A TANKER and cargo ship collided in dense fog yesterday — with a rescuer admitting: “It’s a miracle they didn’t all die.”

The trawlerman was with dozens of small boats which responded to the North Sea mayday call just before 10am.

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Rescue boats with firefighting gear try to put out the North Sea inferno off Hull[/caption]

PA

Multiple explosions tore through US-flagged oil tanker the Stena Immaculate, loaded with ten million gallons of fuel for war planes.

It was anchored when hit by the Portuguese-flagged Solong — carrying highly toxic sodium cyanide.

The impact tore a hole in the Stena’s cargo tank.

Jet fuel spilled into the sea, ignited then engulfed both ships in a fireball.

Crew dived into life-rafts as a major operation swung into action ten miles off Hull.

Last night one of Solong’s crew was missing but 36 others on both ships were accounted for.

The trawlerman, who did not give his name, said: “We were two miles away when the mayday call came in. When we approached it was very scary. We could see the plumes of smoke. There was a really strong smell of fuel burning.

“We were told there was a person missing at sea and to begin a search. Crew began abandoning both ships around 30 minutes later.
“Its a miracle they didn’t all die. The fog was pretty horrendous.”

The alarm was raised at 9.48am. A mayday call urged vessels “with firefighting equipment or who can assist with search and rescue to contact Humber Coast Guard on Channel 16”.

It added: “Vessel Stena Immaculate is carrying Jet A-1 fuel which is on fire and in the water. Request vessels remain at a safe distance.”

Lifeboats scrambled from Bridlington, Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness, along with East Midlands Ambulance Service.

By 2.34pm crew from the ships were brought to shore in Grimsby.

The Stena Immaculate is one of ten tankers which serve the US military and is seen as critical to national security.

A White House official refused to rule out foul play.

They confirmed the 50,000-ton tanker was carrying military jet fuel, adding: “The collision and explosions will not impact operations or combat readiness.”

The tanker was anchored off Hull after travelling from Agioi Theodoroi in Greece.

Meanwhile, the 460ft Solong had left Grangemouth, Scotland, and was approaching at 16 knots (18mph).

VesselFinder

Multiple explosions tore through US-flagged oil tanker the Stena Immaculate, loaded with ten million gallons of fuel for war planes[/caption]

VesselFinder

It was anchored when hit by the Portuguese-flagged Solong — carrying highly toxic sodium cyanide[/caption]

MEN Media

Experts said it would have taken the Stena an hour to haul up the anchor — leaving it a sitting duck.

US naval history professor Sal Mercogliano said it had struck the Stena’s port side and pushed it for some distance.

The Solong’s cargo included 15 containers of sodium cyanide used for metal cleaning, plating and extraction, and photography.

It was very scary. We could see the plumes of smoke and smell the fuel

Trawlerman

The chemical can react with water to make hydrogen cyanide gas but it is unclear how much got into the sea.

Frantic efforts were being made to assess the environmental impact.

Greenpeace UK said the scale of the disaster would depend on the size of spill, speed of response, weather and sea conditions.

Unlike crude oil, which breaks up more slowly, the fuel is classed as “non-persistent” or “light oil” and will evaporate very quickly.

But it can still be deadly to wildlife.

East Yorkshire’s coast is home to protected seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes.

KITCHENWARE lovers should be ready to rush to Aldi this week as a beloved item returns to shelves.

The German retailer known for its top-quality but budget friendly items is set to delight Le Creuset fans once again.

Aldi

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Aldi’s casserole dish is a dupe of the popular Le Creuset kitchenware items[/caption]

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Aldi will be selling their dupe for a fraction of the cost (stock)[/caption]

The iconic casserole dishes from the French-Belgian company are a dream part of any kitchen but one that many are willing to pay for.

But from this week, Aldi will once again be filling shelves and hearts with their dupe of the popular dishes.

From March 16, shoppers will be able to get their hands on the Crofton Cast Iron Casserole Dish at Aldi.

