11/02/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Last week we lost 17 fixtures in the Football League.

Somehow we beat that figure today. 20 matches were bespoke into the

icy conditions up and down the country. Steve Claridge has come in

from the cold tonight. We will discuss the gains that did survive

Saturday's big freeze. Leicester's promotion push needs to start and

start soon. They were at home against the team that ended their

play-off hopes two years ago, Cardiff City. These are worrying

times for Portsmouth off the pitch again. Pompey had to concentrate on

the football today when they travelled to Blackpool.

Paul Munro and got the green light at the 11th hour, but by the 12th

hour, the referee had doubts. -- Paul Quinn Road. The bemusing

afternoon. And 40 years after one of the FA

Cup's greatest-ever shocks, the class of 72 were hoping the current

generation could secured three valuable survival points with a win

over local rise of -- rivals Cheltenham Town. We start tonight

at the King power stadium where Leicester City entertain Cardiff

City. Leicester went into the weekend in 13th place, eight points

away from the play-off places. They were desperate for a run that would

take them into the top six. Cardiff began the day in fourth place, with

West Ham's game against Peterborough has boned, they were

Peterborough has boned, they were looking for a win to close the gap

at the top. -- postponed. Leicester made one change with Paul Gallagher

coming in for Neil Danns. Jermaine Beckford started after his red card

last week was rescinded. One change the Cardiff as vintage came in for

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couldn't make contact. A good ball header for Gallacher to latch onto.

-- a nice cushioned header. Cardiff struggling to get the ball away.

Marshall had to be smart to get to that. The Cardiff keeper at full

stretch. A good ball in from Gallagher and the Cardiff keeper to

their rescue. Another crossfield pass looking to get Leicester on

the attack. Dealt with this time. Conway was caught in possession.

Beckford! Comfortable in the end for Marshall. Beckford continues to

first half. And that is a good ball for Beckford. He went himself and

that was wild. His manager doesn't look too happy about it. It is all

again keeps Cardiff in it. A Penalty. No hesitation from the

referee. A real scrap in the six- Collecting his thoughts.

Interesting approach from Paul Gallagher. He scores! Leicester are

in front. Paul Gallagher's 8th goal of the campaign and that has been

coming. Preferred not to look at Miller but the flag is up. It won't

but he is rocked by the flag. -- But should Nugent have done better?

Possibly so. A lovely ball in, it was put on a plate for him and

Marshall with the save. Cardiff have and lost back-to-back games

for almost a year, but they are struggling here. Beckford! Marshall

back into this. Given away to Konchesky. There could be a counter

- yellow-card the Don Cowley. Dyer had his heels clipped. Gallagher

Gallagher? His second of the game puts Leicester in command. Without

a win in their last five at home, they might just get one today.

Terrific hit from Gallagher. that. Corner-kick. -- just about.

The whistle has gone and it is a penalty. Mark Halsey has spotted a

Ledger. Peter Whittingham against Kasper Schmeichel. It is 2-1. His

9th of the campaign gives Cardiff a glimmer of hope. But in fairness,

they have been second best for large spells in this game. We have

drawn too many games here in the last half a dozen games. It has

been a frustrating time. Today I think we have dominated the game

for long periods. I think we are worthy winners today. There's no

doubt we have the potential to push on in the division. But we have to

do it. How is the Carling Cup final affecting you at the moment? Is it

about 100th time you have been asked? At least! It is the way it

has always been. The boys are focused on League games. We have

not played well today and we did not play well last week. It is one

of these things that you concentrate on the league. There's

always a long way to go. We are 30 games in, plenty left. A lot of

points to be played for. We will have to have a decent run. I think

that is... We will have to pull out all the stops, but having said that,

I think we have the capability and spirit to do that. A good win for

Leicester. They need to make their move to make the play-offs. I have

a genuine contenders was backed yes. We'll know they have underperformed.

If there's a team in that section you would expect to have a late

challenge it would have to be Leicester City because of the

quality of the players. Paul Gallagher only got his chance today

because of suspensions. He took it with both hands. Two fantastic set

pieces. He doesn't even look at the keeper. He drilled a low and hard.

