cut chances to win the game.”

Mikey Moore has been praised for his Europa League performances at Spurs this season, with striker Will Lankshear also getting an opportunity as these youngsters take advantage of Postecoglou’s thin squad.

Pundit hails Tottenham youngster George Abbott going "under the radar"

Unfortunately, 19-year-old midfielder George Abbott hasn’t had a chance to strut his stuff in the Europa League.

Abbott is currently out on loan at Notts County, but the N17 academy gem is impressing on-lookers in England’s lower tier. Pundit John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, says that Spurs youngster Abbott is going “under the radar” with his performances on a temporary spell at County.

“It is brilliant to see how well Abbott is doing,” Wenham said.

“He kind of goes under the radar because he is surrounded by players who get all the goals and assists. However, he is a really reliable player, and I’m pleased he is doing well in Nottingham.

“He seems to start every game and always tends to play the full 90 minutes. Therefore, for Abbott, it is just about continuing to impress. If he does that, I imagine he will be lined up for a Championship loan next season.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has been that told he “played the student and the teacher” in GOAT claim, with Fabio Capello ranking Lionel Messi higher.

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Ronaldo billed himself as most 'complete' playerComments have generated lively debateOthers considered to have stronger GOAT claimsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo recently claimed to be the most “complete” player of all time, with the qualities that he possesses allowing a standing to be taken up above the likes of Messi, Diego Maradona and Pele.

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Said comments have generated lively debate, with prominent figures from across the footballing world offering their take on who deserves the ‘greatest of all-time’ title. Capello, who has managed Real Madrid and England in the past, has added his voice to that discussion.

WHAT FABIO CAPELLO SAID

Asked about Ronaldo’s bold statement, the Italian tactician told : “When someone claims that title, they mark it themselves, they've done their homework, they haven't listened to others, I think they've exaggerated a bit. In short, they've played the student and the teacher, haven't they?

“A great player, built with desire, with will. But when I talk about phenomena, I say Messi, I say Pele, I say Maradona and I put Ronaldo the 'Gordo', Ronaldo the 'Phenomenon', right next to them. He's a hair below them.”

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Messi and Ronaldo are both still going strong in 2025. They are now on the books of MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr respectively. Capello added on big career calls that took two icons away from Europe, with Messi chasing the American dream: “It was a lifestyle choice for him, there were no economic problems.

“It seems to me, at least from what you read in the newspapers about certain matches, that he has succeeded in raising his profile. Ronaldo raised the profile of Saudi Arabia and Messi raised the profile of the United States.”

Auckland seamer Molly Penfold will also join the side as a travelling reserve

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2022New Zealand Women batter Lauren Down has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI World Cup with a thumb fracture. She will be replaced by the uncapped Georgia Plimmer.Down had injured her right thumb while taking Shafali Verma’s catch during the fifth ODI against India. Subsequent scans revealed a fracture.”Quite simply, the entire squad is absolutely gutted for Lauren.” New Zealand head coach Bob Carter said. “She’s a very popular member of the group and it’s fair to say the team were quite emotional when we got the news she was out of the tournament.”Down has played 22 ODIs, scoring 352 runs at an average of 17.60. She was in good touch during the India series and was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 64 off just 52 balls, which helped New Zealand chase down 280 in the third ODI.”You saw the impact Lauren had in the recent series against India; she played some really mature innings in the middle order and her fielding was at an exceptional standard,” Carter said.Plimmer, 18, is yet to represent New Zealand in any format. In the ongoing domestic one-day competition, playing for Wellington, she has scored 95 runs in four innings at an average of 23.75.Auckland seamer Molly Penfold will also join the side as a travelling reserve. Both Plimmer and Penfold will undergo the necessary five-day “bridging in” isolation period before officially joining the squad.The New Zealand team arrived in Christchurch on Friday in preparation for their warm-up matches on February 27 and March 1 against Pakistan and Australia respectively.

Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted celebrating an emotional winner at Cheltenham Festival alongside TV star Alan Halsall.

