05/11/2011 The Football League Show

Good evening. We'll come along to a November 5th edition of the

Football League Show. Don't worry, no firework puns, but plenty of the

usual drama. Just as we saw in midweek and Southampton tightened

their grip on the Championship, not to mention Wednesday's two games,

which summed up the divisions. Steve is here to reflect on what

happened earlier today and there is lots to talk about.

Our main game involves Hull and West Ham, both used to live for the

top flight and they are trying to get back there as soon as possible.

After their money slump, Middlesbrough got back to winning

ways in midweek. Tony Mowbray -- Tony Mowbray's Berra boys were

trying to extend the feeling when Watford came to the Riverside.

used to spend much days at Fratton Park, today, he was over here.

Three weeks after he left Portsmouth, Steve Cotterill was

back as manager of Nottingham Forest. And as usual we have will

have the very best of the action from Leeds one and two and the odd

wonder goal. We start up the KC Stadium for a

game which saw Hull City test their promotion credentials against

favourites West Ham. Nigel Pierson's men have been in terrific

form recently. As for the Hammers, they began the day in second and

were looking for their 5th win on run came to an end at Barnsley on

Wednesday. The Hammers are aiming to halt Hull's run-off four home

weekend, this is Hull's last home match before Remembrance Sunday and

we will have a commemorative services here today before kick-off.

The match ball being marched onto the pitch. Along with

representatives from HMS Iron Duke, a wreath from Hull City in

remembrance of those who have fallen in service of their country,

a wreath from West Ham United as well. In a moment we will have a

minute's silence to remember those who have made the ultimate

sacrifice for their country. referee will now blown his whistle

Ham able to get it away to safety. West Ham were fortunate it did not

there have been reports of him rejoining the West Midlands club

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

following the departure of Sven No way has had a penalty. -- is

Robert Green. The loose ball was blasted to safety. Nice to see

friendly rivalry on the touchline there was room there for all Dr

have a shot on goal. -- for Baldock do have a shot on goal. Turned in,

Baldock, who gets his 5th goal for West Ham since his move from the MK

Dons. Baldock was there to turn it in from close range. What a

contribution from the substitute. double their advantage! Collison

with the goal. A lovely ball forward from Cole and at all, some

had to do was finish it, which he does in style. -- and all, some had

to do was finish it. West Ham United scored twice inside the

opening hour -- inside the opening minutes, and that is what it means

end. It was Mark Noble who was on the post, Jack Hobbs with the

header down touched towards goal and Mark Noble was therefore stop -

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

City. But Nigel Worthington's team Jack Hobbs with the firm header but

there is no way for Hull past Robert Green. The header was firmly

again preserves West Ham's clean West Ham United get their 5th away

win of the season in the Championship. West Ham United

supporters celebrate, their team on course for a swift return to the

It is a terrific victory for us and a clean sheet. We got both ends

right today. We could have played a little better when we went two-nil

upper but we kept on plugging away and our defensive unit was

extremely solid and they found that very difficult to penetrate. It was

a very satisfying result unsatisfied performance. To concede

two goals in quick succession is going to put you in a difficult

position. I am really proud of how the boys went about the game today.

I thought we played with a lot of confidence. Even right the way

through until the end of the game we played some good football.

Unfortunately for us the biggest thing still is we are not scoring

enough goals and, but we will get there. There is speculation

regarding the Leicester vacancy. Are you committed to this club

bought is that approach is one that would tempt you back? You are

asking me a question in which this subject has been something which...

I work for Hull City. Unless there is an approach it goes to the club.

Football being the industry which it is, I am not going to talk about

it one way or the other because they don't feel the need to.

will talk about Nigel Pierson and his link with the Leicester job in

a second but it was a very good win for West Ham. They might not be

playing with flair but there is a stubbornness about this team, they

had to beat. Yes, funnily enough someone said what is the team that

have disappointed you a few weeks ago, and I looked and thought West

Ham, they were first on the list. I thought hold on a minute, they have

played 12 games, got nearly two points a game and the way they got

those points, not the Tully or the total they have got, and the game

today summed it up. They have found a way of getting points in this

division. It is not a division you can steam role but they have found

a way of getting points and that is why they are second. They had a

very decent start, two points again, that is good enough. Enough

operation. But the game changing moment was when Colback -- Carlton

Cole came on. After half-time they got more positive in their mindset.

