03/03/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Welcome to the start of March madness in the Football

League, with most teams facing at least seven games this month. It

will have a huge say on promotion and relegation and promotion. While

for some, just stay in existence is the primary concern. A repeat of

the opening-day fixtures, but without the opening day optimism

for most. Steve Claridge is here and as always, there is lots to get

through. They may have passed on the League

Cup trophy to Liverpool, but Birmingham have their eyes on

another prize now - the play-offs. Or even automatic promotion is a

very real ambition for Chris Hughton's men. Nigel Clough's Derby

visited St Andrews for an East versus West Midlands derby.

With West Ham in action on Sunday, a chance for Southampton to extend

their lead at the top of the Championship - they were at Elland

Road, with Leeds looking to make an And they've dropped off the pace in

League Two and sold both of their top scorers - can Steve Evans and

Crawley reignite their promotion charge? Against Torquay United?

We start this week at St Andrews. Wednesday's transfer embargo was

the latest challenge for Chris Hughton, so no better tonic than

three points against the Dobbie sight who have lost their last

sight who have lost their last time last season -- this season

last week by struggling Nottingham Forest. This week, Birmingham play

their fiercest rivals, with changes made from the defeat against Forest.

Peter Ramage, signed on loan from QPR, makes his debut in defence at

the expense of Derek Murphy. Erik Huseklepp spearhead the attack. --

spearheads. At one point this season, Steven Davis didn't think

he would score read -- play again. He has overcome a career-

threatening injury. Injury to Jamie Ward a manger returned in a changed

Derby County formation for Birmingham born of fear Robinson.

took a deflection into the arms of Frank Fielding. Good work by Erik

Huseklepp. Marlon King's shot was charged down and then TAS and Miss

kicking in front of goal. -- out wide in the first place and the

Eric Mr Clegg, whose courses first goal for Birmingham City. -- Erik

Huseklepp. One of the players' Chris Hughton has brought in on

loan has made an early impact in his Birmingham City career.

Bischoff from the edge of the penalty area went through a crowd

of players and whether he knew a great deal about it or not, he

won't care. Erik Huseklepp was on hand to steer it past the

eventually volleyed over the bar by Norwegian glanced his header, it

came back off the crossbar and Marlon King brought the ball back

into play. Curtis Davies rather Fielding. Cleared by the near post

by Roberts. Excellent save. It must have been difficult for him to see,

because it came in over their heads of a few players. He swept it away

Birmingham. And surely they are heading for another victory on home

soil. After the blip last week against Nottingham Forest, Marlon

King put Birmingham--- 2-0 in front. Initially, it looked like he had

made the wrong choice, but he tried to beat defenders towards him and

opened up the space and Marlon King confident it takes his tally in the

lead to double figures. -- -- great. Davies. Four months after

fracturing his skull in what was a career-threatening injury, he makes

an impact in his first start since his recovery. Good work from his

namesake, and with his first touch, the cross been found an unmarked

Stephen Davies Last week's defeat County! Five minutes after going 2-

0 down, they pull it back to 2-1, and now a few minutes later, it is

all square. They do well to kick the ball in play. Greene came into

cause problems. Threaded a pass through the defenders. Robinson was

clearly onside and he executed the volley. Great technique but also

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 105 seconds

but there were a few muted cries danger is averted and there was an

offside anyway. The referee blows his whistle and brings an end to

what turned out to be a very lively No mean feat to get a point at St

Andrew's. The form they have been in and they concede very few cold

so you fear the worst when you go two goals down, but great spirited

comeback. As a team we have conceded goals which are not like

us. We have been a very solid Universe has enough quality in the

team that is able to dig deep and keep tight and enough quality to go

and score goals. In the last couple of games we have conceded poor

goals by Alastair Anders and that allows Derby back into the game. --

by our standards. I am thankful to be out there. This time, it was a

freak accident and I managed to fracture my skull and be out for

four mum's. But today to be out there and back on the scoresheet is

pleasing. What did you think about the penalty appeal? I think he was

certainly the other way. I thought there were couple of decisions that

went against us today so we might have deserved that one. In the end,

it was a good comeback from Derby but I am not quite sure if the

Birmingham defenders helped themselves. On both occasions,

individuals are trying to play offside and did not know what was

behind them. Steven Davies gets in behind them for a really neat

header. When the ball comes at you from that sort of angle you have to

get the leverage on it and the power. If you're going to play this

30 or 40 yards out, it is fine, because it gives you the

opportunity to get back and try to make a tackle. But doing it 16

yards out, there is nothing you can do if you get it wrong. It is a

risky game to play and on both occasions they got it wrong. Those

are two of the most experienced defenders claimed the Championship.