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Ferguson's horse Caldwell Potter won at CheltenhamEx-manager bought it for £620,000 at an auctionClaimed £65,000 for winning the raceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 83-year-old former football manager was seen beaming with joy as he celebrated his horse Caldwell Potter’s impressive victory. Caldwell Potter competed in the Jack Richards Novice Limited Handicap Chase and, under the guidance of jockey Harry Cobden, secured a significant win at the prestigious festival.

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The horse, which was purchased for £620,000 at an auction last year, had initially struggled to deliver on expectations. However, this victory marked a major breakthrough for Ferguson and his group, earning them a £65,000 prize.

The victory at Cheltenham was particularly poignant for Ferguson, as it came just months after the passing of his close friend and co-owner John Hales. Hales played a key role in purchasing Caldwell Potter, and his absence was deeply felt during the celebrations. As a tribute to Hales, jockey Harry Cobden wore the late owner's distinctive yellow and red racing silks, honoring his contribution to the team.

WATCH THE CLIP

Among those celebrating the win with Ferguson was television actor Alan Halsall, best known for playing Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street since 1998. Last year, Ferguson and Halsall were also spotted enjoying the festival alongside football manager Sam Allardyce.

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WHAT FERGUSON SAID

After securing victory, Ferguson told : "I think the jumping won it. What can I say? Great horse, it was a bonus. Winning here last year with two was fantastic, and doing it again this year is fantastic. Thank you very much."

Girona were beaten on Tuesday night. It wasn’t vintage, but then Liverpool have oft chugged through matches in a gear not thrust to its max this term.

Ah well. Not the end of the world. After all, the victory in Spain has extended Liverpool’s perfect record in the Champions League group phase and bypassed a pesky additional knockout round.

And that’s only in Europe. Such is Arne Slot’s brilliance that rivals chortle at supposedly ‘middling’ performances in the Premier League. Oh sure, Liverpool aren’t blowing teams away like a winter gale through fallen autumn leaves, not every week, but the Reds perch in first place with the midpoint drawing near, four points clear and with a game in hand at that.

There is always room for improvement, and Slot’s discontent after his side stumbled through their midweek match was patent: the Dutch coach wants perfection, and despite the remarkable results, he’s far from satisfied.

Such is Slot’s brilliance, and his faculty for elite success down Anfield Road over many, many years. He will be desperate to add his own flair to the squad though, especially after a quiet summer transfer window, and is sure to be looking at number nine.

A change at number nine

Darwin Nunez joined Liverpool in a deal that could rise to a club-record £85m in 2022, having previously completed a prolific season with Benfica that saw him score twice against Jurgen Klopp’s Merseysiders.

Where to begin? We could discuss ad nauseam the wastefulness, the erratic on-pitch personality that leaves observers squeezing their eyes shut in frustration. We could talk all day. Three goals in his last 30 appearances for the club, one in his past ten.

There’s a wonderful player in there, and we are treated to flashes. Thing is, though, Liverpool have lost something in Bobby Firmino that Nunez has struggled to return to the Liverpool side – and that’s not to his detriment.

Firmino was an unforgettable and unique talent, silky-smooth and deftly intelligent, all balletic motions and flicked passes. ‘Defensive striker’, they called him, but Firmino was the lifeblood, made it all tick. Moulded Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane into world-beating superstars.

Take a look at Firmino’s final Premier League campaign when compared against Nunez’s current term in the English top flight. Not convincing. Nunez is now 25 and in his third year with the club.

Goals scored

0.82

0.29

Assists

0.30

0.14

Shots taken

2.89

2.31

Shot-creating actions

3.41

2.31

Passes attempted

42.00

16.15

Progressive passes

5.79

1.88

Progressive carries

1.19

1.73

Successful take-ons

0.96

0.87

Ball recoveries

4.75

3.17

Tackles + interceptions

1.78

2.16

He’s likeable, tenacious and delightful on his day, but such days are found within a stream of inconsistency and Slot, already shown himself ruthless, will surely move for a new striker in 2025, should things fail to improve.