He had Baldock in the middle, they lot of ammunition, they have Kourou,

Cole, they can do a really good job. A great offload, at the right

moment, and the game changes just after half-time. Two-nil. Nigel

Pierson summed it up, really pleased with the effort. They were

probably, over the period of the game, the better side, but it is

the end result and what they did in both boxes I think made the

for all the chances, they came across Robert Green, in a

goalkeeper, unbeatable? His defence did well. Also, his goalkeeper.

That is a brilliant save. Look where the ball end up. Not just

about making the save, but where the ball ends up. It was a

magnificent display from him. To be fair, it could have been a very

different result if he hadn't of been in this form. All this from

coming back from a knee operation, coming back from a knee operation,

two weeks earlier than expected. Nigh yell Pearson gets irritated

with this look to Leicester, he didn't rule himself out of the

running. Could we it from that answer? Tfrpblt's not a question

managers like to answer, it's a no win situation. When these

circumstances come up, there is only one way to do this. If you are

a manager in a job you can't be interviewed. Have you the job, or

you don't. You could be jobless? You could be interview people out

of work, you can't interview people in work it make it is a difficult

situation. He doesn't want to rule himself out entirely much he has a

loyalty to the club he is working for. No win situation in regard to

the question that is is why it annoys people so much.

Well, with the Hammers winning, what of the only team above them in

the table, Southampton? The Saints, who look unbeatable at

home, went in search of their first home, went in search of their first

a first ever win at the Ricoh Arena. It was a match with plenty of

twists before it would reach its final outcome. The show back after

34 minutes. Richard Chaplow made this pass count. They continued

attack. The ball went past Joe Murphy and became two. Coventry had

two wins all season. They got a goal back after the break. Lukas

Jutkiewicz side-footed home. The Southampton defence provided a

helping hand late on as Clive Platt plait stole in to level for

Coventry. With 13 minutes to play would the StS strike again? There

was time for two more goals. Danny Fox sent in the cross, the keeper -

- they then.went ahead. Steve De Ridder added the fourth.

Southampton's best start to the Southampton's best start to the

season for 90 years. A few questions being asked of the

players, great credit to them, and the supporters. They came out

winners, three games we won in the winners, three games we won in the

week. Which is pleasing. The stakes were high as two of the

Championship's form horses met at the Cardiff City Stadium. Crystal

Palace enjoying their best start to a League season in ten years. The

Bluebirds opened the scoring in 11 League outings this season.

Whittingham almost added to that stat. Kenny Miller was denied.

Before this fixture the Eagles hadn't conceded a goal in six games.

After the hour mark, that run was broken. McNaughton teing up Miller

who made no mistake for his sixth of the season. Having only conceded

two goals in the month of October, Palace have equaled that amount in

November. Whittingham's inch- perfect free-kick sealing it for

perfect free-kick sealing it for the Bluebirds. We had great chances

and Kenny's goal was sublime. We get the chance with the one in the

top corner. Delighted. Tough team we played. Great performance. Kenny

Miller strike was the difference between the two sides. He caught it

lovely. It landed well for him hesm does what he does best. -- he does

does what he does best. -- he does League's leakyest defence things

were no different here. Theo Robinson with space and time to

pick his spot and put the visitors one up. Robson was positioned to

convert Jimmy Ward's precries through ball. Moments later, he

could have made it three. The Peterborough defence again, at

sixes and sevens, it could well have been a six or seven if they

carried on like this. However, although Peterborough concede a lot

of League goals they also score them, 96 in 2011, before this game.

As half-time approached they made it 97. Tommy Rowe teing up Paul

Taylor to get his fifth League goal of the season. Peterborough had

lost their last three Championship matches before this fixturure. They

were determined to not make that four and Peter got a second. Buoyed

by the equalliseder Peterborough went in search of a winner.