As for the penalty shout, what do you think? Should the referee have

given this? It is a penalty. You know when or forward close is the

defender it down and leaves his foot there, this is the other way

round. He certainly gets there first and green comes in late.

quick word for Steven Davies, out for four months, he headed that

port in. It takes real courage. takes courage just to be out there,

not just heading the ball in. He deserves all the credit he can get

for just being out there and contributing like he is. A with

West Ham not playing until Sunday, championship leaders Southampton

had the chance to extend their lead to four.. Leeds had Neil Warnock's

who got his body in the way. It caught Bull left elbow of the

Portuguese defender. -- the left from an obvious source, Rickie

Lambert. A good build up and Leeds not tight enough arm Lambert, and

that is the finish of a confident that as crudely as he would like to

good save. A tremendous reflex stop. The run from Becchio, attacking the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 105 seconds

did he that out?! -- keeper that loving this record of clean sheets

football, almost produced the equaliser, and but for the

goalkeeper he would have done. Brilliant stuff again from Leeds

United, three and again from Kelvin Davis. -- brilliant again. No

matter what they throw at him, he posts. Really good movement off the

Incredible scenes, and wide from Leeds. It came off the Southampton

defender. Unbelievable pressure. Southampton getting lucky not once,

Tonight we weren't at the races first half. Credit to Leeds. We

scored a fantastic goal. We have goals in the team and that put us

one up and we had to grind out results. We could not control the

game like we normally do. Football is a cruel game sometimes and you

need to referee or linesman to spot the most blatant handball you have

ever seen. You have to give those decisions. It was a certain penalty

and it changes the game. Having said that, he was not to blame for

their goal and we had enough chances. The goalkeeper could up

one four man of the Match awards today. He just whetted my appetite.

The excitement and I love to be back on the line today. Good to see

Neil Warnock back. An astonishing game. Leeds will be scratching

their heads thinking how did they not get anything? It was a

fantastic performance from Kelvin Davis. Some good opportunities that

they missed. Sometimes, you look at results and they do not always give

you an indication of how the game has gone, and this is one of those.

Most of the season we have been talking about the frontline for

Southampton but the back line was an inspiration for them. They

played well in the first half, the back four. They any went with one

up front, but it was the keeper mainly in the second half he kept

them in the game. He was magnificent all through the game.

All sorts of different kind of saves. You can see at the end of

the game, you don't normally get everybody coming to congratulate

your goalkeeper like that. As for Leeds and did Neil Warnock, he

cannot afford too many days like that if they are to finish in the

top six. I don't think he will get too many games when they do not get

that kind of Bach. I thought he was really up after the game, his

normal blast that the referee, but he knows that ultimately it was a

really good performance and the paper that they will get in the top

six. More now from the Championship, starting with Friday's game at

a big future ahead of him. A superb one to here with Kevin Philips. One

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 105 seconds

Hull City. -- Fryatt. He was the first to react. Delight for Nick

Barmby and his staff. We didn't deal with it correctly. I had

enough people there to attack the flight off the ball, we didn't get

the first header, so we needed the second cop -- contact and Alex

Baptiste decided not to headed. think the pivotal part of the match

was the fantastic save from Kevin Phillips. It would have been hard

if we had got 2-0 down, but we regain confidence and played at the

passing game and caused them problems. I am really pleased for

good for Coventry -- down. It is a Leicester the lead. It is saved! It

wasn't the finest penalty but Joe Murphy had to get there and he did.

He didn't have that usual confident. it is 1-0, Leicester. -- it is in.

It has been coming. A good cross, a neat turn. Joe Murphy saved to but

he couldn't keep our David Nugent, see this again. Lee Probert was

favour returned. David Nugent are shocking a pass from the touchline,

but that was a very clumsy right at all. This could be bad

news. It is. It is a red card and went up, referee unimpressed. --

let's see. Here come Reading. Again. They have

made a habit of staging post Christmas promotion pushes. Brian

McDermott's table looking for a 6th straight win when they arrive at

Millwall. They had conceded in their previous five, but after an

hour, the back line was breached when Andy Keogh put the Lions ahead.

