02/10/2011 The Football League Show

Our penultimate game features another of the league's unbeaten

Evening. Hope you've been making the most of the mini-heatwave. And

with temperatures up in the 80s, you'd think the football season had

only just kicked off. But it's October and we're already a quarter

of the way through. And the Npower Football League continues to be

just as unpredictable as the weather. None of the Championship's

top five won in midweek, which meant Southampton, Middlesbrough

and Derby were level on ponts, heading into Saturday. Steve

Claridge takes us through the day's events across all three divisions.

So, here's what's coming up this evening. Derby County already have

one East Midlands scalp to their name this season - after seeing off

Forest, could Nigel Clough's men take another one in the form of

Leicester City? Malky Mackay's Cardiff toppled Southampton in

midweek - the Bluebirds were hoping to maintain that momentum when they

travelled to Hull. We've the best of the action from Elland Road

where, after a shaky start to the season, Leeds were looking up going

into their game with Steve Cotterill's Portsmouth. And I've

been spending my morning round at Nolberto Solano's house and my

afternoon watching his team Hartlepool United, who were hoping

to extend their club record unbeaten start to the season at

home to Sheffield Wednesday. Our first stop tonight is the East

Midlands, as rivals Leicester and Derby squared up to each other at

the King Power stadium. It was the 100th competitive meeting between

these two sides. Unbeaten in six games, Sven's Leicester were

showing signs of improvement while high-fliers Derby were gunning for

their seventh win in 10 league games. Leicester made three changes

from the team that played out the goal-less draw at Middlesbrough

While Derby were unchanged from the team that drew with Barnsley.

just palmed away. The former England international Paul

Fernandez. And they would reject is away, it is 1-0, 2 Leicester. --

David Nugent is away. And didn't he take it well? David Nugent with his

third goal of the season. He puts Leicester in front. Against their

local rivals. And that is what it Roberts. Gareth Roberts in the

right place, to clear away they header from Sol Bamba. They will

pay attention to Sol Bamba in the future, no doubt about that! No one

in a derby County Show able to get on the end of the cross. -- Derby

County shirt. The chase on for A king, and David Nugent! It did

appear to strike the hand of the Leicester City striker, and the

flag has been raised. The ball bounces up, just there. He can see

A fielding looking to the officials. The ball bounces up, there. --

sell, no doubt about this one. Leicester City thought they had

gone two up, and when his widow, they hat. That goal disallowed, but

Leicester not too happy about it. There I used to sell gets his

second goal of the season. -- Scottish international. Has a

couple of goals this season. As time goes on, Derby County are

going to have to throw more and more players forward, in an effort

his way through. Almost getting there as well. Leicester get a

corner. Steve Howard looking for one last effort from the Leicester

fans to help the home team on. It might be now! Jeffrey Schlupp! And

that is clearly over the line, even though Ben Davies look to the

assistant. There was no way he can claim it was even a close call. A

minimum of five minutes at that time to be played.-added time. Is

there time for Leicester to get another goal? It is true the legs

of brick building, and Lloyd Dyer makes it 4-0 in stoppage time. The

evening gets better and better for Leicester. For Derby County and

their goalkeeper in particular, it is head in hands time. Asset to the

lads that it is all right in one game. We will start again against

the league leaders and two weeks. We deserved to win. We played very

good football. In the first half, all the Porter five minutes,

chances, two goals. Second half, they came back, but the end of the

game was end to end. It was a good win and a very good performance. I

am very happy, as a team, with another clean sheet. Not happy with

the first half today but over the last 10 games I have nothing but

praise for the lads. It would have been nice to get a point to round

the 19 points of the 20, but it was the 19 points of the 20, but it was

not to be. The night belonged to Leicester City. You have not been

convinced by Sven Goran Eriksson's approach, but the team has clip at

the right time. I think there is a more measured look to Leicester

this season. There had been a scattergun approach with West --

Premiership players coming and going, but he has bought some

decent players at this level and you would think things are starting

to turn around for them. Four clean sheets in the last four games, give

you a good platform and foundation. And all of a sudden, going forward,

they were the real deal. Lots of players have come in and have

showed a good understanding of the opening goal. Yes, this was a

marvellous goal. One Patch. You have to have options, you have to

have that quality of all to play that sort of game, and the pitch

was fantastic. Three touches, perfectly weighted ball from

Fernandez, and a fantastic touch from David Nugent. It is perfectly

into his path, and it is a super finish. They were very positive and

certain things are coming together for them. The defence is looking

good, and Jermaine Beckford wasn't even playing, so Sven has options.

That is the thing. They must get to the play-offs at the very least.

And that is how it should be. If you spend that sort of money,

expectations were high. Now, after the Championship's top five all

dropped points in midweek, let's take a look now at how the other

early front-runners fared on early front-runners fared on

Saturday. Joint leaders Southampton went in search of that winning

feeling with the visit of Watford. A victory for Southampton against

what it would signal the club's best start to the season in more

than 50 years. And it was the home side to have the first clear chance

to take the lead midway through the first half. John Eustace got in a

tangle in front of Southampton's top scorer, Rickie Lambert, it was

a handball and a penalty and Vicky Lambert stepped up to score his 9th

goal in all competitions to establish a 1-0 lead. The chances

kept on coming. Adam Lallana almost broke the bar with this.

