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Rangers are in a three-way tussle to acquire the signature of an "absolutely brilliant" Premier League player, according to a new transfer update.

Rangers transfer targets

Philippe Clement is looking to bring in some fresh faces during the January transfer window, as he gets his first opportunity to sign individuals who he feels are right for his style of play. Various players have been linked with a move to Rangers before the end of the month, with the club's interest in Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland refusing to go away. Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig, formerly of Hibernian, is also seen as an option to come in and be a key player.

Everton's Ben Godfrey has been backed to move to Ibrox in the recent past, too, should Clement feel the need to further add to his defence, and Michy Batshuayi is another name who has been thrown into the hat, though that one looks to have hit a wall.

Rangers want Ben Johnson

Now, according to Football Insider, Rangers are interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson, but they aren't the only club keen on snapping him up.

"Rangers, Leeds United and Sheffield United are among the sides keen on landing West Ham star Ben Johnson this month, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed Southampton are also in the mix for the 23-year-old – who could leave the London Stadium on loan before the 1 February deadline.

"Johnson is entering the final six months of his West Ham contract and is keen to play regular first-team football after struggling for game time with David Moyes’ side. He has rejected several offers from the Irons over a potential new deal. It is believed Johnson has lots of interest from clubs in England and north of the border – with Rangers, Leeds, Sheffield United and Southampton the most keen on a deal."

Johnson could jump at the opportunity to move to Rangers this month, having fallen almost completely out of favour under David Moyes at West Ham, only featuring twice in the Premier League this season, just one of which was a start.

At 23, the Englishman is a key point in his career, in terms of not wasting some of his best years, and he could add both quality and versatility to the Gers' defence, capable of playing at centre-back and in either full-back role, as well as in midfield. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has hailed him in the past, too, saying: "Johnson’s performances have been of such merit that he deserves to be in the team. There is no doubt about that in my eyes. He has been absolutely brilliant since he has come in."

Rangers officials now battling to bring in-demand defensive gem to Ibrox

The Gers could land a defensive boost…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 11, 2024

There is the threat that Johnson could want to remain in England, potentially giving Leeds United and Sheffield United an advantage, but a move to Rangers would give him a chance to win the Scottish Premiership title this season, and hopefully in the coming years as well.

West Ham United could sign a club's "big-game" captain if winger Said Benrahma leaves before February 1, according to reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham injuries push Steidten into action

A wave of injuries and absences from manager David Moyes' squad have reportedly pushed technical director Tim Steidten into the chase for a new attacking option.

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Michail Antonio recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem, while Mohammed Kudus is currently away with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Lucas Paqueta is also set to be out for around two months with a calf injury, dealing a hammer blow for Moyes who is pretty short of creative attacking options.

This has motivated West Ham and Moyes to dip into the market for more forwards, and that is still the case despite reports claiming Jarrod Bowen could be back to face Sheffield United.

Many names have been linked with a move to east London in the last week alone. Indeed, rumours suggest Sunderland forward Jack Clarke, Sporting Lisbon star Marcus Edwards, Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy and Feyenoord number nine Santiago Gimenez are all January transfer targets for West Ham.

Another option for the Irons is former Tottenham forward Steven Bergwijn, who has been a standout player for Ajax amid their disappointing season. The Dutchman currently captains them, but it is believed West Ham are contenders to lure him away from Amsterdam.

Fabrizio Romano shares Bergwijn to West Ham update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has given an update on their apparent interest in the winger. Indeed, according to the respected journalist, West Ham could still sign Bergwijn if Benrahma leaves before deadline day.

"Benrahma's move to Lyon could happen if they offer the right amount of money and the player wants to go," said Romano.

"But it is not an easy situation for Lyon because the player is taking his time to decide whether to make the move. If Benrahma leaves the club, Steven Bergwijn could be an option. There is a possibility that he will sign because he is a top target for West Ham.

Ajax 2-0 FC Volendam

9.60

Ajax 4-1 Heracles

8.81

Ajax 5-0 Vitesse

8.73

Go Ahead Eagles 2-3 Ajax

8.68

Ajax 4-1 SC Heerenveen

7.59

"There are some candidates on the list, but we have to wait for outgoings at West Ham."

