10/12/2011 The Football League Show

Evening. With the Championship hogging the stidge this week we are

are back to a full line-up with action from all three divisions.

There has been man gearal movement in Leagues One and Two. As you can

see, Steve is with me tonight. We pick our way through quite a day in

the N Power Football League. After last week's shock defeat to

Doncaster leaders went back to home comforts. Their opponents,

Blackpool. West Ham came unstuck last week, they were looking to

getting back to winning ways with a trip to Reading. Barnsley's scored

after nine seconds in their win In League Two these are happy days,

Cheltenham are third in the league, they draw Tottenham out of the hat

in the FA Cup. The gaffer won manager of the month. They are

hoping to get one over on leaders Southend United. Southampton after

last week's set back remain two points clear at the top of the

Championship going into today's game with Blackpool. They had won

all ten league games so far. The good news for the Saints was that

Rickie Lambert was back after his Rickie Lambert was back after his

hip injury. The goalkeeper was out.. Blackpool made one change. Comment

from John Roeder. Phillips. Oh... First touch for

Bialkowski. The goalkeeper got his body in the way. If he was pressed

closer by Basham he might have been chest of the goalkeeper. A stop

from Bialkowski that does not inspire confidence. Silvestre

letting fly with the shot. Southampton a touch fortunate.

Ferguson. Free-kick taken quickly. They were almost made to pay a

heavy price. Plenty of room on that Rickie Lambert. Oh, it got a

deflection. Southampton in front. Rickie Lambert celebrates. The

Saints may very well be on their way of setting a new club record of

home league victories. Eardley caught in pocession here by Lallana.

Cork not going for coal goal himself. In the end I think it gets

a touch of Caig Cathcart to divert the ball past MatGilks. This is

Rickie Lambert. Gilks with a vital save. A check to see if Lambert was

Southampton look for a flag, it does not come. Blackpool are back

on level terms, Basham has got it. He is level. Getting in behind

Hooiveld. That is an easy header past Bialkowski. Here's Phillips.

Tailer Fletcher to his right. -- Taylor-Fletcher to his right. The

goalkeeper doesn't move at all. puts it over. It could have been a

Costly error from the full-back. an error. Southampton behind and

Bialkowski probably wants to find a hole and hide in it. His

performance has been embarrassing. McManaman here, good run, kept

going. Dearie, dearie me. Bialkowski doesn't get his body

behind it at all. That is a goal he will see for years and years and

years to come. It will be available on many DVDs. What must Kelvin

Davies be thinking there? Southampton will have to start to

too high. Oh, dear! Who left that there from Eardley? Southampton

thought there was. Play continues. Eardley's challenge here, the

referee has a gad view. You can see his position. His decision, no

Lallana. Here's Richardson. They are queuing up in the middle.

Southampton have an equalliser, but who else but Rickie Lambert.

Southampton's top scorer this season has surely snatched a late,

late point for the Saints. He's onside there. A firm header past

Matt Gilks. Late in stoppage time. It's surely a point for Atkin's

team. He's got there first. Cork making a run through the middle.

Has he taken it too far? Yes, he has. That was such a chance for

Southampton. He knows it. Three team-mates in the middle, he didn't

team-mates in the middle, he didn't use any of them. Started the game

well. Scored a goal. Didn't take a view chances when we should have

taken them. Second-half we have gone and gone behind. First time we

have gone behind this season for a longer period of time. Change

changed it around a little bit. Great credit to the players, we

kept going and driving everybody on. Rickie Lambert scored a great goal.

We are growing. We had disappointment. They have lots of

energy. Ied like Nigel a lot much I hope it continues for them. I

experienced the other end of the scale where we have ended on a

crest of a slump. I think we are looking like a half decent team now.

What about your goalkeeper he had a difficult afternoon? He he he's

been fantastic in training much he has been has had to be patient to

wait for the opportunity because of the performances of Kelvin Davies.

He had to perform today. Things haven't worked for him. We haven't

lost the game because of that. He will become a better player and

stronger character for. That we'll support him. We like him a hell of

a lot. He is a good lad and works hard. In training he is fantastic.

Maybe he needs more games to become more comfortable in the arena.

Backing his standing goalkeeper. It was an event ventful game for

Bialkowski. He won't want to dwell on it? You can excuse that, the

ball bounced in front of them. Balls will move and dip. That, I

Balls will move and dip. That, I can't get my head round that one.

He asks surprised? The ball goes into an area where if someone is

fall following it up they will put it in. All goalkeepers will make

mistakes. In the grand scheme of things, if you look at that with

the overall way he played, it doesn't make happy viewing. One or

two areas where you can say, yes, you can excuse them. That would be

one of them if that was the only mistake he had made, it wasn't.

Southampton were on the receiving Southampton were on the receiving

end of it. You had Rickie Lambert to thank, saving his blushs getting

an equalliser at the end of the contest. This is what they were

missing against Doncaster last missing against Doncaster last

week? Well, he wasn't playing then. He does well here? There will be

one person to get on the end of it. one person to get on the end of it.