Southampton continue to dominate. 10 minutes into the second half,

they won another penalty, with Rickie Lambert being manhandled by

Adrian Mariappa. And he does that himself down to take the kick and

clean goal No. 10 for the season. By this time it was also at Hampden,

laying siege to the Watford goal, making it three two minutes before

time, with the Brazilian midfielder coolly knowing what he was doing

when he picked his spot Mac to perfection to score is doubly goal

of the campaign. Southampton went in search of a four. Richard

Chaplow going close, this time. Two minutes from time, Southampton's

persistence was rewarded, with this curling effort from Lee Holmes.

Southampton go into the international break as a great

championship leaders. -- about right. It may have seemed like a

scorching opening day of the season but that is October and

Middlesbrough have yet to taste defeat in the Championship. They

were soon warming the hands of Reading keeper Adam Federici who

made a brilliant double save from himself, there was a similar

outcome. Offside here. The third the Champion -- Championship play-

off seven years ago. West Ham appear the more likely top

flight candidates. The south London side took the initiative after six

their travels in the Championship. And they came up with a suitable

response. Nolan, who could hardly miss from there. Crystal Palace

came from behind to beat Brighton midweek. Marry macro scored in that

one and was at it again here immediately after the break.

Carew made an immediate impact of to preserve their unbeaten away

record. He showed a lot of character. On

the balance of play and the amount of domination in this game, we are

disappointed. Fantastic news, against West Ham. They have very

good experience, and the way we played was very encouraging to see.

A very good performance all round. For Ipswich entertained Brighton in

the first meeting between the two since April 2006. They almost took

the lead here, Anwar Al Awlaki somehow diverted this effort from

Michael Chopra. Brighton hoped things would get going again after

the first half when they took the lead. Michael Chopra lost

possession. Vicente ran on to open six minutes later they were level.

Michael Chopra redeeming himself for his earlier mistake with a

spectacular first goal on home soil since his move from Cardiff at

summer. Ipswich surge forward in search of another and got it. Sonko

choosing the perfect time to head his first for the club. Three

minutes they do, Ipswich put the game to bed, the Brighton defence

allowing Michael Chopra far too much time to take aim and shoot.

Five games without a win in all competitions now for Gus Poyet,

just 24 hours after signing a new Southampton suggested the Welsh

team are finding their feet under their new manager. They had to make

an early change when Miller was replaced after only nine minutes.

Cardiff nearly had another problem when their keeper Marshall was

tested soon after by Brady. Hull are unbeaten in five themselves.

The hosts made the breakthrough just after half-time. This neat

going further ahead. Stopping this long-range effort. It has been a

week for Joe Ralls who signed his first professional contract just

hours before coming on for his first professional debut. They

don't come much finer than that. The referee awarded a penalty for a

challenge by Hobbs on Filip Kiss. But the assistant then flagged to

reveal Filip Kiss had been offside in the build-up and the decision

was reversed. How Cardiff came to regret their decision. Barmby

showed he hasn't lost his scoring touch. That lifts them above

If the Lines man feels there was an offside but did not raise his flag,

and another phase of play for another 20 seconds, where the

referee gives a penalty. Remarkably the lines and decided he has got it

wrong and changes his decision. I find it incredible. He has

apologised. He says he is sorry. It doesn't make it any better. Let us

clear this up. The manager understandably annoyed. The

officials have made a mess of this assumption is the Lines man here

has not flagged. Hobbs things he is offside. The referee gives the

penalty. A bit everyone is looking across. What I do not understand

his he must have put it up at some stage, the Line's man. All the

players are saying, consult the linesman. Why has the referee given

a penalty? That confuses the whole issue. He must have put it out.

it up later. To be fair, they made the right decision but they went a

They can look back at a terrific start to the season. Their 25th

goal from 10 games. Seven goals clear of the next challenges, a

terrific start. A band at home, they are incredible. Five games.

Very good. I have seen them in the flesh a couple of times this year.

They are the real deal, the momentum from last year, they have

carried on. They have good players. Signed one or two over some of

which have made a real difference. You would be a fall to write them

off. Great comeback from Ipswich. They have had some good results.

Beaten West Ham, now Brighton. Paul jaw has stumbled across a winning

formula.. -- Paul Jewell. I went to the west Ham game. Ipswich played

He has settled on this side now and they're getting results and all of

a sudden, it is the King up. On to Elland Road. Leeds had a 3

Havant 3 draw against Brighton. Portsmouth have history on their

side, their last defeat to Leeds 21 opening-day fixture of rather than

one in October. Given these clubs's lukewarm start to their campaigns,

they would like to take the opportunity to start their season

again if they could. McCormack, nine goals in 11

appearances. Becchio is on the bench. Connolly macro comes in for

his second league appearance at the expense of Bromby.

The only change is in goal where Henderson makes his first league

appearance for the club, the 23- year-old comes from a family of

back. McCormack, fearing he might have scored his 10th goal of the

season, he looks to the sunny skies in disbelief. McCormack, denied by

penalty area and headed into the back by Pugh. Joining the club on

loan from Stoke. Peer macro scores his first goal for Leeds United.