Despite not quite cutting it at Tottenham, he was lauded as a "big-game" player at points for Jose Mourinho (John Cross).

Junior Firpo, in the absence of other left-backs, has stepped up to the mark for Daniel Farke's Leeds United in recent games after his Whites career looked in danger of completely fizzling out at one point.

Firpo has three assists from three after being reinstated into the first team ranks in West Yorkshire, starring against Birmingham City on New Year's Day to show to everyone at Elland Road that he won't just exit the Championship club with a whimper – notching up two assists in a convincing 3-0 home win.

Yet, despite this new lease of life coursing through Firpo's veins encouraging the Leeds fanbase that once got on his back to reevaluate their preconceptions, one transfer development coming out of the Whites could see the ex-Barcelona man's improved game time cut once again.

Leeds looking for a left-back

Linked with the likes of Conor Roberts, Neco Williams and even Ben Davies recently, as per The Athletic it's obvious the problem area Leeds are trying to add depth to this January.

Another name that keeps popping up is West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who could give Leeds a versatile and adaptable figure that can play anywhere across the defence.

Confirmed to have interest in the Hammers man by Phil Hay, whilst writing for the Athletic this Wednesday, the defender's competence at playing left-back across his time at the London Stadium could have Firpo worrying about his newly found first-team spot.

In detail, Hay wrote: "Johnson is also on the list. The 23-year-old has seen relatively few minutes this season, is on course to be out of contract in the summer and has rejected offers of an extension to his current deal, but Leeds would favour a loan agreement in this window. "

Leeds could land "fantastic" upgrade on Firpo & Spence after Phil Hay reveal

Leeds United could upgrade their defence significantly with this signing, slotting him in alongside an in-form Joe Rodon.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 17, 2024

With TEAMtalk reporting last month that Firpo was talking to former club Real Betis over a possible move back to Spain – before his reintroduction into the starting XI by Farke – this news involving Johnson could see the 27-year-old itch for a move away again.

How Ben Johnson compares to Junior Firpo

Johnson's potential arrival to Elland Road would see Leeds opt for a no-thrills player over the slaloming and exciting nature of Firpo, but a dependable presence who very rarely lets anyone down.

Johnson has come into David Moyes' side when needed without causing any disruption to harmony present at the London Stadium, making 57 Premier League appearances for the Londoners as a useful if unflashy player.

The West Ham number two has arguably excelled playing down the left-hand side when called into action, registering two assists from 22 appearances filling in there.

Described as being a "wonderful professional" by ex-Hammers first team coach Stuart Pearce for his acceptance at being a utility player, he could well be the sort of presence Farke fancies during a promotion push.

Firpo, in stark contrast, struggled when Leeds were in the top-flight – only helping the Whites keep one clean sheet from the 19 times he featured during their disastrous relegation season down to the second tier.

On top of that, the 27-year-old would only help himself to a singular assist from those games with a dire 6.55 Sofascore rating averaged over the pitiful campaign.

With the likes of Archie Gray and Joe Rodon comfortable on the ball and progressing up the field, Johnson's addition could also give the Whites a dogged defender who is unafraid to do the dirty work away from beginning attacking moves.

The 23-year-old trumps Firpo when it comes to undergoing his basic defensive duties according to FBRef, bettering the revitalised Leeds defender in aerials won with Johnson winning 1.48 per 90 minutes over the last year compared to Firpo's 1.01.

Yet, Johnson won't hesitate in helping his team push further up the field if needed with the fringe Hammers defender bettering Firpo surprisingly in progressive carries with 1.97 managed to Firpo's lesser 1.44.

Former West Ham player Frank McAvennie commented on the potential of this deal with Football Insider, stating that the Whites would be gaining a "quality" player who could help steer the West Yorkshire titans to a pivotal promotion.

Proving himself to be an all-rounder at the London Stadium, Farke should go all in for the services of the wantaway 23-year-old with Firpo prone to blowing hot and cold across his topsy-turvy Leeds career to date.

During last summer's transfer window, three Premier League teams – Chelsea (£424.8m), Spurs (£213.4m) and Manchester City (£211.1m) – spent more than Arsenal (£203.5m) outright. However, when you go by net spend, the Gunners (£124.7m) were second only to Chelsea (£203.5m) in the league rankings.

