Crossbar No 1508

Across

1 League Two team in England,

or SPFL boss in Scotland (9)

9 Have some hesitation before a shot, therefore (4)

11 At present is in the replay (4) 12 With

11 across was in that place (5)

14 Finish up with old friends (3)

15 Encourage one to start in Egypt, Ghana and Greece, initially (3)

17 Wager on top striker being very successful (4)

18 Detailed southern European players to give their consent (5)

19 Intends to produce the necessary resources (5)

20 Appear to catch sight of top miler (4)

22 Meeting places for some players in defence (7)

24 For some time, in fact, get ready early on (4)

27 German team starts off with some vital items (5)

28 Bowl correctly, like an old Crystal Palace star (6)

30 An object of worship by the fans, for instance (4)

31 Old Arsenal star had nothing to go it alone (4)

32 Was employed with second hand items (4)

33 New characters from 22 across, but not a top striker (6)

Down

1 Hammers boss under scrutiny, say (5,5)

2 National team with good record in Rugby Union (3,7)

3 New stage prepared for players’ representatives (6)

4 Veterans turn up at Augusta National (3,7)

5 Officials in the middle try to keep control (8)

6 Precious metal found in the Forest ground (3)

7 Grand National winner in 2005 (11)

8 A race crossing the Tiber, as it were (5)

10 Command to keep things neat

and tidy (5)

13 To head off the Ibrox players

irritates them (6)

16 Meg’s about to get some

jewellery (4)

21 Last round before the final (5)

23 Former highly ranked star at

West Ham (5)

25 Cross from an open door (4)

26 Find a wise old bird in a

Lowland team (3)

29 Was very warm in a photofinish (3)