There will be questions asked as this looping corner came in. 1

Portsmouth player had his head in his hands as Pugh roamed into the

six-yard area and powered his header past Henderson, no more than

Leeds deserved for the pressure they have applied. Virtually on his

knees as he headed it in past Stephen Ward. Dealt with well by

heading into the penalty area. He tries the shot against -- at across

Henderson and just wide of the far post. Again, Snodgrass with plenty

of space to exploit. Not be impressed, not being challenged.

And almost making Portsmouth paid. down the right. Snodgrass coming

forward, Pugh looking for a second goal. He drives the ball in which

his deflected from a defender. Denying Pugh a second goal. Leeds

are not afraid to move playing from free kick. A chance, Lonergan makes

a save with his outstretched right hand. This time, it strikes the

crossbar and cleared by Leeds United. Certainly the most dangers

Portsmouth have looked. Headed towards him, he was not marked.

Lonergan did well to save. The second attempt. This time, denied

Into the area. And again, Portsmouth have to clear their

lines. Portsmouth were not ready for that free kick, taken quickly,

Snodgrass through a gap, around the Nigerian. A decent ball in. Out

came Lonergan. A goal-kick, it was a midfielder who got the last touch.

A good start to the second half by Portsmouth who were furry

all people to be in that position on the field. What a strike at goal,

defensive role. Tal Ben Haim has been sacrificed the Portsmouth

from Mikael Forssell. A very flight of fit step over, creating space,

forcing the save out of Stephen Henderson. He might be 38 years of

age but that was good, quick feet by Mikael Forssell. That was the

Mikael Forssell who played for Chelsea and Birmingham, remember.

Portsmouth, killing. -- trailing. Just tipped over the crossbar from

Lonergan. The flight of the ball carried towards the far post, and a

very worried-looking and the Lonergan was forced to tip the ball

over his own crossbar. How does it feel to score in a game where Leeds

kept a clean sheet? That's was more important, the clean sheet, it was

a good day, really. In the first half they looked the fresher team,

and we look like it was her third game in eight days. We managed to

get in at half-time, and get them going, and we got going enough in

the second half, I thought, to have got something out of the game.

championship is relentless and Portsmouth a very good side. They

came out for the second half with the bit between their teeth, a side

packed full of good players. It was a welcome three points. Simon

Grayson will be just as happy with that first clean sheet in 12 games

in all competitions. It is long Yes, they have kept a clean sheet,

had to dig in in the second half. All of a sudden, things are

starting to come round and there are some positive vibes coming out

of their now. From Danny Pugh, that was a good finish. He is, Greg

Halford will wonder what he is doing there. He has got his head in

his hands, he is rather static, but it is a good finish, and you have a

six foot tall midfielder, he is going to be in and around that sort

of situation. Recovered just takes his eye off the player, and that is

all it takes. Portsmouth, with nine points from the first 10 games.

What is missing from them? They went to one up front, and change

that in the second half to something more positive. They were

far better than the second half. They have got some good players.

Some good players at the club. There is a decent level of

expenditure going out now. There first 11 compares with the best.

They it was always a lack of numbers. That is not the case any

more. They have got to start getting results, because this is

not a position they would expect to be in, with that level of

expenditure. Wes Brown up the rest of the Championship, starting with

Peterborough. Pour space Doncaster, aiming to continue their revival

under new boss, Dean Saunders.- Porsche faced Doncaster. A win and

the draw and there seems to be a recovery for Doncaster since Dean

Saunders took over. The Porsche manager, Darren Ferguson kept faith

with the same side to smash the draw at Pompey during the week and

McCann had a goal from a free kick. But Peterborough's defensive

records suggested Doncaster could find some way back into again with

the hosts yet to keep a clean sheet, and the strike, from Brian Stock,

make sure that run continued. Rovers have not even won a point on

their travels but had been energised by the goal those up Jon

Parkin was a whisker away from giving the visitors the lead.

Having ended a 19 match run without a win in the Championship,

confidence is creeping back into this Doncaster team. Kyle Bennett

took advantage of some generous Peterborough defending to score his

first League goal for the club. The visitors had to ride the luck,

searching for that first elusive away victory, and are quickly taken

free kick gave Tommy Rowe a chance to equalise, but he struck the post.

Paul Taylor managed to fashion himself a shooting opportunity but

also struck the post. It is now two wins and a draw, under Dean

Saunders of the Rovers. We were trying to play football, the full

length of the pitch and kick up the other end, we tried to drop off a

little bit, tried to contain them, try to catch them on the break and

we managed to do it. Blackpool had to do without the touchline

presence of manager Ian Holloway for their game with Bristol City.

