Essein's stunner in vain

Michael Essien was on the losing team at Craven Cottage last night, despite scoring a stunning goal for Ghana in their 2-1 defeat by Mexico. The Chelsea midfield player put Ghana ahead after 55 minutes with a superb strike from 25 yards. With 13 minutes to go, Patrick Antwi, the Ghana goalkeeper, miscontrolled a back-pass and allowed Carlos Salcido to smash in the equaliser and Pavel Pardo scored the winner from the penalty spot after a foul on Adolfo Bautista.

I may have blown our chances, says Alan Pardew

Alan Pardew, the Charlton Athletic manager, has admitted that his dealings in the transfer market could have cost the Coca-Cola Championship club a promotion spot. Greg Halford, Lee Cook, Scott Sinclair and Leroy Lita have failed to make an impact at The Valley since joining on loan in the new year, with Charlton winning only once in their past nine matches. “We had been searching for a team capable of winning automatic promotion,” the manager said. “In doing so I muddled with the team and have put our play-off position in jeopardy, for which I take full responsibility.”

Davey's denial over Collin

Simon Davey, the Barnsley manager, has denied that Aurélien Collin, the Gretna defender, is set to join the club on loan. The French centre back, 22, moved to Gretna last summer from Real Mallorca but has been linked with a move to Oakwell after the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League side went into administration. Davey, who refused to disclose whether he had other targets in mind, said: “No. There's nothing in it, nothing at all.” The Football League deadline for loan signings is 5pm today.

Pablo Couñago appeal fails

Pablo Couñago, the Ipswich Town striker, will miss the next three matches after losing his appeal against a red card. Couñago was dismissed by Iain Williamson, the referee, for violent conduct after an altercation with Jack Cork, the Scunthorpe United defender, in the Coca-Cola Championship victory on Saturday. He was also accused of spitting in the face of Andy Butler, the Scunthorpe defender. The FA disciplinary panel rejected the claim that the forward's card was undeserved.

Southampton pair released on bail

Bradley Wright-Phillips and Nathan Dyer have been released on bail after their arrest in relation to an alleged theft at a nightclub. The Southampton pair were questioned at a police station on Tuesday in the wake of allegations made on March 5 by staff at Bar Bluu in Southsea, Hampshire. Their arrest relates to an incident in which £145 cash, mobile phones and other items were reportedly stolen. Wright-Phillips, 23, and Dyer, 20, have been fined two weeks' wages by the club.

Eifion Williams retires

Eifion Williams, the Wrexham striker, has announced his retirement at the age of 32 after losing his battle with injury. A hamstring problem has kept Williams on the sidelines since the start of December and the former Hartlepool United, Torquay United and Barry Town forward has reluctantly decided to pursue a career outside football. “I have picked up one or two injuries this season and things have not gone according to plan,” Williams said.

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