10/03/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Financial struggles are almost a regular feature in

football at the moment and this week was no exception with, with

Port Vale the latest club in administration. Portsmouth were

thrown a lifeline, holding on to the players is an altogether

different story. On the pitch games are coming thick and fast as we

approach the running. Leroy Rosenior will help us make sense of

it all. Here is what can -- what is coming up tonight. Brighton scored

late on against Cardiff. We are at the Amex to see how they go top in

the South Coast derby against Portsmouth. -- to see how they got

on. Bristol City earned a priceless win against Leicester on Tuesday.

Can the Robins keep up the momentum at at home to Cardiff? The Football

League's form team are ready. They have won their last seven and make

a familiar late charge for automatic promotion. We are at the

Madejski Stadium for the visit of Leicester City. And we have all the

action from League One and lead to come or where Swindon were up

against second-placed Cheltenham Town. We start with the top of the

Championship and the race for automatic promotion could hardly be

closer. Leaders Southampton and second-placed West Ham dropped

points at home in midweek -- in midweek, so could they bounce-back?

brand and if it beckons you can attract support from all over the

globe. Southampton have supporters from the east, opponents from the

north, where Barnsley, and players from all over the country. This

goal from Lallana was set up by Lambert. They have scored a 38

league goals between them this season. Here is another player

beginning with El, Lee, Tadanari Lee. He is the real reason to

Japanese come to Southampton. He apparently gets hundreds of texts

as Championship fever grips Japan. He set up Lallana to make it two-

nil. I told you he was popular. Barnsley, without a manager, as

Keith Hill was ill, never really looked like scoring. Danny Rose did

head against the post but that was about it. Southampton's manager was

present and that is exactly how he describes his almost Eastern style

The important thing is to stay in the present, the here, and then out.

There is a lot of literature out there that would suggest that

people who get beyond themselves and thinking in the future, they

forget what they are supposed to do Upton Park for the first visited 55

years and it is a fair bet none of those players turned up El Hadji

Diouf. The hero from earlier in the week posed for the cameras. The

home side were on a mission for a win. Vaz Te had a goal disallowed

inside the first minute. Within another two, the Championship's

second-bottom team looked in danger of being overrun as Koll rattled

the crossbar. In the end the visitors managed to hold out, only

for another six minutes. The Hammers had several chances to

score before Nolan bundled the ball and the net. But if that was

supposed to open the floodgates, it had the opposite effect as Rovers

rallied. Green had to look lively to palm away Coppinger's shot and

it was little surprise when the man with the headphones turned up the

heat on West Ham's promotion prospects. El Hadji Diouf made the

key move, Simon Gillett was involved, Coppinger equalised. In

fact Dean Saunders' side came close to claiming all three points. Green

had to produce a crucial save to keep out El Hadji Diouf and the

The first 15 minutes could have made it easier for us today. If we

had put another one and the back of the net. Always one-nil is always

the opposition in with a shout. Allardyce win his chances midweek

against Watford, as the Southampton they continue to march on. The home

for his imperious. The 14th home win of the season. That has massive

amounts to do with where they are in the league. That is what

everything is built on, Nigel Adkins has taken that order. They

have a way of playing. The crowd by into it. They are patient. They

They go together very well. Lallana with the nice little tap in from

eight yards, but the crowd by into the way they play. That is why they

can be patient and when things aren't going right basic backhand

knows something will happen and invariably it does. A different

story for West Ham. They have drawn their last four at Upton Park. If

they're going to go up, they will do it the hard way, the frustrating

way according to the fans. The home farm has not been great, but they

are in second place. It is the anxiety, when they are in charge

they don't get the goals aren't they allowed teams like Doncaster,

El Hadji Diouf was instrumental today, to get back into the game,

especially at one-nil. In the end they just about deserved that. If

they can get the home form right Reading have been in good form, the

striker Noel Hunt treated that his club were not receiving the media

attention they deserved. With the Royals winning their last seven and

about to get a new ownership, what better time to pay a visit to the

Madejski Stadium Gubba with Leicester City in town. There are

It is almost a carbon copy of last season for Reading. In August they

sold their best player, Shane Long, just as they did 12 months earlier.

