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No Chelsea supporter could have envisioned the immediate impact Enzo Maresca would have had during his opening months in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian raised some eyebrows after his summer appointment from Leicester City, with many questioning the appointment after the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season.

However, he’s exceeded all expectations during the first few months at the helm, leading the Blues to second place in the Premier League after 15 matches, just four points off current leaders Liverpool.

He’s also led the club to a 100% start to the Europa Conference League campaign, remaining as just one of two sides winning every one of their matches on the European stage.

Todd Boehly has massively backed the club since his takeover, with the summer window of 2024 no different after bringing the 44-year-old in and tasking him with the challenge of leading the club back to the top of the English top division.

Chelsea’s transfer window in the summer of 2024

After his failed stint with Manchester United, winger Jadon Sancho was given a lifeline to resurrect his once-promising career after completing a move to join the Blues.

The Englishman arrived on loan with an obligation to buy, already making an impact in West London after his summer move to the club.

Sancho has already registered two goals and four assists in his first ten matches for the Blues, starring at the top end of the pitch, helping them reach the early heights during Maresca’s reign.

Pedro Neto was another attacker who joined the club, aiming to bring added firepower to the squad to supercharge their top-four ambitions – something which now looks like a real possibility after their recent form.

The Portuguese has registered the same number of goal contributions as fellow forward Sancho, catching the eye with his direct dribbling ability and pace off either flank.

However, the same can’t be said for another summer addition, who has simply been unable to transfer his skill set onto the current side, with his future already up in the air just months after his big-money move.

The £80k-p/w player Chelsea need to cut their losses on

Boss Maresca wasn’t the only person to arrive in London from Leicester during the off-season, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also swapping the East Midlands for the capital.

The 26-year-old moved in a £30m deal after helping secure promotion last season, registering 12 goals and 15 assists in the process – winning the Foxes’ Player of the Year award.

However, despite all the promise of playing a starring role under the Italian, Dewsbury-Hall has barely had the chance to flourish, making the big-money fee now look like a complete waste of money.

As a result, reports have suggested that Aston Villa are interested in making a move for the Englishman in the upcoming January transfer window, with former side Leicester also targeting a surprise return for the ace.

Given the fact the midfielder, who earns £80k-per-week at the Bridge, has only featured for a total of 56 minutes in the league to date, it could be the right call to allow him to leave and cut their losses.

Games played

6

Minutes played

301

Pass accuracy

91%

Successful dribbles

5

Goals scored

1

Tackle success rate

67%

Chances created

7

It’s a real shame that he’s yet to impress for the Blues, especially after receiving huge praise from the manager, who dubbed him as “fantastic” after their time together at the King Power last season.

However, ultimately, given his age, he’s coming into the prime years as a professional, desperately needing regular game time to progress after his stellar campaign in the Championship throughout 2023/24.

Villa could be a great opportunity for him to feature in England’s top flight whilst also featuring in the Champions League this season, something which he’s currently unable to do at Chelsea.

There’s no denying Dewsbury-Hall is a hugely talented player, as seen from his time at Leicester, but the move hasn’t worked out, with Maresca and Boehly needing to cash in to prevent losing millions on their recent investment.

He'd make Palmer unplayable: Chelsea want to sign "world-class" £57m star

Chelsea could be about to make a move for one of the Premier League’s biggest stars.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 10, 2024

Everton topped off a remarkable couple of days in the Premier League, securing a second 2-0 win in less than a week, boosting their chances of survival.

Sean Dyche's side followed up a brilliant win against Nottingham Forest with a phenomenal victory over local rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park last night, moving the Toffees eight points clear of the drop zone.

Goals either side of the break from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured bragging rights for the club, whilst also putting a huge dent in the Reds' title aspirations.

The result is certainly a memorable moment in what has been an unforgettable season for the club, after being deducted eight points for breaching the Premier League's PSR rules.

Everton's victory also allowed one player to flourish, despite being thrown in at the deep end in one of the club's most important outings of the campaign.

James Tarkowski's stats against Liverpool

Experienced defender James Tarkowski has formed an excellent partnership with Branthwaite at the heart of Dyche's defence, with the duo starting together in 31 of the club's 34 Premier League games this campaign.

Last night was no different, with the pair working tirelessly together to keep out the threat of Liverpool's dangerous trio of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz.

The former Burnley man made nine clearances and five interceptions, as he played a huge role in the club's victory over Jürgen Klopp's side.