Customers will have to be quick as the kitchen essential is set to fly off the shelves.

At just £19.99 per dish, they are 180 per cent cheaper than the Le Creuset version.

A 4L dish from the iconic kitchenware brand is a whopping £305.

While customers enjoy choosing between the array of colours on offer at Le Creuset, Aldi will also give customers some choice.

Shoppers will get to choose between a light pink gradient finish or a Navy blue.

“Designed for slow cooking, braising, baking and roasting, this Cast Iron Casserole Dish is a must have kitchen essential,” Aldi says.

The dish has three-layer enamel coating and a stainless steel knob.

It is safe to go in the oven at temperatures as high as 250C but must be hand washed only.

Whether you have a gas, electric, or induction hob, this casserole dish suits them all.

In November, Aldi brought out a selection of hugely popular Le Creuset dupes including the casserole dish and griddle pan.

The cast iron cookware dishes cost between £1.99 and £24.99 compared to the over £200 price tag of the designer brand.

Aldi’s range was dropped days after police in Hampshire were put on alert as hundreds showed up to Le Creuset’s Andover warehouse for a half-price sale.

The huge queue that stretched for miles to snatch up casserole dishes, pans and baking trays.

But The Sun’s review of Aldi’s dupes concluded that it too would have “cooks queuing around the block” and it is likely the new pans set for release on Sunday will be exactly the same.

Meanwhile, other Aldi shoppers have found another Le Creuset dupe already on sale at the budget-retailer for just 99p.

Other items set to land on shelves from March 16 include Mother’s Day gifts ranging from Silent Night lavender pillows, ceramic aroma diffusers, and spring hanging flower baskets.

And those who love a tipple should check out a new Aldi cocktail that is only £4.50.

RUBEN AMORIM has a new attacking threat at his disposal following a successful “tweak” to his Manchester United side against Arsenal.

The Red Devils shared the spoils with the north Londonrs thanks to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday.

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Manchester United shared the spoils with Arsenal in last Sunday’s meeting at Old Trafford[/caption]

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Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim was frustrated to not have bagged all three points[/caption]

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But the attacking threat shown by Noussair Mazraoui will have pleased the Portuguese gaffer[/caption]

Amorim, however, wasn’t happy with his troops’ failure to hold on to all three points, which Declan Rice denied them of with a stunning second-half finish.

But he’ll be happy with the auxiliary attacking threat defender Noussair Mazraoui showed he can be on the right-hand side.

And in the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how the Moroccan showed how he can be a versatile threat going forward when paired up with Alejandro Garnacho.

Here are four of Dean’s observations on Mazraoui from the draw…

1) Understanding with Garnacho

Garnacho is creating that indecision because he trusts Mazraoui’s decision making to give him the ball when he can and not go bombing up the outside and leave him in a dodgy position.

And also it means that Garnacho can then spring that counterattack when United win it back.

And we saw that three or four times where Garnacho carried the ball up the right in the first half.

At half time, fantastic from Amorim. What he’s done is just a subtle little tweak with their positioning to bring Garnacho wide to the right and running out to wing, and then Mazraoui going up the inside channel inside him.

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2) Making trouble

Mazraoui was [often] the free man. He found himself in a number ten position, a striker position and a right wing position.

He was the one causing all the problems and we saw the ideal Amorim scenario – [Diogo] Dalot, one wing back, crossing it to Mazraoui, the other wing back.

[The] save from David Raya probably should have been the winner for United because they played really, really well in that second-half period on the counterattack.

They were comfortable out of position. And with the crossover of Mazraoui and Garnacho and understanding where each other are going to go, they caused Arsenal a real problem on that left-hand side.

3) Inside and outside threats

Oh, definitely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United they were signing].

And also, I think it’s a credit to Mazraoui that he’s done the job that Amorim has asked of him.

Amorim is having to tick a few boxes as we go through here.

They defended brilliantly against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal away in the FA Cup.