McCann's's volley completing a remarkable come back for the home

side. A win for Darren Ferguson on the day his dad had the North Stand

named after him at Old Trafford. Great. Very good of the club. We,

sort of, as family felt they would do something. To do that is

against the Lions. Lomana LuaLua testing David Forde early on. Ian

Holloway takes charge of the Seasiders for 100th League game

brought Kevin Phillips on before the hour. Here's why. Phillips had

only been on the pitch for three minutes. The veteran goal grabber

almost added another late on. He couldn't make the most of Neal

Eardley's cross. It didn't matter Eardley's cross. It didn't matter

as it was a happy 100 for Holloway. We wanted to follow up and get a

decent performance at home. We did. That we moved the ball well against

a good team. We took the old master to come on and score a fantastic

gel. We looked like we might score gel. We looked like we might score

today.we looked threatening. There was a minute's silence at Ashtonne

Gate ahead of Remembrance Sunday and for those at the nearby M5

motorway accident on Friday night. The manager at Bristol City had an

immediate effect. They have lifted auch the bottom of the table. They

-- off the bottom of the table. They started strongly. He brought

Stephen Pearson on-loan from Derby on Friday. He put him straight into

the action and he marked his debut with a goal before the break. That

was their fifth goal at home this season. Ross Wallace got this goal,

a fourth in four for him. In the past City may have collapsed, not

any more. Pearson was again involved. His cross following to

Pitman. Could they, finally, win at home? A huge clue came in the 7 3rd

minute. A home win, but for Burnley their second 3-1 defeat in a week.

It's important you win in front of It's important you win in front of

your supporters. We wanted to make sure that was the case today. We

wanted to make a decent week up until now a very good week. That is

what we had today. I think to get seven points out of three very

tough games is a great return. conceded poor goals. To concede

three away from home would be difficult. We looked a threat going

forward. We have to tighten up at forward. We have to tighten up at

the back. Billy Sharp called his midweek goal against Middlesbrough

the most important of his career. He started today a week after the

tragic death of his young son. They were firm favourites again the

Championship's bottom club. El- Hadji Diouf showed he hasn't lost

his scoring touch. Ipswich manager Paul Jewell made bids for carpen

ter and Sharp during the summer. Here is what he missed out on, the

two combining to put Rovers up. A touching tribute from the Ipswich

fans. The ball went into the net, but was ruled out for offside. When

Diouf ran at the Ipswich defence, and did have any opponent close him

down, he couldn't resest the chance to put Rovers 3-0 up before the

break. -- resist the chance to put Rovers 3-0 up before the break. Not

surprisingly, Paul Jewell made early changes. Two subs combined as

they set up Josh Carson. Sharp got an ovation, he did his job

admirably on another emotional afternoon. Rovers hung on for a

rare win. Football providing some comfort in what must have been a

difficult week for Billy Sharp. I've not slept, eaten or drank for

a few days. Worrying about my little son. He passed away, unr

fortunately, on the Saturday I was pulling my hair out thinking, "what

do I do now". I was sat there sulking. I wanted to do something

for my family and for my son. And, you know, it could have backfired

on me. I'm glad it didn't. The support, like I said, that everyone

has shown for me, I can't thank them enough. I enjoyed playing

football. It puts a smile on my face. The Ipswich fans were

unbelievable. Never seen that before. I had a big lump in my

throat. I'd like to thank them for doing what they did after the goal.

The ball was in play I scored against them. Massive respect. I

can't thank them enough. It's been a really hard work and upsetting.

I've smiled quite a lot because of what people have done for me.

team-mates as well? Yeah, obviously, I had the funeral on the Wednesday

and all my team-mates were there, which was really nice as well. Like

I keep saying, auto can't thank everybody who has shown respect for

me and, you know, I'm glad I've got me and, you know, I'm glad I've got

another goal for my son. Clearly touched by the messages he received

this week. Unimaginable what he's gone through. He showed tremendous

courage and bravery over the last courage and bravery over the last

few days, hasn't he? He has indeed. As you say, it's difficult to put

into words exactly what the situation that he finds himself in.

Sometimes football can give you a release from those situations. As

you say. Very, very difficult to comprehend. I think everybody in

this situation keep it is real, don't they? I think the Ipswich

fans, magnificent gesture, no doubt about that. We get lost in how

important football is. Compared to something like that, I think, as

something like that, I think, as you said it a a situation where

everybody understand it is pales into incision when you get

spwaition situations like that in life. We saw Cardiff extend their

unbeaten home run. Whittingham got on the scoresheet. She a manager's

on the scoresheet. She a manager's dream. He is obviously a winger. He

can play as a holding midfielder as well. We are not convinced about

the central midfield role. He can the central midfield role. He can

certainly do a job there. Scored 21 goals when he last played wide on

left for the whole season. We know he can play there. Free-kicks like

that, you can win a game from nothing. Even if you are not

playing well. We can see important how dead ball situations are. He

can make the most of them. A good versatile player and can be the

difference on the day between winning and losing the game. We saw

Peterborough dishing up their weekly allocation of goals.

doesn't surprise me. They were very fluent. They do really love to get

after the opposition. They love love to keep pocession. Lots of

movements and lots of options. All over the pitch. That result doesn't

surprise me. They will leave themselves vun vulnerable. They

will ship a few goals they like to get forward and push people on.