They again spent the first part of the campaign treading water. And

then, just as the Championship heads towards its conclusion, they

have put together another winning run to rival last year's eight in a

The bit they won't want to repeat his the pain of losing the

Championship play-off final as they did to Swansea City last May. Do

you ever think back to him hitting the post, the block on Noel Hunt,

and just wonder what might have been? Only every day! Do you,

seriously? And you think about it? I think about it. A couple of weeks

ago I watched the first 15 minutes of the second half, we got back to

3-2, then we hit the post. I watched it the other day for the

first time. I did not want to go on holiday. You get to the end of the

season, you look forward to the break, I did not want to do

anything, did not want to come out of a house. It was very tough.

have to be careful what you wish for, did you tweet that we were not

paying attention this season? mentioned that. It is your for you

are looking at my face. -- it is your fault. Nice to see you? All

right? Are you settling in OK? yeah, fine. It is like you are

going on holiday now? You should see me in half an hour. Reading

have been an uncharted territory this season when Wolves came

knocking for their highly rated manager last month. He turned them

down and signed a new deal until 2015. How close did they come to

losing him? That is a tough question. This club means such a

lot to me. It really does. We have got fantastic support. I have

players that I bought in in January and the players that have been here

a long time, staff that have been here a long time with me as well. I

am really committed to this football club. Will the �40 million

purchase of a majority share in the club expected to go few in the next

week -- next few weeks. Anton is a nice young man, particularly

fanatical about football. He knows a lot about the game. A very nice

young gentleman. All things being equal it should go forward but you

were never sure until the deal is done and the deal is not done as I

speak. I have worked with Sir dumped -- Sir John Madejski for the

last 11 years and he has been phenomenal. I am delighted to have

signed a new contract and this is a fantastic environment come a long

may it continue. The first half at the Madejski could have been called

was denied to come all that was missing was a cauldron of boiling

oil as the siege continued, with Alex Pearce's header repelled by

Schmeichel. But eventually the castle walls were breached thanks

to a cannon ball from Leigertwood. It was only his second goal of the

season and Reading looked like they were heading for their 8th League

win and a road. But after the break Leicester regrouped and improved

greatly. Nugent had the best of their chances although Federici was

left untroubled and the home goal. But could have -- but could anyone

have experienced a more successful start than Jason Roberts? He had

scored three and won all seven of their matches he had played in

since signing and here he was was goal number four, Hunt with the

cross. Roberts was taken off in the 84th minute to stop even those who

replace him score for Reading. Church converted to wrap up a

deserved victory and further improve their chances of promotion.

Neil Danns gave the travelling fans some cheer but the story was about

Reading again. They are now behind West Ham, second, on goal

You have been around promotion teams before. Have these -- have

these -- have this team got the characteristics? We have resilience,

defence, we just keep building on each game as it comes. There is

some good teams but we have the quality to do something special.

When I say congratulations you have won eight in a row, you say we

would just keep taking one game at a time. He don't need me, I might

as well walk off. Well done to Reading, eight wins in a row. Noel

Hunt will be happier now we're talking about Royals. They were

under the radar but people are taking notice of them? And so they

should because Brian McDermott has done a fantastic job. Great to see

he has stayed and wants to see it through, as he should. They have

good players, top quality players. Federici has been outstanding. They

talk about goals, Roberts made an immediate impact. They have players

like Leigertwood, who comes up with second of the season. It is as good

as any I have seen this year. Noel Hunt up front, Jason has brought

out the best in them. He is like a talisman. They have a great

partnership going. He has the As for Leicester, have they left

themselves too much to do? If they do get income a great, but they

should allow Nigel Pearson to get on with the job, don't look for

quick fixes, a builder side. If they get the play-offs this year,

great, but carry on and build properly. Brighton's dream of back-

to-back promotions is very much alive, still unbeaten in 2012, Gus

Poyet's side laid just outside the play-off places before the visit of

Portsmouth, who received welcome news with the Football League

handed Pompey a financial lifeline with �800,000 in staged payments.