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Noussair Mazraoui was a constant threat on the right wing[/caption]

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The defender caused the Gunners trouble thank to a great understanding with Garnacho[/caption]

Is Mazraoui playing as a proper fullback in a back five? They did that in the first half. So he did get up the right sometimes.

Mazraoui, he was the one going up the outside in the first half.

In the second half, they switch that over and Garnacho going wide and then Mazraoui is coming up on the inside.

He is a good baller in those positions. He can pick it up at number ten and he’s two-footed.

He can play between those lines as well.

And as we’ve said week after week, Amorim’s formation relies on wing-backs driving forward.

Otherwise, they’re just nullified. Mazraoui provided. That was really good.

4) Versatility

I think that he was an example [of a player who says to his manager], ‘Where?’ ‘Left back, boss? No problem.

‘Right back, boss? No problem? Wing back? Yeah I can do that attacking role. Second off? No problem. I’ll do that as well.’

EASTENDERS fans have been buzzing with speculation over the identity of Tommy Moon’s mysterious new friend.

Viewers have grown increasingly concerned about Tommy’s (Sonny Kendall) interactions with an online contact, raising fears of potential grooming.

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EastEnders fans have been buzzing with speculation over the identity of Tommy Moon’s mysterious new friend[/caption]

After returning home from a stay with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) due to previous behavioural issues, Tommy becomes distressed when he is unable to access the internet.

This prompts his mum, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and her partner Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) to investigate.

When they discover Tommy’s messages, tensions rise, leaving fans eager to uncover the truth about his online associate.

Several theories have emerged, ranging from the return of a former character to a bizarre AI twist.

Could it friend be Matthew Rose?

One suggests Tommy’s mysterious contact could be Matthew Rose, played by Joe Absolom.

Matthew was a key character in EastEnders from 1997 to 2000, wrongly imprisoned for the murder of Saskia Duncan before later being exonerated.

A fan speculated on Reddit: “So, I had a little snoop on Google and found a character called Matthew Rose from 1997-2000. Do we reckon that this is the Matt that Tommy is talking to?”

However, another disagreed, saying: “Knowing the current writing, it will be some random he met in the game who turns out to be Kat’s long-lost adopted son.”

AI twist?

A second theory takes a futuristic turn, suggesting that Tommy’s friend might not be a person at all, but an AI entity.

One viewer wrote on the site: “Tommy’s friend is an AI. The way the words appeared on the screen seemed too mechanical, there was no time for a read and reply. His friend is a beep boop.”

Another agreed: “Yeah, after today’s episode I have to agree with you. I picked up on that too and thought it was too automated.”

They added: “It’s definitely not Zoe. Since Denzel & Nugget tease him about it, it most likely will be, but I can see this snapping Tommy and he will seriously hurt Kat as he will blame her for Avani overhearing Kat & Alfie talk about it.

“IIRC, I read a while back that Tommy was set to seriously injure Kat and leave her for dead, which hospitalises her. It’s either still to come or they have had to scrap it due to Jessie’s surgery.”

Is Joey Branning behind it?

Some fans believe Tommy’s friend could be Joey Branning, who appeared in EastEnders from 2012 to 2013.

Joey is the son of Derek Branning and brother to Alice Branning. His storylines involved complicated family relationships and a controversial romance with his cousin, Lauren Branning.

One fan asked: “Do you think Tommy’s gaming friend could be Joey Branning? A little mention from Bianca recently. Maybe because Kat told him not to go over to his dad when he was having a heart attack and he hasn’t forgiven her / holds a grudge.”

Another added: “Oh, I seriously hope it’s not Joey. Not just because the actor was terrible, but because I do NOT want that incest storyline starting up again. :-/

“I’d love it to be Zoe. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it’s Luke or both of them, but I can’t call it.”

With speculation running wild, EastEnders fans will have to wait and see whether Tommy’s friend is someone from Walford’s past – or if the truth is even more shocking.

Last year, Kat faced a heartbreaking and painful battle when Tommy became abusive toward her and his siblings.