They will also score goals into the bargain. All good stuff.

Southampton impose themselves on this division. Unstoppable? Yeah. I

went to watch them in the week again. They just get better and

better. I mean, they weren't great, they won a game of football. We

said that about West Ham. They found a way of doing that. On the

day, they can go and they can mix it and they can do a job and be

positive going forward and score goals thesm have every box, so far,

at this stage, particulared. Away wins is one of them for sure.

As for the late game in the Championship, the question was,

which Middlesbrough would turn up, the one which struggled against

Southampton in our feature game last Saturday or the one which put

three past Doncaster in midweek? Boro's opponents tonight were

Watford, who were looking for a form. 14 league games without

defeat. Last February, Queens Park Rangers 1 here. Barry Robson! Just

wide. Within the first 15 seconds. He scored twice in midweek. Really

close to the perfect start here for Boro. The defending it, at best,

casual. Just past the post. Tony Watford again, they went off the

hook somewhere. Not an overly demanding save, this. He was almost

best form last season, Macdonald. He is in there still. He should

perhaps have done better. Seven league goal so far this season.

This was, for him, a very good indeed. Onside, for sure, here. He

took it early and it drew a very good save. Yates with a Watford

corner. They are queueing up. His own player blocks the goal face.

Who needs enemies? There has been a firearm hear what is causing the

stadium to be temporarily evacuated right-hand side now, McMahon.

Unable to get a collection on that but that was a better attack from a

Middlesbrough. Being well watched by a Lee Hodgson. The fans are

coming back in again, so I guess, a again! The second time, he would

was a good one. Offside there, Macdonald. No flag. The ball in the

back of the net but the question was, why was there no flag for

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

offside? He makes the point to the they have given a good account of

themselves. They will be hard done by to be 1-0 down, they will fill.

-- feel. McMahon in the centre. driving at Watford. Cleared away. A

rumour over the crossbar. A good end a but from Williams. Good,

strong, driving play from 10 yards Today they will feel hard done by.

They probably did enough in the game to get something out of it but

they didn't. At the bottom of the table, sometimes that's the way it

goes. Another clean sheets. We are delighted. A goal like that, you

can't let it happen. Those decisions are important,

particularly at have places like this. It gave of the game a

different feel. It's one of those things. It's a big ask, some are

not going to cry over the decision. Reflecting their on a pretty poor

decision it has to be said because this was not marginal, was it,

Steve? The problem for the linesman, when he receives the ball, he looks

is played. Then it closes up. He obscures the linesman view. He

should have given it. It was a game which was decided by a poor

decision. Tough to take and credit to Sean, he doesn't think they lost

it on that one decision. They have lost a lot of goals from our season

There is no doubt about it, the players have made a difference last

year are not there any more. Are they had plenty of time to go back

in this game but were never really seriously threatening. Right, well

there's just one more game left to bring you from the Championship and

it was an intriguing one as Steve Cotterill returned to Fratton Park,

three weeks after taking up the reigns at Nottingham Forest. So,

with Cotterill back in town, we sent Clem along to assess the mood

on the south coast. No one has been through it like Portsmouth over the

past two seasons from the FA Cup, European adventures. To financial

meltdown and relegation. A fall from grace has been well-documented.

Now their biggest challenge is to replace the man who steadied the

ship during his year and a quarter in charge. It's proving trickier

than anticipated. Since Steve Cotterill's departure three weeks

ago... Can you say the names of the of those connected with the men

connected with the job in the first few weeks? Dave Jones. Sean

Driscoll. It's amazing. I wish they would make a decision now because

we are getting anxious. speculation is unbelievable. I know.

I think my name has been put in there. There has been so many but

the club have done at the right way. Not letting the cat out of the bag.

