Page 3 - Marcus Bent News Today

Chelsea’s win against nine-man Tottenham was arguably the Premier League’s game of the season so far.

Chelsea’s win against nine-man Tottenham was arguably the Premier League’s game of the season so far.

Chelsea’s win against nine-man Tottenham was arguably the Premier League’s game of the season so far.

Town fans left Portman Road angry and depressed once again as Gillingham took three points back to Kent. A Mamady Sidibe goal in the first half, again after Town had failed to defend a corner, was enough to take Andy Hessenthalers side to victory.

A pulsating climax to the East Anglian derby saw Pablo Couñago grab an equaliser for the Blues in injury time from a Darren Bent missed penalty. Prior to that, the game had taken much the same pattern as recent derbies, Town having most of the play before conceding, and once again there was more than a little controversy.

Town manager George Burley says he was frustrated at his strikers failure to take chances for the second game running after Sundays draw with Norwich. Two weeks ago Town dominated against Preston without turning their advantage into goals.

Boss Jim Magilton says he is in no hurry to add a central defender to his squad, despite missing out on signing César Navas, who decided to join Racing Santander from Málaga rather than the Blues earlier in the week.

Town marched into the UEFA Cup proper with a comprehensive 8-1 win against Avenir Beggen. Pablo Couñago claimed a hat-trick, Tommy Miller two goals, Wayne Brown a first for Town while sub Darren Ambrose and John McGreal completed the scoring for Town.

Fulham are reported to be about to renew their interest in Matt Holland and Marcus Bent now that they have qualified for the UEFA Cup. The Londoners qualification for Europe through the Intertoto Cup means Town will start their Worthington Cup campaign in the second round.

West Brom boss Gary Megson says he would still welcome Hermann Hreidarsson to the Hawthorns if the Icelander decides to change his mind regarding his £3.3 million move. The defender decided against a switch two weeks ago as he preferred to stay at Portman Road.