07/04/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Well come along to the best of the Football League and

one of the most crucial periods in the football calendar. With weeks

left, every promotion and relegation issue is still to be

resolved, so Easter 2012 is threatening to be one to remember.

Of all the goals from today's games and those that take place on Good

Friday, I'll be watching in the company of Leroy Rosevear, and here

is a taste of what you can expect. They do not get any tastier than

the South Coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth and with

the teams at opposite ends of the table, they should be a nice extra

edge to it. Read in's marched to promotion gained further momentum

when they turned over West Ham. To try and stop the Royals parade this

week were Leeds United. As for the Hammers, they have preferred life

away from Upton Park, so hope to trip to take on Barnsley would

yield three points. And we stay in South Yorkshire to visit the Steel

City and visit the man who used to be blue and white, but now he is

red-and-white. With Wednesday on their heels, could Sheffield United

retain their League One promotion push with a win over Bournemouth?

We start today with the South Coast Classic that his Southampton

against Portsmouth. Riding a's result meant that they lead from

Portsmouth needed a point in their fight against relegation, so there

were sub-plots Gore, which added to or wonderful atmosphere at St Mary

stage -- Stadium. The South Coast wheel of fortune has turned full

circle. Three years ago Southampton faced relegation to League One and

relegation was the FA Cup holders Portsmouth were an established

Premier League club. But supremacy in the Solent has shifted.

Southampton will lead from Portsmouth -- Reading at the height

Portsmouth -- Reading at the height of the league. Southampton will

come back the Championship player of the year, Ricky Lambert,

alongside Billy Sharp of front. Dr Hammond returns as captain. Fraser

the Football League and more selection problems. Former

Manchester City winger starts and pulled down, and he has been shown

the yellow card in the opening minutes of the game. He was getting

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

away, Norris, and his arms were Already shown a yellow card and is

Southampton's way. The former England Under 21 obstructed, and

trip. Going through a nervy couple of minutes, the former Lisbon

defender. He saw his old club make the Champions League semis this

player in the back of the net was the man who has scored some

important goals this season. shaky at the back at times,

brother of Dixon are to look at it on the outside of his left. The

ball close to his feet. Tried to get a bid to bend with the outside

of his bid. He controlled it well. -- tried to get a little bit of

bender with the outside of his referee. Lambert in the Portsmouth

penalty area. Corner. A late to his assistant here? He has

clearly seen something. The ball was taken away from Lallana. He has

driven the ball at them, and the Saints fans are not happy. It

looked as though he would shepherd the ball out, but he has put the

boot right through it and hit one of the fans. He's actually gone and

flicked Adam Lallana in the face. He has been sent off four times

before and is the latest Portsmouth Billy Sharp! And Southampton have

broken the Derby deadlock. What a difference a week makes. He missed

a penalty last weekend, but this towards the Premier League. And it

is a striker's instinct in the six- yard box. Billy Sharp left Jamie

Ashdown with no chance. He was so close to him. -- it was so close to

goal by Chris Maguire! You will not see a better strike in the

and it was just too fierce for Kelvin Davis on his near post. What

confidence, what ability, and what a predominantly right-footed player,

and he will show you the left and come to the right. Lovely turn. He

Lambert, he fancies his chances -- it doesn't matter what range eat

he's Paul Lambert. Forcing a smart players, and I wonder how close it

was, because he looked skywards. He got a good left-foot volley away

and he went through a congregation of players from both sides and only

post. That is the combination that the manager was looking for to work.

Lambert read it through to the has fluffed a golden opportunity.

What a tonic that would have been for Portsmouth at the start of the

second period. And he has side- hit a volley with his left in the

first half. What has saved by Ashdown! Magnificent athleticism. -

- what a save by Ashdown. Ashdown's outstretched arm clips it over the

bar. It was the wrong hand as well. nothing comes me. No, he has blown

up for a free-kick. That time Danny Fox was apprehended. Who me, ref?

The referee explaining exactly why dollars over the crossbar. Fonte

found room in the area. If it had fallen to weigh more accomplished

centre forward, it might have gone the chance has gone. He wanted the

penalty. I think he just lost control. There is the turn. He was

on side. He went around - time back down he went around Ashdown. Slick

turn. And then he went down late. Surely that is a goal-kick. He was

towards his own goal. -- or four clearance. Kamikaze defending by

No! An offside flag raised. Huge controversy here. Hammond, the

Southampton captain, races over to have a word with the referee's

assistant. Now what has he seen? He has awarded the goal! He has

changed the decision. Southampton have scored another late, late

Portsmouth player. And once more, Shah is the fox in the box. Is

there another last-gasp effort for Norris has equalised for Portsmouth

in injury time. And the northern end of St Mary's explodes in blue

colour. It is an Easter cracker from David Norris. They pulled it

out of the fire, Portsmouth. The Ben Shore on the pitch, and the

supporters have exploded with delight. -- the Ben Shore are on

the pitch. What a strike by David Norris. He used to be a waiter but

he has served up the perfect cocktail. What a volley. Kelvin

Davis found it, and it was dropping down with snow on it. A despairing

down with snow on it. A despairing Kelvyn Davies could not keep it out.

It was some game. Did you think you had won it? 94 minutes, it was

there for us. It was a fantastic strike. We're top of the lead.

was a fantastic game to be involved in. I would have been disappointed

if we had come away with nothing. I thought that we well and truly

contributed to a good Derby, and to end the game the way we did in

terms of quality was fantastic. There was a lot of controversy

about the goal. Talk us through it. I was offside, but it came off one

of their defenders. I knew that but I didn't know the referee did. Fair

play to him, he saw it and the goal was rightly stood. It was a great

game to store, especially in a derby match. -- game to score.

