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Barca add more silverware

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 30/08/2009
Football betting

Barcelona secured their second piece of silverware of the new season by edging out Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 after extra-time in the European Super Cup in Monaco.

A tight match in the Stade Louis II was eventually settled by a goal from Pedro, following superb set-up play from Lionel Messi.

Will Barcelona be able to retain their Champions League crown this season? - Latest Football Betting

Holders Manchester United have been drawn at home to Wolves in the third round of the Carling Cup, while Liverpool face a tough trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United.

Last season's runners-up Tottenham travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End, while League One Carlisle United have a home tie against Portsmouth to look forward to.

League Two Port Vale missed out on a plum draw and will head to Glanford Park to face Scunthorpe United, while big-spending Manchester City take on Fulham at Eastlands

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted that inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard has yet to hit top form in the opening games of the new season.

The Reds have lost two of their three Premier League games this term, with England midfielder Gerrard struggling to match the exacting standards he has set himself in recent campaigns.

Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara has signed a new contract running until the summer of 2013, before joining Portsmouth, who are one of the online favourites to suffer relegation this season, on loan until the new year.

The 22-year-old has struggled to secure a regular first-team spot at White Hart Lane.

Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane has also joined Pompey on a season-long loan from French club Lens.

The 28-year-old moves with an option for a permanent deal if he impresses at Fratton Park.

Paul Hart has also snapped up the Germany Under-21 international Kevin-Prince Boateng for an undisclosed fee from Spurs.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract at Fratton Park, having struggled to make an impact with Spurs following his arrival from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2007.

Sunderland have wrapped up the signing of Ghana defender John Mensah on a season-long loan from French powerhouses Lyon.

The 26-year-old centre-half had only been with Lyon for one season, having previously made his name in Italian football.

Batsman David Hussey is hoping that a century against Scotland can help him establish himself in the Australia one-day side.

The 32-year-old right-hander averages less than 30 in his 23 ODI appearances to date, but smashed 11 from just 83 deliveries in a 189-run victory over the Scots in Edinburgh.

In rugby union, Charles Jillings has resigned as chairman of Harlequins over his part in the ongoing Bloodgate saga which has engulfed the club.

Quins are still dealing with the consequences of Tom Williams faking a blood injury during the Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster towards the end of last season.

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