He doesn't get given offside. feats feels like a defeat with the

goal coming so late. A point at the end of the day at St Mary's that

can be considered a good one? first instinct from both managers

will be, we should have won that game, we gave them a goal. When you

look at it, they gave us a goal as well. A great game to watch.

Blackpool went tat from the start. They deserve their point. West Ham

had another chance to end the day top for the first time this season.

Sam Allardyce made the short trip to reading who started the day in

12th. Reading made two changes from 12th. Reading made two changes from

discomfort. He is in danger of lasting a matter of 90 seconds.

Joey O'Brien is preparing to come on. That's really horrible luck for

him. Real chances for West Ham. It's a reading deflection which

takes it away, Collison, from this pass, Collison thought he had seen

line. Well, West Ham now, surely he thought he had scored. Diop turning

it goal wards. Off the line. for Hunt. In behind West Ham for

the first time. Green finally has a save to make. Hunt's effort was

easy for him. Seen so little of this from Reading this afternoon. A

spring in the offside trap for Hunt. Something's got to change now if

Reading have to get a goal. And now, Hunt and O'Brien separated. It was

Carew warming up. The West Ham substitute acting as peace maker.

Just sliding in Hunt and O'Brien took exception to it and Hunt

foolishly had his hands raised there. Yellow cards all round.

Entirely unnecessary really, but Obruen's just been booked and his

second yellow of the afternoon in quick succession will be swiftly

followed by red -- O'Brien. And West Ham must play the final 25

minutes with ten men. Two rushes of blood to the head from Joey O'Brien

have cost him a red. The flick there meant O'Brien was sucked in.

1-0! Reading lead seconds after wham are reduced to ten men. It's

Pearce. McAnuff did the hard work, waited and Pearce offered him the

best option and the finish was Church. Just wide of the post.

Close. Very close to 2-0. Again McAnuff creating the opportunity.

Church with the goal that will surely clinch three points for his

team against West Ham. Well, of all the presents he'll get on his 23rd

birthday, this cross from Le Fondre will perhaps be the best. Couldn't

referee's got some sorting out to do once again here. Yes, it's a red

card for Collinson, late in on the challenge of Jimmy Kebe and West

Ham 2-0 down, down to nine men! O'Brien sent off earlier, now Jack

Collison as well. And this is turning into a miserable afternoon

He's going to have a good night tonight isn't he, Simon Church? Two

goals as a substitute. Inviting free kick. Church sprinting into

space. His second header of the afternoon. His fifth goal of the

afternoon. His fifth goal of the season. I thought that

opportunities would come our way and I was delighted with the way

that we went about our Business Today. I thought we were solid and

played some good stuff at times. I thought we were good value for the

win. How cross are you about Collison getting involved in

something that was so unnecessary? It was unnecessary. Sometimes

players lose their cool when they think the opposition's taking the

mickey out of them and the lads in there saying, you know, they were

just sort of... You've got to cope with that. If that's what they want

to do, that's what they want to do and whatever it is, you have to

take it on the chin, you can't react like that. A day to forget

for West Ham. Great result for Reading nonetheless. But we heard

from Sam there on Kebe. What was your take on it with the

confrontation between him and Collison? You can see here, it's

disrespectful to the opposition. The game's won and to start taking

the mick - you could probably use another word for it at that stage

of the game - it's unnecessary. You can't condone what he does, but in

that situation it's understandable. That's the sort of thing that will

happen. I've played in games when when somebody's tried to do that,

that's the end result. It doesn't surprise me that it's an English

player that's done it. Over here, players understand that it's a

disrespectful thing to do. I think he knows now. He was taken off soon

after 789. A couple of goals on his birthday, Simon Church. Sean Long

not around. But he's a fully fledged international. Always had

undoubted talent. Grew up in that good under 21 side for Wales as

well with lots of good players around. Good grounding and he has

started to - as you say - you've got to play games to fulfil your

potential. He's starting to do that. Been a bit inconsistent but have

made a great start. Lots to play on now? Abs loutly. There was always

going to be a bit of an after- effect -- absolutely. The way they

lost in the play-offs, then they lose a couple of great players.

He's done a Gadd job there though, the manager, a good job under siflt

circumstances when he came in because they weren't flying and all

of a sud enthey are one of the shakers and movers -- under

difficult circumstances. Leicester now versus Peterborough. Separated

he was smart and alert because Bamber got that all wrong. Good

lay-off. Beckford. Picked up by Wellens again. Beckford is away. A

throw. Hit the post! Good move by Leicester. Still not the

cross in. Good save there by Lewis. in! Lewis no chance. And Leicester

at last have taken the lead. It's goal five for Paul Gallagher.

Deflection fell kindly and the shot buried itself. Tomlin is free and

and he's equalised. Where was the rest of the defence. Tomlin away

still not clear to Boyd. Tomlin is there as well. Tries to tee it up.

Sinclair. Still the ball is not clear. Schmeichel dives forward.

Still not there. Clears. exploited their weaknesses well,

got the ball into wide areas. We are not able to convert those

situations and, although we looked very dangerous, for long periods,

didn't do enough to win it in the end. The back four were excellent.