Thankfully, for me and the team, it flew in. It was a great game to the

supporters. We all know how important it is, what a massive

game the Derby is for the supporters. That is why Belhadj

work so hard. We want to put a smile on the supporters' faces. It

is unfortunate at the end, that they scored. It was a full-blooded

derby. Southampton dominated much of it. Portsmouth never came up.

The right result? I think so. Both sides off the back of poor results.

Portsmouth got thrashed last week. He wanted to see courage and

commitment, and I think they got that in abundance. What a finish on

that in abundance. What a finish on the 89th minute. If anybody left

the ground early, they would have been really upset. That is when all

the action started. They thought the second goal had been disallowed

but the referee made the right decision. There was controversy

where they are needed to be. Luke Varney was offside, but yes,

obviously, that does not count. And this was absolute class. David

Norris, on his weaker foot. He waited, he was patient and he let

it drop. It was beautiful. You can see the joy on the bench. You can

forgive the if -- they Southampton players for being deflected but

destiny is in their corner. sure years -- the manager Rick

disappointed, but he always has a disappointed, but he always has a

positive outlook and that is why. As for Portsmouth, it is one point

towards survival. Chris Maguire has towards survival. Chris Maguire has

proved to be an inspiration. He is wholehearted and committed. That is

what they need. He does not stop running. He has plenty of quality.

Usually one to blame the goalkeeper, but he hits it with such power. He

epitomises Portsmouth and how they play at this point in time. They

play at this point in time. They will work and work, and the matter

what happens, they will keep playing. On the need that kind of

performance for the last five games. -- Pompey. That does not happen

that often and you could see how upset Michael was because he expect

that commitment. They will keep going until the last minute.

Millwall, Doncaster and Nottingham Forest. How will it and out?

think it will be very difficult. I think it it -- it is too much. --

how will it pan out. One point for Southampton was enough to see them

return to the top of the table. As for their rivals, they were both in

action yesterday. West Ham were at Barnsley but before that, here is

how Reading got on against Leeds at how Reading got on against Leeds at

the Madeski Stadium. Ian Harte the Madeski Stadium. Ian Harte

lined up against a side where he spent the best part of a decade.

Leeds were decimated by injuries and suspensions. Neil Warnock was

forced to make three suspense -- forced to make three suspense --

forced to make three suspense -- they will be talking to Zac

Thompson. Some tempers already beginning to boil. Red card shown

to Zac Thompson. It is a career first sending off. His studs were

up and both feet were off the deck. His captain felt the full force.

His manager is absolutely livid with him. Can Reading exploit the

gap left by the red card for Zac has been full of spite he tackles.

Again, the stunts are up. Jim Carrey GAN spelt beef -- felt the

Gen Tarek Khan is heard for the first time. The fall through

catches Jem Karacan. He is going to side. It was a useful save from the

heavy. It is a yellow card for him. He is walking a fine line. It was

It is just wide of the mark. Ross McCormack almost quarter Reading

key for Reading. It was a rare chance, but Federici denied

Snodgrass. Federici, worth his Fondre with the goal. The flag is

up. The flag is up on that far side. Richard Kendall. The ball is played

from mack enough. His Adam Le it counts this time. In by Jimmy

Kebe, back in by Robson-Kanu, and Adam Le Fondre, in the right place

at the right time. Signs to fill the shoes of Shane Warne, and he is

maybe propelled his team closer towards Premier League dreams. --

Reading are going top. No question now. Adam Le Fondre in the next, on

the spot, scoring again. And the the spot, scoring again. And the

countdown is on for a Premier League return. We could not get

into a rhythm. You have to look at the opposition and say that they

have come and on a job. I thought there would have been 10 minutes of

injury time in the first half but it was only three. I think that was

bizarre. The most important thing is to talk about football. We kept

a clean sheet, we got three points and we move on. We have to teach

the referee's watch the game is about. They know the rules but they

let themselves down. They do not experience the game. That is the

disappointment. If you had played the game, we would have got a free

kick and two or three more bookings. We would probably have got another

sending off because I thought Danny Pugh's tackle was worse than the

from Nolan. I think he made the right decision. He got the return,

and slightly overran. Nolan gets the corner. West Ham Leeds. Six

minutes played. That did not take long. -- West Ham lead. It is the

first time that West Ham have threatened. They did not deal with

it. Nolan was on the goal line, just by the keeper. Just a little

bloke. He is now the leading but Rob Green cannot take chances.

What a shot it was. West Ham doubled their lead. Nicky Maynard

continues his run of scoring against Barnsley. Six in six for

him. I said before they have had a good sequencer passing in the

midfield. They have combined it well. And this culminates with a

beautiful finish. So accurate. It is not the power that beats Button,

just the accuracy. Can he chip? It is over Button, a wonderful goal

from Mark Noble. Nightmare moment for the Barnsley goalkeeper.

last nine goals had been penalties. Easy from 12 yards, but not so easy

from an angle like this, but he musical exchange. McCartney is

going for it! -- is in, to tap home. 4-0 to West Ham. All credit to

McCartney. Look at the Spacey as here. This looks like it is going

into me. -- the space he has here. brilliant. Bottom was beaten and

the crossbar is still shaking. -- button was beaten. West Ham,

working hard for the final whistle. They might get a 5th. They want,

screen goes too early. Good We broke a club record which I am

pleased about, for the players and the fans. And we gave them

something to cheer about, but in fairness all season we have been

that good. They were better than us, which was obvious. We did not stick

to our game plan. The one positive is we didn't get beaten by more.

honest assessment from Keith Hill. For West Ham, it was about stepping

up because they saw Reading win earlier in the day. Pressure on the

shoulders but they didn't show it. They are comfortable away from home

at the moment. They put to bed all the nonsense from last week with

Sam Allardyce and the supporters. Now they are just concentrating on

the task ahead, to get in the top two. If they play like that, every

chance of doing it. Five games left, three teams battling for two spots.