That was Millwall's second goal in the Championship in 2012, but Hamer

Bouazza or almost caught out they do reach it. And their hosts look

like they would take the advantage into the break. But Hal Robson-Kanu

than 10 and injury-time first-half equaliser -- dumped in. It stayed

that way until the last quarter of an hour. The Millwall defence

appealed for offside. Jason Roberts played in Adam Le Fondre to make it

six wins in a row for Reading, only one point behind West Ham. It was a

real battling performance from both sides. It wasn't the prettiest at

times, but we did what we had to do that we have won the game. It was

the type of they wear red was tight and we had to grind something out

and make sure we didn't get beaten -- the type of day. Both goals were

disappointing. Brighton arrived in South Yorkshire

aiming to protect the only unbeaten run in the Championship in 2012. In

contrast, Doncaster, who prop up the division, were chasing a first

win in seven. A winner for Brighton might take them into the play-off

places and they took the lead after 20 minutes through Craig Mackail-

Smith with his 9th of the season. Rover has again demonstrated why

they have the worst first half record in the Championship when

they almost conceded a second. Will Buckley got his approach play right,

but not quite the finish. Doncaster never gave up, though, and their

second-half pressure paid dividends with 11 minutes remaining. They

were awarded a penalty when Adam El-Abd handled. If you want to see

how to score a penalty, watch El- Hadji Diouf. 1-1 at the final score.

Brighton still outside the play-off places.

These are difficult days at Fratton Park, without a win in five, cash-

strapped Portsmouth allowed Captain Liam Lawrence a loan move to

Cardiff in the week to lower the wage bill and the talk has been

about whether the club can fulfil its fixtures. Sometimes it pays to

be too young to care about money. It took until the second half for

the match to come to life. The Middlesbrough corner didn't seem to

us -- trouble the back line of Portsmouth but the referee spotted

an incident. Ricardo Rocha are the guilty party. Barry Robson gave

Pompey more immediate cause for concern. "We will never die a"

chanted the home fans, but it got worse are the pitch. Matthew Bates

twisted the knife by adding a second and Middlesbrough's hopes of

staying in the promotion of Hunt looked more Secure. Ricardo Rocha

tried his luck from long range. But Lukas Jutkiewicz's handball meant

it wasn't a wasted effort. Greg Halford scored the penalty to give

Portsmouth a lifeline. The comeback didn't materialise, though. Wolves

loanee Adam Hammill couldn't score a goal on his Boro debut. Stephen

Henderson made the save, but Marvin Emnes made sure that his team's 630

mile round-trip would be rewarded with three points. There was still

time for further incident. Rhys Williams was already on a yellow

when he made this challenge. The referee issued a red, but the ten

men took the three points, leading Pompey in the bottom three.

would have been nice to give them something to shout about, they are

still out there screaming and shouting, singing. We have 13 games

to make sure that if it is a case of Pompey will never die, hopefully

it will be in the Championship next year. We wish them well in their

plight, they deserve it, you could here their background -- their fans

at the background half-an-hour after the game had finished still

singing, so they deserve it and hopefully they will find solutions.

Two teams struggling for form came together at Vicarage Road. Watford

had added 11 of their last four, conceding 10. -- only 11. Burnley

were looking to avoid another away defeat. Visiting goalkeeper Lee

Grant had to be at his best early on. Watford have conceded in each

of their previous eight home games and Jay Rodriguez had scored for

Burnley and in his last six. A mistake by Adrian Mariappa and

Rodriguez had here's goal. That he is. Verdict doubled their lead

early in the second half. Nyron Nosworthy looked to have gifted the

game to the visitors. But within four minutes, he made amends with

his first goal in more than eight years. I wonder if he will still be

playing in 2020. Watford were transformed and scored again after

72 minutes, Alex Keay, Church on loan from Fulham scoring -- Adam

complete. Troy Deeney on hand to score his third goal in the last

five games to seal their memorable comeback. Burnley's play-off hopes

are fading fast. Selhurst Park is where the mascot

theirs to wear pink shoes at, but it is not the ground for goals.