I used to hate it when the keeper stood there. This is great

technique. He leans to one side and lifts it over the wall. Nothing the

keeper can do about that. Two match-winning moments. Malky Mackay

alluded to the Carling Cup effect. As a player, if you have reached

the League Cup final, does it affect your league form? He didn't

with us. In a way it is a bit of a tonic. You can't put the importance

or understate the importance of winning games. We know about the

Championship and how difficult every game is. I would rather think

of it as a coincidence rather than their form telling off because of

the cup final. They will be OK. think so. They have been up their

Michael Day, you would expect them to be there or thereabouts. More

from the top of the Championship now. Southampton's form hasn't been

the best of late with no win in five in all competitions. With West

Ham's game called off, the Saints knew they would close the gap to

one. At the top if they could beat Burnley at St Mary's. With just two

wins in 10 league outings, Southampton have waved goodbye to

their early-season dominance and they were facing a tricky test here.

Burney travelled to St Mary's boasting the division's second best

away record, but it didn't take long for us Southampton to make

their mark. Eight minutes gone and they were ahead. Fraser Richardson

with good work down the right flank and Adam Lallana got his 7th League

goal of the season. With Burnley reeling, Southampton almost made it

two moments later. But Lee Grant was equalled the Rickie Lambert's

effort and as you would accept -- expect from the top scorer, Lambert

was a nuisance. But it wasn't all one-way traffic. Saints' keeper

Kelvin Davis did well to keep his eye on this Keith Treacy bullet.

With West Ham's game against Peterborough cancelled, this was

the perfect opportunity for the Saints to regain some ground and

just after half an hour, that looked even more likely when Billy

Sharp was in the right place to bundle home Lambert's cross for his

first goal since joining from traps in the second half. The

substitute was unable to provide the finishing touch. Southampton

pressed for another goal. This really was breathless stuff of.

David Connolly could only steer it wide. With full time approaching,

Connolly thought he had made it 3. But this is done referee ruled it

offside, so Southampton moved to within one point of leaders West

Ham, who they play next on Valentine's Day, or Tuesday if you

are not loved up. It was a good victory today. We played some good

football. Could have scored some more goals. We looked solid

defensively and very strong as a squad of players. We were beaten by

a better team today. Full credit to Southampton. They played extremely

well. I was disappointed with our first half display. Didn't really

get going. The second half was better, but we could not make a

It has not been great. But it is easy to say, we are on a poor run.

But let's forget about that. Les assess our season until now.

Fantastic season. Let's wipe the slate clean and look at it as a

positive rather than a negative, and start again. Let's isolate the

rest of the season and try and finish the season. That is what

they have done. They have put that run behind them and given a great

performance. You saw Adam's goal in midweek. He was the stand out in

the middle of the week. That was a great header. Great technique, a

great ability. He is a good all- round player for stock next is

Bloomfield Road, where Blackpool entertained Portsmouth.

Ian Holloway's Blackpool went into the play-off on the back of five

games unbeaten including last week's stunning win at Cardiff. For

Portsmouth, the possibility of administration was surely playing

championship's former sides. The visitors may not even be in

business be on the next few weeks. Yet another financial crisis

threatens to engulf the best efforts of their manager. Blackpool

are looking at a possible third place if they win again. Recent

form suggests that another three points Beckhams. They rang the

changes before that win at Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.

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There are three more changes today the referee's assistant, Richard

Clark, has flag it. He was obscuring the view as well. There

was the obstruction. That could have been very difficult for

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There is clearly frustration for him Holloway. He feels that the

Portsmouth defence has been rough and ready. Steve Thomson is now

Ford's -- Portsmouth have the lead. All the financial troubles, all the

uncertainty, but on the pitch, they have got it right. Look at the

space he was allowed. Huseklepp, on his own. No one seemed to rushed to

block him, or even mark him. These are the supporters who are showing

their frustration at the current financial crisis, the latest

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misses the pass, and the manager wanted. Just under 15

minutes to go. There was no answer to that. Beautifully curled free-

kick. And the team who like to leave it late are on course once

screw. To be honest, it is probably two. Lost in a way. Regardless of

the pressure that Blackpool put asunder in terms of putting us in

the box, we had opportunities to go ahead. We were not clinical enough.