Southampton top on goal difference. Interesting for West Ham is there

is a positive outcome between Southampton ready, there is a way

for them to get back in the top two. No matter what the results, even if

it is a draw, if they win their games they will be within one or

two points of the top two. The supporters took their eye off the

ball, and if they concentrate on winning games, and three of them

are away from home. Some might welcome mat. 12 away wins is

fantastic, and I wouldn't bet against them doing it. Reading's

win over Leeds United, a committed performance. Neil Warnock did not

agree with the Zack Thomson red card but thought Danny Pugh should

have been sent off. What do you think? His first run out under Neil

Warnock. It is a bit rash. Aside in motion, but I don't think it's a

sending-off. But the referee thought he had to send it out --

stamp it out straight away. I think he will regret the dressing down

he will regret the dressing down and will not do it again. This is

definitely a sending-off. I cannot believe it is not a red card. Studs

showing, dangerous, rash. This is just missed time. He goes to make

the challenge and realises he won't get there. He just whips it away

from him and he slides in. It is yellow card, but he's very

He did break his ankle when it came to the second challenge on the end

of the Michael Brown challenge as well. More from the Championship,

and first up, Birmingham. They began the day 4th in the table and

looking for their third win in eight days. On Saturday they will

come to Crystal Palace to St affair, but fourth-placed

Birmingham had to take advantage of a slip up. They face Crystal Palace

at St Andrews looking for a 4th win in six and a third in a row. The

Eagles are looking for their first away win in 2012 and had a first

half to forget. Chris Burke getting the scoring under way after 21

minutes. Just a minute later, Birmingham had doubled the

advantage. Townshend showing strength and a clever left-foot.

This time Chris Burke was the provider for Keith Fahey, who like

his midfield colleague, scored with an emphatic finish. And Birmingham

looked to have put the result beyond any doubt after just 32

minutes. Encouraged by his team- mates earlier fortunes, David

Murphy tried his luck, with the end result the same. 3-0 in favour of

Birmingham. Given the scoreline, Crystal Palace did well to provide

a fightback of sorts and at least went in at the break having scored

with another long-range strike. Owen Garvan rounding off one of the

best 45 minutes of finishing seen at St Andrews in recent years. The

manager happy with both the result Three excellent goals and we would

probably pick Keith fake's best of the three. But three excellent

hopes of a top-six finish against Blackpool. The home side took 17

from the last seven games. Automatic promotion looked well

beyond Blackpool, but there are strong bet for the play-offs. They

had lost their last three away matches but no lack of confidence

early on. Due Jack showing great recovery to deny that the second

time. Steven Dalby followed up his two goals against Southampton with

a quality run and finish. Watford had run -- won the last three games

and they came close to equalising in a close and direct fashion but

the visiting keeper was equal to the shot. With 20 minutes remaining,

Blackpool were awarded a penalty. Phillips laid the ball on to Thomas

Ince, who was brought down. The referee's decision was immediate.

Up stepped who else but Steven Dalby. His 4th in two games stop he

is working a treat again on his second loan from Swansea. Blackpool

have cemented their place in the Burnley looking to bounce back from

their terrible Tuesday home defeat to Birmingham. Their opponents,

Brighton, had lost only one of their last nine games and hope to

consolidate their play-off spot. Burnley began brightly and thought

they should have been awarded a penalty. However, the referee saw

nothing illegal. Last weekend at the Clarets enjoyed a 5-1 win over

Portsmouth with charlie Austin scoring a second half hat-trick and

he was on target again here midway through the first half, his 14th

last four home league games but were looking much more dangerous

here. Brighton had only lost once in the Championship this year and

Sam Vokes went close for them. He had been on loan at Burnley earlier

this season. Into the second half, and Burnley were keen to add to the

lead. Trippier, a former Manchester City trainee, was enjoying his

freedom. Burnley last achieved a league double over the Sea gulls in

1973 and with 15 minutes remaining had another effort. Austin's second

half performance not as good as last weekend's Alava. Brighton

could have snatched an unlikely point later on when L ab -- and are

now have had a free header in the box. Brighton suffer a blow to

between Middlesbrough and Cardiff at the moment. 7th and 8th in the

table respectively, both had drawn their last four matches ahead of

this one and their play-off chances have been faltering. Cardiff were

not helped either when Kenny Miller was injured after just five minutes

but his replacement, Joe Mason soon found his range if not the opening

goal before work deserved. The riverside walk work -- at the

Riverside would work is a recurring theme later. Cardiff know they have

been blunted by 11 away draws but also know their rivals have not

been pulling away, and Ben Turner's 11th minute opener got them after a

perfect start. And it got even better with just eight minutes gone

after that. More trickery from Joe Mason, paying off this time, and

Cardiff were on their way to only their second win in 10 games. But

they rode their luck as Middlesbrough did everything but

score in the second half. Here, for example, the Cardiff defence were

left watching as Adam Hamel beat David Marshall, but not the post.

Let off number one. Marshall was beaten again as Middlesbrough kept

coming forward looking for a way back. Jutkiewicz was the unlucky

man this time, finding the frame of the goal. Let off number two. And

there was more. Maybe Marshall has done the lottery, because Martin's

free-kick hit the bar and Marshall pulled it away to safety. Cardiff

back in the play-off places but Middlesbrough have not won in a

We have five games to try and put it right. We have to pick up some

points over those five games but we are in with a shout. We are only

hunting ground for hole. The home side paid tribute for Barry

Kitchener, who died a week ago aged 64. In his heyday they wore white.

