Football

RNZI reports the Melanesians failed to qualify for the semi finals at the 2012 event in Honiara, in which Tahiti went on to win the title.

Vanuatu begin their campaign against Melanesian rivals Solomon Islands in Port Moresby before matches against New Zealand and Fiji.

RNZI reports Leicester's lead over Spurs increased to eight points with four games remaining. The in-form Londoners play tomorrow at home to West Bromwich Albion.

And it was a doubly dismal day for Arsenal, after the Gunners were held to a scoreless draw at Sunderland.

Consecutive draws had all but ended Arsenal's chances of overhauling Premier League leaders Leicester City and they began the night only a point above fifth-placed Manchester United in the battle to secure Champions League football.

However, Sanchez struck twice before halftime and Arsenal were untroubled by a poor West Brom side as they registered their 500th victory in the Premier League.

United profited from an own goal in the fourth minute in the match on Wednesday (NZT Thursday), when Damien Delaney inadvertently turned a cross from Matteo Darmian into his own net.

Darmian did manage to score his first goal since joining United last year, a stunning left-footed strike that hit the post on the way into the net in the 55th minute.

Villa, who had not been relegated since the Premier League began in 1992, had their fate finally sealed when they lost 1-0 at Manchester United.

RNZI reports Sunderland improved their chances of staying up by beating Norwich City 3-0 at Carrow Road while Newcastle fuelled their survival hopes with a 3-0 win over Swansea City at St James' Park.

The young Vanuatu footballers displayed a quality football against a great New Caledonia team.

Tony Kaltack looked dangerous against New Caledonia defenders and in 25 minutes he finally scored his international goal for Vanuatu senior team.

“One down and one to go.” said Moise Poida, Vanuatu national senior team head coach.

Vanuatu national senior team also won their second game.

RNZI reports the defeat ended the holders' hopes of becoming the first club since Blackburn Rovers in 1886 to win the FA Cup three times in a row.

United led the first half 1-0 against Narak, thanks to a goal from John Narapol.

Coach Moise Poida was delighted to be working with the squad.

"As head coach of the national senior team I would like to thank Vanuatu Football Federation and Port Vila Football Association for their support of the team ahead of the OFC Nations Cup," Poida says.

"I would also like to thank the clubs for allowing the players to come here for training."

With closest challengers Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal not in action until tomorrow, Leicester had the stage to themselves to forge five points clear at the summit and made the most of their chance with a victory they scarcely deserved.