I think the speculation which has gone round has heightened at and

whoever comes in, I think it will be a sense of relief for the fans

and everybody else. I'm sure it's pretty close to happening. Take it

through the process, please. Presumably you have candidates and

then you have others to come along and muddy the waters a bit?

listen, clubs do it in different ways. When we knew Steve was going,

we put together a shortlist. And then we haven't really deviated

from it too much. We have been to the process of assessing the people

on the shortlist and coming up with our preferred candidate. After what

we've been through in the last few years, it's been a case of what

people want long term so it was a surprise by how quickly it happened,

but in football it shouldn't surprise you and it could be an

opportunity for weather comes in to move as forward again. I think we

need a good foundation. We have definitely got that now. Whoever

comes in. Whoever comes in and it's What a strange and we are day it

must be for you? Yes, it hasn't started too much yet, but it's good

to see the old faces, you know. I had a great time with them. What

were you thinking when you came through the streets? I don't know,

you know. It's funny because I have never been coming into the ground

that side before. That was a bit strange to start with. You've got

to be as professional as you possibly can be, I suppose. Steve

Coppell's return coincides with Armed forces Day which, as you

would expect, naval port, is a big event in these parts. Steve

Cotterill has returned a farm park attacking in the second half. David

Norris had the chance but was denied by Look Barney. Forest

created chances are their own. Morgan going close her. Portsmouth

had Stephen Henderson to thank for keeping them ahead 2. This superb

save denying Robbie Findlay. Pompey were looking for a 4th successive

home League win against Forest and they went two up with 14 minutes

remaining. Dave Kitson scoring. Six minutes left, and Pompey had their

third win since he left. And it was that man who did it again. The home

side could have made it four were it not for another fine stretch

from the goalkeeper and to rub salt into the rooms, Portsmouth have now

overtaken them in the table. -- Was there a little bit of cat-and-

mouse today? I think so, yes. He knows the ins and outs of our

players. And probably, you know, that made us a bit more determined

in some ways. You always get that when you play against your old

managers. Maybe a little bit, yeah. A frustrating afternoon? Only

because we were the better team, for sure. After 3-0, it won't look

like it but we dominated the game for long periods. The first run was

and a free kick so we think we were harsh be done by. -- the first one.

We are disappointed with that, really. A little bit hard to

divorce the occasion from the game? For you, a bit strange? Not really,

I was OK with it. A bit of banter, no problem with that. I didn't get

any abuse, which can always happen. A bit of banter is no problem. We

just have a problem with the scoreline. We were beaten 3-0 and,

unfortunately, it doesn't tell the true picture. It certainly wasn't

the return he wanted. Guy Whittingham said he could second-

guess his former boss because he knows the players as well as he

does. It was a great result. Yes, they stop to the away defeats, and

Crystal Palace played very well up there. Since he's taking over, he

said good performances and bad. He's had good performances and bad.

There's no reason why results like this shouldn't be more frequent.

The latest name linked with Portsmouth is Michael Appleton, the

former goalkeeper, of course. Are you surprised to see his name

linked with the position? Yes, there's been a ream of managers and

you can't say it's been one particular category they have come

from. It's quite left field. little bit, obviously, because you

haven't got the experience. He hasn't been on the radar. It will

be interesting but he hasn't got the job yet. They have got another

two weeks now. Michael is highly regarded, and that's interesting.

Right, to League One then, and we start with the leaders Charlton,

who after a sticky patch a month ago, have responded with ten goals

in their last three games. So plenty to be wary of for opponents

Charlton will. Preston will be glad to see the back of. It the leaders

unstoppable as they started the new month with the bang. The captain

the striking force behind the dominant display. Morison got his

first for the club. Preston picked up a single point in October. There

was no way back after this foul. The keeper Espinoza caped without

punishment. Jackson depot his second to put them in total command.

Wright-Phillips Wright made it four seven-minutes before the break. He

raised his tally to the season to 14. This latest defeat leaves them

17 point adrift of their opponents. Danny Hollands got the fifth. Five

minutes from time, Craig Morgan met this corner to reduce the deficit.