The 31-year-old also made three tackles, whilst winning 60% of the duels he contested and achieving a pass completion rate of 81% – demonstrating his ability on and off the ball during the encounter.

Tarkowski, who's Everton's captain, has contributed to the Toffees' excellent defensive record, with their tally of 48 goals conceded the best of any side outside the Premier League's top three.

However, another defender deserves a lot of credit for his performance against Klopp's side, featuring out of position during his first start since the 1-1 draw away at Newcastle United at the start of the month.

Ben Godfrey's stats against Liverpool

Versatile star Ben Godfrey has enjoyed a revival in recent months under Dyche, with all of his 11 Premier League appearances this campaign coming in 2024.

However, his display against Liverpool was arguably his best to date, making five interceptions and winning 66% of duels during the fixture at Goodison Park.

Godfrey also completed 80% of the passes he attempted, and won two tackles – limiting the dangerous Diaz to minimal opportunities despite featuring in an unnatural role.

The former Norwich City defender was awarded a 9/10 rating by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley, with the defender impressing despite his recent spell out of the starting lineup.

His outing against the Reds has made him undroppable, especially given the recent injuries to Nathan Patterson and experienced full-back Seamus Coleman.

Minutes played

90

Interceptions

5

Passes completed

8/10 (80%)

Duels won

4/6 (66%)

Tackles

2

Ashley Young has also filled in at right-back in recent weeks, but the 38-year-old endured a tough outing against Forest, with the former Manchester United man at the centre of three separate controversial penalty calls – struggling to deal with the direct running and pace of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

With just four games remaining this season, Dyche must continue to trust the 26-year-old on the right-hand side of the Toffees' defence, especially given his impact against one of the best sides in Europe this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Donovan, one of the best USMNT players of all-time, joins the NWSL club as coach.

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Donovan set to coach Wave for rest of the season.Donovan has previous soccer ties in SD.Wave currently out of playoff picture.WHAT HAPPENED?

The San Diego Wave have turned to American soccer icon Landon Donovan in hopes of turning their season around.

The Wave are mired in a disappointing campaign after winning the NWSL Shield just a season ago. The club currently sits 10th in the league with just 15 points in 16 matches. Donovan, who has roots in San Diego, will be counted on to right the ship.

AdvertisementWHAT THE WAVE SAID

“We are thrilled to have Landon join the club and lead the team for the remainder of the season, including the first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup," said San Diego Wave FC Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. "Landon’s level of knowledge, understanding, and experience as both a player and a coach, provides us with a leader that can help guide this club to where we want to be – in a playoff position and competing for a Championship."

"His passion for this city and growing the game, along with having a player-first mentality, make him a natural fit for this club.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This isn't Donovan's first foray into the club soccer scene in San Diego.

Donovan was the co-founder of the San Diego Loyal in the USL. He served as the Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations for the club, after spending three years as their inaugural head coach. During his four-year stint, he guided the team to consecutive playoff appearances in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The club ultimately folded after the 2023 season, primarily due to challenges in securing a permanent stadium and facilities, combined with MLS's decision to expand into the city.

Now with the Wave, Donovan faces a challenging situation but has a team with some talented stars on its roster. American gold medal-winners Naomi Girma, arguably the best defender in women's soccer and Jaedyn Shaw, the brightest young star in USWNT pool, are both focal points on the team.

Donovan is the only U.S. male soccer player to reach 50 goals and assists while on the national team.

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE WAVE?

Donovan will likely kick off his tenure as coach in San Diego's Concacaf W Champions Cup opener on Aug. 20 against Santa Fe FC in Panama City, Panama. Then the club will return to NWSL action against rivals Angel City FC on Aug. 24

Left-arm wristspinner takes 3 for 11 as Glamorgan fall short in run chase

ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2020Birmingham Bears made it back-to-back Vitality Blast wins with a 13-run victory over Glamorgan in a low-scoring contest at Edgbaston.On a cool, grey evening, the Bears were restricted to 142 for nine by an accurate visiting attack led by paceman Timm van der Gugten and spinner Prem Sisodiya.Only captain Will Rhodes, with a T20-best 46, batted with any fluency until a late flurry from Olly Stone, with 22 not out from 18 balls, gave his side something to bowl at.Glamorgan then mustered only 129 for eight in reply as Tim Bresnan caused early damage before wristspinner Jake Lintott delivered a superb spell of 4-0-11-3, the fourth-most economical full spell for the Bears in T20 cricket.

