Today's other stories from the world of soccer

Jol warns Spurs

Martin Jol put forward a stirring defence of his Tottenham credentials yesterday, insisting that no manager could have done more for the club over the past three years, not even Jose Mourinho, writes David Hytner.

The Dutchman also looked ahead to the battles that are looming and spelled out a warning to those in power at White Hart Lane that sacking him would send the club backwards. "I have to come up with the goods and that is what I did," he said. "No one could have done better. I firmly believe that, even Mourinho. To be fifth (for two seasons) with Spurs is probably not bad - it's very good. There was no manager before me who did the same. The fans know how difficult it is if they change management again. They know you could easily go back for years. You can get anyone in the world to come but to do better, you must finish fourth."

RDS to host cup final

This year's Ford sponsored FAI Cup final will take place at the RDS on December 2nd and will be screened live by RTÉ. The kick-off time has yet to be decided, reports Emmet Malone.

The stadium currently has a capacity of 18,000 with 16,500 seats, significantly more than any of the country's club grounds. Last year's final was staged at the Lansdowne Road which is being redeveloped while the event has previously been held at Tolka Park and Dalymount Park. The semi-final draw will take place next week to pair Bohemians, Cork City, Longford Town and UCD.

Leeds ruling stands

Leeds have been told by the Football Association that there will be no further inquiry into their 15-point penalty. United were handed the punishment after a turbulent summer which saw them enter administration until Ken Bates' controversial deal to buy back the club.

The club's initial appeal against the deduction was rejected at a meeting of all Football League chairmen before the season started, but they had hoped they would be given the chance to have their case heard by an independent review panel. But last night they received notification that the FA do not feel it is right to carry on appealing.

Leeds have, however, already wiped out the entire deduction after winning their first seven League One games and sit on six points as they look to bounce back into the Championship.

Technology backing

Uefa president Michel Platini says he is not against using Hawk-Eye-style technology to end disputes about the ball crossing the goal line. He said it could be a way forward, but he was "totally opposed" to the use of instant video replay. "Football must remain human, but we must also try to limit mistakes," said the former French captain.

Irish coast home

The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19 side recorded a 5-1 victory against Croatia in Slovakia yesterday as Sue Ronan's side took a massive step towards qualification to the Uefa Championship elite qualifying phase.

Dundalk City's, Gillian McDonnell scored four goals as she wrapped up the three points for the Irish.

Irish manager, Susan Ronan, was happy with the score-line but pointed out that her side could have done better. "That was a satisfactory result for the team today but I certaintly feel that we should have played a lot better throughout the game, that being said to win your first game in a Uefa Championships qualifier by five goals to one; that's not to be snuffed at!"

Ronan's side now face hosts, Slovakia tomorrow before a crunch game against a strong Switzerland next Tuesday, with the top two teams progressing to the Elite Qualifying phase of the competition. The finals will take place in France from July 7th -19thy, 2008.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: L Dowling (Raheny United), S Hackett (Stella Maris), L Quinn (Peamount), C McGilp (Cabinteely FC), G Murray (Dundalk City WFC), L-Marie Grant (Lifford), G McDonnell (Dundalk City WFC), J Russell (Salthill Devon), Á O'Gorman (Stella Maris), N Murray (Raheny United), S Roche (Dundalk City WFC). Subs: K Duggan (Piltown) for Hackett (62 mins), J Critchley (Lifford) for Murray (45 mins), K Mullins (Galway Bohs) for Roche (68 mins).

Scottish cup draw

Motherwell's reward for knocking holders Hibernian out of the Scottish League Cup is a quarter-final home tie against Rangers. Celtic will entertain Hearts in the ties to be played the week commencing the October 29th.

Scottish League Cup: (Quarter-Final): Aberdeen v Inverness CT, Dundee Utd v Hamilton, Celtic v Hearts, Motherwell v Rangers.