Unbeaten in a championship in 2012, Brighton could move into a play-off

place today. Portsmouth without a victory in seven and scored once in

well-documented and they have an impact on the team. Stephen

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Henderson is expected to go out on creation. So close to putting the

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player out of through suspension. for the sea Eagles. Portsmouth were

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Vicente! It will be a yellow card for the Spaniard but he will not

care one iota. Brighton are in front and the substitute has struck

for Gus Poyet's team. The free kick eluding everybody. Beyond the grasp

of Ashdown. Brighton made the break potted income. -- but it did not

As a football pitch when you come on the pitch after those sad days,

what better way to start by scoring two goals? There were not too many

chances and you need a bit of quality. The hardest thing as you

can imagine with the stuff going on is the management side of it. Not

because you can liaise with the players and dictate what you want

tactics it -- but try to keep them in a mental frame of mind to stay

positive with everything going on around is difficult. I do not think

you could call them the way they have reacted. Again today it we

cannot hold their efforts and attitude and application. There

were some good quality play at times. How much of a coup was it to

get him with so many international caps? We are very lucky. It was his

decision. He did not want to go to a bigger place because of the money.

He wanted to play football. I hope we can use him as much as we can. I

have to play him and at the moment he is at his best. South coast

affair was and the highest in terms of quality that a man whose CV you

cannot better. 38 international caps for Spain. Guess has to take

credit to getting into the club. Gus Poyet enthusiasm for the club

helps. He won a free kick and stir it in the back of the net. It was a

on the pitch. He has a great left foot. He slides it into the net.

Even though Brighton have had a good 2012, it will be important.

They are up to 5th enough. Hard to believe they were in the bottom

four of League One tea is it. It's a great job Gas has done. You can

see what he is developing. He has added quality in terms of players

but his enthusiasm seems to permeate through the football club.

Good news for Portsmouth in terms of the cash injection from the

Football League. They are in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom.

Appleton's job has been made more difficult to lose another key

player. Along with Liam Lawrence son. It is a tough job. He has to

keep it going. What I love his he is calm and says he will do the job

as well as the can and see Portsmouth through to the end of

the season. Peterborough took on Blackburn still smarting from the

midweek defeat at Derby. Ian Holloway is 49 on Monday but 59 was

the points total he was set on. Blackpool have beaten Peterborough

in the last few meetings but rarely looked like extending the run.

Tyrone Barnett put the home side ahead. There was the second goal

since arriving on loan from Crawley. He was heavily involved in the next

goal. Peterborough continued to push after the break. They would

have been further ahead but for Matt Phillips. Blackpool are the

only team to have scored in each of their games in 2012. The record

Birmingham arrived at Coventry, a former players that the current

striker Marlon King could be unplayable. Before the goals, the

controversy. And after a quiet first half, Alex went for a tumble.

The referee booked him for diving and he went again in disbelief.

Look out for him again later. With 20 minutes to go: the deadlock was

broken. Gary McSheffrey he spent four years at Birmingham scored.

Gary McSheffrey gave the pre-match warning about Marlon King. He was

right. Two minutes later, his colleagues failed to connect with

the long road and Keane pounced. Both goals scored by former players.

The relegation-threatened Coventry did not feel sorry for themselves.

They pushed forward in search of a second goal. There were no more

goals but there was a sending off. The Birmingham substitute was shown

a straight red card but the referee derby. When we took the lead, I

thought we would win it. We have defended stoutly. It was a poor

goal from us to give away. We made lives difficult for ourselves. It's

spirited team at the moment. I think they feel they deserve the

point. Harte goals are hard to come by. Ipswich are the opposite.