She kept her torment a secret until Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) stepped in, secretly contacting social services after worrying for the safety of Tommy’s younger twin brothers.

Kat was devastated when she discovered this betrayal and was told Tommy would be placed in social care.

Thankfully, Zack, an approved foster parent, stepped up and agreed to care for Tommy, allowing him to stay with Zack until he could return home.

Kat and Alfie were thrilled when the social worker confirmed Tommy could come back to the family home.

But Kat’s joy was short-lived when Tommy had another outburst over not being able to access the internet.

This only deepens her concerns for her son’s emotional well-being.

Later, Kat is taken aback when Mo leaves Tommy alone with the twins, and it leads to further strain between her and Tommy.

Feeling betrayed, Tommy shuts down emotionally.

Kat, realizing the situation, apologises and gifts Tommy a new games console, hoping to rebuild their connection.

But as Tommy begins chatting with his online friend, Kat’s worries only intensify.

Alfie urges Kat to have a frank conversation with Tommy.

Eventually, Tommy opens up about his mysterious new friend.

The situation continues to raise questions for Kat and Alfie, with tension mounting throughout the week.

• EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Viewers have grown increasingly concerned about Tommy’s (Sonny Kendall) interactions with an online contact[/caption]

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Kat Slater and her partner Alfie Moon soon investigated[/caption]

BBC

One theory suggests Tommy’s mysterious contact could be Matthew Rose[/caption]

Scott Hornby - The Sun

Some fans believe Tommy’s friend could be Joey Branning[/caption]

SIR Keir Starmer faces his first by-election test after disgraced MP Mike Amesbury announced he would quit Parliament following his conviction for assault.

The ex-Labour politician was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail, later suspended on appeal, for punching a constituent in a late-night street bust-up.

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Sir Keir Starmer faces by-election test as disgraced MP Mike Amesbury quits after assault conviction[/caption]

The Mega Agency

The resignation hands Nigel Farage’s Reform a golden shot at snatching the seat, piling pressure on Sir Keir to fend off a major challenge in his first electoral test[/caption]

The MP was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and observe a 12 month alcohol monitoring program.

Amesbury was also made subject to 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days – including an anger management course.

Amesbury, who secured a 14,696 majority in Runcorn and Helsby, pleaded guilty in January confirmed he would step down.

He told the BBC on Monday he will begin the “statutory process” of closing up his office before resigning as an MP “as soon as possible”.

He said he regrets the attack “every moment, every day” and that he would have tried to remain as an MP if he had been given a lighter community sentence.

His resignation hands Nigel Farage’s Reform a golden shot at snatching the seat, piling pressure on Sir Keir to fend off a major challenge in his first electoral test.

After freeing the disgraced MP, Judge Steven Everett said that Amesbury had lost his temper “in a huge way” and that the case shows him in a “truly unfavourable light as an MP”.

But changing the sentence, he added: “It has been a very fine line, I tell you now.

“Because of the important change over the last three or four days, we can conclude you are a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

The MP has previously resigned his Labour membership.

Bill for failure

THE staggering sum the BBC has blown investigating Huw Edwards rubs yet more salt in the wounds of the despairing public still forced to fund it.

The Jimmy Savile aftermath cost it £5million. Another £3.3million went on the alleged predatory behaviour of ex-DJ Tim Westwood.

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The BBC’s huge spend on the Huw Edwards probe and countless other scandals adds insult to injury for licence fee payers[/caption]

Its catastrophic recent Gaza documentary — thinly disguised Hamas propaganda — will doubtless cost it another fortune.

And now probing Edwards has swallowed another 8,076 licence fees.

Scandal after scandal after scandal.

Each time, eye-wateringly expensive consultants and lawyers are hired, seemingly to cover BBC backsides rather than get answers for victims.

Such profligacy is the result of giving a broadcaster nearly £4billion a year.

Chairman Samir Shah naturally sees little wrong with this ancient and unfair levy. His only gripe is that better-off families should pay even MORE.