We need to be more clinical in the coming games. Was a draw the least

your side deserve tonight? I am slightly biased, but I thought so.

I am just fuming about their goal. I thought we were having a good

attack. It was brought to a stop by two files. We should have been

awarded a free kick. That led directly to them scoring just

before half-time, which is bitterly disappointing for me. Although we

did not play as well as we can, we were pretty comfortable. And then

from a situation where we were stretching them, we scored in the

second half. Just frustrated. have only been manager for a short

time. Is this the most important week since you have taken over?

is an important week for everyone concerned with Portsmouth Football

Club. We are looking for a knight in shining armour to come and help

us and give us an opportunity to That is just one defeat in 11 now

for Blackpool. When the dust settles, will he be happy? Possibly.

Portsmouth had chances. There were two or three opportunities to put

the game to bed. They did not take them. They were always vulnerable

to Blackpool having their period in the game, which they did towards

the end. But overall, when we talk about chances created, Blackpool

took advantage. We saw a terrific set piece earlier from Paul

Gallagher. Here was another example. It was slightly different. He tends

to keep more upright. But they were both fantastic free-kicks. That

just shows how important they are. How do you assess Portsmouth's

situation? The threat of a 10 point deduction, players are not getting

paid, it shows some spirit to get a point. They have good players in

Portsmouth, no doubt about that. Plenty of Premiership experience.

You would expect them to be OK in that division. A couple of weeks

late on their wages should not affect them. And Huseklepp? Looks

as if he is finally starting to find his feet. He is a decent

player. Very lively on occasion. He knows how to stick the ball in the

back of the net. He is looking like the player everyone imagined he

would be. Now to the match between Ipswich

Town and Middlesbrough. It was a confusing day in East Anglia, to

put it mildly. Temperatures plummeted in Suffolk overnight and

the game looked in jeopardy, as part of the pitch was still frozen.

The ground staff and heating devices did their bit, and after a

pitch inspection, the game finally got the go-ahead at 2pm. That was

ground, that touchline. The throw end, the header from Daryl Murphy

in the main stand thought it was in. Getting away from two defenders.

And the flag is up. Daryl Murphy has come as close as anyone to

scoring, with a cracker of a shot that came off the underside of the

bar. The right foot shot, hit with Middlesbrough. There is a little

bit of frost on the surface. It's unpredictable sometimes quite how

There was no-one else involved. As he cleared the ball, he had trouble

with his right hip. The two managers are in conversation there

with the officials. I just wonder how much pressure there might be

placed on the referee here, who judged the pitch playable at 2.00pm.

Sonko unable to continue. So, Ipswich are forced into a change.

It's's Damian Delaney who comes on. It's not just the white paint of

here before Middlesbrough can take the throw-in. He is coming to the

touchline. The fourth official is Mr Wayne Porter. And, they've

decided, it would appear, that the game cannot continue. The referee

Dean Whitestone pointing to the ten yard strip in front of the main

stand, which is clearly showing signs of frost. The players are

being brought off. They haven't managed to complete a half of this

managed to complete a half of this fixture. Should the game have been

called off? Should it have started? Hindsight is a wonderful thing. At

100.00 am, the pitch was under a hot air balloon, it was perfect. No

problem. Then, obviously, at 1.00pm the weather has got into it.

Ultimately, it's the right decision. The frustration for the supporters

who, from Middlesbrough, have travelled a long way, and the

people of Ipswich who come along today. Frustrating to get a game

started and and call it off. Sonko has cracked a rib. It has to be

down to the pitch. It was really hard out there. Maybe that affected

the referee's decision also. It being 0-0. If one team or the other

scores it becomes difficult. wouldn't have started it personally.

