Just after the half hour mark United had a half chance when defender Darren Patterson found himself on the end of a David Hannah overhead kick, but his header was easily saved by Saints' keeper Alan Ferguson.

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Longford went straight upfield and a mistake by stand-in goalkeeper Alan Petterson allowed defender Ferguson to equalise.

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He has also drawn owners from his previous career, with Kevin Keegan, Alan Ball and Sir Alex Ferguson among those who have horses with him.

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Among owners who have had horses with Channon are old colleagues and acquaintances from his footballing days, including Kevin Keegan, Chris Cattlin, Sir Alex Ferguson and the late Alan Ball.

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But first-half goals by Barry Ferguson, Eric Lavine and Alan Kirby decided the issue as Derry ended with 10 men following the sending off of Gary Beckett.

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But Alan Leighton, head of Prospect, felt Ferguson's apology had been "half-hearted" and is disappointed by the ruling, believing the authorities missed an opportunity to make a statement to back up the FA's Respect campaign.

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Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, Stoke assistant boss Peter Reid, former Peterborough coach Darren Ferguson, ex-Wigan manager Paul Jewell and former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley have also been suggested as possible candidates.

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The Red Devils were struggling to make any headway and Ferguson made a triple substitution before the hour mark with Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Alan Smith replaced by Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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