Those who did make the trip from Lancashire witnessed the goal of

the match in stoppage time, Keammar Daley's strike paint over the

Daley's strike paint over the cracks. 45 minutes was outstanding

for us. Preston settled into the game very well. Once we started to

get our game going John Jackson's first goal set us off. We scored

four goals. Could have scored more. It was a very, very good

afternoon's work. Once the first goal went in I think we showed a

nervousness and tentativeness that took us the half-time that saw us

took us the half-time that saw us 4-0 down. Having dismissed rumours

linking him with Leicester City, Lee Clark was named as Manager of

the month for October. After a goalless 35 minutes, Alan Lee

opened the scoring with over 20 minutes to play. Jaimwri Paterson

ensured a nervy few minutes with this effort. They equallised

this effort. They equallised Nottingham Forest 33 record.

result being a draw took the shine off it. It shouldn't. To achieve

that in modern day team sport is a that in modern day team sport is a

phenomenonal achievement. Sheffield Wednesday had won every home game

this season. They bees posed a stiff challenge. The Londoners took

a point and might have got all three if this header had been an

three if this header had been an inch or two lower. Changed a

winning team last week to a team that was bigger and more defensive.

We often puff at times they had nine players behind the ball and we

weren't capable of getting through snafplt I never experienced such a

tall team. One player under six foot. We as a unit, not just

individually, we played very well individually, we played very well

today. Having taken the scalps of Sheffield Wednesday and Stevenage

this season they were looking to add Sheffield to the list. Mark

Roberts scored and Ched Evans scored to equal. Victory was back

on the cards. Scott Laird took responsibility from the spot and

took full advantage. The team are minutes. Whether Brian Barry-Murphy

intended this sup for discussion, what isn't is that it was his first

goal of the season. The lead didn't last long. Adam Smith, this thunder

balt was his first for the club. Not a break way to break his MK

Dons first duck. They scored a second five minutes later. Charlie

MacDonald converted after good play by Daniel Powell there was time for

a fourth gel on the half hour mark. It was the turn of another loanee

to grab his first, Mark Beevers was on target at the second time of

asking. Back-to-back wins for the into the lead. The County managers

pesmis ich was justified. They stood firm. They avoided a fourth

straight defeat. Joel Grant to the rescue. Tranmere went in search of

the win that could have seen them move into the play-off positions.

Colchester proved difficult to break down. When their big moment

did arrive, Ash Taylor didn't make the most of it. A lettoff for the

Colchester side. This block prevented them breaking the

deadlock. The Essex club had Ben Williams for earning a share of the

spoils. The keeper making three vital saves including this one. The

visitors drawing a blank for the first time in 40 matches. Exeter

scored the least amount of goals in League One this season, perhaps no

surprise about the scoreline in this one. This header and lung came

close to breaking the deadlock. The keeper went off injured and we was

replaced by Lennie Pidgely. A long way to go for a 0-0 draw for the

continue their upward progress against Hartlepool. Seven games

unbeaten had lifted them clear of the bottom four. They opened the

scoring. Dean Cox getting the goal. Hartlepool have won four of the

last five away. Neil Austin was impressively composed and

shouldered the responsibility. Hartlepool spent the last 20 minute

as man down after Paul Murray clipped Porter to earn himself a

second booking. A point gained was a healthy return for Hartlepool and

frustrating for the O's. It's 44 years since bury last beat their

rivals. Andy Bishop was brought down leaving the latics a man light,

ten minutes in. Paul Gerrard got his first taste of action for more

than two years. The 3-year-old still managed to get down sharply

to deny Bishop from giving Bury the advantage. His career with the club

started 20 years ago. The Bury striker did beat him. Bishop hit

the target for the fourth game running. Gerrard was powerless to

stop him from doubling the lead eight minutes later. That put

Ritchie Barker's men on track for back-to-back away wins for the

first time this season. The victory came at a price. John-Lewis

received his mark marching orders for this late tackle. That will

fail to take the shine off a much- without a win at home. Buoyed by a

victory at Preston they took a lead in the 20th minute. Scott Malone

scored seven days ago and netted his second goal in as many games

after electing to go along. The Cherries recent revival has been

helped by the goals of Wes Tomas, four in four for the striker.

Before today he hadn't scored in front of his home fans. He ended

that run to grab his men two goals to the good. A comfortable home win

for Bournemouth which condemns Scunthorpe to their first defeat in

five. Two teams stuck in the regulations zone gave up a great

contest. Jordan Bowery bounced. Gav vi Massey made the most of this

through pass. Yeovil were caught out in similar fashion after the

break. Bowery racing clear of the defender. He could only follow the

ball into the back of the night. They would have made the points

secure if it wasn't for this save which kept Yeovil in the game.