I was conscious that Ipswich is aware we have injuries. We played

extra-time on the FA Cup on Wednesday night. We travelled five

hours on a coach to get here. It probably suited them to play. The

reality was it wasn't safe. Just a half day. What were your thoughts?

There weren't any real complaints from either manager. A player's

safety is paramount, no matter what anybody says. The hot air balloons

luel you into a false sense of security. The ground quickly re-

freezes after it is taken off. At 3.45pm, already you have had two-

and-a-half, or three hours of hard frosty weather that pitch would

have gone hard, very, very quickly. All of a sudden you have a

different complexion. You have a hard pitch rather than one is

playable. The referee has to make a decision. I think it's the right

decision. There weren't to many complaints. He conifered and asked

everybody? He had to think, hold on, if somebody is injured, badly

injured because of that, I have to take responsibility for that

because I've allowed this game to continue. I think he made the right

decision, albeit under difficult circumstances. We would of throfd

have heard from the referee. He declined our invitation to the

refer. He gave us a statement. We needed to hear from him, didn't we?

He is doing himself a disservice. It wasn't the simple lest, I called

it at 1.00pm it's fine at 4.00pm it is not. There were circumstances

that he couldn't control. I mean, it doesn't give you an awful lot.

It doesn't do him any favours either, does it? We have been here

before at Portman Road. Remember these pibtuers. The game finished,

-- pictures. The game finished. Ipswich were up at the time.

have seen someone going down there. It's reasonably soft. A couple of

weeks ago Birmingham and Southampton on a similar pitch.

Really hard. We had a little bit of bad weather on that occasion. It

killed the game as a spectacle. You know, players need to play on

decent surfaces. We want to see decent games. If you can't do that,

call it off. You feel for the Middlesbrough fans, 500 mile trip?

If you haven't got under floor heating, you can't guarantee the

game will go on. The hot balloon will keep it OK when it's on, but

once you take it off it really once you take it off it really

freezes. Bristol City travelled to KC Stadium. Before this one jack

hobs hadn't scored for a while. Two minutes later this cross enabled

them to make it 2-0. Bristol City failed to score in three of their

last four games. He hit the woodwork before Chester cleared off

the line. Hull Keeping David James on his toes.

This effort tipped over here. Before this one, Hull had managed

one win in the last 12 league matches. Fryatt scored a first

league goal in 11 games. City made one attempt to breach the meanest

defence in the region. Hull's biggest victory was a welcome boost

biggest victory was a welcome boost for their promotion prospects.

know there is a long way to go. We want to be in the mix. We want to

chase the teams down above us. We have to get our house in order and

keep playing the way we are playing and stay under the radar. Smile if

you are at home to the division's you are at home to the division's

bottom club? Thank you. That club is Coventry who have not won an

away league game this condition. Reading have won six of their last

eight. They are closing in on the play-offs. A smiling day too for

Jimmy Kebe bay who got a goal. He has been out for a month with a

knee injury. Another happy Royal was Jason Roberts who deflected in

Connolly's header to make it 2-0. His second goal since arriving from

Blackburn. Reading's keeper was in brilliant form. How did he save

this? If that was good, how about this save from the Australian

hasn't scored since before Christmas, he nearly ended his

drought here. The man of the match, Reading keeper, another super save.

Coventry were unlucky. Maybe they should have been wearing shirts

should have been wearing shirts with 13 on the back. We gave us an

uphill battle. We had a go the second-half. I can't believe he

saved some of them. The goalie was excellent. We have a fantastic

goalkeeper. We are fortunate to have him. He pulled off three

important saves. We haven't played for a couple of weeks. Never an

easy game today. Delighted to come easy game today. Delighted to come

in 2-0 and get three points. Leeds caretaker manager was given three

more matches to keep his job by the Chairman after last weekend's 3-0

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at the other end as both teams seemed determined not to score.

Brighton went ahead after Leeds made a mess of clearing a corner. A

third of the goals the Seaguls have conceded came in the last 15 of the

matches. Going into added time a draw was a likely outcome. Alan

draw was a likely outcome. Alan Navarro scored for the club.

best part was in the five or ten minutes. We kept playing and trying.