Very resilient. Always capable of nicking a goal and a really good

piece of footballer's got a good goal for us. In the end, we could

have nicked it. We have been involved in many games where it's

been the other way around and we've dominated games.

Cardiff arrived in south-east London on the back of an eight

match unbeaten run but it was Millwall that threatened, Feeney

set up Henry but he couldn't keep it down. Cardiff's best chance fell

to Miller after the break. The ever dangerous Whittingham's pass

perhaps deserved something to come of it. But the Scottish striker's

tame header was gathered by the grateful Mildenhall. Then right at

the end, one final opportunity for Millwall. Feeney's inviting cross,

Henderson's header, which was kept down, but nearly bounced over the

bar. No goals then, but the Championship's manager of the month

looking at the positives as Cardiff are now nine unbeaten.

It was always going to be a tough game here. We had a couple of

injuries early on and ended up playing with two young kids in

midfield, delighted for them and overall happy with the point. On

another day we could have won it and on another day we could have

lost it. I felt we matched Cardiff very well and had better chances,

hit the bar in the first half and had the best chance of the whole

match right at the end through Henderson's header which he usually

puts away, but a lot of positives for us to capitalise on. It's a

good clean sheet. Middlesbrough started the weekend

in fourth looking to the top scorer to move them closer to the top two.

They were up against Brighton who enjoyed a renaissance of late,

three straight wins. Lua Lua almost gave them an early lead. Midway

through the first half was a key moment. Bennett's close cross

looked like it should have been caught by the keeper easily. It was

treated by a bar of soap and McDonald cleaned up for the only

goal. Baits celebrated his 25th birthday, he was unable to accept

the gift of the goal. Another McMahon free kick. Robson

couldn't react quick enough. But the one goal would be enough and it

was another win for the BBC North East sports personality of the year,

Tony Mowbray. We sneaked a goal. Had one or two

great chances, the second goal didn't come but ultimately the

game's finished and we won, three points in the bag and we move on.

very close game between the top six team. Coming here away from home,

it was very close. No frustration at all.

Grayson's Leeds side have been impressive, against 17th place

Watford aiming for a victory. The hosts only ever registered two

league wins against Leeds. A third looked possible. Kightly ran

unchallenged towards the Leeds goal and finished in style.

A win here would see the side extend their unbeaten run to five

in the league and they had a chance to seal it a minute from time

thanks to this challenge by the player who did this. They were

handed a life line on the stroke of penalty and made no mistake to give

Leeds a late, late point. The manager needed "clarification" from

manager needed "clarification" from the officials. We gave a thorough

performance in all areas we were sound. We had a penalty given

against us. They put it in within five second to go. Sometimes it

happens. A bitter pill to swallow. happens. A bitter pill to swallow.

A lot of postives from us today. Worrying times for Coventry. A nine

match sequence without a win saw them drop to the bottom of

Championship. The former Chairman felt he needed a closer look and

sat on the bench with the manager. He was grateful to Joe Murphy who

was tested early on bye-bye Cameron Stuart. Their recent record didn't

inspire confidence. They hadn't scored in their previous league

meetings against their opponents. It was slick move down the left

that throd an Andy Dawson cross. How is this for a first goal of the

season for the Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans? It was a

third straight win for Hull. third straight win for Hull.

Coventry have lost their last three. You had your former Chairman and

head of Football Operations on the bench today, why was that?

wanted to come on to the bench. You know, he is Head of Football

Operations, so, he was down there. Are you happy with that? It's not

really... He's Head of Football, he can do whatever he wants, can't he?

Burnley have the wind in their sales at the moment, three points

against Portsmouth would make it against Portsmouth would make it

four league wins on the bounce. The last time they managed that was six

years ago. They were on the back foot early on here. Norris's shot

fell to Varney who sturtterd. Both teams were creating chances.

Henderson keeping out McCann's fizzing drive. Portsmouth were

playing the better football. After some neat build-up play this volley

went just wide. Burnley have only kept two clean sheets all season.

Into injury-time so sure thri would be number three. No. David Norris

choosing the perfect time to score his fifth in all competitions this

season. It sealed their first away season. It sealed their first away

win of the season. I never felt under a real threat. I can only

think of Stephen making one save in the game. We knew what to expect

when we were coming here. We found out that straightaway, right from

the minute one of the second-half. The lads defended well we hit them

with a counter attack. Wasn't a lot in the game. It was scrappy. I

don't think the referee helped the flow of the game. It was pity --

Biti. We were pushing for the win Biti. We were pushing for the win

we got down in the last couple of minutes.. After four wins from

their first six games in charge, Forest have stumbled. They have

seen three defeats without a single goal before this game. They had

their chances against a Palace side who had not won in seven games.