Liverpool looking at Nunez upgrade

Concrete rumours are in short supply at this stage of the season, especially with Richard Hughes and FSG focused on resolving the overhanging contract conundrums.

Even so, glances will be cast at the future market, and according to Brazilian outlet UOL, Liverpool are preparing to open talks with Brighton & Hove Albion for their rising star Joao Pedro.

Joao Pedro, 23, has been in excellent form for the high-flying Seagulls this season, and Slot is believed to personally have advocated for his potential role at the front of the ship.

As per Spanish sources, Arsenal are also interested and are getting ready to launch a €65m (£54m) bid for the Brazilian, so Liverpool will need to open talks swiftly in the new year.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Liverpool

In June 2023, Joao Pedro signed for Brighton in a club-record £30m move, having made his name for Watford and excelled in the Championship during the 2022/23 season.

While he’s still young, the versatile forward has plenty of quality and would certainly stand a good chance of making a positive impression in Slot’s Liverpool side.

Last season, in his debut campaign on the South Coast, he posted 20 goals across 40 matches, translating and building upon that form over the past several months, scoring four goals and assisting three more over nine Premier League fixtures in Hurzeler’s system.

Watford

109

24

8

Brighton

49

24

6

Fluminense

36

10

2

Brazil

1

0

0

The 5 foot 11 star is dynamic and athletically skilled, and in the Premier League this season, he ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goals scored and the top 9% for assists, as per FBref, far outstripping Liverpool’s centre-forward, Nunez.

In fact, given his positional flexibility, nifty movements and high-pressing intensity, he could even emulate his countryman, Firmino, and serve as the connecting force in Slot’s frontline.

He’s no Bobby, but Joao Pedro has been hailed for his “really magical” style on the grass by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, with his glittering qualities sure to bridge that gap and deepen the fluidity of Liverpool’s thriving frontline, bringing a shape goal threat too.

Liverpool have an embarrassment of offensive riches, for sure, but it’s hard to claim that Nunez is offering the most that could be made from the number nine spot. The Uruguayan must surely realise that he is running on borrowed time at the moment and that he will be ousted if things fail to improve.

Joao Pedro is demonstrably clinical in the Premier League, with a multi-faceted skillset that might just see him become the latest superstar in the making at Liverpool.

They need to get this one done.

Liverpool must sell £160k-p/w star who's one of Trent's "closest friends"

FSG might need to sell this long-serving Liverpool star in 2025.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 8, 2024

CSA recognised that Smith’s tenure with them had been difficult for him and “regrets,” the “unwarranted public disclosures of his personal information”

Firdose Moonda25-Apr-2022Graeme Smith, the former CSA director of cricket, has been cleared of racism charges in an independent arbitration process following the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) commission’s report. The SJN made tentative findings that Smith had engaged in prejudicial behaviour on three counts; advocates Ngwako Maenetje SC and Michael Bishop cleared him on all of them.CSA has been ordered to pay all the costs associated with the arbitration process.The arbitration award found that there was no evidentiary basis that Smith had engaged in racial discrimination: 1) against former wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile in the period 2012-2014, when Tsolekile was nationally contracted but was not picked for the Test team; 2) against black leadership at CSA after it was alleged that he refused to work with former CEO Thabang Moroe and 3) in the appointment of Mark Boucher over Enoch Nkwe as national men’s coach in 2019.Related

