FOOTBALL: A former Premier League footballer yesterday denied being part of a match-fixing conspiracy.

Delroy Facey pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery during a brief hearing before a judge at Birmingham Crown Court.

The former Bolton, Hull and West Brom striker is alleged to have committed the offence by offering financial advantage to others, including professional footballers, in November 2013.

CRICKET: Northamptonshire captain Alex Wakely has signed a new contract keeping him at the County Ground until 2016, the club announced yesterday.

Wakely missed the entire 2014 season with an Achilles injury as Northants were relegated from County Championship Division One but is now hoping to guide the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"I am very happy to be extending my contract with Northants," he said.

BOXING: Lisa Whiteside continued England's fine start to the Women's World Boxing Championships in Jeju City, South Korea, yesterday.

The Preston 29-year-old eased past Yana Burym of Belarus by unanimous decision in her first preliminary bout in the 51kg division.

Whiteside, a world bronze medallist at 57kg two years ago, is hoping to seize her chance in the absence of Olympic champion Nicola Adams due to injury.

FOOTBALL: Sunderland were fined £20,000 yesterday after admitting an FA misconduct charge arising from their game against Everton earlier this month.

The Black Cats were charged with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Sunderland players were incensed by referee Lee Mason's decision to give a penalty to the Toffees in the 76th minute.