Palace Venice Court 13 all season, but surely there will be goals this

time? -- Pat this that Palace had only scored. There usually are when

Peterborough play. Tyrone Barnett looking a sparkling and -- after

his debut goal last week. He was causing all sorts of trouble, but

everything he could do, Julian Speroni could do better. Then it

was the home side's turn to try and increase the Selhurst Park goal

tally. Darren Ambrose came closest to scoring, but a fortunate

deflection sent the ball off the post and away from danger. In the

second half, visiting goalkeeper Paul Jones was forced into action,

at keeping out Mile Jedinak's header. But the same to were

involved are the only goal. Paul Jones gifting him his first goal in

English football. The price right now would be

survival, not a pot of goal, and there are signs that the Nottingham

Forest fightback is gathering momentum. Steve Cotterill's team

were going for a third straight win in their best run all season and

started well enough. Garath McCleary is one of the reasons for

their improvement and here is an example of why. His third goal in

five games with a little help from a deflection. Forest continued to

push in an impressive first half and went far away from a second.

Mark has toured gay was in the right place, but the ball would not

follow suit -- Marcus Tudgay. And Forest would pay for that are the

second half. It was all change as the hosts rallied. Barnsley boss

Keith Hill opened his account with a draw at Forest in August as

manager. Craig Davies scoring his 11th of the season. The visitors

were presented with a late chance to snatch a winner, but Luke Steele

kept out Greg Cunningham's shot and the draw was probably a fair result.

I wouldn't say that we couldn't sustain it in the second half, I

just think Barnsley threw caution to the wind and when you are away

from home, the natural thing is to defend and get goal side and that

probably didn't help us today. But it was a great ship by the lads and

I am pleased with a point. That shift. There was no shouting at

half-time, just asking the players to represent themselves in the way

that they do every day that I see them in training and I thought they

did in the second half. Off the field headlights have

filled the local paper in Ipswich, but two players punished for

turning up late to trading. Paul Jewell suspended Jimmy Bullard and

find Michael Chopra after they had reportedly been touring Newcastle

nightclubs the previous evening. Paul Jewell did what he said would

have the players most, so while Jimmy Bullard couldn't play by --

Michael Chopra tested David James early on. Liam Fontaine nearly

ended their goal drought when Alex McCarthy managed, but the help of

the crossbar, to keep the ball out. Michael Chopra started the game

with 99 goals at club level and made it into three figures when he

headed in Lee Martin's pinpoint cross to redeem himself somewhat

for his midweek Mr Major's. City were looking to avoid they can

Circuit -- 6th consecutive defeat on the road, but Tommy Smith

extended Ipswich's lead on 66 minutes. He nearly added his second

of the afternoon but found the woodwork. But it was only a matter

of time before Ipswich completed their third straight home win with

Adam Drury scoring probably the best of their 11 goals during that

run. Support your happy after a trying week. A -- Paul Jewell. I

thought today was a dominant performance, we created numerous

opportunities, and it was nice to keep a clean sheet.

They could win for Ipswich against the struggling Bristol City and we

the struggling Bristol City and we will get to them shortly -- a good

win. As for Reading, six wins in a road for the Royals, a great season.

Is there a bit of controversy about The rule states that if you are not

active, then it is not offside. From the initial ball, he remains

inactive and then becomes active when the ball has bypassed him.

had seen some terrific comebacks. Not least for Watford, 2-1 down

against Burnley. They still have the spirit that they showed last

season. I think they know what they are. The brief is to stay in this

division and they are going to do that comfortably. Lots of character

and lots of spirit and there is still 15 minutes to go in the game.

You would think that was the last minute winner! It's which thumped

Bristol City and what a goal. just a goal but a whole build up.

