13/08/2011 The Football League Show

Evening. After a week the nation would

rather forget, football had the chance to put a smile back on a few

faces with the second round of games in the NPower Football League.

Taking into account the mid-week League Cup games, some sides were

eyeing a dream start to the new season with a hat-trick of wins.

Steve Claridge is here, ready to give us his expert opinion on the

day's events. There's quite a bit to get through.

Y day in the West Midlands as Coventry took on Birmingham. Both

sides looking for their first win of the season. Ipswich were top.

They were looking to stay there. Notts County and Charlton had good

wins. 11 weeks ago he took Torquay United to the League Two final. He

has his home game in charge as the new manager of Bristol Rovers.

We start tonight in the Midlands. It's safe to say, last season was a

mixed bag for Birmingham City. The Blues, of course, won the

Carling Cup, but that success was tempered somewhat by relegation

from the Premier League. Now, their focus is all about

getting to grips with the Championship after a two year

absence. They lost their opening game last

Saturday, so were looking to bounce Saturday, so were looking to bounce

back against local rivals Coventry, stung by the mid-week Cup humbling

at the hands of Bury. Your commentator is John Roder. In

2006 and 2008 Birmingham City were relegated to the Championship and

went straight back up to the Premiership this year. Coventry

haven't finished above 17th in the Championship in the last five

seasons. One change to the Birmingham side that lost last

weekend Chris Wood replaces Adam McSheffrey celebrating his birthday

today. He is 29. Officials, managers and players are wearing

black armbands as a mark of respect to the three people who lost their

lives in Birmingham this week, in tragic circumstances.

touch back. Denied the shot there from Gomis. The challenge was made

got a yard or so there on Caldwell. That was a great opportunity for

the first goal of this match. Good movement from the Coventry striker.

Dragging his shot wide. Jutkiewicz who got nine goals last season for

Coventry after joining them from Everton in the summer of 2007. He

was the second top scorer behind Marlon King. Corner, won by

Beausejour. This corner from Jordon much to be aimed towards. Wood!

Straight at Joe Murphy. A touch off balance there, Chris Wood leaning

back as he made the header towards goal. Plenty of players have left

St Andrew's since their relegation from the Premier League. It's

expected a few more might follow before the Klose of the transfer

window. Coventry free-kick, foul on free-kick is a fraction left off

centre. Clingan has a good shot on him, he drives it in, gets a

deflection and it just pushes wide. Myhill on full stretch to push it

around the corner. Not helped that it got a touch off the Birmingham

player on the way. Through the wall. It might just have been striking

an excellent shot. That's a super save from Myhill. McSheffrey

rooking -- looking to score against his old club. Denied by the goal

keep keeper. Myhill with both hands Beausejour, woods the player in the

middle. What a chance for Birmingham! Just over. Super move

from Birmingham City. It almost resulted in the opening goal of the

match. Beausejour with the dangerous ball in. Wood was on it

in a flash. Unfortunately, from Birmingham's point of view, putting

Gomis will have a go as well. Keeper pushed it over. He was

Relatively easy for Murray. Nobody down the left hand side now for

Coventry. Looking for Jutkiewicz. Oh, was that across the line? The

Coventry fans say that was a goal. The assistant on this near side was

perfectly placed. It's a high hanging ball in. Quite clearly over

the goal-line. The ball does not look to be clearly over the line.

Myhill goes into the goal, the ball does not. He will be hugely

the first half, this time, unable lay it back into the middle. It's

the opening goal for Birmingham City and it's Keith Fahey who got

it. Rooney so close, no mistake from Fahey. Rooney with the header,

and Rooney was quick to recover as well. He set up his team-mate,

Fahey. So close, from Rooney. He had time to be able to play that

ball across, and Fahey got to it Clingan with the corner. Jutkiewicz.

It's not been his afternoon. It's It's not been his afternoon. It's

not been Coventry's afternoon. There must absence of quiet

satisfaction in the dressing room having picked up your first points?