The lesser-spotted left-arm wrist spinner! @lintott23 is ripping it up for @WarwickshireCCC!#Blast20 pic.twitter.com/SX1BVH92gS

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) September 11, 2020

Birmingham chose to bat but found life difficult against a disciplined display from Glamorgan’s bowlers. Dom Sibley’s return to county duty brought a first-ball duck when he chipped a return catch to Sisodiya. After a tidy start from the spinners, paceman van der Gugten and Ruaidhri Smith each struck in their first overs, having Ed Pollock caught behind and Sam Hain trapped lbw respectively.Adam Hose struck four fours in a 20-ball 23 but then, tied down in a Salter over that had brought only four singles, lifted a full toss to long-off.After Salter and Sisodiya each struck again to dismiss Michael Burgess and Bresnan, Rhodes and Henry Brookes injected some momentum with a stand of 36 in 25 balls. Rhodes batted with intelligence and skill but perished when the Bears took a self-inflicted wound. Brookes called for an impossible second run and the captain was beaten by van der Gugten’s throw.Van der Gugten, who had pooped a big Bears party three days earlier by bowling Ian Bell ten runs short of a century on his last first-class appearance, then added the wicket of Brookes, who skied to mid-off.The Bears were in deep trouble at 118 for eight but Stone supervised some crucial tail-wagging that hep the game alive.Glamorgan’s reply was hit early by a triple blow from Bresnan who bowled his spell straight through from the Birmingham End. Nick Selman, David Lloyd and Chris Cooke paid the price for attacking good balls when they sent up catches into the infield.Andy Balbirnie looked dangerous on his way to 30 but swept Lintott to deep square-leg. The spinner took a stinging return catch to end Marchant de Lange’s counter-attack before it had begun and then spun one on to Callum Taylor’s stumps.From a promising 79 for 4, suddenly Glamorgan were 83 for 8 and the run-rate required soon escalated beyond the tail’s reach.

Chelsea haven't been shy of a transfer or two since the takeover by Todd Boehly, with the club spending over £1b on transfers since the American's acquisition of the club back in May 2022.

The club's huge spending started during the summer window in 2022, with the Blues – then managed by Thomas Tuchel – spending over £270m in that window alone, as the club wanted to invest in the first team to close the gap produced by Manchester City in recent years.

The signings of players such as Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana allowed the Blues to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, with the duo initially becoming key first-team members.

However, the latter has endured a torrid time with injuries since his arrival, only featuring 20 times for Chelsea since his arrival at the club nearly two years ago.

Despite Fofana's long-term stint on the sidelines, the club also signed a player who failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge who has already been moved on after just a year at the club.

Kalidou Koulibaly's stats at Chelsea

Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly joined the Blues for £33m in July 2022, with the club landing one of their long-term targets to strengthen the defensive third.

The former Napoli man made his first start during the 1-0 win away at Everton on the opening day, and the Senegalese defender made an instant impact for the Londoners.

Koulibaly continued his good start to life at Stamford Bridge, scoring a brilliant goal in the 2-2 draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as the centre-back showed early signs of being a great signing for Tuchel's side.

However, his first two appearances were as good as it got for the Senegal international, with the former Napoli man failing to replicate the form he found early on in his Chelsea career.

He would go on to make 23 Premier League appearances during 2022/23 before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short – the defender playing his last game in the 1-0 defeat away to eventual champions Manchester City before departing Stamford Bridge less than a year after arriving.

Koulibaly swapped Europe for Saudi Arabia, joining Al Hilal in a £25m move last summer – with the Blues losing £8m on the 32-year-old, but shifting his hefty wages off the wage bill.

Kalidou Koulibaly's wages at Chelsea

After arriving at Stamford Bridge, the defender penned a four-year deal, on a reported £295k-per-week and £15.3m-a-year, as per Spotrac – a remarkable amount of money.

His weekly wage is currently nearly four times more than Chelsea star Cole Palmer who only earns £75k-per-week despite his unbelievable form that has seen him score 16 goals in 27 Premier League outings. That tells you all you need to know about the club's failings with the Koulibaly transfer.