It is neat, entertaining passing. That is a real upturn in form for

them. They look like a side finding 10 now where they are supposed be

going. Do you agree with the policy of Paul Jewell. He has dished out

two different punishments for the same crime, so to speak. You go

along with that? If you lot of use and you are playing, and scoring

goals, at the do tend to get away with more than somebody on the

periphery. Her don't think that's it particularly well with everybody

because it is not a level playing field. In a way I understand where

Paul Jewell is coming from but I still don't think that everybody

will think it is fair. Portsmouth have moved on their captain. D

think they will see through the season? It has been reassessed

already, it was until the end of April, and now it is until the end

of March. The money runs out then. If the players have not taken a

massive pay cut, if some players have not left, I see it being a

really difficult position. It would be surprised -- it would be a

surprise if they made it to the end of the season. League One now, and

the leaders Charlton were have Bournemouth's chairman

fretting. He faces an FA charge for four away wins in stoppage time,

with their 13th. After 27 points from 33, surely no one can stop

them. It was not the best of games for the watching public but I will

take that all day long, and for us to win 1-Nero here with a clean

sheet is very pleasing. We need to beat a bit more of a killer

instinct in the final third and we need to keep clean sheet. Oldham

pass mark -- Oldham's first trip to Bramall Lane in 30 years began well.

Sheffield United's leading scorer got himself armed the scoresheet.

It was a goal that promise to strengthen their grip of United on

second place. In a crazy four minutes Bell, United collapsed.

Only Richard Cresswell can explain what he was trying to do, the

striker putting through his own net to give Oldham Burnley. Moments

later, prospects improved even further. The team with the best

home record in the division were facing a real test of character.

The ten men held their lead for just two minutes. The equaliser

arrived on the next attack. A terrific turn and shot completed a

stunning turnaround. At that stage Paul Dickov would have been pleased

as punch to have taken a point. At the finish he was left to reflect

on what he described as the greatest comeback of his career.

Another red card gave Danny Wilson a defensive headache ahead of the

game on Tuesday at Walsall. Shefki Kuqi crowned a sensational second

half recovery. Oldham were revelling in the extra space. Brown

was unlucky not to make the scoreline look even more convincing

but it was still a great day as they collected their first away win

since September. To be 2-0 down again Sheffield United at Bramall

Lane and come back and win his fantastic. All credit has to go to

my players. It was one of those games that you do not want to see

too many of in the season. We look at ourselves very critically

because we have thrown the game away today. At Spotland it was a

case of keeping up with the Joneses. The new manager had a watching

brief as they began life after Gary Megson. Rob Jones was the second of

three namesakes to take the headlines. His challenge resulted

in a Rochdale penalty. But the Rochdale skipper Gary Jones scuffed

his effort. Huddersfield raced into a healthy-looking lead. Sean

Morrison hammering home the opener in the 21st minute and by the half

hour, Bury seem to beat down-and- out. They were the victims of

Jordan Rhodes. Then, he was the right man in the right place at the

right time, as usual, as the ball broke loose in the buried box. His

13th and the goal of the season. Simon Grayson's side three up and

seemingly sitting pretty. But the free kick from Steven Schumacher

stirred Huddersfield. The second half turn dead to be some of their

best 45 minutes of the season. Lenell John-Lewis reduce the

deficit and deep into stoppage time, Grayson was left to reflect that he

had seen the very best and the very worst of Huddersfield in one match,

with Ashley Eastham completing a memorable comeback for Bury.

Honiball have not lost at home since the start of January and Neil

Cooper challenged his players to keep it that way until the end of

the season. At half past against and MK Dons chasing a fourth

straight win. Their chances were boosted by the return of James

Poole. He marked his comeback from injury to head heart report into

the lead. From the restart it took Karl Robinson's men just six

minutes to send Hartlepool back to the drawing board has James O'Shea

levelled the scores. But the point we shared. -- points were shed. A

tribe of persistence for the opening goal by Richard Logan.

Stevenage have not won since they held Spurs to a goalless draw in

the cup but they are proving difficult to beat. Robin Shroot

equalised at Huddersfield drew in the week and repeated the feat here.

The goalkeeper did his bit as well, and leaving Exeter still in the

thick of the relegation battle. Former Quins out top four for Notts

County since Keith curl took charge. Jonathan Forte opened the scoring

and then Alan Sheehan. It carried Notts County into the play-off

places. Yeovil have not lost at home since the return of Gary

Johnson but Brentford tested the resolve. A deflected free kick from

Sam Saunders put them on top. The London club would do their

promotion prospects the power of good if they could hold on but in

Andrew Williams, Yeovil have a player bang in form. A peach of a

strike took his tally to seven goals in eight matches. Eight. Is

better than nothing when you why in a dogfight but clinching all three

can make the world of difference and we three minutes to go, Yeovil

secured the win. Andrew Williams continuing his scoring streak.

was a massive result Forest. Brentford a decent, as you can see.