Palace boss spent two years as a Forest player. It would be a happy

return to the City Ground. Saha did the leg work. Glenn Murray did the

rest. That make it is four defeats rest. That make it is four defeats

in a row now. Another game that we have dominated. We can't... There

isn't too much more we can do at the moment. We get burnt for every

little mistake. Everything at the moment. That's how it goes. It's a

moment. That's how it goes. It's a tough league. Doncaster's Billy

Sharp was named Championship player of the month for November before

Saturday's trip to Birmingham. He netted four times for Donny in a

difficult month for him and his family after the tragic death of

his two-day old son. Birmingham started the brighter and thought

she they should have had a penalty early on. This shot appeared to

have hit a arm. The referee was unconvinced. They tasted victory

back in 54, but they took the lead, Fortune with the time to take the

touch and give them the advantage. Chris Burke made the most of this

bad clearance. He fed Marlon King, who did the rest. The Blues went in

search of a winner. Two minutes before time they got it. Burke the

instigator. King with the finish. Birmingham could come-from-behind

Birmingham could come-from-behind in this promotion race. We kept

going through to the end. At 1-1, with the way things have gone in

recent results, we might have settled for that. We have a group

of lads that were determined to get the win today. We got the win that

the win today. We got the win that we deserved. From fifnth October to

15 in December Derby have been in miserable form. They have taken one

point point from 18. They lost to Middlesbrough last week. They look

to be on track in this one. Woolford finished in style. Derby

hadn't scored at home since October. Having waited three games to see a

goal the home support were rewarpeded for their patience.

Jamie Ward made the running. Bryson got his fourth league goal of the

season. Having waited all that time for one goal another was alon

minutes later. Ball scored his first senior goal for Derby to edge

them ahead. The visitors almost drew level late on. Pitman couldn't

drew level late on. Pitman couldn't steer his kick on target. I think

you saw the lift in confidence when the equalliser went in. It lifted

everybody, the crowd and the players. I think we deserved the

win and more for the last few weeks than today. Hull's Nick Barnaby

continues his start. Four wins out of six. What is going on with

Kovacen tri. No win in ten. Head of Football Operations sat on the

bench today. What is your take on having a non-football person,

almost that close to the football itself? Well, it's a confusing

issue, isn't it? No doubt about that. People are doing jobs that

maybe they are not at this stage qualified to do. I don't know. So

many things are coming out of that football club. At this stage it

needs somebody to get hold of it. Take control. And take it in a

direction where everybody can see what they are trying to do. At this

stage it seeds rudderless. I don't think anybody, even the people in

charge, and the people in know, know what is happening. Portsmouth,

their first aim was to get that first away win which eluded them

since March. A woeful run of form away from home. They got the win

today. A barrier they have overcome? Absolutely. David Norris

scored the winner. He was just off of Dave Kitson. That is the example

of why he is playing in there, to kick up anything that drops down.

He got a decent strike with either foot. That is the finish he is well

renowned for. Forest have lost the last four. They haven't scored a

goal in that time as well. Honeymoon period is over for Steve

Cotterill? It is. After a good start, this has been a poor run of

results. Also, you look at it and think, what would have been their

brief at the start of the season, to get in the play-offs. That looks

like a distant ambition, shall we say. This is a case now of staying

in this division. If they do that it will be a relatively

disappointing year for Forest. last game from the Championship

tonight is a belter. It involved two sides with hugely differing

the box, just. It was outside the box here, the challenge is made.

Here comes that free-kick. Stockdale with strong arms to flick

it over. Wiseman. Drinkwater on the run here. Danny Drinkwater. Caught

him, did he? That's a penalty. Clear as day. Great ball through.

On side, no question. The goalkeeper here was sluggish. Clear

foul, penalty for Barnsley. Here Davies in from a tight angle, just

flicked away by Stockdale's finger tips. Good save. Sonko slip. They

are in again. Davies again. Off the line. Wouldn't quite fall again for

him there. Craig Davies almost gifted his second of the night. The

with the corner. And Vaz at the -- Vaz Te! Where was the marking here?

Edwards with him, he got nowhere near Vaz Te. Murphy's cross. Back

in. They are back in the game, Keith Andrews has, within the first

25 seconds of the second-half reduced the arears to one. Keith

Andrews has scored the goal giving Andrews again, in the space of four

second-half minutes. The game has turned right around. It's 2-2 now.

Keith Andrews, the captain, has led here by some example. Rapid fire

goals in the second-half. The game is all square and up for grabs

again. Jason Scotland. Goalkeeper saves. Saves again. Flag is up. Two

of them offside, Chopra and Martin. Here's ra. -- Chopra. Lee Martin

takes on Wiseman. He has won a This remarkable turn around has

been completed by Danny Collins' header, 3-2 now. Ipswich Town at

half-time were out of this match, Chopra! Unbelievable! Four goals

and counting for Ipswich Town. Slick, fluid, flowing move.

Chopra's finish, of the post. 4-2, from two behind. Remarkable.

Absolutely remarkable. At half-time, unthinkable. Now. Sarin the palm of

their hand. Now, the points are in Ipswich Town. It has been the most

remarkable, crazy second half for them. A great cross from Cresswell.