Christopher Nkunku

£195k

Enzo Fernandez

£180k

Moises Caicedo

£150k

Mykhailo Mudryk

£100k

Cole Palmer

£75k

Conor Gallagher

£50k

Given his lack of impact at the club and his extortionate weekly wage, Boehly and the club did the right thing in offloading the Senegalese last summer. Having cost a grand total of £48.3m, this was certainly money down the drain.

Although he's found his feet in the Middle East, he's clearly past his best and wasn't up to the demands of the Premier League. His departure has also allowed for the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile to progress and develop into the club's long-term centre-back partnership.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Vivianne Miedema has joked about facing up against her partner Beth Mead on the opening day of the season, following her summer transfer to Man City.

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Miedema left Arsenal as free agentSigned for Man City this summerWill face her old club on opening dayWHAT HAPPENED?

Miedema joined City from Arsenal on a three-year deal and, as fate has it, her first professional match in a sky blue shirt will be against her former club. Talking to reporters, she joked about getting the fixture out of the way and facing up against her partner of two years, Beth Mead.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Miedema left Arsenal after a hugely successful seven-year spell with the Gunners in which she racked up a whopping 125 goals in 172 appearances, becoming the WSL's all-time leading scorer. It was confirmed in May that the Dutch international would leave the club, and it wasn't long before City snapped her up ahead of the new campaign.

WHAT MIEDEMA SAID

In a recent press conference, Miedema said: "I already made a bet with Beth about it, that it was going to happen! It's obviously gonna be a special game for me… it's exciting, and I'm happy to get it out of the way, I think. I hope we can start the season really well then."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MIEDEMA & CITY?

While men's domestic football returns to England in a matter of days, Miedema and her City team-mates have to wait until September before they can face up to their WSL opponents. Manchester City's first match of the new campaign takes place on September 22, against Arsenal at the Emirates. With Emma Hayes finally out of the picture, City boss Gareth Taylor will be desperate for a first WSL title win.

Wolves are one of several clubs looking to sign a Premier League-proven star on a free transfer this summer.

Wolves chasing European football

Wolves opted to replace Julen Lopetegui with former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil in August 2023, and he has not disappointed during his short tenure with the Midlands-based outfit. After 31 games of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Wolves sit on 42 points and 11th in the table.

They remain in with a great chance of securing some form of European football for the forthcoming campaign – they are only six points off a Europa Conference League place with a game in hand on 7th-place West Ham.

A key reason for Wolves' success this campaign has been their clever spending. The Wanderers spent £80m on players during the last two transfer windows, including roughly £40m on Matheus Cunha, who has been their star man this term, chipping in with 11 goals and seven assists.

But if Wolves are to take their game to the next level, they will need to continue adding high-quality stars to their squad. Unlike some of the teams above them in the table, they are not flush with cash, and they need to be very smart about how and who they spend their money on.

One way Wolves can bolster their squad without spending too much money is through the free-agent market, with Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi among the players whose contracts are set to expire this summer.

Wolves ready to battle for £75,000-a-week Ndidi

According to a report from HITC, Wolves are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi is a proven Premier League talent, having notched 192 appearances in the competition with the Foxes. He also played a key role in Leicester clinching an FA Cup and Community Shield, with former manager Brendan Rodgers labelling Ndidi as an 'incredible player': "He is an incredible player. The offensive players get the credit but he does the dirty work.

"He has this brain for the game, where he can smell danger and always finds himself there. The timing of his challenge is very good and he's up there with the top players at winning the ball back When you play a pressing game you need someone like Wilf. His passing is good too, he's always smiling."

But while the 27-year-old would no doubt make a fine addition to Wolves' midfield, there are a couple of factors that may prevent O'Neil and Co landing Ndidi this summer.

Firstly, the report from HITC names all of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton as clubs who are also interested in signing the Nigerian. At least one of Tottenham and Aston Villa are expected to secure Champions League football for the 2024/25 season, which may prove a key negotiating factor when Ndidi's contract comes up in the summer.

Secondly, Ndidi currently earns £75,000-a-week with Leicester and would likely expect a pay rise from his next club. Wolves, meanwhile, currently have just two players on their books earning more than £75,000-a-week in Pablo Sarabia and Nelson Semedo (£90k and £80k).

This means Wolves would likely have to break their current salary cap to land the midfielder. Should they do so, Ndidi would no doubt improve their midfield department, but at a hefty cost despite the lack of an initial transfer fee.