We went for the winner. Sometimes you need luck. Stand by for one of

you need luck. Stand by for one of the misses of the season. Nigel

least, a little patchy at times. Derby's Callum Ball going close. At

the other end, the skipper Paul Robinson couldn't get near the goal

with his header. There were only three attempts on target in the

whole match. It's time for that miss. It came from Derby. Jamie

Ward had a long rein shot which he couldn't add to his four goals this

but his header was way ward. It means that Millwall have won only

once in the League since Boxing Day. They remain relegation threatened.

Derby, meanwhile, are slap bang mid Derby, meanwhile, are slap bang mid

table. We put Derby under pressure and couldn't get the breakthrough.

That was frustrating. The way the results results have gone it's a

point. We move on. Delighted with the clean sheet. The conditions

made it difficult. Determined away performance. We kept a lot of clean

sheets in January. Didn't keep one at Barnsley, lovely to get back to

form defensively today. Reading, Federici, six clean sheets in nine.

How impressed were you with him? The first save is incredible.

The first save is incredible. Fantastic. Strong arm to get that

over the top as well. Absolutely fantastic save. Three or four

occasions when you are talking about him. Saves out of the top

drawer. One manager was praising him and one was thinking, good

grief grief I hope we don't get a keeper in that form. He puts teams

on the back foot. He will keep it and go with it. A great way of

keeping possession and taking the pressure off when you need to.

Elegant mover as well. He comes inside. That is what he does well

off the line. It's a strike. I'm not sure that he meant it to go in

just like that. It's a super goal. The way he joins from there and is

prepared to come inside. To get past people and break the lines is

How impressed were you with Brighton's win? Brighton remind me

of Southampton. Fantastic start. There dodgy spell came a bit before

Southampton, but Guus has moved a couple in and moved a couple out.

And suddenly, they have picked up again. They have won fired out of

A quick word about Hull City. You see signs that they have a spread

of goals? Absolutely. We have had a centre half, a midfielder and a

forward who have scored it today. It is always good when you have got

that, rather than relying on one or two players. If everyone is making

their share, it takes the pressure off.

Just one more game to bring you in the championship from the City

Ground, when Nottingham Forest took on Watford. It was an emotional

occasion as Forest paid their respects to Nigel Doughty, who died

state of shock as Forest fans paid tribute to their man who had done

so much for his club over the last 13 years. Both sides paid their

respects, with a minute's applause to kick-off. In an emotional game

since the tragic news, Forest were determined to get off to an

uplifting start. They did just that, thanks to Gareth McCleary's first

driver. Scott Loach was beaten from 25 yards after 90 minutes.

Mercury's early strike stung the Hornets into action. With half-time

approaching, they had levelled things. Forest must have feared the

worst. But the hosts looked more likely to go ahead after the

restart. Marlon Harewood did brilliantly to shake off four or 5

Watford players. Watford had their moments. But the woodwork came to

Forest's rescue this time. Back came Forest with a scampering

Gareth McCleary, but once again, their finishing let them down. And

it was the same man off-target. There was just enough time for

Forest 2 again illustrate perfectly why they have scored the East goals

in the division this season. It was an emotional day. Forest remain

five points from safety. It has been difficult trying to get on the

grass this week, but it was a good performance by our lads today. It

was a game we felt we deserved to win. Credit to Watford, they are a

spirited bunch, but we deserved to win. We could have won two games

How difficult as into playing those emotional circumstances? You could

see the players and how they help the chairman with respect. It

at what happened. It is difficult in any circumstances to deal with

something like that, but you have to get on with it. And they did

that today. They played very well. They have to start turning things

around. It is not just about the result, but the performances way

you get a positive. They are Do you see signs that they can beat

the drop? You can only do that from playing well, and they did that

today. The run has gone on for a while now, and it needs to be

turned around quickly. They are four or five points off safety.