Satisfaction. I think it is what we deserved. We spoke about our last

game, the performance was good, we lacked that little bit in the final

third, that final finish, or that little bit of guile. Probably, a

little bit today as well. We got in good positions. They had a great

opportunity in the first half, I think, probably aParliament from

that, we defended very shall very well. It was going to be whether we

could wear them down. We were pleased with the way we sat up, our

application, our attitude and the way we passed the ball. We

frustrated them for long periods as well. I really felt we was

comfortable. But, you know what it's like, you knock off one minute

and you get punished. That happened to us. A manager like -- likes to

make a substitution and something happens. That happened with Adam

Rooney? He has done great for us. We had games where we had to take

the load on himself, decided to leave him out today. What you saw

in him is what he has been like throughout that pre-season. Adam

Rooney we will talk about in a second. You have been involved in

these derbies. Relief for Birmingham, at the end of the day,

that game lacked spark for a Derby? There is a malaise about both sides.

Birmingham not sure where they will be, get this transfer window of the

way. Coventry, no more finances. No latitude to work within the

transfer market. A work in progress transfer market. A work in progress

for both sides. A look at that goal. Quick thinking on behalf of Adam

Rooney? Yes. He is unlucky with the header. A weighted ball back for

Fahey. That is the crutch of this, the weight of the ball, too much or

too little and Fahey doesn't get. There it's perfectly weighted and a

good finish. A substitution that paid off. He has had a baptism of

paid off. He has had a baptism of fire. The three regular strikers

all injured. He has had to shoulder that responsibility in the team,

along with Chris Wood who is coming in on-loan? Yeah. A little bit

novicey, you could say. Looks raw. We watched the game live, what we

saw. There is something to work from. She enthusiastic. He gets

about. He will cause a problem. He has to learn the game. I know there

is Celtic and rangers in Scotland, wee week in and week out, this a

tough league. It's hard to tell from the angle we are about to see,

did Coventry have a decent shot for an equalliser? I don't think it

crossed the line. Myhill got his bearings right much he has the post

to lean against. He knows where the line is. He can use the post there

to elevate himself and keep his arm. When he falls off balance you think

he takes it that little bit extra. He knows what he is doing. As he

hits the ground he has to get balance. I think he knows where he

is. That is the important thing. That is why the ball is the right

side of the line. That was the only shakey moment considering what

Myhill was in. He came in from Ben Foster. He kept a clean sheet. He

did well for his debut? That is the best of the lot, this take as

best of the lot, this take as slight deflection. That is a

regulation save. He was calm and regulation save. He was calm and

assured. He settled in. Birmingham go into European action on Thursday.

Not often you hear that o on this programme? They will have wanted to

win that. Any win is a good win at this stage of the season. Certainly

Let's look at what else happened, starting with Ipswich. They were

looking to build on the impressive opening win against Bristol City,

The season hasn't exactly started with a bang for Nigel Pierson's

Hull. No goals and that game at top of the table Ipswich, who have

nervous fans. Listen out for the topping the table for the first

time in four years and they could have taken the lead as half-time

approached. This was almost time to to perfection. The Tigers were

impressive away from home last season. Inevitably it was Matt

Fryatt who gave them victory in their first away game this season.

Their fist win at Ipswich since 1990. We needed to get our season

up and running. We have had a disappointing start, so to come

here, a difficult place to come and get the three points, but also to

play so well, I think is a real positive for us.

Barnsley were looking to kick-start their season as they welcome to

Southampton to Oakwell. Goals have been hard to come by for Keith

Hill's side so far. The same can't be said for the Saints, with seven

in their two games. Goal number raid was not that long in coming.