A simple finish. That should see off Barnsley. Five for Ipswich,

three points. That losing run is for a Barnsley free-kick. There is

the foul, by Sonko. Craig Davies with the free kick and he has

scored again. Eight goals in eight matches. It is back to 5-3. A

lovely free-kick, past Stockdale. It is giving the neutrals a great

You have to give the players credit. You can rent or you like. I just

told them, the next goal is vital. If you get a goal, you never know

what can happen. I just said, believe in yourself. The first half,

we looked like we did believe in ourselves. We scored early, and you

could see the confidence in the players, going right through the

team. 2-0, we probably should have managed the game better. I would

give credit to Ipswich, they are excellent side. You look at the

calibre they have got, the reality of the lead -- League is that

anybody can beat anybody. At 5-2, I was not comfortable, never mind

two-2. We conceded three goals from set plays again today. That is

disappointing. But I don't think it is time to gloat. It's a bit of

relief, put your feet up and think, thank God for that. That certainly

sums up the championship. Where did that come from? Well, good players

showing what they can do. A little bit of confidence, the captain

leading by example. And some real quality. They were staring down the

barrel at half-time. They needed a quick response. 20 seconds in, this

Wolves with her. This is the kind into the second half. The momentum,

from that four minutes, it's not a surprise that they went on and won

the game. All of a sudden Barnsley, from dominating the game, they are

level, with four minutes gone of the second half. All the sudden,

everybody starts to play and the Ipswich fans have had a few false

dawns, it's about building on this win? They are another side, a

little bit like Nottingham Forest. Lots of players come in, they've

got some big players. Big hitters. We would have expected them to do

better than they are. Ultimately, whatever happens, they are a mile

from the play-offs. If they don't get to that, it will end up as a

disappointing year. Barnsley, five wins out of seven. They have a

great FA Cup tie to look forward to against Swansea. A great first half

of the season. It's been fine, absolutely no problems. Considering

their budget? Yes, did a good job at Rochdale, doing a good job at

Barnsley. Baby One in every four or five years, they might have a go at

the play-offs. Craig Davies and Butterfield, two very good players.

It's League One now. Last Sunday, Charlton were drawn to Fulham in

the FA Cup. That isn't until next month, so their immediate focus was

7th League win in a row, they would have to do it the hard way. They

fell behind when Mat Sadler's shot ricocheted to Jon Macken.

Charlton's class showed. Hogan Ephraim had the defence back-

pedalling. He spotted the perfectly-timed run of Yann

Kermorgant to put them on level terms. After the break it was

anyone's game. Walsall wore closest to getting maximum points. Daryl

Russell was scurrying back to provide cover. The header off the

line denied Mat Sadler what might have been a winner. Instead, the

unfortunate defender made his mark for the wrong reasons. He collected

a second booking. So, Mat Sadler was first back to the dressing room

with a minute to play. But his foul had helped secure an excellent

Sheffield Wednesday. It was up against an Oldham side improving

all the time. After a goalless first half, a touch of magic from

David Prutton had their followers raising the roof at Boundary Park.

That put them on track for a third away win on the bounce. They last

achieved that four years ago. Six minutes from the end they sealed

the win that cement their place in the top two. Heroics in the olden

goal -- Oldham goal, before a penalty for a foul on Sanchez Watt.

Ryan Lowe kept his cool to earn them their 5th straight win in all

competitions. It sets them up nicely for the Yorkshire Da be with

Huddersfield. He's given a penalty and we have tucked it away. It has

happened in the past and I've not made a big fuss about it. We will

not make a big fuss about this, described his side has been like

caged animals this week after defeat at Charlton last time out

ended their unbeaten league run. From the start it was the cherries

that had more bite. They took the lead after 90 minutes when Harry

Arter latched on to Thomas's cross. He admitted it was possibly the

worst performance since he has been in charge. The visitors could have

been two up, but Ian Bennett denied Tranmere with a performance Carl

Robinson deemed near perfect. They never looked back after

establishing a 90 minute lead. Jabo Ibehre was unchallenged as he

nodded in Smith's cross. Rick Parry didn't quibble over the assessment,

declaring MK Dons the best side he had faced this season. Williams

life. The striker was on target for a 5th game running to keep

Sheffield United firmly in the promotion picture. His opener

against Rochdale took his tally to 12 overall. An impressive return,

considering he missed the opening nine games. That meant they were a

goal down just six minutes before the interval and the dale boss had

bigger concerns following Dean Holden's sickening collision with

his own keeper, David Lucas. Players from both sides helped him

get into the recovery position as the stretcher was called for. After

10 minutes, he was taken to hospital suffering concussion. That

left Mattie Edwards to take over in goal. Just before the hour, the

blades doubled their advantage. John Francois linked up with

Stephen Quinn and sent over the cross for Richard Cresswell. They

are now on course for a 5th straight win in all competitions.