That is uncomfortable at this stage of the season. They need to get

within touching distance. League One now, and a couple of

nine games were postponed on Saturday, including leaders

Charlton's game at Chesterfield. Both Sheffield clubs were in action,

though, and looking to close the puncture a ground not to do it when

play catch-up, it would be sent James's park. They failed to come

away with a victory. They throw away the lead against a side who

had this effort ruled out. The scoring at the other end. Dereck

Taylor was unable to divert his follow up towards goal. Gary Megson

accused his players of not being worth the money they are earning.

But then there was another beauty. Megson also raved that his team's

lack of shape. With his team-mates having discovered their cutting

edge, the goalkeeper proved he was equally effective in front of goal.

At the other end, David Noble Devon gave United the chance to

close the gap on their City rivals. But despite dominating for long

spells, we come's resistance was holding firm. But we can have found

some form of late. The decision to string five across the back

continued to frustrate their high- begging for a finish. After another

let-off, perhaps Wycombe so has -- introduced some Hoskins in an

attempt to find a breakthrough. Five minutes after coming on from

the bench, the Brighton loan gave him just what he was looking for. A

debut goal put them on course for a sixth successive home win. That had

Wycombe rocking. Later they were heading for a fourth straight

defeat on the road. United went in search of more. On another day, the

challenge they have led to a penalty, but the referee allowed

the challenge. That goal put the Blades back in the groove after

successive defeats. The Whitcombe boss declared himself proud of his

players despite the setback, claiming that more performances

like this will give them a chance of beating the drop. His side's

hard work gives him encouragement for the fight that lies ahead. For

the Blades, this was the perfect way to prepare for a trip to

Huddersfield on Tuesday. In second half stoppage time, a month Donald

plastered in his first for the club. It was a deserved three points. It

was a very stubborn resistance that Wycombe put up. But a first goal is

always instrumental in the rest of the game. The system they set up

tried to make it frustrating for us. But we kept up very well. It is not

always easy. But that first goal was very important.

Peter Beardsley was one of the 4500 that braved the conditions at

Victoria Park. They witnessed attritional stuff for most of this

match. Freezing temperatures and a bone-hard pitch were not likely to

bring the best out of either team. A half-time cup of tea would have

been foremost in many minds as put the game on ice. Hartlepool

have failed to score in seven of their last 11 home league matches.

Peter Hartley's header did not look like improving that record. This

was a point that did little for either side's prospects. It is

going to be very difficult. It is very tight at the top.

Disappointing that we could not get in there today. If we had won, we

have got -- would have got into sixth place. It was a hard game

today. We knew Bournemouth were a good side. They brought a lad in

for �800,000. It is great to be able to do that. I did not think we

played to the best of our ability. But that was a good point against a

strong side. First win in five for Exeter. Does

the day belonged to them in league one? I think so. It is not as big a

surprise as you might imagine. I watched them a couple of games ago

against Charlton. They played well. They pushed Charlton all the way.

This was always going to be a tough game. Great free kick. Two free

kicks again. I watched David Noble extensively at Bristol City. He is

capable of that. It was a tough game for Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheffield United, nine wins out of 11. Great goal from Kevin Macdonald.

It was. The loan system has worked well. They are a club that can push

things more than others at that level. It is a good record so far

for stopping terms of both Sheffield clubs, both out of the FA

Cup. Will that help their promotion push?

I am not 100% sure it works like that. The stats do not quite bear

that out. I think the more games you win, the more confident you

feel. Some will react differently. It was a super day for Sheffield

United. They have jumped into third. They have games in hand. They are

looking like one of the favourites to get promotion. Stalemate for

Hartlepool today, but they are going well under Neil Cooper. Are

they a dark horse? Seven points off the play-offs. They have not got

the latitude of the others in the transfer market. They are having a

topsy-turvy season. But so far, so good.

The two now, where eight games fell victim to the weather over the

weekend. One that survived was the Friday night encounter between

Southend and Rotherham. Southend new a win would send them above the

does Crawley to the top of the table.