The Barnsley defence started an ill-advised game of keepy uppy in

their own penalty area. Connolly scored. With six minutes left,

Barnsley were thrown a lifeline. Richard Chaplow had not been on the

field for long before they were flying studs. A straight red for

him and the Saints faced an nervy finale. It was all hands to the

pump. There was a frantic goalmouth club record -- club record winning

run to eight games. Today was a game of football, we played

exceptional stuff at times. A good goal. Chaplow getting sent off at

the end was exciting for the supporters. Grit and determination

for the players. They threw their bodies on the line, the adrenalin

was pumping and we kept a clean sheet. We needed to salvage

something, our players did not respond to the challenge. I

expected them to. Despite a poor start to the season,

fans of all ages at Portsmouth and indeed of all breeds did have

something to smile about before the match. The return of Benjani from

Blackburn and they could have done with him as well. With newly-

promoted Brighton travelling along the south coast as visitors, their

record signing, Craig Mackail-Smith, who scored 35 goals in total for

Peterborough in League 1 last season, claimed his first for his

new club just before the break. David Norris scored on his

Portsmouth debut last weekend. The former Ipswich midfielder could not

get the better of the goalkeeper as Portsmouth pushed for a level. This

Eagles were heading towards another win until the 5th minute of

stoppage time, when basketball style a Brighton hand made contact

in the area. Was that the last kick of the match come up stepped Liam

Lawrence. He missed. Two wins out of two for the newly-promoted

brighter. As a manager you expect to be able to cope with a strong

team away from home and we have done it. Even if the result was 1-1,

I will go home thinking we can cope. We deserved a result today, for

sure. We will go home saw because we definitely deserved as result. -

- a result. Derby travelled south for the clash

with Watford with the boss of the Hornets looking for a first win. It

was Watford who had the best of the early chances. This went wide,

narrowly. That was as exciting as it got in a lacklustre first half

but early in the second came a moment of breathtaking quality.

Steve Davies with his second goal in as many Danes -- games. The

Hornets were stung into action and this. Watford continued to threaten

but fielding came to the rescue again on 79 minutes. Derby held on

to continue their 100% start of the league season. Very frustrating,

particularly frustrating when I thought we were better today than

we were up Burnley, but Whitaker. At Burnley and did not get the win

today. That is the way it is. first half we did not play well, we

improved in the second half. It was our attitude and character that

carried us through. The big spending Blues of Leicester

have been living up to their pre- season hype with Sven Goran

Eriksson's side having a 100% record in all competitions going

into their home fixture with Reading. It was the visitors who

dominated the first half of few chances, Hunt denied. Eriksson's

men denied from that -- returned from the break a different side and

started to create chances of the Rhone. If only there was more: this.

Reading were going for their 4th win a row over Leicester and they

took the lead midway through the second half, when Noel Hunt met the

corner. Maybe Shane Long, who joined West Brom this week, will

not be missed so much after all. They ensured victory on the stroke

of full-time. It set up Robson-Kanu for a perfectly placed side for to

and the unbeaten start was over. had good quality, organisation was

good. We deserved the win. We did not play well, the first half was

not good at all. We lost, so it was It was a reality check for

Leicester. A terrific side for Brian McDermott's side. We should

not be surprised in the face of adversity they have come through.

They used to losing players, good players as well. It seems to be

seamless. They replace them and continue at the same vein. A good

result and a well deserved one. good results, for Southampton at

different propositions to the last time they were in the league.

Southampton, very good today. Two good performances. Brighton,

everybody thought they would be good. Both goals were set up, they

have a chance, they really do. They have a lot of things going for them.

It has been a curious start the season for Derby but like

Southampton at Brighton it is down to league points at the end of the

day. They may be out of the Carling Cup but two wins out of two and the

Steve Davies, he keeps scoring crackers. That is two into, for him.

A great start. -- it is two in two, for him. He hasn't managed to play

half of the league games, so if they can keep him fit and in that

sort of form, you have a chance. You need a focal point if you are

going to be a success. Relief at the Nigel Pierson and Hull City

fans, up and running at last. I know Matt Fryatt has seen a lot of

chances in front of goal in the three games so far this season, he

put one away well on Saturday. When does the pressure start building

for striker? He plays on his own, this was fantastic. If you go

longer than may be five games, you are going to start to worry about

whether you will keep your place and whether you will have another

goal. What highlights it, it is dependent on Hull's side yours --

on house your side is doing. If you are losing games and not scoring,

the spotlight is on. We have seen Matt Fryatt score goals for fun, he

seemed confident. He has won on the board, it might open the gates.