Ian Holloway was confined to the stands after a midweek dispute with

an official. Jonjo Shelvey's long- range shot proved too hot to handle

and Gary Taylor-Fletcher was on hand to capitalise with his 4th

League goal of the season pulls of the visitors looked for the first

victory in eight matches and thought they had equalised, but

Albert Adomah's neat finish was ruled offside. The second half saw

the Posts t control. Jonjo Shelvey joined on loan from Liverpool on

Friday - how is that for a debut goal? The hosts made it 3-0, seven

minutes from time. Daniel Bogdanovic was allowed so much

space before tucking in his first goal of the season. Blackpool were

not finished. They continued to turn the screw as the visitors will

did. Craig Cathcart teed up Brett Ormerod for No. 4. Still, that was

not the end of the goals. There was time to add to the misery for

Bristol City. Thomas Innes opened up the defence with this run,

before setting up Daniel Bogdanovic to sweep in his second, and

Blackpool's per. Bristol City are now bottom of the Championship

table. -- Blackpool's better. said that to the players, I needed

them to do it as well because I cannot go on the pitch. All I can

do is try to give them direction in what we're going to try and achieve

and I will continue to do that. is about trying to get the blend

right. We have lost a lot of good players. But that is probably the

best we have been a season and we deserved it after the last two

games, getting one. Out of a possible six. Burnley's 51 win

against Nottingham Forest was their first home League victory of the

campaign. Eddie how's team hoped for more at Millwall postop Jay

Rodriguez scored his first goal of the season against Nottingham

Forest and was on target again. A run of seven games without a win

and just three goals has seen Millwall into the relegation zone.

Burnley, with back-to-back League victories for the first time this

season, held on, for a hard-fought victory. I knew that that was going

to be a difficult place to come. The crowd make it difficult for us

in the second half but we coped well. A first glance there seemed

to be only one likely outcome, a draw. Coventry have not done much

better, drawing four of their last six. Boasts got a crucial break a

minute before half-time when they won a penalty. Chris Hussey was

judged to have handled when he fell to the ground. The referee was

condensed. Andy Gray stepped up to send his kick past Joe Murphy, for

his 100 goal in professional football. Coventry have made their

way start to the season in 15 years. The prospects for recovery looked

even slimmer after the restart. And the gay conductor James O'Brien's

pinpoint cross. Andy Thorn was like a team had chances to get back into

the game but Luke Steele was equal to anything they could throw at him

in the Barnsley goal. Coventry without a victory on the road this

What a turnaround in fortunes for Doncaster Rovers. Dean Saunders

comes in and suddenly they are winning games. Is it just about the

style of play? What he has done is brought a little more balance to

their side. The emphasis is not on knocking the ball out, and playing

from the back. As for Blackpool, Jonjo Shelvey Olembe I don't Friday

and was instrumental in the biggest home victory in 10 years. We need

to see more than this because he has come with a huge reputation

that he might have lost during his time at Liverpool. The is always

the danger when you climb up to the Premier League that you can get

lost to stop what you need to do is go out on loan, establish yourself,

and go back to Liverpool with a stronger hand than he went there

with the first time. He is looking 2: that talent and get some

experience and games under his belt. Every player should do this, no

doubt about that, and he is going to come back a better player.

Millen was under pressure going into the game against Blackpool.

Where does this leave him tonight? Do chairman of Bristol City said

that the way this game panned out would tell them a lot about the

future of the club. And they probably could not have had the

worst performance under Keith Millen than this. The body language

spoke volumes for the way that the players applied themselves. And the

manager deserves a better performance than that. These are

difficult times. Right, to League One now and to one of the surprise

packages of the season. Six years ago, Hartlepool came agonisingly

close to reaching the Championship for the first time in their history,

eventually losing to Saturday's opponents Sheffield Wednesday in

the play-off final. After an unbeaten start to the new campaign,

Hartlepool are at it again - so Clem's been along to spend the day

with a man still loving his football up in the north east. It

is League 1's most recognisable name who has been grabbing

headlines at Victoria Park, a trumpet playing Peruvian

international whose wedding was screened live on national

television, whose face even appears on a postage stamp in Peru. But he

is very much at home, back in his adopted north-east. How are you?

Are you alright? Good to see you! This is the bit I liked. How are

you coping with having to wash you want it? It reminds me of 15 years

ago when I was a kid, playing in Peru. For me football is the

passion of my life. My mum said to me since I was four years old, all

the time in the street, kicking the ball, so it is difficult when you

try to say, I don't want to play any more, it is difficult. A you

realise this trumpet is never going to lead you. Every interview you do

somebody is going to ask you about I love the music, like everybody

else, I think, for me, doing music, I will not compare it with my

football as a passion, but it is very close. We know the qualities

that Nobby Solano can bring to a football club. He is a top

international. He showed what he can do for us, especially last

Saturday. You get a free kick on the edge of the box and he puts it

in the top corner. That is what he has done to it his career. In to

bowl you never lose the technique of the ability. You lose pace

because you're getting older, but apart from that, inside, I feel

like a young boy, I tried to do my best, helping the team when I get

the chance, when I have the ball. One South American has been in the

news. I cannot imagine that cures would cause anything like the same

trouble. I do Dixon. He is a pleasure to work with. He is no

problem. -- I don't think so. He brings a lot of jollity to the

training room and to the dressing You wash your own kit but you still

have got to carry your own toilet Wednesday last season that were no

laughing matter, two defeats with seven goals conceded, five Boruc

their own patch. Hartlepool were undone by a more accurate header at

the other end. This mighty throw met by Johnson after the half-hour,

leaving home side's unbeaten start to the season in jeopardy.