-- above the leaders Crawley. Seaside towns and sub-zero

temperatures make an uncomfortable mix. Southend certainly seems to be

suffering some winter Blues. Three defeats out of four have had their

promotion hopes. A debut goal from a one-time prolific striker who had

failed to find the net in 17 games for the Shakers. According to Andy

Scott, Rotherham have not been getting the breaks recently. Their

luck was about to change. The second half performance was deemed

it completely unacceptable. A spirited performance from Rotherham

caught the eye. It was confirmed Bitterly disappointed. I aired my

views with the players. I'm going to pick 11 players now that will do

to the letter what Paul wants. Some of the players out there thinking

they are players all of a sudden and changed their style and adopted

a different style of play than what we were doing to make it successful.

The players will either pay the penalty for that or change to what

penalty for that or change to what Shrewsbury side hoping to pip them

in the promotion race. James Collins almost gave them the

perfect start. After the striker had another opportunity coming his

way. This through pass put the home defence in trouble. Collins failed

to make them pay. That served as a wake-up call for Torquay who

extended their unbeaten run to eight unbeaten games. This drive

had Chris Neal at full stretch. They hadn't lost since mid-October.

Atieno tried his best to steer the second one goal wards. Torquay

ramped up the pressure. It was anybody's game. After the restart

the Shrews went in search of the win. The Devon club responded with

a flowing move that almost brought the opener. Stevens had a sight of

goal. He was denied for the second time. Torquay are top of the form

table. If they continue like this, they could top the one that really

matters. Atieno got the decisive blow. Six wins in the row with goal

difference keeping them out of the the winning side to continue his

100% record. He was glad to be level at the break after Shrimps

player struck the post. This header forced the keeper into a flying

save. After blocking McGleish he was relieved when this shot went

wide. Rovers breakthrough came thanks to Richards. He wrong footed

the defence, with the help of a couple of deflection Lee Browne was

able to bounce. Jim Bentley was happy to have a match for the first

time in three weeks. But he may have wished otherwise when they

conceded a penalty. McGleish got his ninth of the season from the

spot. Rovers were left hanging on for the final few minutes. This

kick allowed Burrow to go through. The Shrimps score got his 13th

season. As Alistair Darlinged time ticked away as opportunity came.

The keeper won this one by his The keeper won this one by his

finer tips. Tfrplgts cost us two goals. When the first one went in

we are up against it. Confidence is low. We were looking good for a

point in the game. There is a goot atmosphere around the training

ground, in the dressing room and a determination about the squad. As a

squad, not just 11, but as a squad to prepare and work hard at

training and go out in the games and give it their best shot.

Bristol Rovers, Mark McTkwee gee, won three in three. With are the

dynamics when a new man comes in? There has been a lot of business

done at Bristol Rovers. Good players have come in there. I

suppose, a little bit like Leicester were play verse come in,

we expect better of them, it hasn't worked out. Obviously, change of

face, change of environment, change of requirements, possibly, and

change of style and management, whatever you want to see. You then

win three out of three. The potential was there and it was down

to bringing it to the fore. Torquay, are they on a roll? They are. This

was a game of two informed sides. Torquay have won their last five

Torquay have won their last five Torquay have won their last five

and S hrewsbury the last three. They won their last six and won

them by a single goal. They know what they need to do to win games

of football. They are doing that. They are the real team in form at

that stage. Martin Lee manager of the month. We know what that means?

Better the devil you know. They will be weary of that. Southend

losing, Crawley's game closed off, Cheltenham town went to Hereford.

It was a chance to remember one of their most iconic moments. Clem

joined in the celebrations. February 5th1972, a date that is

literally etched into Hereford United's DNA. It was an FA Cup

third round re-play that had been postponed four times with eight

minutes to go, might yu Newcastle United took the lead. The non-

leaguers seemed down and ought at until, o on this very spot? Right

until, o on this very spot? Right there. This happened. Radcliffe.

Radford again, what a goal! What a goal. Radford the scorer. Ronnie

Radford. The crowd... The crowd are invading the pitch. Now, it will

invading the pitch. Now, it will take some time to clear the field.

In extra-time then, keep me right again. This patch. Substitute Ricky

George scored the goal that secured the famous win they are still

the famous win they are still celebrating 40 years later. George.