is the type of player who is not affected by not scoring goals. He

knows enough about his all-round play, if the team are not creating

chances, he will create them for himself. He understands he will was

get goals. A setback for Ipswich. It is a question of character for

them, after the first adverse result? The same as everybody. All

the pre-season favourites, we thought they would do well, they

will have hiccups and stumbles. That is what this league is about,

unfortunately. It is a very inconsistent and unpredictable

It has been a frustrating start for West Ham. They saw their Carling

Cup game against Aldershot called off midweek. Today, they went to

Doncaster, the first time in 53 won a league match was the first

week of March after losing to Cardiff on the opening weekend, Sam

Allardyce knew his team needed to find the winning habit soon if they

were to justify their place as one of the favourites for promotion. He

knew he was buying a proven performer when he signed Kevin

Nolan, Championship Player of the Year two seasons ago. His first

goal came through a hopeful ball and the Hammers were up and running

in five minutes. Nolan was made captain on his arrival in East

London and he is setting a fine example. This effort was a whisker

away from doubling his tally. Gary Woods doing just enough. The season

is barely a week cold, but Doncaster are already facing

something of an injury crisis, there was almost an unlikely. Hear

but West Ham held on to end an 11 match winless run and earned their

first Championship points. missed too many chances to make it

more comfortable for us but at that side, everything else was very good

today. -- that aside. Like Sunday, lots of play, lots of chances, this

time we got the goal early on and a very professional performance today,

one we can build on and give the lads a lot of confidence.

There were over 25,000 at Elland Road and many of them made their

feelings towards chairman Ken Bates known before the match. It was

against Middlesbrough. Simon Grayson was more concerned with a

better result than last week's three-one defeat at Southampton.

The game included ten yellow cards and three dismissals. Max Gradel

was on a yellow when he made his challenge on Tony McMaon. The

referee called that St's goalscorer to one side. Gradel was off, after

half an hour. Middlesbrough look to make the numerical advantage play.

Emnes had a free header but the keeper made to save it. Leeds were

in fact hoping to stretch their unbeaten home record to 17 games.

It would have been spectacular, but it was saved. Then it was

Middlesbrough's turn to have a man sent off as McMaon seemed to impede

Jonathan Howson,. The red card came out again. The most curious sending

off came in the second half. Howson, on a yellow card himself, clashed

with Emnes. The referee appeared ready to book Emnes the diving and

gave Leeds a free kick. But then he changed his mind and gave Howson

another card and Leeds were down to nine men. Middlesbrough had 13

vital goal after 67 minutes, thanks to a nice piece of skill from Emnes.

It means four points for Middlesbrough and nothing for Leeds.

I was just dumbfounded with house and. I spent a long Tyrer -- time

as a player and coach. The referee was ten yards away. He was booking

your nose for diving, he is about to get his car out, just as a free

kick, and the 4th official can see from 50 yards. Scary. It is a

daunting place to come and play, particularly with them losing a man,

the crowd seemed to raise their better balls and it was like an

extra man on the pitch for them. Thankfully today we got the three

points. Steve McClaren was hoping his

Nottingham Forest side could pick up their first win this season when

they'd made the trip to South London but Millwall away from home

are a tough proposition. Henderson scored last weekend against Reading.

The former Watford a Sheffield United man made it to Michael Owen

two after seven minutes, proving a capable replacement for Morrison.

Nottingham Forest showed flashes of brilliance and the second half.

Then the French midfielder came on to expose the back four. Trotter

was the beneficiary and didn't followed, but this time there could

be no further gloss to the scoreline and it finished two were-

We were pleased with the way we have been working so far, but I

said to the players that it was 12 games where we needed to assess our

cells from and then we could start to talk. The scoreline is the

scoreline. If you deserve to win two were-0, you deserve it. We did

not deserve to win the game because we did not look like scoring. We

got to the final third and then things fizzled out. We need to

Burnley have been on a scoring frenzy. Six in the Carling Cup and

that made it 8 in two games for the team. Now to Crystal Palace, who

had lost their opening game at Power being set up after 10 minutes,

his first league game in English football. Last Tuesday Rodriguez

scored four against Burton Albion and he will keep on scoring with

headers like this. Appreciating this deal it took to keep it out.