Why? So the BBC has millions extra to probe the next pervert among its “talent”?

Legal weasels

THE crunch has come. We are about to find out whether we are run by elected politicians or unaccountable liberal judges.

A new sentencing regime the judiciary intends to impose will formally establish two-tier justice, with preferential (more lenient) treatment to criminals from ethnic, religious and gender minorities.

Horrified Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood says: “As someone from an ethnic minority background, I do not stand for differential treatment before the law.”

Good on her. But the judges couldn’t care less. Nor do they recognise she has any authority over them.

They are guilty yet again of monstrous overreach.

What they intend is manifestly unfair, repugnant to the public and fraught with danger. It cannot stand.

Ms Mahmood will have to follow through rapidly on her threat to legislate to curb the Sentencing Council.

The Sun will be right behind you, Shabana.

Vital surgery

FOR years we have railed against the top-heavy NHS. Too many useless managers, too few doctors and nurses.

So three cheers for Wes Streeting slashing staff at the vastly bloated NHS England quango and within his department.

The Health Secretary knows the service must do more with less.

Diversity and inclusion vacancies are indefensible given the finances too, Wes.

These job losses are bound to trigger the same rage among some Labour MPs as the welfare cuts which are now vital.

The party is divided into those who preferred opposition, where their principles never needed to be tested against reality, and those tasked with governing.

The latter have realised that, as Maggie Thatcher said, the facts of life are conservative. Especially if the country is skint.

GOOD sleep hygiene is essential for a proper night’s kip.

This Friday is World Sleep Day, so here are some budget ways to deep-clean your bed so you can get some shut-eye.

TURN IT UP: Wash your bedding at 60C or higher to get rid of any dust mites and bacteria.

For stubborn stains, mix equal parts water and white vinegar, dab gently and blot dry before putting in the washing machine.

When it comes to your ­pillows, it’s important to follow the washing instructions so check the label. But you can usually wash pillows in the machine, just make sure you plump them up at regular intervals as they dry.

SUNNY SAVER: Make the most of the spring weather and hang your freshly washed duvet covers and pillow cases outside to air dry.

Sunlight can naturally kill bacteria and in this weather, your washing should dry quickly. Everything will be left smelling fresh and clean which will aid a restful night’s sleep.

DEEP CLEAN: Vacuum both sides of your mattress thoroughly, especially in the seams and crevices.

Afterwards, sprinkle over baking soda mixed with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil for a fresh scent to banish odours. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum again.

Remember to rotate and flip your mattress every few months to prevent sagging and extend its life, saving you from splashing out on a new one sooner than needed.

DUVET SLAY: Revamp your old duvet by giving it a good shake outdoors to get rid of dust.

Then dilute a little fabric softener and vinegar with water in a spray bottle and give it a good spritz to keep it smelling fresh. Air dry it with the rest of your bedding.

SLEEP ZONE: Dust and vacuum around your bed, including under the frame, to reduce allergens and ensure a hygienic sleeping environment. A tidy bedroom sets the stage for peaceful slumber.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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We reveal ways to deep-clean your bed so you can get some shut-eye[/caption]

Deal of the day

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Cheap treat

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The Byoma Brightening Serum is £12.99 from Boots[/caption]

Supplied

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Shop & save

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Save £26 on a pair of Havaianas flip-flops at TK Maxx[/caption]

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EDDIE HOWE has something to smile about at last.

A win to lift the Newcastle spirits ahead of what could be a week for the ages on Tyneside.

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Michail Antonio returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his December car accident[/caption]

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Bruno Guimaraes reacted quickest to give Toon a deserved second half lead[/caption]

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The Brazilian’s goal was his first since January 18[/caption]

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The win moves Newcastle to within just two points of Chelsea in fourth[/caption]

After losing a trio of stars to injury and suspension as well as being dumped out of the FA Cup, a little bit of confidence was returned to the Magpies as Bruno Guimaraes claimed three points at West Ham.

