FOOTBALL IN BRIEF

Nick Blackman came off the bench to score the winner for Sporting Gijon as the Spanish second-tier side beat Valencia 2-1 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 16. Blackman, who is on loan from Derby County, registered less than 60 seconds of coming off the bench.

Maccabi Manchester Yellows’ title hopes were dealt a blow as they were held by lowly Reich 2-2 in the MJSL. Reich marched into a two-goal half-time lead through Ari Steinberger and Zevi Silverstone, but Maccabi levelled with strikes from Aaron Levin and Max Lever.

Tomer Hemed faces six weeks out following a hernia operation. The Israel striker is on loan at QPR from Brighton.