Into the second half, and Crystal Palace surged again. Sean Scannell

made the running to the area, drawing the challenge, and the

Manchester City alone player did not have to look to see whether

referee's hand was pointing. Owen Garbutt and made sure with the

penalty to put the hosts ahead. Burnley's bad day got worse when

Barton was sent off. The midfielder making an aggressive challenge

towards the Palace goalscorer. The referee was quick to show a red

card, so a day to forget for Burnley, but a first win of the

Of good performance and a well deserved victory. The lads showed a

good attitude. We regained the ball well and created opportunities. My

view was a well deserved winner. poor start. We did not get going

for the first 15 and conceded in that spell. That makes it difficult

when you come away from home and we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

The first points on the board for Crystal Palace and we will talk

about them later, the West Ham got their first victory courtesy of a

neat finish from Kevin Nolan. For �4 million you have a player who

has been there and done it with Newcastle. It is a super finish.

Goals from midfield. He has played in a side that has gone out of the

division so it holds no field. To have Jack Collison, what a

fantastic ball. A player of real quality. I think Millwall fans may

have feared the worst without Steve Morison, but Neil Harris is an

experienced campaigner. Darius Henderson comes in and we saw

Trotter cumin, and that was a good victory. They were excellent. It

was another good performance. They are a difficult side to play

You got the feeling with Henderson he needed a change of scenery and

Mr Trotter. Love that the referee There have been protests aimed at

Ken Bates the chairman. A bad day all round for Leeds United. The

stickies start. A lot of people are mystified as to how they have not

been one of the main protagonists years and they have made good money.

And they have had some big FA Cup games, so they should be money. But

the manager has not been able to get his hands on it. This is more

frustration. Someone who is finding things not going their way. And

coming up against a player in good form. 34 Marvin Emnes in three

games. He is actually now finally delivering what we always knew,

that potential that we saw so often we are now seeing as a final

He has much to his total for last season. Do you understand the

frustration of the fans at Leeds United? You have to understand they

are a big club. There will always be pressure. But if you have

pressure, you have to have the money to back it up. For the

manager, there is pressure, but not really the finances to back it up.

A little bit of an imbalance with regard to expectations at this

stage and what other realistic prospects. A big sigh of relief for

Crystal Palace fans. Injuries have meant that the manager has had to

rejig his back line, but that is a good victory over Burnley. But

Bernie's away record was not very good and may have started in the

same vein. -- Burnley. Eddie Howe will want to turn the form around

sooner rather than later. It is a transitional period with people

coming in and out. He will want to make his mark in get settled as

soon as he can, but Palace will look at the games and think they

are the sort that they have to win. We said about their away form, but

Burnley brought in poor away form, and this was a must-win game.

to League 1, and after the opening matches, not scanty and Charlton

shared top spot -- Notts County. Bournemouth on the opening day, and

at Notts County there was no doubting the determination to make

this eight promotion season. Charlton were strong in the tackle

and attacked with style as Wagstaff tucked away the opening goal eight

minutes before half-time. You would have thought county would have

learned the lesson but they went to the break two goals down after

squandering possession in midfield. Wright-Phillips got into his stride,

and Paul Hayes got to wait for a simple finish. Facing Martin Allen

in the home dressing room after that must have been a daunting

prospect. County pulled one back in the second half following Christian

Mans Arno to celebrate his first goal in English football, but the

young contribution could not spoil the day for Charlton. It is not

easy playing against a team led by Martin Allen. I knew it would be a

hard test, we stood up to it and scored two very good goals. We

stuck to their game plan. We knew It rang true, and 2-1 is an away

contempt. Having met on Wednesday in the League Cup, Colchester and

Wycombe Wanderers went ahead again. John Ward's side took the lead as

Ashley Vince and volleyed home in the first half. -- Ashley Vincent.

The Colchester dominance almost saw them double their lead. A slip

allowed Ian Henderson to be set up. And he was unlucky to see his

effort rebound off the bar. Henderson could have been forgiven

it was not his day and in the second half this flick sent him

through again, and again he was denied by the woodwork. If it is --

it took penalties to separate the sides on Wednesday and it was a

spot kick that gave Wycombe Wanderers the chance to equalise

with Scott Donnelly going down after this challenge. Scott Rendell

opened his account for the season, making no mistake from 12 yards.

The last three league meetings between the teams ended 1-1 and you

boss Danny Wilson who took his place in the dug-out for the first

time against Brentford. After successive wins on the road, the

fans turned up with high expectations, Stephen Quinn failing

to make the most of a goalmouth strung -- scramble. Four minutes

after the break the side will one goal down with Richard Cresswell

teeing up Jordan's salute to open his account for the campaign.