Something had some meats -- give achieved only once this year,

scoring two goals in the same game. The Ipswich defence failed to close

down the Robert Koren. Hull were through the second half. There was

his second goal in 26 games and he didn't have to wait as long for his

bed which arrived minutes later and how. The first time since November

Hull letting two goals in a game. Nick Barmby's t and chased a third.

This was the best effort but these were two points lost in the

challenge for the play-offs. have to see it out and win the game.

But the penalties changed, they had the ascendancy. It's all about

decision-making in this game. It was a wrong decision. It was a good

strike from Grant. He has composure and bottle. I thought the second

half we were the better team. Burnley's assistant manager took

charge against Crystal Palace as the Clarets manager missed the

match following the death of his manner. Burnley must have been

grateful when Palace got themselves scored his 7th in eight games.

Burnley's included a first start who was also a prospect. He earned

his side a penalty. The kick was awarded, converted by Ambrose to

make it 1-1. It was not long before the two people involved in that

penalty incident clashed again in an altercation off the ball. The

cameraman did not see what happened, but the assistant did, and he was

shown a red card. The team had 18 minutes to hold on, and they did,

for their fifth successive away draw, now unbeaten in eight.

Burnley's thoughts were with their manager, Eddie Howe, and his family.

He was by his mother's bedside, and she passed away so he was in the

right place. It is unfortunate we could not win the game today for

him and his family. So Steve Davis, the Derby two goal hero midweek,

turned up with family in tow hoping to impress with a repeat

performance for Watford. They have won just one in their previous 10

games at Derby. Moria applied the finish to this goal. -- Murray.

Derby were in disarray. But the picture changed when a player

called Davis did get on the scoresheet, it was with a free kick.

Whatever the manager said at half- time transformed his team, a

crucial challenge here was enough out Bailey to make sure of

Watford's away win. Millwall fans must have been looking forward to

visiting Nottingham Forest, who had the worst home record in the season.

It looks like they were in for more when James Henry almost scored his

first of the season. Andy Reed tried his luck but could not quite

apt to there paltry 15 goals in 18 home league games. But then they

did. A perfect cross set up Gareth McCleary, in good scoring form, his

fourth in seven games. In contrast, Danny Higginbotham last scored a

year ago, and this is a perfect example of keeping your eye on the

ball. Andy Reed was the architect again. Millwall tried to reply

through Henry once more, but it was just not his day. Male -- Millwall

hit the woodwork again in the second half, but later they made it

2-1. Nerves were settled by Andy Reed. A worthy winner from the man

of the match, as Forest inched further away from the bottom three.

The we knew it was going to be a tough game today but we were really

pleased. To score three fantastic goals, we were really pleased.

the end, Forest were the ones who put them away. Some good strikes

and it was good enough. A much- improved performance from

Nottingham Forest, and Andy Reed looking more at home in his

spiritual home. He has played a lot of games this season and it is what

is needed. The manager has shown confidence in him because he does

have fantastic ability. He has space, but you still don't expect

this. The great strike, I have seen it on many occasions. Peterborough

put a spanner in the works as far as Blackburn are concerned. It

might sound reckless, but for them attack is the best form of defence.

That is what suits them, that is what we expect from Peterborough,

that is what the fans want. He does well to hold the ball. You expect

an early cross, but he makes it nice and easy for Taylor. To a

defeats in nine now for Watford. Their manager has made a better

start already then Malky Mackay did in 96 games. He has been helped by

some loan signings as well, but looking at where they are, they now

have 48 points. The target was 50 points, they are almost there and

now they can start looking forward again. A great curl, and Derby have

not been playing too bad. He will be delighted with that. They could

maybe sneaking to the play-offs? Why not? With one win in seven in

the league, Cardiff's promotion hopes have come off the rails.

