MEN’S FOOTBALL: On-loan goalie Max Thompson was the hero as Ayr United beat St Johnstone on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Falkirk on Tuesday night to set up a Scottish Challenge Cup semi-final against three-time champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The other last four tie sees 2024’s winners Airdrieonians up against Raith Rovers. Ayr are the only team left in the competition that have not previously lifted the trophy.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE: Still reeling from their shock opening day 19-18 defeat at newly promoted York, reigning Super League champions Hull KR face the NRL’s top-dogs Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge at Craven Park tomorrow evening. The Humbersiders will be at full strength for the game after playmaker Mikey Lewis escaped a ban for his deliberate trip on York captain Liam Harris. The Australians have yet to start their new season. 

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Belfast’s Glentoran will meet Larne in the Irish Cup quarter finals after Jordan Jenkins scored four times in Tuesday evening’s 5-0 win over non-league Drumaness Mills. Defending champions Dungannon face Harland and Wolff Welders in the last eight, Loughall host Cliftonville and Limavady United, after knocking out 44-time winners Linfield in the sixth round, welcome Coleraine to the Showgrounds for a Derry local derby.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: The battle to avoid relegation from the English Football League heated up on Tuesday with the bottom two both enjoying wins away from home. Newport County scored their first goal in seven hours and ended a five match losing run by beating play-off contenders Salford 3-1 and Harrogate edged to a 1-0 victory at Barrow. There are now only five points separating Barrow in 20th from Newport in 24th.