CSA withdraws misconduct charges against Mark Boucher

Boucher tight-lipped on future as South Africa coach

Focus on rebuilding trust in CSA, says Moseki after becoming CEO

The last of those three ties in with CSA’s submission to parliament in March where board chair Lawson Naidoo confirmed that the appointments of Smith and Boucher were ratified by the previous board and would not be investigated further after the SJN report raised concerns over the manner in which the pair was appointed.Now, the arbitration process has also found that Smith, in his position as director of cricket, did not discriminate on the basis of race in appointing Boucher, who faces a disciplinary hearing next month for gross misconduct. CSA is seeking Boucher’s dismissal, which, if successful, would bring a premature end to his contract that runs until the end of the 2023 World Cup.Smith’s tenure at CSA has already come to a conclusion. His contract expired on March 31 and he chose not to reapply for the position prompting CSA to advertise the post.”I’m grateful that my name has finally been cleared. I’ve always given South African cricket myutmost, as a player, captain and administrator, over the last 20 years. So, to hear these baselessallegations of racism being made has been extremely difficult, both for me and my family,” Smith said in a statement. “It has been exhausting and distracting, not least because South African cricket has also been going through a well-publicised rebuilding process which has required a lot of attention.”I’m just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process before independent, objective arbitrators and I have been completely vindicated.”Graeme Smith, Enoch Nkwe, Mark Boucher and Linda Zondi at the unveiling of South Africa’s coaching structure some time ago•AFPCSA was silent on his departure but acknowledged the work Smith did in ensuring South Africa played cricket through the worst of the pandemic and in overseeing a fairly successful period for both men’s and women’s national cricket. “Now that finality on these processes has been reached, it is appropriate to recognise the extraordinary contribution that Graeme has made to South African cricket, first as the longest-serving Test captain in cricket history and then as Director of Cricket from 2019 to 2022. His role as the DoC has been critical in rebuilding the Proteas Men’s team in particular and has laid a solid foundation for his successor,” Naidoo said.ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA was interested in securing Smith’s services as a consultant but they haven’t been able to as he pursues other interests. “We fully appreciate that after his time as the DoC, Graeme wants new challenges in the commercial and cricket worlds. He has a long career ahead of him and we very much hope that he will still work in the cricket world in appropriate capacities going forward.”CSA also recognised that Smith’s tenure with them had been difficult for him and “regrets,” the “unwarranted public disclosures of his personal information, including his remuneration, during the SJN process.” Smith was revealed to earn R540,000 (US$35,000) a month, which made him better paid than the CEO.The SJN report, which was made public in December, made “tentative findings” that Smith, Boucher and former international AB de Villiers, among others, had engaged in conduct that was prejudicial and discriminatory on the basis of race. However, in the absence of definite findings, ombudsman Dumisa Ntsebeza recommended a further process be undertaken. Smith’s arbitration and Boucher’s disciplinary hearing are the two actions CSA has taken so far. The SJN cost CSA R7.5 million (approximately US$500,000) and was over budget by R2.5 million (US$150,000). CSA will now also have to foot the bill for Smith’s arbitration.

Everything you need to know about Olivier Giroud's salary at LAFC

French World Cup-winning forward Olivier Giroud decided to put an end to his European journey in 2024 as he opted to move to MLS, signing for Los Angeles FC, better known as LAFC, on a deal until the end of 2025 with an option to extend.

Giroud is one of the most respected French strikers of the modern era, having played for top European clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.

His arrival in the USA is a huge boost for the Los Angeles-based club, with the management rewarding him handsomely. Giroud is currently one of the top earners at the club, but exactly how much does he earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with the MLS salary guide and found out!

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Olivier Giroud's wages at LAFC in numbers

Under his current contract at LAFC, Giroud earns $70,672 (£54,419) on a weekly basis and his numbers annually scale up to $3.6 million (£2.8m) to make him the highest earner at the club.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in USD

Weekly wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Olivier Giroud

French

 $70,672

£54,419

$3,675,000

£2,829,796

AdvertisementAFPTop earners at LAFC

As we already saw, Giroud tops the list of the highest earners at the club.

Following the Frenchman in second place is Gabonese international Denis Bouanga.