Bristol City were keen to build on their way in midweek. Cardiff were

have another look at that. It brushes past his arm on the way

The first time he has truly been chance of the half. My word, he hit

It is an own goal by McManus. What amend. Maybe they should have gone

a goal behind, but they bounced straight back, and the cross hit

to play some constructive football. Hit by Gunnarsson, and James down

smartly to stop him. Howard James spilled it, what the chance it

would have been to make it two. Cardiff do seem to have found their

range. James, with two hands, takes popped up with a vital goal against

Leicester midweek, he has got four times against Cardiff in his career,

you can now make that five. Jon Stead, eight minutes of the second

half gone, and they are back in the game. No team have drawn more

championship games than Cardiff. They are on their way to their 11th

draw of the season. A terrific shot, turned away by Marshall to deny

Davis. A really good hit by Davis, and that is the best save of the

and claims of a penalty from supporters behind the goal. Kenny

Miller is unhappy. He thought, as he was about pull the trigger, he

was fouled. The referee believes Marshall. Really good goalkeeping.

He has made a couple of great saves, Marshall. The game is stretched at

it takes another ricochet, and it is another own goal. Mason hits it,

and it spins into the back of David James' net. You are always

disappointed when your players put so much into the game, and it was

harsh on us to lose that one. That was a committed performance from

the players, it was harsh to lose the game. We kept trying to probe,

they got the goal back in the second half, but we kept trying to

probe. We felt we could go for it today and it was a tough game, but

I'm delighted we came through in the end. Slightly harsh done by, do

you think, Bristol City? Very harsh, they worked extremely hard. Cardiff

always have that bit of quality. He was right, they were probing and

passing. At the end the day, they didn't take chances. Their own

goals went against them. David Marshall made some very good saves

early on. Cardiff have always got people like Peter Whittingham, just

finding the past. That is unfortunate for Cisse, he had a

storming game in midfield. Could he have closed the space down a bit

quicker, I am not sure. It is that old cliche, when you are down there

and you are struggling, the lucky is against you, that was epitomised

by those goals. Leicester in midweek got the three points, today

they didn't but they should not be downhearted. If they can keep those

performances at that level by the end of the season, I think there is

no doubt they will stay up. Was it imperative they got that first win

after the Carling Cup final? People are saying they have had a dip in

form, they haven't. They have played West Ham and Brighton, and

that was a big win for Cardiff in terms of confidence but I am very

impressed with them as a football team. They have some good pace in

terms of Mason. To League One, starting with Charlton who suffered

defeat to Colchester on Thursday, but could they start another run

against the rejuvenated Notts performance was unacceptable. This

opener was good enough to win any game. Minutes later, Jonathan

fought hammered the second, the first of a quick-fire hat-trick. --

Jonathan Forte. An uncharacteristic failure by Charlton to deal with

the long ball allowed Notts County in for a third goal. This mix up

between the keeper allowing him in. Five minutes before the break, it

was all over. Jonathan Forte supplied the header, and Charlton

fans headed for the exit. To secure a fifth win in six games, Notts

County had to survive the inevitable fightback, which began

within five minutes of the restart. Shortly after, this pair traded

places. It may be back-to-back league defeat for the first time in

more than a year for Charlton but This is not an easy place to come.

It is a difficult place. You need to be brave, you need to be on the

ball and play, we did exceptionally well. The first half will live with

me for a long time because for a team in the position we are in, we

should not be doing elementary mistakes like that. We have been

excellent all season, pride ourselves on our defending and

doing the basics right and well and was kicked against Sheffield United,

losing top scorer D'Elia Allitt -- Danny Alexander to Crawley is bound

to affect their promotion chances. The Blades' leading marksman

continues to do the business, Evans' goal set them on their way.