If you do not play, they look a strong side. Days after facing

Carlos Tevez in a reserve match, Miller's star quality of almost

gave Preston the leader Ed Cole Chester. But Preston stopped

playing after that and Colchester took the lead on 90 minutes 37 Alex.

Controversy surrounded the second from Colchester. It came from the

penalty spot after an arm stopped the cross. The referee saw it as

deliberate. There was no doubting the quality of the penalty from

Steven Gillespie. Preston fans have not taken to their new manager so

far and it was made worse with an injury-time third goal.

Leyton Orient were seeking their first home win a 2012. Dean Cox put

them on the right path against Walsall. Their manager, Dean Smith,

insisted that the goalkeeper was bowled over in the build up. His

opposite was even more incensed about a foul that was challenged. A

straight red card left Leyton Orient one man light seven minutes

before the break. Despite that, that Londoners continue to make

most of the running. The chance before Jimmy Smith went begging and

Walsall made that home side paid right at the debt. Olly Lancashire

securing another much-needed point. Les Parry admits he now fears the

sack after her defeat the Chesterfield. Tranmere were seeking

their first win in eight matches. They run made fog dismal reading,

just one win in 18 games. The latest nail in the coffin was

hammered in by Jordan Bowery. The win lifts Chesterfield off the

bottom. Scunthorpe claimed victory in the

six-pointer with Wycombe, who earned themselves only an extra day

of training. Paul Reed gave Scunthorpe the lead with only five

minutes gone. Wycombe minds were certainly wondering at set pieces.

Andy Barcham randy in goal number two. -- was rammed in. A sixth red

card of the season. But unlike at Sheffield United, it did not

deflect the side and two minutes after the restart, it was 3-0. 14

Ellis completed the misery and confirmed a climb out of the bottom

four for Scunthorpe. We can now prop up League One. The end the

high for them was a first League goal for Matt McClure. But like his

team-mate he will be working on It was a story of the 92nd minute

in League One. It was, and it was a good one for Charlton. Things, they

didn't look so positive for them, Sheffield United 1 2-0 up under the

92nd minute, Shefki Kuqi scores the penalty. Then in the 92nd minute at

Bury, 3-3. And Cheltenham, 0-0, 92nd minute, incredibly, that is

given. They looked the team struggling the most through the day

but they ended the biggest winners but they ended the biggest winners

falls -- winners. They have extended their lead lead to 13.

Other they have a game in hand over the opposition, so it does look

good. Or we saw Notts County register their 4th consecutive win

under Keith curl. They have not conceded in for either. A

surprising decision at the time as well to change manager. Yes, we

have seen as on previous occasions when a new manager comes in and

watch you have to do, keep sacking a manager every five games and you

will get promoted that what. But they have gone into the top six, on

a good run. Some unconfirmed reports about Les Parry at Tranmere

reports about Les Parry at Tranmere Rovers, after losing to

Rovers, after losing to Chesterfield. And Gary Megson

replaced by a Dave Jones, your thoughts on that? With regards to

Sheffield Wednesday, they had just beaten Sheffield United as well,

probably more of a personality thing. So something in the

background? I imagine so. I think with Milan Mandaric, he likes to --

he has to like you as a person, and if there is a for lead, only one

winner. Dave Jones has to hit the ground running. The expectation is

they get promoted. It in League Two, the race for

promotion is coming to the boil nicely with current leaders Swindon

one of six teams to have led the division this season. While they

have taken some stopping, Crawley Town have dropped off the pace.

Clem was that the Broadfield Stadium to see Crawley take on a

fellow promotion chasers Torquay They romped to the Conference title

last season, and buoyed by a million plus windfall by their run

in the FA Cup, Crawley Town were most people's favourite to be

promoted again. But with just a two league wins in their last 10 and

cashing in on their 26 goals strike force of Matt Tubbs... And Tyrone

Barnett... I suppose you are caught between

the devil and the deep blue sea. You understand the finances of the

sales, but your managerial head, you would want to keep those.

the managerial head, it is a disaster, there is no other word.