The Toon were far from their best and will have to show far more to down Liverpool at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.

But they controlled West Ham for the most part, rode out some rough patches and found their way through to move sixth – level on points with Manchester City in those precious Champions League places.

All without the injured Sven Botman and Lewis Hall – and also lacking the pace and precision of Anthony Gordon, suspended for tonight and the final.

Howe, looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions and gain some confidence ahead of the weekend, took the risk of starting Alexander Isak up top.

The Swede was quiet and looked a little off the pace – but he survived any injury scares ahead of the weekend.

There has been natural concern on Tyneside about players’ minds drifting to Sunday over the past couple of weeks.

The Toon have not quite looked themselves since reaching the final as Howe battles to correct patchy performances.

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It is a well-worn cliché rolled out by players that they only focus on the next game.

This side looks like they have been playing with Sunday’s showdown on their minds ever since the semi-final.

Potter, the only other English coach in the Premier League, has had his own problems but was able to welcome Lucas Paqueta back to the squad earlier than expected after his ankle injury.

The Brazilian, though, was only named on the bench as the Hammers boss stuck with the eleven which had won the last two games.

Potter had challenged his side to get the home fans invested and fired up for a game under the lights.

And they certainly raised the roof when welcoming back Michail Antonio to the London Stadium for the first time since his horrific car crash last year.

They could have had the start which would have delivered just that had Tomas Soucek not fired well over the bar from Mohammed Kudus’ cross inside the first minute.

The Hammers had the better chances but neither team looked dangerous across a fiddly first half.

Jarrod Bowen managed to wriggle into the box but fired a tame low effort straight at Nick Pope, before Kudus also saw a pot-shot stopped from range.

Even with Isak back, Newcastle looked out of sorts going forwards.

Harvey Barnes, bidding to keep his place for the final, had a couple of half chances but could not convert.

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Harvey Barnes went closest for Toon in a tepid first half[/caption]

Potter has improved West Ham’s defensive record since replacing Julen Lopetegui, but they were hardly being stretched to their limits by the visitors.

Despite being solid, the hosts were struggling to apply pressure or create anything clear cut.

Kudus passed up a golden chance on the break but struggled to control the ball and got in the way when Bowen had a crack with the loose ball.

West Ham’s two forwards found more gaps after the break, with Kudus causing particular trouble.

They looked dangerous but, with their two fit strikers on the bench, were lacking the support to be truly dangerous.

Newcastle had hardly come flying out the box, but finally found something to get them going.

Alphonse Areola had to make an acrobatic stop after Jacob Murphy’s cross was almost sent looping into the Hammers goal by Max Kilman – though it may not have survived an offside check.

Two minutes later, there was a Newcastle shirt ready to meet the cross and put them ahead.

Having seen an initial effort blocked, Barnes collected the rebound and clipped a smart cross into the six yard box where Guimaraes slipped his markers and prodded home.

Potter responded with a triple change before, a few minutes later, also sending January signing Evan Ferguson on.

Sub Paqueta lifted a ball over for Bowen, who was sent tumbling by goalscorer Guimaraes.

There were cries for a Hammers penalty, but there was nowhere near enough contact.

While they had shown a flash of attacking intent there, the Toon goal seemed to knock West Ham flat.

They are not going down but nor are they in the mix for anything exciting further up, meaning this could be a rather meandering end to the season.

Sitting 16th but also 16 points clear of trouble, Potter has the time to experiment and find out which players are worth keeping hold of in the summer.

Valuable time for a manager – not very exciting to watch if you are paying for a ticket.

THIS year marks two centuries of rail travel in the UK – and with a government report last week unveiling the worst stations for delays, all eyes are on our railways.

Luckily, some of the country’s stations are so pretty you wouldn’t mind getting stranded at them if your train was cancelled.

From 19th-century buildings in the countryside to tiny platforms with views of a castle, Sophie Swietochowski picks out her favourites and looks at where you can stay nearby.