Hartlepool were not going to surrender that record without a

fight. It took the post to keep the scores level on this occasion.

Sheffield Wednesday were able to stretch their winning when to three

matches. Hartlepool all at sea, but Johnson defeated by the angle,

meaning that it stayed at the you like to win every week, added

to juror ambition to get into the play-offs, it is disappointing. --

and it is your ambition. We will come back to training on Monday.

much as you would love to, you will not win every game. For sure! It

had to come to an end. We knew it was a tough game and that it would

be tight. I am not surprised that just one goal separated the teams

because there was nothing between them. Our second half performance

was better than our first and I thought we did well in the second

half. I thought we had most of the possession, set play, attempts at

goal. I feel like her should be hugging you! I am all right!

thanks to Nobby Solano. Clem should come with a health warning. He has

done it again! Nonetheless, defeat after 10 games now, they can look

back at a dream start to the new season. That cannot be overshadowed.

Nothing will take the gloss off what he has achieved so far and it

has been fantastic. Ever since the manager has taken over, it has been

marvellous. All things considered, when you look at the relative

budgets and what he has available to him, he is up there with the

best in that division. For certainly is. As for the rest of

League One, there was a meeting of two of the division's heavyweights

at Bramall Lane, with third-placed Sheffield United up against the

leaders Charlton, in a game that graced the Premier League only six

gain some ground on the League One pace setters. But neither Neill

Collins or Chris Porter could find a way past Ben Hamer in a tight

first half. But two goals in, as many second half minutes swung the

result in Charlton's favour.Yann Kermogant stepped off the bench and

scored with his first touch to put the leaders in front. Soon after

Chris Powell's men sealed the win that extends their lead at the top

to five points. Collins guilty of taking his eye off the ball to

leaver Bradley Wright Phillips in the clear. A mistake that proved

fatal as the Londoners top scorer put away his 7th goal in 8 games to

put Charlton in charge. Ched Evans hit the woodwork late on but it

would have made little difference and even at this early stage this

could prove to be a significant result in the League One promotion

confidence boosting 2-2 draw at Huddersfield in their last match

but any optimism gained was lost just 2 minutes into this game with

Preston as Paul Coutts lashed home Jamie Proctor's cross. Despite

being rooted to the bottom of the table and without a win all season

Orient weren't deterred and found an equaliser 9 minutes before the

break. Phil Brown no doubt wondering how the smallest man on

the pitch was allowed to head home. 5 foot 4 inches Dean Cox getting on

the end of Kevin Lisbie's deflected cross. 10 minutes later, Cox proved

that he was equally as dangerous with his feet. After receiving the

ball from Stephen Dawson he set about ensuring the O's had a half

time lead. His long range effort too good for Andreas Aristidou

Having not won all season home fans would have been forgiven for being

nervous and their hearts would have been pounding just 2 minutes into

the second half. Scott Cuthbert climbed all over Brian McLean and

the referee pointed to the spot. But unlike 7 days ago against

Tranmere, Graeme Alexander couldn't find the net from 12 yards. Lee

Butcher pulling off a fine save. They're still bottom but Russell

tipping MK Dons to win League One. And this match did nothing to

change his mind. County in trouble from the second minute as Julian

Kelly needed to make a superb save. Just a shame he's not a goalkeeper.

Quite what the County players could find to complain about was hard to

fathom. Kelly was sent off, giving Shaun Williams the responsibility

of increasing the punishment. Stuart Nelson proved equally adept

with his hands but it was a short- lived reprieve. In the 11th minute,

Clinton Morrison released Angelo Balanta and his finish was

magnificent. But even with ten men County managed to make a game of it.