But Hull City nearly swept into an early lead. Richard Garcia nearly

put his goal-shy team ahead. But it was the Lions not the Tigers who

scored first, Harry Kane and nodding in will stop his 6th goal

since joining in January. Relief for Millwall, who were looking for

a first victory at home in nine attempts. Millwall had another

chance after referee -- after the referee played advantage, and they

need all the chances they can get at the moment. Harry Kane could not

quite convert this time. In the second half, Millwall pushed on.

Harry Kane Again going close, this time denied by a goal line

clearance by Sonny Bradley Orr. Barry Kitchener would have been

proud of the numerous attempts created. Andy Keogh went under the

challenge of Cooper and they had a penalty. So it was left to Andy

Keogh to ease Millwall's relegation fears and secured their 1,000 for

home League win, a milestone they had been trying to reach since

I thought we deserved the win, but however you get them, you have to

find a winning formula. A fantastic result first and foremost, but I

thought we deserved it and created a lot of chances and an excellent

clean sheet where we limited them two, the pre-season ambitions have

been shelled. 14th against 15th in the mid-table comfort zone. The

visitors were nearly ahead early on. Michael Chopra had only scored once

in his last seven and was denied. In truth, this was not a classic,

although both teams showed greater urgency in the second half. Ben

Davies unlucky to see the effort comeback of the post. At the other

end, Ipswich, chasing a first away win in five were thwarted by Frank

Fielding, tipping a shot on to the post. After 14 games without a home

draw, that is what happened, although Creswell came to Ipswich's

of the bottom three for the first time since October. Could they keep

it going against Peterborough? Peterborough have only won three

times a way this season, but Emile Sinclair's deft curler put them on

course for their 4th win. Then next attempt was more of a team effort.

Tomlin almost finished off an excellent move. But while Coventry

might have found a comeback be on them early in the season, that is

not the case now, something Cody McDonald proved up to 26 minutes as

he started the revival. And in the final minute of the half, the home

side were awarded a penalty after Tomlin bundled Clarke over. Gary

McSheffrey made no mistake and Coventry went into them -- the

break leading again. Peterborough almost handed their opponents a

third after the break. But Geoffrey's cross diverted against

the post. It proved crucial as Peterborough equalised with 14

minutes remaining. Sinclair showing he is just as accurate from three

have a go! Good save! A bolt from the blue there. A long way out, but

Ikeme was beaten, but Beckford was -- Carl Ikeme me. LTA did

everything right but Beckford did is it! Leicester have the

contact, but it was good enough. -- Schmeichel equal to it. He made

himself some space and it was teed much about that. Schmeichel was

that? -- oh no! He has done everything so right so far. And it

at that. One-day Marshall will score a tap-in. For the moment,

every one is spectacular. Beautifully curled, beautifully

Yes, he is. The woodwork intervened. He is causing danger. The keeper

space and stride, no doubt about Very pleasing to keep a clean sheet,

that is important, but as 4-4 goals, the second half performance was

really pleasing for stab we have to defend better, the second goal

killed us. It was a freak goal. It went through his legs. We have

another game on Monday. There is five games to go. We have to try to

win them all. A good win for Leicester but for Doncaster, well,

it is not looking great, eight adrift with five to play. Not

wanting to be harsh on the goalkeeper but they can ill-afford

-- it is embarrassing to make mistakes like that. He made it

difficult for Doncaster. But Doncaster are creating chances,

they are not taking chances. It has been a very fruitful few days for

Birmingham City, 31--- 3-1 now. Chris Hughton continues to augment

his credentials as a possible Manager of the Year. Yes, they

embraced it, they have used it to bring this side together very

quickly and they are on a roll at the moment. That was a tremendous

goal. They are right in there. Maybe if they had started their run

a bit earlier the it would be challenging at the top. Cardiff

have had a few games to contend with, this was the 50th against

Middlesbrough. Defeat for either would have been a hammer blow to

their play-off hopes. Cardiff back to winning ways through Mason, a

player who was impressive in the Carling Cup final and a super sub

on this occasion. Yes, he replaced Miller after five minutes. They

have been struggling to get goals from their front players but that

was lovely. Both sides have been struggling, so whoever came out on

top benefitted. We saw a good win from Millwall, honouring their

legend. There was a key contest in the battle for survival was third

bottom Bristol City looking for their first win in six and a

resurgent Nottingham Forrest, victory for the Robins would drop

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

box. Blackstock trying to make turned it into the side netting.

There were flashes of quality football at times and that was one

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

gone down, that must be a penalty. Camp holds his head in dismay and

shame. His challenge on Jonathan Stearn was reckless. Bristol City

with a penalty in the first ten minutes of the second half. Wood

has scored from the spot, against the run of play. Bristol City lead

against Nottingham Forrest by 1-0. The manager surely can't believe

come off the defender. It was a tremendous save by Kirchenfeld stop

wonderful save. What a night at the 26-year-old has had, what a

is Woolford. The flag is up, it won't count. Woolford with the ball

into Wood, who got a crisp shot away and he is not offside when the

shot was struck and Bristol City have been denied what would have

been illegitimate second goal therefore stop -- a legitimate

It was a fantastic performance, one moment of madness has cost us the

game. That happens. For that level of performance I would have taken

that. I thought we were fantastic today. How we did not get three

points I will never know. Their goalkeeper was inspired today.

was terrific, his kicking was great, his handling was great, he came in

for crosses and was assured throughout. Latterly the back four

was getting deeper, not through choice, just through this physical

side of how much we have worked and from the pressure that Forrest were

bringing at that time. When he came for things he did great. I think he

was well backed up with the ten boys in front of him. It was a good

team performance. It is something we need more of between now and the

end of the season. Both managers waxing lyrical over the Bristol

City goalkeeper, Gerken, who has justified his inclusion in the side.