“After he comes, we will sit for a chat,” Ashwin says of Ponting’s arrival in the UAE

PTI25-Aug-20202:03

Ponting: Penalise batsman runs if he is a foot out of crease

India and Delhi Capitals spinner R Ashwin says he has spoken to his IPL coach Ricky Ponting on the contentious issue of running out batsmen who back up too far at the non-striker’s end, but will reveal the contents of the telephonic conversation only next week.The issue became a talking point when Ponting, head coach of the Capitals, said he would have a “hard conversation” with Ashwin on the controversial manner of getting a batsman out, ahead of the IPL starting September 19 in the UAE.”Ricky Ponting hasn’t yet reached [Dubai]. After he comes, we will sit for a chat with him. He said he wants to have a conversation. We have already talked over the phone. It was a very interesting chat,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.ALSO READ: Disallow the run or give bowler a ‘free ball’ for non-striker backing up – AshwinAshwin said it’s better to have a face-to-face conversation since the message of Australians can get lost in translation.”What happens sometimes is Australians’ messages in English get lost in translation and reach us with a different meaning. Even some of their jokes become news. That’s what it is and next week I will reveal a bit more about my conversation with Ricky.”Like he did last month, Ashwin on Monday again suggested the introduction of a “free ball” for bowlers if non-strikers back up too far, sticking to his stand that there was nothing wrong with running such batsmen out.”Make it a free ball for the bowler. If the batsmen gets out of that ball, the batting team will be docked 5 runs. Free hit adds to the drama for a batter, let’s give a chance to the bowlers too,” Ashwin had tweeted.While representing Kings XI Punjab, Ashwin ran out England and Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end last IPL when he backed up too far, drawing criticism for his act as many called it against the “spirit of the game”. While Ashwin has reached Dubai, Ponting is set to arrive next week.

As the likes of Spain, the USWNT and 2020 champion Canada prepare to fight for gold at this summer's Games, GOAL picks some names to keep an eye on…

While the men's football tournament at the Olympics is an Under-23 event, the women's is a senior competition, thus making it one of the most prestigious in the sport, and meaning we are set to see some of the very best players in the world take to the field in France this summer in search of a gold medal.

After winning the Women's World Cup last summer, Spain will go into the event as favourites to stand on top of that podium in Paris next month, but the United States women's national team, now under the charge of Chelsea icon Emma Hayes, has taken big steps forward in the past 12 months. There are plenty of other big nations involved, too, including 2020 gold medalists Canada.

It's a packed field with three extremely competitive groups and 12 rosters filled with top quality players. So, ahead of the tournament kicking off on Thursday, July 25, GOAL has picked out 15 names to keep an eye on at the Games…

USA TODAY SportsMayra Ramirez (Colombia)

Colombia's performances at last summer's World Cup, at which it reached an historic quarter-final, and this year's CONCACAF W Gold Cup, where it lost to the U.S. in the first knockout round, could not have looked more different. In 2023, the South Americans were exciting and delighted many with their attacking play, so it was a shame that wasn't on show in the team's first major tournament of this year.

However, among the big differences between those two events was the absence of Mayra Ramirez at the Gold Cup. The striker, who signed for Chelsea in January for a bumper fee, was an obvious miss for Colombia in the U.S., and so her presence at the Games should change things for the better.

Ramirez's devastating qualities were evident in an incredible individual display on the final dayas Chelsea won a fifth successive Women's Super League title in May, and Colombia will hope to see performances like that in France, too, as it bids to win a medal.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAdriana Leon (Canada)

This will be the first major tournament since the Olympic Games in 2000 at which Canada does not have the legendary Christine Sinclair on its roster. The 41-year-old announced her retirement from international football in December, hanging her boots up as the all-time top goal-scorer in this field. Her 190 strikes, some 60 more than Ronaldo's all-time record in the men's game, seem unlikely to ever be surpassed.

So, going into the 2024 Olympics, how does Canada cope without her presence in attack? In recent years, Sinclair has dropped into a deeper role rather than being the focal point, but there's no debating how significant a role she maintained in her nation's attacking play, not least because she would draw attention from opposing defenders and that could create space for team-mates.

Throughout 2024, it has not been a case of the 2020 Olympic gold medalists replacing Sinclair like-for-like, but of adapting to a new-look attack without her. Within that, Adriana Leon has shone. The Aston Villa forward has scored nine goals for Canada this calendar year and a continuation of that form in France would go a long way in helping her team have another successful Games.