They weren't unlocked again until eight minutes from the end, as Dean

Bowditch crossed for Morrison. Now the Dons could be sure of three

points which would lift them into the top two. And they topped off

the win with an eye-catching third just a minute later. Daniel

Powell's determination crowning a good day for Karl Robinson's side,

season saw Brentford crushed. Huddersfield had already hit the

woodwork twice before Jordan Rhodes notched his 50th goal for the club

to open the scoring. That ensured the Yorkshire side would go to the

break on top and after it they went in search for more. Rhodes going

close to doubling his tally. And that's when Brentford's luck

finally ran out. Three goals in an eight-minute spell finished them

off. Tommy Miller's perfectly weighted pass picking out Lee Novak

whose finish oozed quality. Post match Lee Clark summed up the

display as outstanding and his team were well on their way to

stretching the Football League's longest ever unbeaten run when

Novak crossed for Rhodes to make it 3-0. The striker previously enjoyed

a loan spell with the Bees but was intent on trying to grab a hat-

trick on his return to the capital. After a driving run, the post

denied him the match-ball but Gary Roberts made sure his hard work

didn't go to waste by completing the rout to propel Clark's men to

league matches Dean Smith's Walsall came into this game desperate to

kick start their season. And they took the lead in the 33rd minute,

Will Grigg heading home his third goal of the season. Smith admitted

the visitors had the better of the second half and they could have

equalised almost immediately after the restart, but Jimmy Walker was

equal to Liam Noble's close range effort. While Walker was able to

save that shot from 6 yards, he had no answer to Matty Robson's free

kick a few moments later. Nobody really expected him to shoot but

shoot he did. And the result was a truly wonderful equaliser. While

that was spectacular for the right reasons, what followed in the final

10 minutes was spectacular for the wrong reasons. Substitute Francois

Zoko should have won the game for the visitors but somehow sent his

shot wide. No wins in 6 now for Bournemouth at mid-table Tranmere,

who almost enjoyed a huge stroke of luck when Jose Baxter's cross

flicked off Stephane Zubar. The crossbar sparing the Cherries who

appeared to have a good case for a penalty as Adam Barrett went down

in the box. Marc Pugh didn't make the most of the loose ball. Both

managers agreed the draw was a fair result. Wes Thomas was probably

kicking himself all the way home, having squandered another golden

September but the manner of their opening goal against Oldham

suggests confidence is still high. Daniel Nardiello finishing off a

wonderful move worthy of gracing any ground in the land. That

brought their overall tally for the season to just five goals but just

four minutes into the second half they secured the win that keeps

them in touch with their fellow strugglers. Guillem Bauza smashing

home to end Oldham's hopes of a third away win on the spin.

Scunthorpe secured their first win of the season last time out and the

confidence was clear for all to see when Eddie Nolan, the rarest of

goal-scorers tried his luck from 20 yards. Only the 23 year-old's

second career goal. The game was end to end in the second half as

Stevenage went in search of an equaliser but the Iron stood firm

and put the result beyond doubt 2 minutes in to injury time. A

mistake at the back allowed Michael O'Conner to fire home for an

unlikely angle. Stevenage were heading for 3 consecutive league

defeats for the first time since being promoted to the football

league. They did pull one back 60 comebacks was almost complete in

the sixth minute of stoppage time. Chris Beardsly got his shot in,

only to be denied on the line by Michael Nelson. Plenty of late

drama. But back to back wins for joy on the road but they couldn't

complain about their luck away at Chesterfield. The ball falling

kindly for Michail Antonio on the half hour which set the tone for

United's afternoon. The home side had plenty of chances to take a

share of the points. Alex Mendy cutting in from the wing to create

one of the best in the second half. Ben Williams was down sharply to

turn the shot wide. And, when the keeper was eventually beaten, more

proof it really wasn't the Spireites' day. Leon Clarke

thwarted by the post. Colchester collecting only their third away

win since the turn of the year. Yeovil were hoping to avoid a third

straight defeat against a Bury side who are finding life equally as

tough. And the early signs were promising as Kieran Agard forced a

fine save from Trevor Carson. But Agard did not have long to make the

breakthrough with an overhead kick doing the trick. The third goal in

three games for the striker signed from Premier League Everton in the

summer. The signs didn't look good for Richie Barker's men who have

struggled for goals since Ryan Lowe's departure to Sheffield

Wednesday but the man who came in the opposite direction from

Hillsborough had them level by half-time. Giles Coke driving his

way through to register his first for the club. Five minutes from the

end David Worrall set off on a sensational run and put the ball in

the perfect spot for Peter Sweeney. The former Yeovil loanee helping

his current club climb out of trouble and whilst dropping his old

one into the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Rochdale started this match in the last relegation spot, with Wycombe

just one place better off. And despite the home side creating a

good couple of early chances, it was the visitors who struck first.

Scott Donnelly showing good composure just 6 minutes in. After

the match Gary Waddock said his side's defending was not acceptable.

And the hosts had been knocking at the door when they found a way

through on 21 minutes. Ashley Grimes with plenty of time and

space to hammer home the equaliser. Rochdale have never beaten Wycombe

at Spotland but came close to taking the lead in the second half.

Some suspect defending allowed Grimes the chance to almost became

provider he fed through David Ball who was denied by Nikki Bull. When

the winning goal did eventually come, it was all too easy. From

Jake Kean's goal kick only one touch was needed. A brace from

Grimes securing Dale only their second home win of the season. A

good day for the bottom four sides. But first, Charlton, unbeaten in 11

games. But beating one of the title rivals is a huge psychological blow.

Absolutely, fantastic result. Maguire will like to see this one

again. And he gets some luck to keep the game going. They have been

very good. Nice touch from Chris Powell. He told us it was

spontaneous, not planned, telling the players what a great

performance it was from them. he is saying is quite aggressive

but he is not picking people up. It looks like a rollicking but he is

bracing them. He is telling them to stay tight and thanks for their

efforts, an amazing achievement so far. They have not achieved

anything so far but they are going along nicely. That game with

Sheffield United defied the form book, and so did later Nuria when

they defeated Preston. -- latent Leyton Orient. Coming back after

being two goals behind is quite something. Even though the tables

do not look so good, Leyton Orient have been showing that their

performances are there. It is just getting the performances and the

results along with it. That was a really good performance today. Dean

Cox is a real match-winner. Troubles since Ryan Lowe was sold.

This won't had eluded them for some time. He was a big player for them

and they did not win a game since he left. Giles Coakley, super goal.

Another player with undoubted talent and ability. Supposedly a

really big flu jab Sheffield Wednesday. It has not come off yet.