He's got it. Ricky George. Ricky George has done it! What a moment

George has done it! What a moment for Hereford. What is the one thing

that will stick with you, Colin? it's true, they are here now,

either side of me, the two goals. Ronnie's thunder bolt for the

equalliser Android Ricky's for the winner. So many things that day,

defining, yes, those two. The goals. Every time I watch it, it's just

special. I see something different every time I watch it. The memory

is always there. We are never allowed to forget it. You get the

winner. Yes. His goal gets shown all the time? You won't believe how

many times over the years I tried to claim his goal. A lot of people

don't know. When they hear my name sometimes they think I'm him. I

don't actually contradict them. This weekend reminded me of what a

big day it was for Hereford. Big day for Ronnie Radford, enormous

day for me. That was my first season on Match of the Day. That

helped to put me on the map. certainly did. You are the honorary

13th man? They had one sub. Ricky scored the winning goal and the

captain. I came to the reunions, he nicknamed me the 13th man. Hereford

United's heroes of 1972 aren't the only ones who have written

themselves into club folk law. Jamie Pitman was part of the squad

relegated out of the football League in 2007 and came back up, 16

months ago he swapped his fizz Yeo band for managerial baptism of fire.

Extra pressure or motivation? Motivation. Fan tasttoibg have them

around certainly. It puts the club on the map. The city on the map.

But, for us, for me, personally, I see them a lot. They have been

fantastic with me personally. Great to have them here. He was better

than I was. Are you an elevated fizz Yeo or are you definitely a

properly fully-fledged manage sner I hope a fully-fledged manager. I

hope that is how I'm seen now. I have been in it long enough now to

prove to people I'm good enough to do the job. I certainly still

believe that I am. And, that we are capable of getting out of this

bottom basement battle. You know, bottom basement battle. You know,

let's hope... It looked like the balls might be in the mood for

upsetting the odds once again. This opening goal may not have been a

vintage but it was a welcome boost for the home side that haven't

collected a home win in nine league and cup games. Things might have

been better, Featherstone was denied. Luke Summerfield cleared

off the line. Cheltenham required a point to return to the top of

League Two. They weren't at their best in the first half. A re-think

at the interval paid dividends almost immediately. Their

equalliser came four minutes after the restart, Kaid Mohammed gave

this cross the finish it deserved. This effort was one of several from

Mohammed as Hereford feared another defeat. This was headed off the

line from Mohammed. This scissors kick wasn't as sharp as he would of

liked. Following defeat with Crawley midweek, this miss didn't

Crawley midweek, this miss didn't go down in Hereford folk law.

played very well in the first period. They are working hard

enough. Good young players, just can't get that win. It's October

since we won a home game. A long, long time. Never mind looking for a

win, they will be celebrating in 40 years time. Anything here will do?

Yes. We had our chance at the end there. Tom had a decent chance. I

would rely on him to take that norm Ali, he is a good finisher. Have

you to accept you are up against a decent side sometimes. It's a point

gained much we have to kick on and maintain our away form. We have

enough good players. Good young players. Some experienced... We

have enough to stay up. That is for sure and get clear from the bottom.

Never tierp of seeing that Ronnie Radford goal. They will be forever

associated with the FA Cup? They lfplt time moves on. They have

serious - they have to address the fact they have won two in 14. They

are four points above the relegation zone. That is, basically,

their brief. That is their manager's brief is to stay in this

decision. -- division. Is the FA Cup history a weight on his

shoulders? There is a lot of water under the bridge. I don't think so.

Times change. Fizz Yeos have a reasonable record. Les Parry did

well. Bertie Me and Neil Warnock. It takes all sorts? He has done OK

so far. His brief will be to keep them in that division. So far, if

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

the status quo remains as it is. The show is on the red button and

free view until 9.45pm on Sunday morning and on the iPlayer. If you

want highlights of each game you will see it on the BBC sport

website. More football on Sunday. Match of the Day 2 will have

highlights of the two Premier League games. Manchester City hope

to go top of the table as they Manish will be back next Saturday.