Alallot turned the cross past his Alallot turned the cross past his

own keeper. The point were shared. Entertaining game that. For hudsers

field they have joined Nottingham Forest with that unbeaten football

league run. 42 games in all. Incredible effort from the manager

and the players. It cap as great week for the fans. It is. You want

it get over that line, one more and they will have broken it. Fantastic

run, no doubt about that. Possibly, a manager who is leaving is going

to stay. Good news for everybody. No fluke for Stevenage they like

taking big scalps, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Sheffield

United. Maybe the big clubs don't like it up and at them. There is

reference to physicality. Perception is difficult to reality.

They get the ball in the right areas and play if people don't like

that, so be it. They have success over the last two or three years.

Graham will not change that way of playing. Since the Addicks defeat

they scored 15 goals in four games. The ideal response? It is. They are

a side that are capable of opening up opposition at this level. Some

good signings. Six different scorers in that run alone. That

gives you some idea of the strength that goes throughout that team. If

you finish above them this year I don't think you will be far away.

Charlton tore Preston apart. They had the players cleaning up the

terraces. Not sure what he will do this week. The defence is under

huge scrutiny. Easy to say it's the defence. You defend from the front.

Your team has to be difficult to beat. If it's well organised and

they work hard you can't blame one element. You defend as a team. You

lose as a team. That is clearly what they are doing lately. They

had that unbeaten run at the start of the season. A good start to it.

It has fallen away. They will be disappointed in the manner in which

that happened. Entertaining game between Oldham and bury. His tally

has gone to eight now. The last couple of seasons they have been

horrendous? Somebody had to step into the breach when Ryan Lowe left.

He has done that. They have had terrible injuries. Five ops.

Terrible. To come back from it as well. He's fit. He's well. He is

scoring goals. He will do more than post to ensure that they stay in

this division and stay in it Well as for League Two, successive

away wins have propelled Southend back to the top of the table. They

entertained an Oxford United side that started the day in fourth

place in the division's game of the day. Oxford, by the way, were the

first opponents that Sir Alex Ferguson faced as Manchester United

manager 25 years ago which the U's Instead they went to the brake a

goal down. Mark Phillips putting the leaders on course for a 4th

league win in the row. That left them facing a test of character in

the second half. An excellent save from Daniels of. The home side were

hoping to take their unbeaten run bad enough, Oxford drew level just

past the hour. The perfect cross put the visitors back on terms.

Just the tonic after a gutsy display but five minutes later,

they sealed the win which takes them two points clear. All, the

hero, with a wonderful enough. -- They are a tough team to play

against. They made it tough for us. annihilated Hereford but gave them

the lead in the 9th minute. Davies home win it in a row. Something

they haven't managed for nearly two years. This goal line clearance

keeping high-flying Crawley at bay. The equaliser came four minutes

before half-time but this time be clearance has not quite as

effective. Truly volley it home the It will be vital, I'm sure. They

have some very good players and they put us under some good

pressure as we are held on. An excellent show of passion, courage,

commitment. I think it's going to confirmed which pulled Plymouth out

of relegation. They took a step in the right direction through Simon

Walton. After three successive defeats, another tonic for the club

but anxiety crept in at the end with a single goal to protect. Jim

Bentley reckoned it was his team's worst performance of the campaign.

They pinched the point of them up. The ball bounced loose. They

maintained the shrimps unbeaten Cheltenham's best performance this

season. This strike proving decisive as they climbed into the

automatic places. Intrude, the margin of victory should have been

greater. -- in truth. The manager is not complaining. It's now six

going into this one. They knew another one would set a new club

record. Hesitant defending allowed them to steal in and put the

visitors ahead. Their chances of ending their home-run was in the

thick of the action, literally. He saw red on his debut for this

challenge on A nurse. Not a great start to his playing career. The

home side could not find an equaliser. At half-time it became a

tenner side. A second yellow card. Collins convert the penalty and

self-. He left the daggers in players have suffered a dip in

confidence and Swindon exploited this frailty. A half-time lead. No

problems for team spirit any more. Chances were few and far between

for the home club. Richard creating one of the best. Pope finding space

to shoot but Swindon were home and dry in the second half. Yates

putting Cruz on the spot. The penalty was inch-perfect. Swindon

now move up a place to 6th. Burton of formidable at home this season

so the importance of maintaining concentration is the key. They lost

theirs 11 minutes been at the goalkeeper appeared to have got him

out of jail. Key's 8th goal in nine games are threatened but third

consecutive win. Although they missed the chance to draw level.