Seven minutes later, Ched Evans smashed in the third to seal the

win. Bad news for Rochdale. Better for Lucas, he was given the all-

clear to travel home with the 80th for Yeovil of late. They were

without a win at home and six. They could have been sentenced to

another home defeat if Alan Judge's ferocious shot been lower. When the

opening goal came, it came late. It was the home side that got it with

a couple of minutes remaining. Two substitutes combined, as Steve

Makin teed up Andy Williams. The solitary goal means they win back-

to-back league games for the first caretaker boss a Mickey Barron had

a relatively quiet day. A gripping finale changed that. His team fell

behind after a neat flick, first- time shot and fundal -- fumble from

Scott Flinders. Niall McGinn scored. The home side spurred their chance

to whack the ball away. Sam Collins capitalised. The Hartlepool

skipper's joy was short-lived. A frantic five minutes produced

another dramatic twist. Diagouraga tumbled at the back. Brentford's

extravagant celebrations almost backfired. Danny Alexander's

penalty was saved. At the second attempt, he clinched the win. A

dream start for a Scunthorpe side hoping to avoid a 4th successive

league defeat. Andy Barcham picked his spot to perfection to establish

a third-minute lead against Carlisle. That goal was enough to

send them to the brake on top. They had that would work to thank for

keeping the visitors at bay. Peter Schneider had the chance to

equalise, but he was frustrated by the bath. Undeterred, Carlisle did

get their reward just past the hour. James Berret found a hole in the

Scunthorpe back line. Afterwards, Allendale admitted he would have

settled by point. Instead, he was left to reflect on another defeat.

Francois Zoko delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.

Only goal difference separates His latest port of call is Preston

North End, brought in to try to stop the club losing money. On the

pitch, things haven't been going swimmingly either. But his new club

nearly took the lead again Stevenage. Beale than a's shot went

wide. Darius Charles came closer, but he was denied a save -- with a

save from Thorsten Stuckmann. In injury time, Ian Hulme was denied

by Chris Day, before Neil Mellor again failed to find the target. On

recent form, few saw this coming. Colchester raced into the League

Against a Bury side that had won three in a row. Karl Duguid scored

the first. The scorer was more clear cut as they doubled their

advantage. Ian Henderson made good use of an inch-perfect cross. Col

Chester had just lost three games on the trot. This result was beyond

doubt once Karl Duguid stroked home the third. When things do click for

the Essex club, it can be spectacular. Lloyd James's terrific

free kick meant that in four of their six wins they have got four

goals. Bury's disappointing day finished with one moment to

remember, a late consolation from Lenell John-Lewis. It didn't make

the scoreline look much better. Just the response that Russell

Slade was hoping for after watching Leyton Orient crash out of the Cup

against Gillingham. The breakthrough arrived in the second

half when Troy Archibald-Henville was penalised for handball. Kevin

Lisbie did the necessary. Exeter simply had no answer. 10 minutes

later they were two down. This time, Kevin Lisbie pounced on a defensive

mistake to set up Johnathan Tehoue. No complaints from the Exeter boss,

Paul Tisdale. He admitted the home side were worthy winners. With

three minutes left, Archibald- Henville was in the thick of things

again. This time, the penalty was more clear-cut, allowing Kevin

Lisbie to get his second. It is their first league win since the

could be a big blow in the battle against relegation. It was rock

bottom Chesterfield took up just four Minister take the lead against

Wigan. D Morgan was on hand to convert a Craig Westcarr cross.

Wigan's -- Wigan's equaliser was down to persistent. Marcello Trotta

or had a shot cleared off the line, Winfield hit the would work.

Anthony McNamee showed them how it was done. 10 minutes into the

second half, and they were behind once more. D Morgan smashed home

his second of the afternoon, after a Tommy Lee goalkicker. Wigan have

the worst home record in the division. Home supporters could be

forgiven for fearing the worst. With just over 10 minutes to play,

Marcello Trotta or levelled things up. Warnock said afterwards that

the win was down to perseverance. His plight back row was made

eloquently in the 94th minute. Top scorer Stuart Beavon was on hand to

head home his 11th of the season and Secure Wigan's third win of the

Chesterfield's miserable run continues. We saw born with getting

their revenge over Huddersfield after the play-off misery back in

May. A couple of defeats for Huddersfield. Bournemouth have come

across some money. They have got Charlie Daniels in. The feel around

the club has changed? I think they have put another bid in for

somebody else. So, all of a sudden, the goals are very much moved. They

have gone from the have-nots, one or two players, including Marc Pugh,

who have signed a new deal. They would probably have had to go under

the previous regime. So they can look at other people's best players

and not lose their own. Exciting Another team doing well is MK Dons,

seven wins in a row for them. This is a stat for you, 62 goals they've

scored in all competitions. No- one's yet in double figures. I mean,

it's a fantastic stat simply because what you are doing is, as

players, you are not relying on one person who's shouldering the burden

of the responsibility of trying to win games. There are plenty of

people in the club who can win games. No doubt they're looking

strong. They've gone up to third and this has been a fantastic year.

To be fair, ever since the manager's taken over, he's done a

great job. He certainly has. Ward's come in for a bit of flak from the

Colchester fans. They are one of those clubs who've been in and

around the middle of the table and need to put a run together, a

consistent run, to tack themselves on to that play-off position.

there stability there? Yes, he hasn't done a bad job but they need

a bit of a run and don't seem to find a way of doing that. But

second half of the season, you know, if they can carry on with results

like that, that's achievable. Sheffield Wednesday one defeat in

13. They keep the pressure on the teams in front of them. 4,000 went

to that game in Oldham. I know it's not exactly far but the support is

great. I'm sure if they would have been allowed, they would have taken

a whole lot more. It's a huge club, fantastic support, really loyal

support and, you know, the sort of club that you want to do well

simply because the supporters are like they are. So good luck to them,

into a promotion spot now and looking good.