important times. That was an element of smash-and-grab about

City's performance. His position is good. He played really well. That

is the best save, from Mutch. That was that 1-0. He has his chance and

took it. A massive boost to Bristol City's survival hopes, isn't it?

is, there was a bit of a smash-and- grab about it. They really did

defend well. I don't think they will score enough goals to stay in

the division but I think they can keep clean sheets and that is what

McInnes is hoping come with defending like that, they hope to

keep clean sheet. It tracks Nottingham Forest into things which

makes things interesting. They play Peterborough on Monday. They can't

afford to dwell on this result. They played really well, lots of

creativity. They did well down the right hand side, they just didn't

put the ball in the back of the net at key times. They need to put it

behind them. The nature of the performance as Steve Cotterill said,

it will be most heartening. Definitely. Bristol City go out of

the relegation zone just above Coventry. So has two play each

We go to League 1 and Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United have given

the fans the perfect response after relegation last season. They

started in second place at Easter, thanks to a man who had eyebrows

raised when he returned to the As a Wednesday man he could have

had doubters in these parts but few could have predicted the baying mob

t Danny Wilson's first press conference at Bramall Lane. Yet ten

months of stylish football winning later the red half of the steel

city is being won over just as the blue half are in serious danger of

having their noses put out of joint as their former manager hopes to

lead his new club to promotion at his old club's expense. Was

crossing the Steel City divide every issue from your point what

view? No, I never considered it. Obviously when the disquiet was

starting to come out it was a bit of a surprise, Mayebi naivety from

my point of view but it was so long ago. My affiliations with Wednesday

were in the record books, I can't deny it, but that is what happens

with football. But it shouldn't take anything off the job in hand

in front of us. I went to a pre- season fans' forum and my initial

few points were that I was like a lot of other supporters from this

side of the city, we did not want him because of his affiliation with

our noisy neighbours. We listened to a lot of Andy Wilson protesters

and they were vehement, so they had to listen to what we had to say and

that is fair. I was impressed with the guy. I had a list of questions,

he answered them all. He answered them honestly and came across as a

nice bloke. My opinion changed. football per lads has plays has

been fantastic, we can get better. The most important thing is players

are enjoying it. Time has changed. We always said at the time that if

he gets the team winning a playing football and scoring goals, then we

will go with him. There's only one Gary Wilson. They have got a son

about you now. Yes, I know. Gary Wilson. I heard it a few

months ago and I had a double take. It may be smile. Eidetic did.

came in and gave belief back to the players. He encouraged them to play.

They are good players. They go out Ched Evans, ten goals in these

games, all with the backdrop of this well-publicised personal issue.

It is incredible he has been able to some brokers on his game. I have

a great admiration Because the head injuries, his personal life has

come into public knowledge as well. He has dealt with anything great,

the way the players have taken to him and how his attitude has been

has been first class. You have to take your hat off to him. I loved

to say for the city of Sheffield, two teams and the Championship, it

is brilliant. The numbers that come out, it is as good as any

Premiership clubs. Let's hope that we can graced the next stage.

Despite the fact their steel city rivals continue to push them to the

limit Sheffield United refused to are soaring. The Blades may have

missed their chance that time but it was not long before

Bournemouth's resistance was broken. Ched Evans was perfectly placed.

His 32nd of the campaign kept the Blades on course. United's master

marksman demonstrate his ability to create goals, setting up Cresswell,

who can score while sitting down. Bournemouth are chasing their first

away win this year but they made a better fist of it in the second

half. A bizarre goal gave the travelling fans something to cheer.

Hines got his first cherries goal. Despite the protests the goal stood

Well there is no one's -- there is no hiding place with Wednesday

breathing down your, so that is a big result. Yes, three points, we

are on a roll. We are trying to win Gomes. We have to try to keep doing

it. Five more of those and you are in the Championship. Spot-on, yes.

Yes, that is what you have to think about, we have to try and do that,

we have to go and push ourselves to the limit in every game because we

don't know what will happen and we can't effect that but we know if we

go to Rochdale and get three points Sheffield United's pursuit of

second place continues. We heard from Danny Wilson about using his

man-management skills to reduce the hostility and get the fans onside.

But you know all about that because you were with him at Bristol City.

When he came to Bristol City I had never met him and I became his

first team coach, and he is a decent man and that is what we

should have united fans will have found out. But it's not just about

managing players and staff, it is about the players' -- the fans.

brave move when you are annexed Sheffield Wednesday player, and

then asked them to go face-to-face. I wondered, what are you doing,

Danny, but he knows what a good club they are and he knows about

the area. There are a lot of positives with it. Let's be honest,

if they weren't giving well, he would be in trouble, but they are

and they are playing good football and scoring goals. Everyone behind

them. They remain on course for promotion. Let's see how their

League One rivals got some over the a match, commentators start

preparing puns, but how could you avoid the boiling over cliche when

there was this straight red? Then a second yellow for this piece of

clumsiness. Honours even. But at half time the referee was booed off

by both sets of fans. Safe to say that Mr Kettle was not everybody's

cup softie. The game as one four minutes after the break. This sees

Charlton take another decisive step towards the Championship,

especially as they finished with nine men. Firman received his

marching orders with 13 remaining. The referee was said he had no

alternative to show a third red and 12 yellow, but nevertheless, Chris

It is hard to take, but I have to applaud or of my players. The nine

that were out there for the last third of the game, I thought they

were tremendous. No one can doubt the attitude of my players or

commitment or character. There commitment to me and the football

first-half lead when the throw was tipped onto the crossbar by Alex

movies. Miguel Llera's job is to stop other teams and scoring, so

how about this? Not a bad way to score your first goal for the Owls.

