Defender Jonny Evans was part of the Leicester City team that created history at the weekend after they equalled the Premier League’s highest ever win following their clinical 9-0 demolition of Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
It matched the result by Evans’ former employers Manchester United who defeated Ipswich Town 9-0 at Old Trafford 24 years ago.
Striker Jamie Vardy, one of two Leicester City players to grab a hat-trick on Friday evening, revealed that Evans was urging the Foxes to go on and score nine or more goals in order to try to equal/break the Premier League record.
“Jonny Evans kept reminding us every time the ball went in the net!” said Vardy. “He’s obviously done his research and he said that winning by nine was a record.”
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Craig Cathcart helped Watford keep just their second clean sheet of the season as they held AFC Bournemouth to a scoreless draw at Vicarage Road.
Defender Jamal Lewis, who returned from a knee injury last week, was substituted after 66 minutes of Norwich City’s 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United after he had reported of feeling unwell at half-time.
In Scotland, Conor Hazard made his debut for Dundee, whom he joined on-loan from Celtic last week, as they chalked up a 2-1 away success at second-placed Ayr United.
“I thought he looked very composed,” said Dee boss James McPake, “he made had a great save, you need goalkeepers to make big saves particularly away from home.
“I thought he commanded his area very well. One day training and coming down here to a tough place, he was comfortable to take the ball and play.”
Meanwhile in the Premiership in Scotland St Johnstone recorded their first league victory of the season after defeating Hamilton Academicals 3-2 at McDiarmid Park.
Northern Ireland’s latest recruit to the full International squad Matty Kennedy, weighed in with two assists for the Perth outfit while manager Tommy Wright praised the contribution of under-21 international Ali McCann.
“Ali McCann was also outstanding today,” declared the former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper. “He’s as good a young midfielder in Scotland at the moment – if not the best one.”
Also in the top-flight in Scotland, Liam Donnelly returned from suspension to play the full game for Motherwell who lost 2-1 at Ibrox to Steven Davis’ Rangers.
The only Northern Ireland player to get on the scoresheet over the weekend was former under-21 International striker Ally Roy who clocked up his fourth of the season as Airdrieonians won 4-1 at Forfar Athletic in Scottish League One.
Finally, there were assists for Scunthorpe United’s Jamie Ward and on-loan winger Rory Holden at League Two Walsall.