They have been losing their grip on second spot. There half-time

advantage should have been greater but this time Evans let the Bees

off the hook. The Blades were determined to follow suit, Chris

Porter testing the reflexes of Simon Maughan. But the young

goalkeeper will be hiding behind the sober when he watches this bit

back. Six minutes into the second half be gifted to Evans his second

of the game as the Blades bounced back since Dave Jones took over as

manager after the controversial sacking of Gary Megson. But all the

scoring at Hillsborough was completed for the Owls in a

frenetic ten minutes. Batth got Wednesday's first. But Bournemouth

had their chances. Malone made -- nearly making the most of a weak

clearance by Rip -- by Rob Jones. Now won the day the FA said they

want to see goal line technology in place as soon as possible they

could have done with it at Hillsborough. Did it cross the

line? Addison was given the dubious credit for the own goal as

Wednesday doubled their lead. Victory was wrapped up with the

Owls's man of the moment, Antonio. He ran unhindered for his third

goal of the week. At the other end almost went close to getting back

into the game. Thomas beat by water but not the post. In the closing

stages Addison had a chance to atone for his earlier own goal but

the keeper was equal to it. When state he's to a second straight win.

The first 20 minutes they could not live with us and they thought it

was going to be a rout, thence or the sudden because it has been easy

for 20 minutes, they took the foot of the Gas, tried to do things and

I can't fault them for that. It is something we will learn as we go

Simon Grayson but persist in throwing two points away. After

this header had struck the bar, it was Ward who opened the scoring

with his first home goal of the season. His superb strike appeared

to have been given Huddersfield Town the lead but inspired Rochdale

to equalise. Tutte had a stunning without a goal from Jordan Rhodes,

who grabbed his 33rd of the season -- a Huddersfield Town performance.

Crimes scored the late equaliser in the 2-2 brought in August and

south-west for the second time Reform days but after their defeat

to Yeovil they cruised past Exeter. Look was on their side. There was a

hefty deflection off Fortune. Exeter hoping to avoid a 5th away

defeat on the bows were being generous. This flick might have

taken a deflection on its way Iain. I would not like to be the one to

take it off him. Thankfully the Dons's said was straightforward.

Ibehre tucking away to strengthen his side's way into a play-off

place. They might be a bigger stage the most ardent Carlisle fan would

not have scripted the next half. The visitors, bottom of the form

table, had an unlikely lead. It did not last long. Bury's defence has

been shaky all season. No clean sheet in 17 games. Noble had a

great strike. The goalkeeper had no chance. There was little to shout

about in the second half until there was a mistake 12 minutes from

time. Coke made the most of it, sticking to his lines and finishing

nicely. -- Coke. 2-1 up and the home fans were urging their players

to increased the lead, which they did two minutes from time. Miller

was pushed in the area and the referee had no hesitation in

whistling for a penalty. Miller got off the deck to convert from the

spot and guarantee three points. But there was more drama to come.

Things went from bad to worse or the shell-shocked Shakers. This

petulance resulted in a red card. And with Sweeney departed the home

side had time to cap of both the nominal final 12 minutes. Noble's

scuffed shot found Miller and the Scottish striker lashed at home. A

thorn macro-one win for the Cumbrians. They maintain the

pressure on the top six. -- Apple- one win.

What an opportunity wasted by Chesterfield to give themselves the

chance of climbing out of the relegation zone before the do.