Until their London rivals signed Moises Caicedo in mid-August, Arsenal's move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was the most expensive ever conducted between two English clubs. On top of that, they acquired attacker Kai Havertz from Stamford Bridge, defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax and goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan.

Given that, relatively speaking, Arsenal weren't able to recoup much of this spend back through sales, it's no surprise that manager Mikel Arteta needs to think about balancing the books if he wants to add to his squad again in January.

Nketiah price set at £30m

According to The Star, Arsenal have slapped a £30m price tag on striker Eddie Nketiah amid interest from Crystal Palace. Nketiah is "highly-regarded at the Emirates" and so the Gunners will drive a hard bargain, even insisting upon a sell-on clause as part of a potential transfer.

The possible departure of Nketiah is connected to the arrival of a new centre-forward, with Arsenal interested in Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke as well as the well documented links to Brentford's Ivan Toney. Nketiah's exit could free up the funds and space to make a move for a new number nine.

"Complete" Solanke is better than Nketiah

Nketiah has played a significant volume of football this season, appearing in 27 matches and logging 1,266 minutes overall. He's started half of Arsenal's 20 Premier League games and banged in six goals, an average of one every 211 minutes. He's shown he's a decent understudy to Gabriel Jesus, but if Arsenal are keen on an upgrade and Nketiah commands a significant fee, then there's little point keeping him round.

At the start of the season, few Gunners fans would have had any interest in links with Solanke, who had never scored more than six goals in a Premier League season. However, just 20 games into the current campaign, he's already doubled that tally, with only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland (both 14) ahead of him in the rankings.

Premier League Top Scorers

Club

Nationality

Goals

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

Norway

14

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

Egypt

14

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

England

12

Son Heung-min

Tottenham

South Korea

12

Jarrod Bowen

West Ham

England

11

Hwang Hee-chan

Wolves

South Korea

10

Alexander Isak

Newcastle

Sweden

9

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

England

9

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

England

8

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

Senegal

7

Significantly, Solanke's output looks sustainable. He's only marginally out-performing his xG (11.0), so you can't put his dramatic upturn down to freakishly good finishing (FBRef). Instead, it's reflective of the quality of his opportunities, and by extension, the intelligence of his movement in and around the penalty area.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who has scored more Premier League goals for the club than anybody else, is a big fan of Solanke, crediting him for a "brilliant" run of form after watching him "struggle" early in his career (Bournemouth Echo).

Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola, his manager at Bournemouth, has billed him the "complete" striker, emphasising that there are facets to his game beyond goalscoring. Indeed, when compared to positional peers over the last year, the 26-year-old ranks in the 75th percentile or better for blocks (0.9), clearances (1.4), progressive carries (1.96) and successful take-ons (1.26), which shows that he's a committed press-leader and a gifted dribbler (FBRef). No wonder Arsenal are interested in such a convincing all-round package.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino admits when his side's levels drop they are "so bad" after their 5-0 thrashing by Arsenal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arsenal thrash Chelsea 5-0
• Blues missed ill Palmer
• Pochettino slams performance

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea were thumped at the Emirates on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and a brace apiece for Ben White and Kai Havertz. The Blues were without top scorer Cole Palmer due to illness but that does not explain their dismal defeat in north London. And manager Pochettino admitted his side can be a poor team at times.

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  WHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID

  In his post match press conference, he said: "Maybe with him, the team today, it could be in the same situation. But of course [Cole] Palmer is doing well for us and he is the only player we have to link all the lines of the team. When you miss a player like this, it is not easy. It was a great opportunity for some players to step up. We are showing this inconsistency and that is why we are where we are. We are able to have an amazing performance [against Man City] and then one like this. When we have bad days, we are so bad."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After a good run of results, Chelsea's season is threatening to unravel again. Despite putting in an encouraging display in the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City, they are destined to end the campaign without a trophy and this rout at the hands of Arsenal could put pay their chances of qualifying for Europe – with seventh-placed Manchester United three points ahead of the Blues with six games left. Once again, the pressure is back on Pochettino.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will have to get over this defeat fast as they travel to Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on Saturday night before hosting London rivals Tottenham next Thursday in two tough Premier League fixtures.