There afternoon got worse of. McKenzie came on as a substitute

and was sent straight back to the dressing room for elbowing Ryan

Austin. A dubious decision, maybe but the win keeps them firmly in

he went through every emotion during this game at Gillingham. His

side fell behind after 11 minutes. After half-an-hour, a knock-down

from Chris Rock dale. He showed why Johnson was keen to keep hold of

him money halved the deficit five minutes later. But at half-time the

home side were presented with a chance to restore their two-goal

cushion. After initially waving away the protests, the referee

changed his mind following a chat with his assistant. He duly

completed a first-half hat-trick. The second period was as end to end

as the first, with both sides creating chances. The side coming

back into contention 10 minutes after the break. A little over five

minutes later, the comeback was complete. 3-3 from a well-worked

free kick routine. If there cobblers thought they'd done the

hard work is undone one minute into stoppage time. A second penalty of

the afternoon. This time the referee needed no help from his

assistant. Langley was booked for his troubles. Different taker, same

result. They are now without a legend, Lawrie Sanchez, but he

could afford no favours and no cloud gave them hope of achieving

their first win this season. It wasn't to be -- Macleod. The

celebrations were long and loud but Macleod had won more good

opportunity to make his own good scoring record, 13 goals in the

17th. No good. A draw would have to do. It's been a long time coming

but rather rum's form is at an end. -- Rotherham's. The Warner chlorine

away Branston's header. Holroyd flick to the second to make life

more comfortable. Any hope they had a recovering disappeared 10 minutes

after the restart. It led to the inevitable punishment. Without a

back-up goalkeeper, the midfielder Jamie Collins could try as that

between the posts. The new custodian refuse to be beaten and

by then, Aldershot left themselves complete performance of the season

and have started brightly for the visitors. And ninth-minute lead.

They came close to make it 2-0 after 50 minutes. Billy Bode and

saw his shot bounced back off the post. They only had a one-goal

advantage of a break but doubled its eight minutes into the second

period. Lee Mansell was well placed. These visitors wrapped up their

third victory in a row after some neat play. This time his shot went

the right side of the post. It's loan move from Blackburn with

Premier League place to give Accrington the lead against Bristol

Rovers. The home side's second goal was well taken, too. Long, and need

to volley, who has been borrowed from Burnley. The Accrington

players back-pedalling too far after the break. The West Country

club had fresh hope. A 2-1 and it stayed that way until stoppage time

when they had the chance to make the trip worthwhile. Unleash from

distance, Murdoch stood his ground. In the closing seconds, they were

taken up by Murphy to see the home side reduced to 10 men. It meant a

feisty finish but it was too late Their home form has come away from

immediate danger but Southend are still top of the pile. On Saturday,

it was particularly impressive against one of their promotion

rivals. The team are in good form, as well. This would be a real test

for them but they came through it. A bit of swagger about Southend.

They know they are in good form. You look around and you have every

confidence in the ability. But what gives you an extra spring in your

step. A 10th win of the season now, Charlton. They started well last

season. A note of caution this time. Absolutely but it's a work-in-

progress. They are excited by the squad they have got now.

manager is not expecting them to do that well, but it's not a massive

surprise bodies learn from that and obviously now you get the feeling

they are in a better shape this year to see it through. A fantastic

start. Gillingham were fearing the most in terms of goals for their

side. They lost their top three goal scorers last season. They had

a great day on Saturday. He was in no man's land at this the Rovers.

He has been a decent player, Joe. - - Bristol Rovers. Look at this

decent partnership. Northampton have not won since the 1st October.

They are still so much work to be done. Yes, I'm not sure at this

stage whether he will get the Lipton Players between now and

January. I hope he hasn't told those 10 players! I'm sure Gary

would have expected better from the team and from himself and fortunes

we have to change quickly because, for a team like that, they can't do

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

that at this stage. Let's have a Now, if you've missed any of

tonight's goals, don't forget, the show is on freeview till 9.50am on

Sunday morning and on the red button until midday. Failing that,

it's on the iPlayer all week. But if you're only after extended match

highlights, they will be online on the BBC Sport website. Join Colin

tomorrow night for MOTD2, for a round up of the weekend' s Premier

League action including the best of Martin Jol's Fulham up against his

old side Spurs at Craven Cottage. That's at 10pm on BBC Two. And, as