CORFE CASTLE, DORSET

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Corfe Castle station is tiny and charming with only two platforms overlooked by a footbridge and rolling green fields[/caption]

AS the name would suggest, Corfe Castle station sits at the foot of a hill and a small castle, buried deep in Dorset countryside.

It’s tiny and charming with only two platforms overlooked by a footbridge and rolling green fields.

There’s also the dinky Swanage Railway Museum next door, which opens later in the year, as well as a converted carriage selling a range of second-hand books.

STAY: Spend a week in the quaint Rempstone Farmhouse, a five- minute drive away, which has room for six people in the cosy-yet- spacious property — it also features two log burners.

Seven nights’ self-catering is from £182.67pp. See sykescottages.co.uk.

CROMFORD, DERBYSHIRE

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Grade II-listed Cromford station has a characterful station house standing proud in front of the metal footbridge[/caption]

YOU may recognise the Grade II-listed Cromford station from the cover of Oasis’s 1995 hit single, Some Might Say, with its characterful station house standing proud in front of the metal footbridge.

It dates back to 1849 and has now fully blended with its rural surroundings with moss and shrubs weaving through the brickwork.

STAY: The rustic two-person Stable Cottage mirrors the charm of the station, all wonky brickwork, but modern on the inside.

Seven nights’ self-catering is from £266pp, based on two sharing. See sykescottages.co.uk.

WEMYSS BAY, RENFREWSHIRE

BUILT in 1865 and tucked away in a teeny village on the western coast of Scotland, Wemyss Bay must be one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the country.

A huge circular structure sits at its centre with a steel roof, while a traditional pier runs alongside the building, jutting out into a blustery ocean. Ferry passengers can hop off the water straight on to a train.

STAY: Serenity Lodge is about as close to the station as you could get, sleeping six in three modern bedrooms and with a wooden ­terrace overlooking the water.

Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £444 in total. For details see sykescottages.co.uk.

ST PANCRAS, LONDON

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The red-brick exterior is a contrast to the semi-modern interior at St Pancras station[/caption]

STRIKES and weather delays have left me with time to kill at St Pancras on my frequent commutes.

Fortunately there’s plenty going on within the station walls to help while away the hours, from chic shops to classy restaurants and Searcys champagne bar.

It’s a stunning building, too. The red-brick exterior is a contrast to the semi-modern interior, which is the result of an £800million refurbishment unveiled by the late Queen in 2007.

STAY: Push the boat out and spend the night in the fancy St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, attached to the station, which has deluxe double rooms from £280 per night. See marriott.com.

RIBBLEHEAD, NORTH YORKS

BURIED among swathes of greenery and craggy grass hills is Ribblehead Station with a name as quirky as its design.

It was previously named Batty Green station, when it opened in the mid 1800s.

The vast open landscape opposite means it could easily win an award for the station with the best views, too.

STAY: It would be foolish not to check in to The Station Inn while you are in this neck of the woods.

Six of the nine rooms and bunkhouses are dog-friendly and each is named after the nearby camps that housed construction labourers working on the nearby viaduct.

Rooms cost from £110 with breakfast. For further details see thestationinnribblehead.com.

DAWLISH STATION, DEVON

Alamy

Dawlish station bears no resemblance to the chaotic stations we see in most UK cities today[/caption]

OVERLOOKING the breathtaking Devon coast and built in 1846, Dawlish station bears no resemblance to the chaotic stations we see in most UK cities today.

The building itself isn’t remarkable, but its location sure is.

Take a train journey from here to one of the nearby towns, to enjoy unbeatable views as the winding track follows the coastline.

Just make sure you grab a window seat!

STAY: For equally exceptional views, stay at the two-person St Julien apartment which has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea.

Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £380pp, based on two people sharing. See sykescottages.co.uk.

DEAR DEIDRE: FINALLY getting my teenage crush into bed was everything I wanted it to be – the trouble was I already had a girlfriend.

I’m a man of 31 and I was in a long-term relationship with a lovely woman I met at work.