Trotman header opened dashed at headed in. Bowery refused to look a

gift horse in the mouse. He got the second. Stevenage may not be

winning many games but they are resilient. Les Ed scored and an

unlikely comeback was on. A minute late it was complete, led involved

again. Reid got his first game in between these two had finished

level so this ended all square as well. Wycombe have found confidence

in recent weeks, having won their last two at home, scoring nine in

the process. Colchester failed to build on their midweek win at

Charlton but they remain a tough unbeaten in six, but were guilty of

not taking their chances against Hartlepool. They were a waste on

this occasion. Having beaten Sheffield United midweek the

Saddlers pushed for a win but when the ball broke to Mathew Sadler, he

couldn't make the most of it. A goalless draw and the valuable

point keeps them clear of the Yeovil's fortunes. It is five wins

and the last six games after his return. Williams getting a thirst

after dispossessing the other player. This was nodded home by

Diamond. Andy Williams took his performance as the best since

taking charge at Preston but he only tasted success ones since

arriving in Lancashire. They appeared to be on the winning trail

until the Lines man got involved. Scunthorpe boss felt-deserve to win,

although North and might have had it not been for some slogan. The

his side ride the luck against Leyton Orient. This was a Rovers

veteran, Andy Robinson, who broke the deadlock. Robinson was on hand

to profit. Rovers have not won in 2012 and that first victory was

assured before the break. Shaun Ley completed the first league double

of the season. -- Shaun Leaf. Kanyare are back on track. Four

points out of six. The win was what we wanted. All we should have kept

the ball better. We can't fault the the ball better. We can't fault the

the ball better. We can't fault the Well done, they did a decent job.

He knows the club Inside Out, he is delighted to be back there. They

started off with the wind. They haven't got enough goals and a team,

there was not done of creativity. Andy Robinson, he uses his right

foot, but he scores with his left It is tough for Tranmere. They

don't score enough goals. It is a good start but that is all it is.

What a terrific win at Charlton Athletic. We have had a few days to

forget but they are having a terrific season, but the

motivational point behind Keith curl, you wanted to make tonight

because he is Mr motivator. He is enthusiastic. When he was on the

phone, his energy is unbelievable. You are not surprised his players

are doing this? A no, it will rub off on the players. In a positive

way. They will have reacted Rooney positively. Potter obviously has

because he had the perfect finish with his left foot. People will be

roughly in this. He has learned, stepped back a bit and allowed

people to do other things within the club and concentrate on what he

is good at which his coaching and managing. It is uncanny, his second

career hat-trick his first coming into 1080 on-loan. He should be on

loan for Notts County all the time, shouldn't it? Some great goals at

the Galpharm from Huddersfield and Rochdale, who ultimately got a

terrific point for John Coleman but ultimately for Huddersfield, they

have dropped 26 points from winning positions. Only Scunthorpe have

dropped more in all three divisions. Is it a mental thing? You would say,

this is a great equaliser. Look at this. You can't really do much

about that. They apologised midweek for surrendering against Carlisle,

he doesn't need to apologise today. It is difficult Simon Grayson, the

same problems Lee Clark had, it is a way of getting over the finishing

line. What about Gary Johnson's impact at Yeovil Town in his second

spell in charge. Seven wins in 11 games. Yeovil fans dare to dream of

possibly breaking into the play- offs. There is still some work to

do. There is, it is a perfect fit for Gary. He said he should not go

to Bristol Rovers being ex Bristol City, but he has gone back to

Yeovil, and they did a good job there, dealing with loans, and it

was accepted not only by the players but Terry as well. He has

gone in there and had an immediate impact. He looked that club. He has

had a real impact, seven out of 11, they are looking up and that is a

big win today. Andy Williams, eight goals in eight days -- games. For

lead to cover we start with the game of the day as Paolo Di Canio's

be cheerful, having picked up debris's Manager of the Month award,

Swindon are eight points clear at the top. But when there was a

tangle, Cheltenham threatened to ruin the celebrations. Duffy was

denied from the spot. A home win was achieved five minutes later

courtesy of a Player of the Month in League Two, Paul Benson was the

man in the right players. His 6th goal in seven league games securing

We have both feet on the ground, every chance we have to celebrate

and build confidence, with that this feeling, we can go up and have

a fantastic moment, we can celebrate. I think they found a

level of consistency, a winning formula that has worked for them

but we battled them today in every department, we have matched them

and gone on to be better than them. They were in the game from the

first minute and can consider themselves lucky, if you like, to

after this draw made it one win in five league games. The visitors

took the lead. Just after the hour, an equaliser. Southend were in

front with a quarter of an hour They played well on the day. Credit

for their performance. For one player to be ill-disciplined, a

We got some decent quality from callers with the lads going in. My

belief is we should be getting one or two more goals. It was a crucial

one for us and could not have gone in the West Country derby. If that

took the breath away, so did the second. This was something really

special. The decision not to make a challenge backfired big-time. His

former employer was staring at home defeat. Three minutes later the

was a perfect example. Lee was the man who leads us on. He got one, he

claimed to got to birds I will look on the video. I think it holds us

in good stead. To not win his disappointed. It was disappointing

because we put so much into the game for such a large part of the

game. I hope they're disappointed Macclesfield rescued a point to,

five draws in a row. Crawley conceded a two-goal lead. Surely

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the former player and manager. He could only watch as he was