After Miguel Llera showed how it should be done, Antonio showed how

it shouldn't be. Nile Ranger made the break and as the ball came back

off the bar... Well, the midfielder's reaction said it all.

In the end, then this did not prove costly as Rangers scored -- Nile

Ranger scored the first goal of his loan spell to clinch the points. As

for the celebration, I've no idea He is one of the greats of the game.

Preston fans turning out in force to join the birthday celebrations

for their legendary number seven, Sir Tom Finney. MK Dons were intent

from Darren Potter backfired. MK Dons back in the groove after

defeats, but depressed and bask keen to move on after accusing his

plays have leaking tactics. Fitting that on the 90th birthday of Sir

Tom Finney, Bailey Wright picked the 90th minute to win Preston a

share of the points. Carlisle's Adam Colin should not have worried

about the shot. A decent enough effort, but Wycombe Wanderers only

score late goals, it seems. Three injury-time equalisers in

successive draws have had some talking about love. They were

certainly talking about luck when everybody spotted the shop apart

from the referee. Not the Wycombe Wanderers had all the luck.

Carlisle took the lead when the govern's strike found the net --

but governed macro'. Could they strike from Stuart Lewis that put

Wycombe four points from safety. They will hope for an early goal

against Chesterfield on Monday. COMMENTARY Bad results against the

two Sheffield clubs in March dented Notts County's hopes of a play-off

place, but they're now back on track.Damion Stewart taking full

advantage of a mix up in the O's defence.. That came with just 20

minutes to go..this came just six minutes later..Jeff Hughes on the

spot to double the visitors lead and With time running out, Notts

added a third. Lloyd Sam benefitting as referee David Webb

played advantage. Jon Harley's shot was well saved by Jamie Jones, but

Sam just kept on running. Orient have now lost five of their last

gem in younger Jake Cassidy. The striker on loan from all the Humber

Wanderers had them heading for defeat in seven minutes. His first

could not have been struggling, but his second was much more pleasing

on the eye. The marking may have been questionable, but the 19-year-

old made the finished look easy. By a huge blow to promotion prospects

and it leaves them seven points clear of that automatic provisions

Brentford picked up a fifth straight win. His first goal was

simple, just aim the free-kick at your team-mates, who conveniently

move out of the way. For his second, he raced forward, aimed to shoot,

then didn't, then did. Ritchie Barker's team are in danger of

making an immediate return to League Two. And their game was up

five minutes later when Clayton Donaldson found Shaleum Logan, who

beat Jonathan Bond from a narrow angle. They could still make the

worse than failing to find the net. Hartlepool hadn't managed it in

five of their previous six games. Send for The Sweeney. Anthony

Sweeney at last ending their drought. Freddie Sears has Premier

League goals on his CV, but the one he got for West Ham against Wolves

in January 2011 was his last in any league. But when Paul Murray

tripped Gavin Massey with nine minutes remaining, Sears had the

confidence to take the penalty. His first Colchester goal was enough

Ross Kemp -- eased past Rochdale, who did not help themselves after

gifting a goal to Jonathan francs. The visiting defence continued in

Jerez and -- Jonas -- generous mood. After a couple of flick-on, this

free kick was helped over the line by Richard Hines. Michael Woods had

not scored for Yeovil before but some poor defending setting up a

quarter of an hour from time. He consolation goal, he came from a

player from Yeovil. Jonathan Grant putting the ball in his own net. --

Sentenced to a 6 defeat in seven matches by Scunthorpe. After a

goalless first half, only a lick of paint prevented Walker from opening

the scoring. There were hoping to create breathing space between them

and the bottom macro Abe -- four. That was soon after the same goal

frame kept out Jimmy Ryan. But Scunthorpe refused to be knocked

off course in their quest for maximum points. He needed John

Parkin to clinch the victory. He shot midway through the second half

slipped through the fingers of the goalkeeper. This time the

goalkeeper was not able to save him. -- the woodwork was not able to

save him. Chesterfield's League One status looks like being lost the

first attempt. Before kick-off, Walsall seem to be the only site --

side they could realistically catch. It looked like the great escape

might be on, but Walsall possess the relegation avoiding form. Ian

Smith's side have only lost once in 12 matches and were level within

minutes. And they turned it around before half-time. Taking his tally

to four goals in his last three games. Chesterfield on the other

and are without a win in seven. If they lose on Monday, relegation

will be confirmed. If others wind not even victory will save them.

Mark Randal briefly had them second in this -- level in the second half

but they could not hold on. Instead of Walsall 16 minutes later. The

third goal of his loan spell from West Brom looks Walsall to 18th and

has them looking good for survival. Walsall compounding the misery for

Chesterfield. Walsall did the great escape last season and may have the

same player on board and he is at it again. It looks like they could

be on course for another great escape. They know they can handle

the situation and pressure. He has a lovely left foot. He puts it low

to the keeper's left-hand side. He opens up his body and caresses it

into the net. An excellent finish. He will be really important from

now to the end of the season. Similar to the way that players

play when they go back to a CERN club. They have an instant impact.

They know the environment and they know most of the players. It is

important for a manager at this time of the season to have that

instant impact. A significant win for Charlton Athletic. Chris Powell

called it the result of the season and may have had a few good ones.

But to finish off with nine men, he has seen a different site is buyer.