Tyrone Barnett, in my opinion, will play the Premier League. He has to

prove it, but he has gone to a good club in the Championship, could

owner, a good manager. Matt Tubbs is a Championship player but chose

to go to League One. He made it clear he didn't want to lose the

players but a board had -- a decision had to be made by the

board and the owners and we had to look at what is good for the long-

term future. Testing times for the indomitable fighter. Some would say,

that is putting it mildly in the What is it that takes you over at

3pm? I have a real desire to win football matches and I head and

kick every ball and shout for every decision. That is not going to

change. It is part of my make-up. I am frustrated that I finished a

long time -- a long time ago as a player, so you have the control

that. Those actually work? Yes. There you go. Football obsessive.

He knows what he has got to do, and he does it very well and if anybody

thinks he has not achieved, then balls. The guy has achieved, he

will continue to achieve. It is when he walks out here, you will

see the poor should -- the passion. A year ago? Not too bad. Why does

he like to work for? That what is the like. Yes, good. You made it

sound like you had to say that. getting victories is the most

important thing and the club has other way up but he is a major part

of it, like everyone else. Long way -- the club is on the way up. Long

may it continue. I wonder if it overshadows the team sometimes,

people focusing on your touchline activities. People will always look

to criticise. But found his stride to beat Torquay today.

-- but that just focusing on trying promotion challenge back on track

was clear from the start against Torquay. After the break, and Billy

Clarke stretching the Austrian keeper again, but despite the

chances, Crawley were struggling to recapture the form that made them a

force before Christmas. They went close once more. And Torquay might

have been thinking they would be happy to head back to the south-

west with a point. 11 minutes from the end, there afternoon but even

better. They have defence ball- watching and nobody closing down

Eunan O'Kane. For the dedicated Devonians in the corner, it had

Steve, I am guessing six weeks ago with you're too big hitters on

board, that is a game you would expect to have in the bag. We were

good enough. There are no excuses. As much as I thought we were

magnificent women lost touch for his big, so much the better side,

we were not today -- when we lost at Shrewsbury. That is the worst

before that I can remember for 18 months. Eight wins in 10 are now

for Torquay. As for Crawley, a bit of a red herring that their form

trailed off after the departure of Matt Tubbs and Tyrone Barnett. It

seemed to happen before that. they have gone, they have won one

in five, but before that, only two in 11, so it started before that.

It might have played a part in why they were allowed to go. Has it

compromised their promotion charge? It hasn't made that stronger.

they still see it through? They have games in hand. Steve Evans is

well versed in picking up good signings, he has been doing it for

a couple of years, said Mary's and I can't get back. -- so no reason.

The rest of League Two there, starting with Paolo Di Canio's

starting with Paolo Di Canio's Swindon, who had a Derby to contend

his local rivals for turning their season, describing the defeat in

marching orders with just 10 minutes gone. Perhaps they striker

was too keen to impress against the club he snubbed in January. Sent

off for catching Joe Devera. But the Oxford boss felt much better

when Asa Hall did in to draw first blood. The home fans could hardly

contain themselves, as Swindon's 10 match winning run was under threat.

Moments later, Lee Holmes cross for Oli Johnson, he couldn't miss.

Still, they couldn't afford to relax. Matt Richie needed but the

leaders back into contention but just before the break. -- nearly

put. When Swindon did get their chance, they didn't take it. Oxford

enjoyed their day in the sun. It was a massive game for the

support, massive for the players. It was a big game that needed a big

performance. We got the game, got the performance.

How many of you thought that Northampton were going to pull off

the shock of the day? They led at Cheltenham until the dying seconds.

It all started with Ben Tozer making a goalscoring return to the

first-team. 10 minutes later, and Alan Bennett couldn't cope with

Adebayor Akinfenwa and they were two goals to the good. But the

Cobblers have a form with giving away games from winning positions.

Cheltenham were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute. Darryl Duffy

starting that sinking feeling. Clarke Carlisle was on Question

Time this week. We would like to ask in his thoughts on his

clearance. The air shot leading to a Duffy's 93rd minute equaliser.

The game has come down to a penalty decision, which according to buy a

player, has hit him bang in the face, and we have told go on what

he sees and what he gives. Whether five minutes again Shrewsbury.