League Two now and to one of the divisions surprise packages, chet

nam town eight wins in the last league games. Fans now dare dream

of a return to League One. -- Cheltenham. It's a special season

for Cheltenham town like Arsenal, they're celebrating 125 years since

their formation, which is why they are wearing their original colour

of Ruby red. The feel-good factor doesn't end there. They know a win

over Southend will take them to within a point of the leaders.

Describe the atmosphere at the moment? Absolutely tremendous.

Brilliant club, great season, great cup run. Buzzing. Well-run and

enjoyable. When Mark Yates took over in Christmas 2009, Cheltenham

were struggling financially and were in danger of slipping out of

the Football League. It's a mark of their progress that under him two

years later, he's picked up November's manager of the month

award. We were here for your debut two years ago, who have you done to

progress from there? A lot of hard work? Yes, good staff behind me and

it's taken a bit of time. There was a bit of a mess here when we came,

a lot to clear up and sort out. manager brought in practically a

new team in the summer. Jimmy Spencer from Huddersfield and

defender Luke Garbutt came from Everton. We have done well with the

players from this year -- players this year. 18-year-old England

under 21 keeper Jack Buttland is the one who's caught the eye. This

is his hast game before he returns to his parent club Birmingham.

Premier League scouts have been flocking from far and wide to get a

look at him. It's been great for my development. To be coming here to

great staff and fans. A tear in the eye about today? Your last game?

mates are winding me up saying I'm going to cry at the end but I don't

think I will be, but it's been a great experience, I've enjoyed

every minute and it will be sad when I go. How about this for a

winter warmer. Cheltenham have drawn Tottenham away in the third

round of the FA Cup, a welcome financial lifeline. We should be

generating a six figure sum from the gate receipts. Shame we are not

on TV, but the away record is fab, winning eight on the bounce, so we

go to White Hart Lane with confidence and who knows what can

happen, 11v11. A great game in prospect today, looking forward to

this one? Yes, I am. Big strong side. Terrific football, attack

football. There'll be 30 crosses challenge, but there was no

stopping them. Penn putting Yates' men on the way to another win.

Penn's strong running was instrumental again. Spencer's

effort was blocked and Southend were still in danger. Unable to

clear the lines, they could only watch as Pack unleashed a great

effort with the outside of his boots. Waiting for the rebound,

Penn finished the job he started. Unfortunate for Pack, who was soon

going to be sick of the sight of the wood work, another ambitious

shot. The follow-up blasted wide. It was to be third time lucky for

the Cheltenham midfielder. Far more straightforward that time Southend

Yes, a pleasing performance, great result. Could have had more.

Thoroughly deserved. That's the run of form we are on at the moment, we

have to keep it going. You have come up as a division, can you spot

anything? This team's better than that one. Give ourselves a chance

of achieving something. We talked about it pre-season and sometimes

it can be hot air, but this group of players, there's something

special and it's a great result today. If you are not to return to

this club with these boys, have they got enough to finish the job

off? Yes, definitely, so much strength throughout the team, the

effort and mentality they have is amazing and together they have the

technical ability as well, so I see them going all the which. -- all

the way. Excellent. Jack Butland will be sorely missed. A 3-0 win

over the leaders Southend. A huge statement isn't it? Absolutely.

When you get in these situations, it's interesting to see the

manager's reaction as and what he has to say and it was difficult to

not read into that that he's very confident and rightly so after a

result like that. That'll probably reinforce the notion of what he

already knows that they've got more than enough now to have a really

good season. As for the rest of League Two, the

team level on points at the top with Southend was Crawley Town.

They were at home to Burton on Davis doesn't get many, but a peach

of a strike midway put the club on course for maximum points --

Crawley. Burton chased a fourth successive victory but hopes of a

turnaround disappeared. The unfortunate welcome backster put

past his own keeper for the second match in a row. That sealed it for

the home side, but there was still time for Tubbs to add a third seven

minutes from the end after his hat trick last week.

His 14th of the campaign, one to saver as Crawley soared to the

summit. Turner's Shrewsbury were in

touching distance of the automatic promotion places. Despite four

clean sheets in five matches, it was questionable defending that

allowed this goal with only 23 minutes to play, it ends the team's

run of defeats. Bristol Rovers thought there wasn't much danger.

Big mistake. This goal had Di Canio's team on course to stretch

their unbeaten league sequence to nine matches. Swindon were denied

victory with two minutes to spare. Wood ard was allowed to rescue

Rovers -- Woodards. This game got the go-ahead thanks

to an army of volunteer who is helped clear snow from the pitch.

They are probably wishing they hadn't bothered. Gillingham had the

better of the chances. Veiga needed to be sharp to keep out Weston.