Half-centuries from Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq, along with a three-wicket burst from Mohammad Amir, helped Pakistanis complete a win on the final day of their three-day warm-up fixture against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Benoni on Friday. Yasir Shah, who arrived in South Africa yesterday following the birth of his child, also got some overs under his belt, while Fakhar Zaman edged closer to fitness with another short innings.The tourists won by six wickets late on day three, completing their preparations for the three-match Test series starting in Centurion on Boxing Day. Amir first bagged 3 for 35 in 12 overs, including the wickets of Joshua Richards and Matthew Breetzke for single digits, as the the hosts declared at 182 for 7.Neil Brand top-scored for the home side with 71, having raised his fifty by dancing down at Yasir to clobber him over midwicket for six, before falling to Amir, edging a back of a length delivery to Asad Shafiq in the slips. There were useful 30s from captain Marques Ackerman and Onke Nyaku, and the young South Africans set a target of 195 in around 50 overs.The Pakistanis were rarely troubled in their chase thanks to the anchoring innings played by Imam. The opener made 66 and he shared in a first-wicket stand of 42 with Shan Masood, who made 24 before he edged a lifter from Thandolwethu Mnyaka into the slips. Fakhar Zaman managed 18 before he was dismissed by Kyle Simmonds.Imam then added 96 with top-scorer Sohail for the third wicket, raising his fifty from 79 deliveries in just under two hours before he was stumped by Rivaldo Moonsamy off Simmonds’ left-arm spin. Sohail picked up where he left off with a brisk, unbeaten 73 that included two sixes and helped the touring side reach their target in 40.2 overs.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em situação delicada na briga pelo acesso, o Avaí começou algumas mudanças internas e anunciou nesta quinta-feira Marco Aurélio Cunha, que será o novo executivo de futebol do Leão.

+ TABELA DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO DA SÉRIE B

De acordo com o comunicado emitido pelo clube de Santa Catarina, a chegada do novo dirigente foi um convite do presidente Francisco Battistotti.

Mesmo com a chegada de Marco Aurélio Cunha, a dupla Marquinhos Santos e Diogo Fernandes estão assegurados dentro do Avaí até segunda ordem.

+R10 no Flamengo, Imperador no Corinthians… Veja reforços que chegaram há uma década no futebol brasileiro

Velho conhecido

Esta será a segunda passagem de Marco Aurélio Cunha pelo Avaí. A primeira aconteceu na década de 1990, quando atuou como diretor de futebol. Logo depois ele foi ao São Paulo e ganhou fama em todo o país.

Veja o comunicado do Avaí:

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Marco Aurélio Cunha é o novo Executivo de Futebol do Avaí.

Saiba mais:https://t.co/mICCJeDFYH#VamosVamosLeão pic.twitter.com/yhIYa1NPds

— Avaí Futebol Clube (@AvaiFC) January 7, 2021

Newcastle United are one of the potential suitors to sign a "special" Premier League player in January, according to a fresh transfer story.

Newcastle's January business

The January transfer window will offer the Magpies a chance to bolster their squad midway through the season – something that may well be needed after Sandro Tonali's 10-month ban for breaching betting rules was confirmed earlier this month. A host of midfield players are being looked at by the Magpies, with Kalvin Phillips, Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante all linked with moves to Newcastle in the same report, and plenty of others also being mentioned as options.

While midfield looks like the most pressing area for Eddie Howe to focus on, it could also be that he eyes up reinforcements in defence because of Sven Botman's injury-plagued season, and also further attacking additions with Harvey Barnes out long-term and neither of his strikers able to stay fit for a whole season.

With that in mind, a new update suggests that an exciting player in the final third could potentially make his way to St James' Park in the near future.

Newcastle linked with Emile Smith Rowe

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Newcastle are eyeing a move for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe, admitting that a January exit from the Emirates isn't out of the question, partly because of injury problems:

"There are clubs looking at Smith Rowe. Newcastle are one of them, for example. Aston Villa have looked in the past as well. But Arsenal may be a bit more bullish about this and, before they agree to any kind of possible exit talks, they may first want to see whether the player can get fit in the second half of the season and then assess their options in the summer, rather than January.

"Smith Rowe may feel the same as well because it's all very well having your head turned by a possible move, but when you've been injured for this amount of time, stability can actually be the best thing to rehabilitate, build up your match time and then to assess your position within the Arsenal squad in the summer."

