MEN’S FOOTBALL: Invergordon make their Highland League debut with a trip to Fraserburgh when the new season starts on Saturday afternoon. 

The North Caledonian League champions are replacing last year’s runners-up Brechin City, following their move to the Lowland League. 

Brora Rangers begin the defence of their title with a home match against Deveronvale, while last term’s bottom club Rothes are at Nairn County.

SPEEDWAY: Leicester recovered from a dreadful start to overturn a 12-point deficit and beat Belle Vue 46-44 in their top-of-the-table Premiership clash on Thursday night in the East Midlands. 

Ryan Douglas top-scored with 14 points for Leicester as they moved within five points of Belle Vue with two games in hand. 

In the other midweek fixture, Sheffield led from the first tape to crush defending champions Ipswich 51-39.

HORSE RACING: Rossa Ryan, who currently sits third in the flat jockeys’ championship with 58 winners, has received a 28-day ban for “failing to obtain the best possible result” when riding 14/1 shot Thunder Home at Sandown Park on Thursday. 

After leading throughout the seven-furlong race, Ryan was caught and beaten on the line by Zero Error, ridden by Jamie Spencer. 

Twenty-six-year-old Ryan was the all-weather flat champion in 2024.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco for the third consecutive time on Sunday with Algeria playing Senegal before the hosts take on Kenya. 

Defending champions and 10-time winners Nigeria get their campaign under way on Tuesday evening with a Group C game against tournament debutants Malawi. 

Cape Verde, who are also making their first appearance in the finals, face Ghana in Group D on Wednesday.