James Collins's 10th clique goal of the season. The embarrassment of

the keeper was eased when the free kick got a touch from Nick Powell

and it was still all square at the end. Paul Sturrock dropped three

players for preaching three players are on the last away trip for

Southend. He can rely on Neil Harris to set the right example. An

inventive free kick routine a load David Martin to put them in front.

Burton are 11 games without victory and with 15 minutes left, Southend

clinched the win through Neil Harris. I am very pleased get back

on the rails again. It has been difficult over the past couple of

weeks but the players responded in the proper manner today. I think

people will think I am a moron if I keep blaming luck. It is 11 games

now. Missed opportunities and things not going our way, we have

to really knuckle down and standard be counted. Following three games,

three defeats and no goals, Paul Cook at last has a point as

Accrington Stanley manager. Accrington had not managed a goal

in seven hours of football. When one finally came there was a

haphazard quality about it. Padraig Almond scored his sixth goal of the

season. With rumours of administration still in the air,

Port Vale directors were advised not to attend the crowned. The

equaliser came from Hatfield. The Port Vale fans will feel even worse

if the administration rumours hold any water. A mixed afternoon for

Gillingham's Joe Martin. First, an absolute belter to put his club in

front at Plymouth. They lead they would have to hold on to with ten

men as the defender was given his marching orders just eight minutes

after the goal. Gillingham made light of the numerical disadvantage

at the start of the second half as Jo Kuffour stretched the lead.

Plymouth Argyle had their own problems with that would work. Alex

MacDonald was denied a spectacular equaliser. Upwardly-mobile

Gillingham have won three on the trot. Not the outcome that either

side would have wanted, although Barnett got off to a flyer from an

early free kick by Mark Byrne. But Rotherham also needed the points to

Struy and tames touch with the play-off pack. -- to try and stay

in touch. Ben Pringle levelled the scores just five minutes into the

second half. But their chances of making the top seven are

diminishing fast as they are eight points off the pace. Barnard's

afternoon finished on a sour note as well. A frustrating day for both

clubs. Aldershot's irresistible run continues. A header from Guy Madjo

put them on the way to their sixth win in a row. But they also needed

a goal line clearance to secured three points. Making an early exit

was Aldershot's Troy Brown he was given a red card for a two-footed

challenge. With the worst away record in League Two, Macclesfield

will be more than happy to have crowned out a third successive draw.

The goalkeeper they borrowed from Sheffield Wednesday took all the

plaudits against Bristol Rovers. It was a good week for Macclesfield, I

can't bring three points, the first they have managed in 2012. --

bringing three points. Jamie Pitman is not only fighting to keep

Hereford in the Football League, he is fighting to keep his job. There

was an emergency board meeting but still no answer on his future. This

could go a long way to improving his prospects. Just past a half

hour, Lyle Taylor found it gap to set up Tom Barkhuizen for the

second. It but Hereford on course for their first home win since mid-

October. But Wimbledon tested their nerve. Jack Midson went close to

pulling one back. Just before the break, Harrison appear to have

given them a lifeline. The flight from the linesman ensured the two

goal cushion would remain intact. Jack Midson did reduce the arrears

midway through the second but Hereford hung on for what could be

a big win. Bradford are in danger of being hauled back into the

relegation battle. Dagenham claimed their second win in five days. The

free kick from Matthew Saunders came at a cost to both sides as he

injured his ankle taking it and had 7 points from nine for Dagenham has

given them some real hope of staying up in the Football League.

What about Oxford beating the inform team in the country, but

having to do it the hard way? Playing against the best team in

that division at this stage with ten men, you would not say that was

ideal. They scored very quickly after the sending off. They were

able to see the game through which is a fantastic achievement. Real

Organisation from Chris Wilder. Gillingham involved in the bonkers

game against Hereford in midweek. But what about this goal from

Martin, who then got sent off? takes a touch and wow! That is some

strike. He looked at the elevation and it goes up and over the keeper.

He gets sent off eight minutes later but he has played his part.

Shrewsbury fans are desperate to avoid the play-offs. They got a

draw against Crewe in slightly comical fashion. There was nothing

really wrong with the pass back. The ball should have gone for it

earlier than this. But the key posts kicks it at the on rushing

player. Collins will gleefully except that, like most forwards!

look at the tables before we sign- off. Swindon lost for the first

time this year. Southend's when moves them ahead of truth Prix and