Smith Rowe has been linked with a move to Newcastle in the past and he could certainly add the depth that is needed, especially as he can play in midfield and attack, proving to be effective in central and wide areas. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher certainly rates the 23-year-old highly as a footballer, saying of him recently:

"He's so exciting, the pace, moving with the ball. He's a special talent. He can pop up in different positions, he has that ability to play all four positions up top and that's a real bonus."

Smith Rowe's chance of playing regularly for Arsenal look slim at the moment, considering some of the attacking options the Gunners have in his position, whether it be Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard or Gabriel Martinelli, so he could jump at the chance of testing himself at Newcastle, who have been 'goals by committee' this season rather than using an out-and-out Erling Haaland type number nine.

Callum Wilson

7

Alexander Isak

7

Anthony Gordon

4

Miguel Almiron

4

Sean Longstaff

3

Technically-gifted and versatile, the Englishman still has so much of his career ahead of him, and Howe could feel that he can get more out of him than Mikel Arteta, utilising his versatility to pitch in with goals and assists from all over the pitch.

Liverpool's revival this season has stemmed from Jurgen Klopp's emphasis on comprehensively rebuilding a midfield that struggled to implement his tactical philosophy last year, which bitterly resulted in a fifth-placed Premier League finish.

Such a dismal campaign meant that the Reds would not play in the Champions League for the first time since 2015/16, which really was a hammer blow to an ambitious and esteemed manager in Klopp who had returned the glory to Anfield after so many years of mediocrity.

And while the return to the Europa League is not a prospect that will have filled world-class stars such as Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk with jubilation, it does present an opportunity for the German gaffer to complete the full gamut of silverware since joining the side back in 2015.

It also presents a great opportunity to unleash some of the club's younger talents, which is exactly what Klopp has done thus far.

Indeed, Ben Doak, still only 17, started against LASK in the 3-1 win in September, while Stefan Bajcetic and Jarell Quansah have also earned starting berths across the first two games – with both prospects very much looking talented enough for starring roles in the future.

With an ostensibly weaker calibre of opposition, healthy squad rotation certainly becomes less strenuous, and with six points already Liverpool are in a good position to cruise through the remainder of the group phase. Though these feel like famous last words.

One player who has featured prominently has been Kostas Tsimikas, who has played second fiddle to Andy Robertson since joining from Greek side Olympiakos in a £12m transfer in 2020.

However, with the 62-cap Scotland captain withdrawn due to injury on international duty earlier this week, the 27-year-old might be called upon for greater responsibility in the Premier League, where he has made just one substitute appearance this term.

Is Andy Robertson injured?

Robertson has been ever-present under Klopp's tutelage and has emerged as one of Europe's foremost full-backs after bursting onto the scene following his £10m transfer from Hull City in 2017.

The £100k-per-week machine has been hailed as a "Duracell Bunny" by Liverpool writer Leanne Prescott for his remarkable energy and workrate, and has played every minute of the Reds' league season this year.

Current LFC Squad: Most Appearances Under Jurgen Klopp (Transfermarkt)
Player	Apps
Mohamed Salah	315
Trent Alexander-Arnold	280
Andy Robertson	275
Alisson	240
Virgil van Dijk	229

This is why his injury suffered on international duty will come as such a blow to his club team, who have clicked into gear this term after enduring that incohesive 2022/23 campaign.

The shoulder issue – which might be a dislocation – could result in a spell on the sidelines for the talented defender, who will possibly now miss the Merseyside derby against Everton next weekend – a big blow to Liverpool's fluidity and prospects.

As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 marauder ranks among the top 11% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

Very much one of Liverpool's chief creators, Robertson's injury will leave a void in the restored system, and while Tsimikas is a productive force himself, having provided 12 assists from merely 65 outings, he's not the most consistent of performers, with one LFC podcaster criticising him for his "abysmal" performance against LASK.

As such, it might be high time for Klopp to make good use of that aforementioned youth quality, with an exciting left-back in Calum Scanlon taking great strides in his development and now perching on the cusp of a senior debut for the Merseyside outfit.

Who is Calum Scanlon?

This summer, young Scanlon was included in Klopp's pre-season squad after impressing for Liverpool's development squad over the past few years.