Meanwhile, Marlon Santos and Aaron Long make their appearances in the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Finally, rounding off the list at number five is Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in USD

Weekly wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Olivier Giroud

Spanish

 $70,672

£54,419

$3,675,000

£2,829,796

Denis Bouanga

Gabonese

$69,413

£53,448

$3,609,500

£2,776,741

Marlon Santos

Brazilian

$25,961

£19,972

$1,350,000

£1,038,537

Aaron Long

USA

$25,058

£19,276

$1,303,044

£1,002,414

Eduard Atuesta

Colombian

$13,262

£10,203

$689,700

£530,577

Top 5 earners in MLS

Despite being the top earner at LAFC, Giroud fails to make the top-five earners list across the league.

At the top sits Argentine icon Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Insigne follows in second place, followed by another former Barcelona star, Sergio Busquets.

Federico Bernardeschi and Emil Forsberg complete the top five.

Player

Club

Weekly wages in USD

Weekly wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami

$393,205

£302,772

$20,446,667

£15,744,191

Lorenzo Insigne

Toronto FC

$296,153

£228,042

$15,400,000

£11,858,194

Sergio Busquets

Inter Miami

$168,749

£129,938

$8,774,996

£6,756,857

Federico Bernardeschi

Toronto FC

$121,065

£93,221

$6,295,381

£4,847,522

Emil Forsberg

New York Red Bulls

$116,070

£89,540

$6,035,625

£4,660,000

Getty Images SportHighest paid players in the world

Although MLS players earn substantial wages, their salaries appear modest compared to the world's top earners, with none making the top five list.

At the top is the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. In second place is Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema, while Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli secures the third spot.

Meanwhile, Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly round off the list at third and fourth position, repectively.

Player

Club

Weekly wages USD

Weekly wages GBP

Annual wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

$4,166,513

£3,224,935

$215,658,680

£167,696,622

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

$2,083,257

£1,612,468

$108,329,340

£83,848,311

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

$1,087,460

£841,708

$56,547,915

£43,768,818

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

$833,033

£644,987

$43,331,736

£33,539,324

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

$722,890

£559,526

$37,590,281

£29,095,364

Newcastle United didn’t exactly feel in the festive spirit when travelling to Ipswich Town last time out, as Eddie Howe’s ruthless Magpies handed out a crushing 4-0 defeat to the hosts in what was their final home game before Christmas.

Now, the Tractor Boys will just hope Arsenal are complacent after celebrations on the 25th, with a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium now on the Suffolk side’s agenda.

Kieran McKenna will also be desperate to see that lessons have been learnt from that bruising experience versus the Toon, as his side’s defensive frailties cost them dear in that loss.

Ipswich's defensive woes

Newcastle would end up finishing the one-sided affair having carved out a mammoth six big chances, with four of those being taken against the constantly vulnerable hosts.

That means the porous Tractor Boys are now up to 32 goals conceded since promotion, with only Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton conceding more at 37, 40 and 36 respectively.

Nobody from the Ipswich back four particularly covered themselves in glory against Newcastle, as Harry Clarke trudged off the pitch at the end with just one duel won from an attempted five, whilst poor overall passing out from the back enabled Alexander Isak to make it 3-0 on the day.

That horrendous moment was mainly Arjianet Muric’s fault, who has become a scapegoat for the Portman Road masses to latch onto, having severely underwhelmed in recent games when they have been crying out for a more reliable goalkeeper.

Muric's bumpy time at Ipswich

Although the Swede had been lethal with ten goals bagged from his last 11 games, it’s unlikely he will get an easier goal than the one he got against Ipswich to pick up his second of the afternoon, with Isak confidently stroking it past the Kosovan after the ball kindly fell to him.

After shipping four to the thankful Magpies, another game has managed to pass the ex-Manchester City man by without a clean sheet this season, with Muric only managing to boast one to date when Ipswich successfully shut out Brighton and Hove Albion in the middle of September.

He did tally up a mightily impressive six saves when facing off against the Seagulls, as McKenna then went out of his way at the full-time whistle to wax lyrical about his shot-stopper, stating that Muric has a “really high” ceiling and showed his “absolute best” against Fabian Hurzeler’s stern outfit.

Since then, however, the 26-year-old has struggled to keep up these top performances, with a worry that Ipswich might be the second club Muric sends down after swallowing the bitter pill of relegation with Burnley just last campaign.