This point stretches their unbeaten run to seven matches in league and

cup whilst Macclesfield are without a win in five. Thanks to Veiga,

they at least take a point. A terrific double stop denied Jackman

and Weston as it finished all off hopefuls at the start of the

day with Morecambe a point ahead of the visitors. Alless an dro came

close to scoring -- alless San dro. -- Alessandro. Bat could find no

way past roach. Two evenly matched sides get a point.

Torquay manager is not looking forward to the transfer window

knowing o cane is hot property. The young midfielder a whisker away.

They went close at the other end. Torquay tidied up. The Devon club

was chasing its fourth successive home victory. They were forced to

wait until the fourth minute of stoppage time when the match was

decided by a special strike from Nicholson. Too late for Barnet to

fight back. Torquay up with the almost got away. A rare goal from

Johnny Mullins gave them an early lead against a Hereford side hoping

to end a losing streak. Ten minutes after breaking the dead

log, the advantage was doubled as the home side struggled to clear

their lines. Revell set his sights. A wicked bounce got the better of

Bartlett, leaving the strugglers facing another defeat. If they

thought the game was sown up, they were mistaken. The home side were

put back into contention. A fabulous finish gave them fresh

hope toward the break. In fact, things got better for them

eight minutes later. Bartlett's long kick caused chaos and Delroy

Facey needed all of his power and strength to punish his former

employers. Despite the setback, the men

conjured up a winner. Mullins the unlikely hero with his second of

the game, a win that lifts his team to within two points of a play-off

cheer on show in East London with the dagger z on a run of eight

consecutive defeats. Things looked up after a goal on 23 minutes. --

Daggers. Vale's first goal in more than 500 minutes of football, no

wonder they were keen to celebrate. In the second half, Taylor's run

found the Cameroonian who in turn found the net. The defeat means the

Daggers slip to the bottom of the for Wimbledon whose inability to

protect the near post cost them dear. Hughes' cross got them on a

slippery slope. The team were unable to recover from the setback.

The decisive touchen suring Accrington's first away win of the

Boothroyd took charge. It's hoped he can revive the team short of

confidence. This header after 16 minutes against Crewe gave the new

boss the start he was looking for. Having lost seven of the previous

eight game, perhaps this would prove a step in the right direction.

The jump forward to the 61st minute, the same old problems resurfaced.

Poor defending allowed Leech-Smith to set up this equaliser.

Crewe were on the verge of claiming their first away draw this year,

although Langmead almost gave his new boss a winning start. Lang

meeld's frustration wouldn't end there. -- Langmead. He was

dismissed for a second yellow. Given their recent run, a draw

seems a good starting point for the new man in charge. He can see

today. I'm pleased. Disappointed not to win, particularly after

going 1-0 up. But it was important that we steadyed the ship a little

bit. The work rate so far has been excellent. Needs to go up a level

and it will. I've got some good lads.

This was a match between two sides both struggling for form. It was

the rock bottom visitor who is took the lead with half an hour to play.

Walton's shot was turned in on the line by Sutherland. Sutherland's

first for the club looks as though it would be enough to give

Fletcher's men consecutive win force the season. Hanson qualised

with just four minutes to play -- convecktive wins for the season.

Argyle held on for a draw. A pount that leaves both sides mired in

relegation trouble. -- a point. Painful end to that

game for Plymouth, but they are off game for Plymouth, but they are off

the bottom at least? Yes. Got to stay up after the last couple of

years they've had. It's important they do that. It's a big club, it

can be a very progressive club at that level but they have to make

sure they retain their stats. Crawley extend their unbeaten run.

They are unbeaten in 14 now in all competitions. Evans wants to end

2011 as the best team in Britain. 69%. An incredible record this

year? Fantastic. Six defeats in 55 games? Yes, not everyone's cup of

tea, but he's done a great job, no doubt about that. He's brought some

really good players. There's a bit of jealousy surrounding them, but

all you can do is the best with what you have got available and you

can certainly level that at him, it's been a great year for everyone

involved. A fourth game for Northampton, fourth different men

in charge but this time it's obviously a permanent appointment,

Boothroyd is now there. It's not a win on Saturday that maybe he

wanted but it's not the defeat so it stops the rot at the very least?

Well, it's a start, something to build from, let's put it that way.

Anything's better than what they've been through over the last month or

so. So yes, there's another one where they've got to just stop, get

a foundation, put something in place this year and hopefully take

that on next year. Landmark result for Accrington Stanley on Saturday

like Portsmouth, without an away win since February but they got it

and obviously inflict misery on AFC Wimbledon? Yes, they are on a poor

run Wimbledon after starting to - so well. I think they were in the

top three at one stage and all of a sudden they're not. Accrington

Stanley, Jonathan Coleman's done a great job, can't speak too highly

of him. You can't take anything away from him, he's done a great

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

job and they are going great guns. Before we go, the usual reminder,

if you missed any of goals, we are on the red button and Freeview

until midday on Sunday. Otherwise it's only iPlayer all week. The

extended highlights will be on the BBC Sports website. On Sunday

evening, Match Of The Day two, join Colin at 10.30, on BBC One this

time, it will include Martin O'Neill's first match in charge of

Sunderland when they take on Blackburn. As for us, we are back

next Saturday and we are on air at 11.40 after Match Of The Day.