She’s 28 and we are in the same sales department.

We had been dating for a year and I was about to move into her flat, but there’s no chance of that now.

When I was a teenager, I was infatuated with a girl on my college course.

She was pretty and popular but, at the age of 18, I never had the courage to even speak to her.

Fast forward to three months ago and I was on an external training course for work.

I couldn’t believe it when I got there and found out my crush was on the course too.

During the break, I went over to her and she recognised me.

She’s 30 now. We chatted about work and what we were doing now.

We had our lunch together later. All those feelings came flooding back for me.

That evening after dinner, I walked her up to her room and I took my chances and kissed her.

It felt electric and then it felt natural to go into her room. We had sex and I kept having a “pinch me” moment.

But the next morning, I felt so guilty. I didn’t have the heart to tell my girlfriend I had cheated, so I simply ended our relationship when I got home.

She’s heartbroken. She doesn’t understand and wants to try again.

I’ve been seeing the girl from my teenage years for a month now but feel bad about how I treated my ex.

DEIDRE SAYS: It’s normal to have mixed emotions when a relationship ends but you can’t have it both ways.

You have moved on very quickly. Let’s hope this new relationship is the stuff dreams are made of, because right now, it’s nothing more than lust.

Cheating on your ex was wrong but it’s done now. Rather than simply cutting your ex out, she deserves an explanation.

Tell her that your feelings changed but it was absolutely no reflection on her.

My support pack, Ending A Relationship, explains how to let somebody go in the kindest way possible.

BULLY EX HAS HOLD OVER ME

DEAR DEIDRE: IT took a while but I finally managed to kick out my abusive partner. However, I still feel tied to him.

He won’t let me move on with my life.

I’m now a 34-year-old single mum to our daughter, who is five. My ex-partner is 40 and he used to pinch and scratch me.

If we had a row he would practically push me out of the car and make me walk home.

When he held me around the throat up against the wall, that was the last straw and I screamed at him to leave.

He still sees our daughter but he has told me that if I find a new relationship, he’ll never see our little girl again.

I feel like I’ll never be happy.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’ve been brave enough to stand up for yourself, but the abuse continues.

You have a right to a peaceful life but this bully still has a hold over you.

He’s using your daughter as a pawn in order to control you.

If he’s prone to bouts of temper, you need to be careful.

Your safety and that of your child has to be your priority, so discuss whether still seeing this man is wise by talking to a counsellor at The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk, 0808 2000 247).

LOSS OF JOB HAS HIT HIM FOR SIX

DEAR DEIDRE: MY boyfriend behaves as if there’s a big black cloud hanging over him because he lost his job.

He has completely lost his va-va-voom. He was working for a printing company but they have had to make cuts since the government made it more expensive for small businesses to function.

Now all he does is mope around. Despite having a degree, he is not even applying for jobs.

He’s 29 and I’m 27. He lives with me and my two boys from a previous relationship. He’s a great stepdad to them both.

My boyfriend would love more children and we had agreed on that.

To keep our heads above water I’m working long hours and, when the boys were squabbling, I said to my boyfriend that I couldn’t cope with having another child.

When I cooled down, I told him that I didn’t mean it but he had really taken it to heart.

Now he sees no future for anything and thinks he won’t work again or be the family man that he wants to be. How can I encourage him that it’s not all as bleak as it seems?

DEIDRE SAYS: He is taking his redundancy personally and grieving that lost job.

Now he is coping with dented pride too. He has good family values and he wants to be able to provide.

When you announced you didn’t want any more children, this was another dream gone in his eyes.

Although you have said that you didn’t mean it, he’s not hearing you. He feels a failure.

In a quiet moment, encourage him to check out Mind (mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393) which has a section on its website about helping people to navigate redundancy.

Explain that this is a bump in the road and he should look at it as an opportunity to decide if he wants to find a different career path.

Doing some voluntary work will help him feel a sense of purpose.

There is more information in my support pack Help For Jobhunters.