Premier League

26

46

1

Championship

45

35

20

The table above won’t exactly breed any more confidence either, as that clean sheet for Muric versus the Seagulls was his first ever in the Premier League, with many at Portman Road left wondering why such an inexperienced ‘keeper was snapped up for a bumper £15m, particularly with that unwanted relegation also blotting his CV.

He will hope he can answer back to some of his critics with a heroic showing versus Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, even as they’re just fresh off an emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Ipswich supporters won’t be holding their breath, but McKenna will still believe his £35k-per-week ‘keeper can put in some stellar performances to turn around his stuttering Tractor Boys stay and perhaps help the underdogs survive in the Premier League.

If that doesn’t happen, however, this must be a purchase Ipswich will rue signing off on.

Imagine him & Delap: Ipswich could sign "world-class" Burns upgrade for £0

Ipswich Town could snap up this brand new attacker next month.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 24, 2024

Derbyshire run out of fight on final morning as local rivals push towards top of table

ECB Reporters Network22-May-2022Nottinghamshire made impressive work of chasing down what might have been a tricky fourth-innings target to complete a ten-wicket victory over neighbours Derbyshire in the LV= Insurance County Championship.Haseeb Hameed made 93 and Ben Slater 64, the openers sharing an unbroken partnership of 167 to see their team home within a single session – albeit one extended by almost 20 minutes to avoid the players having to return after lunch.The Trent Bridge side take 23 points but their fourth win in six matches so far was not enough to dislodge Middlesex from the top of the Division Two table.Derbyshire suffered their first defeat under the stewardship of new head coach Mickey Arthur, although given their depleted bowling ranks they always faced a tough task against a strong Nottinghamshire line-up.Two of the bowlers due to start this match, Suranga Lakmal and Anuj Dal, dropped out injured at the 11th hour, Dal as late as Thursday morning, after the original team sheet had been submitted. Another, Luis Reece, suffered a groin injury after bowling less than nine overs in the first innings.Lakmal, the veteran Sri Lankan who signed a two-year contract with the county during the winter after calling time on an illustrious international career, has an elbow injury that is giving cause for concern ahead of the Vitality Blast season, which in Derbyshire’s case begins with a home fixture against Birmingham Bears next Friday.Hameed set a positive tone by dispatching the first ball of the day through midwicket for four off Sam Conners and the scoring rate never dropped below four runs per over.The former Lancashire opener, who made his first century of the season against Middlesex at Lord’s last week, had one sizeable stroke of luck on 70 when he swung hard at a ball from Nick Potts that went straight through the hands of Alex Thomson at slip.The first 10 of his 12 fours had come from largely orthodox shots but having gone past fifty he was keen to get the job done as quickly as possible, clearing the ropes in consecutive overs off Thomson’s off spin, the first time with a soaring blow over deep midwicket, the second over the much shorter boundary at extra cover.It was enough to reduce the runs required to a point where umpires David Millns and Neil Mallender were able to delay signalling lunch until the match was over, with only 24 needed when the players would normally have left the field.Slater, who offered a difficult chance to short leg off Thomson on 31, was almost sedate by comparison, needing 108 balls to pass fifty for the second time this season.The only frustration for Nottinghamshire was that Hameed could not get on strike to complete a century when Leus du Plooy bowled what would be the final over, Slater striking two boundaries to see them over the line.Derbyshire’s fears that their first-innings 260 would prove to be a below-par total, even against an attack boasting three past and present Test bowlers after being asked to bat first, were seen to be well founded when Nottinghamshire posted 358 in reply.With 19-year-old fast bowler Potts again showing himself to be a promising newcomer, claiming a career-best four for 50 in his third first-class match, they were at least able to take the match into a fourth day.Nottinghamshire, three without loss overnight, might have had expected the odd wobble chasing 165 to win but in the end were able to stroll home in the face of what can only be described as a disappointing effort by the visitors.