Getty ImagesKadidiatou Diani (France)

At last summer's World Cup, Kadidiatou Diani had to operate as France's No.9 due to the injury absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto, the goal-machine she spent so many years providing perfect service for with Paris Saint-Germain. In that role, she scored four goals in five games, but we didn't see the very best of her as Les Bleues lost in the quarter-finals.

Things could be different this time around. Katoto is back and Diani is out wide again, where she can torment full-backs with her agility, skill and positive mindset. She comes into the tournament off the back of an assist-laden season at Lyon, joining the club from PSG last year, and not only will she be hoping to keep that up – Katoto will be keen for her to do so too, so the two can combine to fire the host nation to a medal.

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Getty ImagesRebekah Stott (New Zealand)

Like at most major tournaments, it's going to be tough for New Zealand – pooled with France, Colombia and Canada – to get out of the group stages at the Olympics. However, the Football Ferns hit a huge milestone last summer by winning a World Cup match for the first time and were only denied a place in the knockout stages on goal difference. That will give the players confidence as another major tournament approaches, there's no doubt.

That close call was built on a rock solid defense, New Zealand conceding just once in three group-stage matches, and keeping it tight at the back will be important again in France, given the opposition. Rebekah Stott is a leader in that back line and, as such, she will be key to ensuring this team is tough to break down.

The 31-year-old has a ton of experience, commands the respect of this team and comes into the Olympics having had a superb season with Melbourne City, too, helping the Australian side become A-League Women Premiers again while also reaching the grand final.

Tom Banton’s unbeaten half-century saw Team Vince home in chase of 109

ECB Reporters Network24-Jul-2020Tom Banton showed his class in the field and with the bat after Lewis Gregory and Liam Dawson shone with the ball in England’s second intra-squad match ahead of the start of their one-day series against Ireland.Gregory snared Jonny Bairstow – following a sublime catch by Banton – en route to 3 for 29 while Dawson subdued the lower order in his 4 for 21 as a side led by Moeen Ali succumbed to a meagre 108 all out in 28.4 overs.England captain Eoin Morgan was rested so James Vince led the other team, who slipped to 4 for 3 after eight balls of their chase, but Banton ushered them home with six wickets to spare in 17.4 overs with a stylish 57 not out from 56 deliveries at the Ageas Bowl, the venue of the ODI series which gets under way next Thursday.Jason Roy was also absent from an encounter that was once again supposed to be 40 overs a side as he was nursing a sore back, but he and Morgan are set to feature for England Lions in Sunday’s game against Ireland.While Tuesday’s first warm-up was a boundary-laden affair in which Bairstow and Moeen teed off with abandon, a more sluggish surface here was exploited by some clever bowling allied with some injudicious strokeplay.With Phil Salt and Sam Hain failing to get out of single figures, attention fell on to Bairstow again. A centurion a few days ago, the Yorkshireman could not get into his groove and departed for 13 off 21 balls following a supreme catch from Banton diving full length to his right at backward point.That handed Gregory a wicket in his first over and he would have two in two when Liam Livingstone shaped to run down to third man only to chop on. While Moeen nudged and nurdled his way to 17, his attempt to inject more urgency into proceedings fell flat as he charged down the wicket to Gregory and top-edged to long leg.Salt was given another opportunity at the crease and clubbed Dawson for the first six of the innings over midwicket, but when going for another big mow he merely edged to slip for 25 off 37 balls.From there, spin duo Dawson, on his home ground, and Adil Rashid squeezed the life out of the lower order, the former bowling Brydon Carse and Tom Curran, both attempting to cut, before trapping Saqib Mahmood in front to end the innings with 11.2 overs unused.If there was any thought of a comfortable chase, it was snuffed out when David Willey gained a fraction of inward movement to bowl Ben Duckett and Sam Billings with the first two balls of the reply, before Vince departed in the next over after being adjudged lbw to Tom Curran.But Banton and Laurie Evans rebuilt, slowly at first, the former taking the whip hand with crunching fours through the covers off Willey. Evans was happy to play the auxiliary role but still managed around a run a ball.Willey could not cling on to a chance at deep midwicket that would have rivalled Banton’s earlier grab as the batsman was spared on 32, and thereafter he put his foot down, emphasised when he swivel pulled Mahmood for six.Evans chopped Henry Brookes on to his stumps for 25 to end a 67-run stand but it was of little consequence as Banton passed his 50 before Dawson sealed the win with two fours in three balls in the late evening sunshine.