-- big future at Sheffield Wednesday. We will have a player on

our hands soon. Exeter lost some Bible players over the summer and

wins have been hard to come by, and goals. -- valuable players. It is

hard if you have not scored to win! That does not take a mathematician.

But they did better. It was a much- needed win. They have done

fantastically. I will not say they would do a bad year but we can

forgive them a couple of bad results because they have done

enough to warrant some latitude. But they will pick up again.

Huddersfield, unbeaten in 36. games, 13 draws, and lot of people

were thinking this would be a difficult game but it was an

excellent performance and the great performance means a real marker for

the future. Onto League Two now and for once we start with one of the

games that took place on Friday night.

Southend and Shrewsbury met at Roots Hall knowing that whoever

took all three points would leapfrog Morecambe to the top of

the table. Southend made all the running at Roots Hall in their

quest for a fourth straight win. Shrewsbury keeper Ben Smith soon at

full stretch to keep out Ryan Leonard's deflected effort and Liam

had the lead. Jermaine Grandison nudged Neil Harris away from the

dropping ball, presenting Dickinson with another chance to open the

scoring. The lanky striker's fifth goal of the season and fourth from

the spot rewarded Southend's first half dominance. It was a long time

though before they could be sure of hitting the top of the table. Smith

punching the ball against Mark Phillips as the match moved into

stoppage time, and Shrewsbury's fate was sealed. Sub Ryan Hall

supplied the free-kick which caused that chaos.. His short spell on the

pitch extremely productive. Hall also won the penalty which gave the

scoreline an even more convincing look. Converted this time by Neil

Harris, to leave boss Paul Sturrock happy though wishing the victory

had been made safe a lot sooner. Body played well going into the

second half. You have got to give credit to Shrewsbury for coming out

and making a game of it. A chance for Morecambe top reclaim to spot.

Jim Bentley's side putting their unbeaten away record on the line

against a Torquay team that don't give away much on their own patch.

But 8 minutes from time, Morecambe rescued a draw that keeps them

right in contention there didn't seem too much danger when Kevin

Ellison picked the ball up in his own half but he clearly only had

one thing on his mind After a sensational run he kept his cool to

earn his side a deserved point. Matt Tubbs was a former team-mate

of which at Bournemouth. He showed nose and that for his former

captain and with five minutes to go, he doubled the league for Crawley.

But that plan of's exit from administration agreed, the visitors,

too, had cause to celebrate. They a -- the biggest club in League 2,

Plymouth Argyle. I was speaking to their board of directors and it

looks like their takeovers going to happen. You could see the

travelling support they had, and those are the big winners today. We

will keep plugging away, and get the club, as all, to two things the

right way. It is a work in progress and we are trying to lay the

foundations. Having shipped seven goals in their two previous games,

Rotherham's rearguard needed to be at their best against the Football

League's top scorers. But with 18 minutes on the clock, Millers

keeper Conrad Logan let a free-kick from Marc Richards slip through his

fingers as Port Vale went in search of their first win in three. Just

eight minutes after opening the scoring, Richards was all smiles

again, this time the Vale striker getting on the end of a flick from

former Miller Tom Pope to doubled the advantage. Richards back from

suspension in style, but the Millers on the slide. There was a

hint of the old days at Plough Lane about the goal that got Wimbledon

off to a flier against Gillingham. Christian jolly capitalising on

this slip. The Dons showed there is more to their game than latching

onto Walpole long balls. This diving header had them two up after

only 12 minutes. The striker was proving handful, with his

persistence causing panic at that back 10 minutes later. The match

was almost sewn up the 10 minutes into the second half bus-stop Terry

Brown's team were well on the way to their put successive win there

and just outside the promotion places. Gillingham pulled one back

with the goal of the game from Charlie Lee, but that sloppy start

cost them dear. Hereford have the worst goal difference in League 2

this season having scored the the stomach of goals and the Football

League. But they could have taken the lead at Edgar Street if it

wasn't for the fine reflexes of Ryan Clarke. Then Oxford's

defensive frailties were exposed. 17-year-old Robert Hall opened the

scoring. That solitary goal enough to secure Oxford their third away

victory in a row. Phil Parkinson's wait for the first win continues

but he will not get a better chance than this, what a terrific opener

from Kyle Reeves giving Bradford the lead. It was a dream start for

the Yorkshire club to double their advantage with only 15 minutes late.

Seven minutes before the break, Billy Kay continued to scoring

streak. His third in as many matches give the alongside a

platform to build on, and he should have been celebrating pitting his

side back on level terms shortly after this. Having somehow managed

to miss, he delivered a blow that caused panic in the travelling

racks. This gave it Justin Richard the chance to continue as scoring

one. He kept his cool from the spot, to preserve Prutton's unbeaten home

record. -- Burton's. Macclesfield bounce straight back from their

defeat at Planet, but not without the obscure postop Rafael a good

veto scuffed the shot back when a clean shot back would have given

Swindon the lead. Swindon fell behind in the second half thanks to

an excellent solo goal from George Donnelly, who refuse to be stopped.