dismissed before half-time. An easy decision for the referee. A second

yellow card. We begin approaching the Allah, the Bantams defender

provided the flair. Penalty. Craig Fagan has stepped up and struck his

6th of the season. That quickly became two. No ill-effects from the

earlier clash. Asa Hall set up a tense finish. The first home win in

2012. Goals are guaranteed at Gillingham these days. This has to

be the best of the lot. A collector's item for the 17-year-

old. The manager said there side were brilliant at times and

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pathetic at others. The home side had over the years it was a

administration or insolvency. a good thing but I feel sorry for

the players, they have lost the 10 points. We could be back where we

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 55 seconds

were. A sad day for the club. It Today, for the players, I think

they give their all again but the events of the week have taken their

toll. A pivotal win for Swindon. Against a promotion rivals. A big

win. Disappointment losing to Oxford. They bounced back. Paul

Benson is looking at home. Vicente, Paolo Di Canio was desperate to get

him. He is a natural goal keeper full -- goalscorer. Big, big win

for Swinton. Crew involved in a belter. Nik Powell and Clayton on

international duty midweek. This is exceptional. He is given time and

space. It's hard to forget he's only 17. He is getting rough

treatment. Another terrific finish. Two fantastic goals. Port Vale, 24

hours to forget in administration. Demoralised, I suppose. A week to

forget. One week you off the play- offs and they are looking at League

status. Right, well let's take a look at the tables then before we

go. In nPower League Two, Swindon are now 8 points clear at the top

after they beat Cheltenham, Mark Yates' side have dropped to fourth

below Shrewsbury and Southend. In fact Swindon and the Shrews were

the only 2 sides in the top 8 to win on Saturday. Northampton move

out of the bottom 2 after another victory - they're replaced by

Plymouth. And there were also good wins for Hereford, Barnet, Bradford

and AFC Wimbledon. Charlton's lead is back down to 10 points after

back to back home defeats. Both Sheffield clubs won but

Huddersfield dropped more points yet again from a winning position.

MK Dons, Notts County & Carlisle all saw good wins as well. The

bottom 3 all drew and Exeter lost but Tranmere moved above Walsall

after their 2-0 win over Leyton Orient and Yeovil continue to climb

the table under Gary Johnson and are now up to 15th. Southampton

move 3 points clear at the top of the Championship with West Ham

drawing yet again at home. Reading make it 8 wins in a row and are

level on points with the Hammers. Middlesbrough stay in fourth and

play Leeds at the Riverside on Sunday. Brighton and Cardiff

replace Birmingham and Blackpool in the top 6. It's looking bleak for

Portsmouth who remain bottom but now 8 points from safety after

another defeat. Doncaster and Coventry are both 4 points from

safety despite both picking up draws, and that is because Forest

won and move above Bristol City. Now if you've missed any of

tonight's goals, we're on the red button and on Freeview till Midday

on Sunday. It's also on the iPlayer all week, while extended match

highlights of each game, will be available on the BBC Sport website.

We've got live Championship football on Sunday for you. Join

Mark Chapman at just after midday for Middlesbrough v Leeds on BBC1.

MOTD2 rounds up the weekend's Premier League games at ten on BBC2

and for all the Football League news and features from where you

live don't forget to watch Late Kick Off on Monday night at 11.05

BBC1. Right, well that's it for another week. Leroy, good to see