Every morning TheScore.ie brings you the stories you need to be across before your first cup of coffee.
1. #SHOCK Wigan Athletic managed to pull off an unlikely win against one of the Premier League’s top sides for the second time in a week after coming away with the Emirates with a 2-1 win last night. Roberto Martinez’s men scored two early goals through Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez before Thomas Vermaelen pulled one back for the Gunners.
It was the Latics’ fourth win in five matches and puts them five points clear of the drop zone in 16th. Arsenal, meanwhile, missed out on the chance to pull away from city rivals Spurs in third.
2. #CONTROVERSY Ireland’s chances of success at this year’s Olympic Games took a significant setback yesterday when boxer Joe Ward was eliminated from the elite final qualifiers in Trabzon, Turkey, in controversial circumstances.
The reigning European light-heavyweight champion was seen as having a realistic chance of medal glory in London but lost 18-15 to Turkey’s Bahran Muzaffer in the last 16. Team coach Billy Walsh and Paul McDermott of the Irish Sports Councial believed that Ward had won the fight but was victim of biased judging.
However, the talented 18-year-old’s appeal was turned down by the International Boxing Association meaning he will not qualify. Paddy Barnes and David Oliver Joyce both step into the ring later today.
3. #APPOINTMENT Terry Hyland is set to replace Val Andrews as the Cavan senior football manager after receiving the backing needs at a county board meeting last night. Delegates voted unanimously in favour of the current U21 boss, who will be joined by former intercounty player Anthony Forde as trainer.
#CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Bayern Munich and Real Madrid contest the first of two semi-finals this week as the remaining for teams look to secure a place in this year’s Champions League final in the German capital. Bayern have dropped five points from their last to Bundesliga while Madrid are unbeaten since January 18, when they lost out to Barcelona. Read our preview here.
5. #SETANTA CUP Derry City and Crusaders took major steps to booking their places in the Setanta Cup final last night with wins over Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers respectively. The Candystripes took a 3-0 victory away from Tallaght Stadium while Crusaders overcame the Bit O’Red by two goals to nil at home. Here’s the round-up.