They haven't had to win games in this manner. They have had to dig

in and got the winner there. Important, and a good victory.

for Sheffield Wednesday, the pivotal victory for them because by

beating Huddersfield they have put a massive dent into Huddersfield's

own hopes of finishing in the top two. You think Huddersfield will

have to settle for the play-offs again. A good finish from Nile

Ranger. When you can get a player Ranger. When you can get a player

Ranger. When you can get a player from Newcastle, you're in good

shape. R Charlton all but there? would be difficult to see them

would be difficult to see them slipping up. They're in a strong

slipping up. They're in a strong slipping up. They're in a strong

position. position. As

position. As for looks

looks pretty three for the bottom three? -- looks pretty grim for the

bottom three. I think all of those managers will still be in place

next year at least to get them back up. At the moment, no chance of

them staying in the division. about the battle to avoid the last

relegation place? Hammy Teamsters its stretch over? I think it goes

up to Scunthorpe. The magic number is 50 points. Wycombe Wanderers are

in the last relegation position on 42. They have tried to get results

and dig the points out but they need to turn it into victories.

Everyone will be nervous up to Scunthorpe. We saw Gillingham get

relegated on 50 points. Do you think that will be about right?

think that is the cut-off point. Anyone on 50 points is more or less

clear. That means we can Wanderers need to win three, which is

In lead to all the gains to place on Good Friday, and Swindon made

the journey to Morecambe -- in League Two. The Shrimpers have

already -- always played as a club After numerous attempts to break

the stranglehold rugby league had in the area, Moore, Football Club

was formed in 1920. -- Morecambe Football Club. They originally

played at Christie Park, named after their original benefactor,

but in 2010 they moved into the six-and-a-half 1,000 capacity Globe

Arena. Fiona Bruce, eat your heart out. How much would this be worth

on the Antiques Roadshow? Pride of place in the tunnel goes to this

tour from the kit room from Christie Park which has been signed

by a Who's Who of English football. Peter Schmeichel, Bobby Charlton

and Tom Finney to name but three. They are called the shrimps after

Morecambe Bay's famous local delicacy. The biggest day in their

history came in 2007 at Wembley when they beat Exeter City in the

Conference play-off final to reach the Football League for the first

time with current player Danny Coulson scoring the winning goal.

Look out, the game has started! There is a distinct line in comedy

about Morecambe. This fellow took his stage name from his home town

and was an occasional visitor to The mascot Christie the cat was

sent off after an altercation with a Dagenham & Redbridge goalkeeper,

Tony Roberts. Shame on you! Shame the Swindon boss less than

impressed with his side's display at Morecambe. But the man he's

described as his best signing for the club came up trumps less than a

minute into the second half. Paul Benson simply couldn't miss. The

striker's tenth goal since joining on loan from Charlton back in

January edged the leaders closer to the title. Morecambe boss Jim

Bentley on the other hand declared himself massively frustrated at the

finish - Nick Fenton's deflected header almost rescued a deserved

point. But Swindon are almost there. Torquay were looking for a sixth

win in eight as they aim for a return to League One. And after a

goalless first half, Mark Ellis should have given them the lead. It

was easier to hit the back of the net surely. The embarrassment was

short-lived, as Rene Howe spared his team-mates' blushes to score

his thirteenth goal of the season. Perhaps there was a slice of luck

with the deflection from Accrington's Charlie Barnett, but

the finish was all skill. As for the celebrations, a touch of the

Mick Channon windmills there. that brawl at Bradford. The

resulting suspensions have left Town with square pegs in round

holes. In fairness to Byron Moore, he needed only the slightest gap in

the Crawley ranks to give Crewe a 29th minute lead. With rumours rife

about Steve Evans' future as well, the Red Devils need to get their

heads right. Some damage limitation was achieved when Lee Bell handled

in the box. Gary Alexander did the business from the spot, but it

couldn't prevent Crawley from both teams desperate for points for

different reasons. James Collins had Tony Diagne in spin before

firing Shrewsbury into a first half lead. The striker's 15th of the

campaign had Graham Turner's team heading for the top three. That

solitary goal looked to have sealed it for the promotion chasers but

three goals in the final seven minutes gave the scoreline a very

different look. Mark Wright squeezed in a second and put the

travellers firmly in control. But just two minutes later Arnaud Mendy

gave Macclesfield a lifeline a fabulous volley raising hopes of a

comeback but almost immediately Shrewsbury restored their two goal

advantage. After a neat one-two Collins found himself clean through.

The Shrews now unbeaten in four but won more away games than anyone

else in the division. Bradford had picked up just one point from

eighteen. So much for the form book. Michael Flynn with the cross. James

Hanson with the header. But if Southend thought things weren't

going their way in the first half they went from bad to worse after

the break. First of all Clohessy was sent off for this push. Craig

Fagan dispatched the penalty despite the best efforts of Cameron

Belford. A quarter of an hour later referee Eddie Ilderton was

brandishing the red card again. Benyon sent off for violent conduct,

Southend down to nine men, and five it looks like we'll be seeing

Northampton again next season. Luke Gutteridge set the tone in this

lively encounter with Oxford with this beauty in the opening seconds.

The visitors were undone in the first and last minute of the match.

The 88 in between weren't half bad. Cristian Montano hauled the U's

deservedly level just after half- time. The youngster scoring for his

fourth league club this season. The game's turning point came soon

afterwards. Adam Chapman was sent sprawling by Blair Adams just

inside the box. Chapman spotted the ball himself. But the Cobblers'

Kitson was able to keep out a penalty for the second game in a

row. It proved pivotal. With time running out. A bobbler from Brett

Williams made it five wins out of eight for Northampton. It was tough

on Oxford. After back-to-back defeats, their Easter Monday

meeting with Torquay now looks all the more daunting. They'll also be

without Michael Duberry. Frustration got the better of him.

