Madden on the mark again

McCarthy rues Henderson OGMICK MCCARTHY admits that defeat for his Ipswich side against Blackburn was hard to take after Irish keeper Stephen Henderson scored an own goal. Henderson, an unused sub for Ireland in Wednesday's win over Poland, was unfortunate to head the ball into his own net while trying to clear a corner.

"I thought we were the better team until they scored," said McCarthy. "But goals change the course of games and performances.

"To concede the way we did, from a corner kick, was pretty galling. We didn't clear it out properly and Hendo gets an own goal – he heads in the back of his own net. That makes it even worse."

Madden on the mark again

PADDY MADDEN has gone to the top of the goalscoring charts in League One after he struck yet again for promotion hopefuls Yeovil Town.

The former Bohemians man was permitted to leave Carlisle United for Yeovil earlier this season and Carlisle must regret allowing the Dubliner quit the club. Madden (22) has now scored 16 league goals for the Glovers with eight goals in his last five games alone.

Lawrence on target for PAOK

FORMER Ireland man Liam Lawrence netted his third goal of the season to help his PAOK side remain in the hunt for the league title in Greece. Lawrence was on target in a 3-1 win for PAOK at home to mid-table outfit OFI on Saturday night, putting PAOK a point clear in second place but still a massive 15 points behind leaders Olympiakos.

Dunfermline eye Cowan move

FORMER Shamrock Rovers man Don Cowan is in line for a move to Scottish side Dunfermline.

The Pars are keen to sign a striker to help their push for promotion back to the SPL and manager Jim Jeffries has made Dubliner Cowan a target.

The 23-year-old joined Stevenage from Longford Town in 2011 but struggled with injury and loss of form this season and last week the League One side cancelled his contract to allow Cowan move on.

- AIDAN FITZMAURICE