Swindon's Matt Ritchie was at the centre of the match's main talking

point. He appeared to be told when one-on-one with the keeper, and

staying on his feet prove counter- productive, leading Paolo di Canio

to say that the future he will tell his players to dive. Another fine

finish from Macclesfield, with a swastika confirming Swindon's 50 a

week that beat in 6 games. -- with Country derby looking for back-to-

back wins for the past in the season, but fell behind when

Muhammad ran half the length of the field Angeles before finishing past

Scott Bevan. Rover straw to stamp any authority on the match and fell

to behind just before half-time. After the match, the pie is boss

Phil Buckle said his side conceded three dead-ball goals. Muhammad

capitalised again three minutes into the second half postop league

ground pulled back a consolation the 20 minutes remaining. But it

was not enough to stop Bristol Rovers fans during their side of

the pitch for the second game in succession. -- booing. This Cross

gave the lie by Germaine McGlashan, and Danielle Prince to give

Aldershot an early lead. The despair did not last long. Shaun

Hessay let fly with this free kick. The home team would go to the break

second best. This free kick met by Hilton at the post, to restore

order short's hopes of stretching their unbeaten run on the road to

four matches. Stanley have not tasted success is the end of August

but were determined to * October and a positive note. Danny Boyle

put out to level the scores. On balance the hosts should have

settled for a point. But two Minster on the end, the Spanish

from Charlie Barnet, measured to perfection, help them claimed all

where crew seemed set to stretch the on-site losing when there are

half-a-dozen games, as they broke the deadlock with five minutes --

15 minutes remaining. She would have thought that the Daggers would

have been bereft of confidence given their recent run, but Gavin

Tomlin surged into the box, opening the way for some Williams to level

the scores Just A Minute later. There was worse to come for crew,

who switched off five minutes into stoppage time. That for the header

from Richard Rose getting October of they are great start of Dagenham,

after going all the way through September without collecting a

described the 4-0 defeat to Swindon in the last match as not good

enough. Aside almost made the perfect start, and Ricky Wolves

struck the woodwork. Mark Marshall's pace and all in cause

problems, allowing Holmes to lash in from the edge of the box. That

was his first League goal of the season, but some elementary

defensive mistakes presented their opponents with an equaliser.

Barnett made a double substitution the 10 minutes to go, as they went

in search of the winner, but the visitors struck the killer Owen 88

minute, with Ben Tozer firing home. Three the fees in a row now, for

Barnett. -- three the piece. Testing times for Lawrie Sanchez,

at Barnet. The story of the Bikey End has to be Southend, topping the

table for the first time in five years. There is a lot has happened

years. There is a lot has happened in those five years. Almost went

out of business. Only had one player on registration. They have

won the last four games but three of them are Gillingham, Rotherham

and Shrewsbury. Those of good results, as you say. The second

goal scored by Mark Phillips, who you know quite well. He got

something of a knock from the celebration. Yes, he did, they and

a bit enthusiastic, aren't they? If you're going to get injured, that

is not the way to do it! A couple of players jumping on his back.

it is not serious? No, no. ESE Wimbledon into their highest league

position and three goals in 20 by the wrist against promotion

hopefuls Gillingham. That is no mean feat. It is a fantastic start,

3-0 up after 22 minutes. Some defending leaves a bit to be

desired. But take nothing away from Wimbledon. Up to 4th in the table,

a side that has carried on that momentum. And a jolly good job he

has done. Whatever hair that John Steele has got left he would have

been cheering them out after losing that game with two goals against

Crewe. No better time to score their one goal they have managed in

each game so far. They needed both of them. It is easy to get carried

away with were Dagenham & Redbridge should be because they are only

recently promoted. It is easy to forget how much they might have

achieved in a short space of time. Yes, look at this -- at the size

and scope of that club and they have no right to be anywhere else

other than where they are now. It is a fantastic achievement. Let's

There is no movement in the bottom 5 although Bradford picked up 1

point and Dagenham left it late to pick up their first win in 7. There

were also good wins for Accrington, Macclesfield and Northampton. In

League One, Charlton extend their lead to 5 points after beating

Sheffield Utd and because Preston lost at Leyton Orient. MK Dons are

up to second and Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield are up

in to the top 6. Huge relief for Leyton Orient after picking up

their first win of the season and Exeter their second although both

remain rooted to the bottom. The other two sides that started the

day in the bottom four were Rochdale and Bury. They both won as

well and are replaced by Wycombe & Yeovil. In the Championship,

Southampton move two points clear at the top after that impressive 4-

0 win over Watford. Middlesbrough, Derby, West Ham and Brighton all

failed to win, so Hull move in to the top 6 and replace the side they

beat Cardiff. Doncaster move off the bottom of the table after that

2-1 victory at Peterborough and move up 4 places. Bristol City

replace them at the foot of the table. All of the current bottom

three lost and also failed to score this weekend. A reminder, Forest

take on Birmingham at the City Ground on Sunday. If you have

missed any of the goals tonight, don't forget the Football League

Show is on the red button. And on for review, but only until quarter

to four in the morning, otherwise, it is on BBC iPlayer all week.

Football coverage continues over the weekend that much of that the

two. Highlights of the north London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.

We're back on Saturday at five to midnight and because it is