A second yellow in injury time means he won't be working on the

ten hours of football Ben Burgess wasting a great chance to end the

goal drought against strugglers Barnet. Mark Yates' team have been

horribly out of form too Clovis Kamjo's terrific header almost had

them trailing at the break. But with 15 minutes to go Mohamed's

surging run had the Barnet defenders back-pedalling. After

linking up with fellow sub Jermaine McGlashan, Mohamed thundered

Cheltenham into the lead. Just the tonic for a team whose promotion

push has stalled in recent weeks. With just two minutes left, Jimmy

Spencer made absolutely sure to sentence Barnet to a third straight

Hessenthaler decscribed the Memorial Stadium pitch as the worst

he'd ever seen at a league club. Rovers fans would consider referee

Dean Whitestone's decision to award a penalty to the visitors as hardly

any better. Whitestone gave the kick after consulting his assistant.

Dan Woodard's handball considered deliberate. Danny Kedwell took the

kick, Scott Bevan made a fine save, twice. Gillingham did take the lead

ten minutes into the second half thanks to this fine strike from

Chris Whelpdale. Nothing Bevan could do about that. Six minutes

later the home side were level. Matthew Gill provided the cross,

Elliot Richards the header. Whatever the state of the pitch it

didn't seem to trouble Carayol. He raced through the Gills' defence

ten minutes from time to put Rovers in front. But Gillingham kept alive

their hopes of a play-off place in stoppage time. A long clearance

from Paolo Gazzaniga and a looping header from Oli giving them a

and an even better week. A buyer for the club was announced on

Thursday. Louis Dodds' match- winning double was the perfect way

to celebrate. Vale's victory ended a sequence of six straight home

wins for Aldershot for whom Guy Madjo wasn't the only one

displaying wayward finishing. Any remaining hopes the Shots had of a

play-off place were all but extinguished when Dodds completed

his brace with sixteen minutes remaining. Dean Holdsworth has

conceded defeat in the race for the top seven. Risser's goal gave

Aldershot false hope, but there was to be no late comeback. Season-

ending stuff for the Shots. But for but the man in temporary charge

isn't doing a bad job. Darren Patterson believes the Millers

still have a chance of making a late push for the play-offs. An

excellent first-half strike from Ben Pringle kept their hopes alive

at Wimbledon. The home side fortunate just to be the one goal

down at the break and after strong words from manager Terry Brown they

began to make it more of a contest. Chris Bush getting on the end of

Rashid Yussuf's cross to bring out the best in Rhys Taylor. The Dons

were now making most of the running Jack Midson played in Luke Moore

who finished in style. That gave them just under half an hour to

find a winner that would guarantee another season of league football.

They'll have to wait a bit longer. Seven minutes from time, Alex

Revell sent Sam Hoskins clear the 19-year-old on loan from

Southampton refused to be caught and from an impossible angle

crashed in his first ever senior goal. That secured the managerless

Millers their third win in four matches but they had to survive a

late scare when Midson was given a sight at goal, but the Millers'

keeper Taylor came out sharply to their way to safety. Unbeaten in

four games they almost took the lead at the start of the second

half when John Akinde's shot was cleared off the line. Moments later

Burton were ahead. Maghoma arrived in Staffordshire from Tottenham. He

created the chance with a shake and a shimmy, and the finish wasn't bad

either. And Burton held their lead until two minutes from time when

this long clearance from Scott Doe found Brian Woodall. He let the

ball pass him, and then volleyed home the equaliser. The Daggers are

now six points above the relegation Plymouth fail to escape relegation,

they may well look back at this game as the one that sank them.

Stam's own goal gave Argyle the perfect platform to put six points

between themselves and the drop zone. The Pilgrims could have made

sure of victory before half-time. Hereford's ever leaky defence let

in Nick Chadwick but on Easter weekend, he was left with egg on

his face. Unbeaten in five, Plymouth are more than hopeful of

avoiding the drop. They'd be even more confident had they taken

advantage of James Chambers' lunge on Warren Feeney. Penalty to

Plymouth. Hereford looking doomed. But top-scorer Simon Walton joined

Chadwick in the dog house. The Pilgrims were made to pay. Seven

minutes after half- time Tom Barkhuizen scored Hereford's only

goal in four games. Enough for a point that keeps both sides

Needless to say that point will go down better at Plymouth and

I thought it was a massive. Today. -- a massive point today. None of

those sides are good enough to get two wins in the last five games.

Everybody from Plymouth upwards. Hereford still have to go to Barnet

in the running. How bigger game is that? A massive game. It always

goes down to a game like that in League 2. You have Kelly and Horton,

both experienced managers. They will know if they can sneak out on

the last game of the season that will be good enough but I think

they know that Barnet are the ones who could be dragged into it.

for the other end, Swindon are on course for a quick return to League

1, the 15th win in 18 games for the Robins. Paolo Di Canio was furious

is a perfectionist, as a player and manager. Even if they had three

points, it doesn't matter to him, Crawley grabbed a point against

Crewe. If they're going to finish this job there is a possibility

they will have to do it without their manager, Steve Evans. What do

you think about this approach from Rotherham? On the face of it why

would he want to go to Rotherham? Crawley and moving forward, they

really have a great fan base and financially they have a fantastic

job. Steve might leave for a pay rise but on the face of it it

doesn't seem like a good move for him. He has made a good signing

with Alexander as well. That experience, that knowledge of how

did it over the line after they lost a couple of strikers, I can't

Huge relief for Cheltenham. A clean sheet, that is the reason why

Cheltenham have been up there, a great goalkeeper. Martin Yeates has

kept cool. He has ex Ajuwa did the positives. They have stayed in the

play-offs even though they have had a good run. In terms of the tables,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

in npower League 2, Swindon and If you missed any of the action

tonight, the show is on the red button and on Freeview until midday

on Sunday. It is on the iPlayer all week. For extended match highlights

of each game, look at the BBC sport website. Football comes thick and