Noted for his “aggressive” approach by reporter Jack Lusby, the defender was signed for the Reds for a reported fee of £500k in December 2020 when he was just 15 years old, having impressed for Birmingham City throughout his youth days.

Considered one of the brightest talents of his age, Scanlon, now aged 18, has now spent three years on Merseyside and has chalked up 38 appearances for the club's various youth sides, scoring twice and providing four assists.

Signing his first professional deal last year, there is clearly hope at the club that he can work his way into a prominent position in Klopp's senior set-up, with reporter Neil Jones noting that he has looked "so good" this season, earning an assist during a 3-0 win over Morecambe Town in the EFL Trophy in September.

The emerging sensation is also among the youth players registered for the Europa League via List B this season – which means players who are aged 21 or younger and have been registered for their club for over two years.

This is a big demonstration of faith in his precocious skill set and one that may well be enacted soon following Robertson's injury, which could mean that Tsimikas is required to take centre stage for a while..

Should the 29-year-old star be sidelined for several weeks or more, Kostas Tsimikas is the number one candidate to serve in his stead, but with Liverpool competing across four different competitions it will not be possible for the Greek dynamo to play all the time.

As such, Scanlon could find himself stepping in to impress, and should he live up to Jones' praise – who also claimed that he is “very talented” – then he might just find that that shot at the first-team sticks.

Every world-class phenomenon starts as an unknown commodity, and every club has its success stories starting from within the youth ranks.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is evidence of Liverpool's thriving formative fold, and Scanlon could now emulate his positional peer and walk the same pathway toward prominence under the Anfield lights.

Birmingham Bears fell to a 16-run defeat against the Derbyshire Falcons in a low-scoring Vitality Blast game at Derby

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2018
ScorecardIan Bell wrote his name in the record books but finished on the losing side as Birmingham Bears fell to a 16-run defeat against the Derbyshire Falcons in a low-scoring Vitality Blast game at DerbyBell passed Jonathan Trott’s total of 1,911 runs to become the Bears highest run-scorer in T20 cricket but his 65 from 51 balls on a sluggish pitch was not enough as the visitors came up short chasing 144.Grant Elliott claimed 3 for 16 as the Falcons managed only 143 for 9 with Calum MacLeod top scoring with 39 but Wahab Riaz took 3 for 27 as superb bowling limited the Bears to 127 for 9.Billy Godleman got the Falcons off to a flier by pulling consecutive balls from Ollie Stone for two fours and a six and he swung Chris Woakes for another six as 18 came from the England seamer’s second over.The game was in danger of running away from the Bears but Aaron Thomason made the breakthrough when Godleman chopped on in the fifth over and Anuj Dal was run out first ball when he failed to beat Woakes throw from mid on.Wayne Madsen lifted Jeetan Patel over midwicket for six but the experienced spinner and Elliott applied a stranglehold that restricted the Falcons to 21 from five overs.The pressure accounted for Madsen who top edged a pull at Elliott and MacLeod’s attempts to break free only ended in the hands of Thomason at long on.Stone returned to have Matt Critchley caught at mid on to reduce the Falcons to 96 for 5 and Elliott struck again when Alex Hughes skied a drive to long on.The Bears had turned the match round to the extent that only 37 had come from eight overs and after Riaz and Hardus Viljoen fell trying to clear the field, Wilson gave his bowlers something to defend by hitting Thomason for a six and a four in the final over.The slow pitch had confounded several batsmen and Ed Pollock and Adam Hose became the latest victims as top edges off Riaz and Ravi Rampaul left the Bears reeling on 4 for 2.Bell lifted Riaz over third man for six before two runs off Rampaul took him past Trott’s milestone but the Bears were finding it just as difficult to get the ball away and when Sam Hain was caught behind down the leg side off Viljoen in the eighth over, the contest was in the balance.It shifted towards the Falcons in the ninth over when Colin de Grandhomme miscued a pull at Hughes and 49 for 4 at the halfway stage of the Bears innings reflected the quality of the bowling.Elliott sliced Viljoen to third man but Bell drove Hughes for six on his way to a 40 ball 50 and two fours from Riaz left the Bears needing 45 from five overs.But after a tight Rampaul over, Bell dragged Hughes to wide long on and after Viljoen conceded just one run from the 18th over, Riaz settled it with two wickets.