United's poor home form cost them their place in the Championship and

with just three wins from their Printy -- previous 20 games tells

the story. But midway through the second half they made sure the

followers would leave happy for a change. Cresswell notching his

second in a week. The Blades 100 % Megson reckoned if he'd side had

scored the first goal here they would have gone on to win. Clinton

Morrison was close to doing that, but instead it was the Cherries who

drew first blood. New skipper Adam Barrett powering home there header

seven minutes before the interval and there were more far post

problems for Wednesday after the break. Scott Malone's crossfield

with Liam Thiney waiting to pounce. Fortunately for the Yorkshire club

are positioning was just right. Bournemouth were becoming a bogey

side for Wednesday and in their meetings they have yet to lose.

They wrapped up their success with neat wing play before an emphatic

finish from substitute -- the Orient's hopes of a play-off place

with a 3-0 win, so revenge was on the minds of the home fans and they

almost got the lead. The only goal came with half an hour remaining.

Buchanan scoring with a stunning strike on his Rovers debut and only

a second ever senior goal for the 25-year-old, and certainly one to

remember. Paris's side retained back wins for the first time in

almost a year and wasted little time in getting started. The game

was barely three minutes old when Mat Sadler was caught, a decision

the looked harsh, but John Makin tucked away his first of the

campaign to give the trouble as the perfect start. But a bizarre

equaliser soon had the home side level. After scoring last season,

Scotland has almost put his name on the scoresheet again. Jimmy Walker

getting caught out by the bounce, leaving a simple tap-in. A dramatic

start and a half finished with both sides heading to the break a man

like. Throwing plenty into the challenge which had Paul Tierney

reaching for his pocket. The second time in a few days of Walsall

player has seen red. Butler headed for the dressing room. Wadsworth

and Smith shared the view neither player should have gone. Jimmy

Walker denied the save to make sure fruitful start, three goals in as

many matches although he does a big thank you to his partner for the

later, the Columbia Vittek -- seen the shop drop Conley. The opener

should have been cancelled on the stroke of half-time. He couldn't

have popped up a more exciting cross. A glaring miss at the far

post. The lead remained narrow. Dean boat which just added the

final insult to slippy shot through the legs of the goalkeeper. The MK

Dons's first win after being held life in League 1 with a 1-1 draw at

Huddersfield. The fans could have been forgiven for coming into the

home league game with Carlisle in confident mood. But it was the

visitors who came closest to taking James Berrett broke the deadlock.

The goalkeeper left wrong footed by The goalkeeper left wrong footed by

the shot.. Carlisle were unbeaten against Bury in their last five

meetings. Victory was ensured in the 9 3rd minute Wen Liam Noble

finished off a neat move. They are up and running after an opening day

Lee Clark had hoped for. The Huddersfield boss left frustrated

after being held at Spotland. This opener laid the foundations for an

important victory. They should have been more comfortable at half-time.

Rochdale were kept in it when the keeper kept these chances out. Akpa

Akpro leveled the scores. The ball broke for Novak who scare squared

the ball for substitute Danny Warped who restored their lead. By

the finish, Clarke was left counting the cost of what he

described as, "shocking defending". Ashley Grimes struck his third goal

in the week to earn the hosts a showing the value of the man on the

post, Nicholson put his head in the way of this effort. Phil Brown's

men took the lead themselves. Iain Hume's shot had too much pace for

the keeper. Preston held that advantage until three minutes from

the end. Scunthorpe's summer signing Barcham scored. He took his

chance. Both sides are waiting for their first League win. Both these

sides were promoted last season. They didn't have to wait long

before they met this time around. It was the visitors who took the

lead, five minutes before the break. Charles sent them into the lead.

Jack Lester scored 17 times last year, but he could only hit the

post from close-range. The visitors went down to ten men. Bostwick saw

a second yellow. The ten men held on until the seventh minute of

injury-time. Leicester levelled things up in dramatic fashion. A

clash between two sides looking for their first win. After a blank

first half, this fabulous strike gave Yeovil the lead. There was

plenty more to follow. Williams doubled the lead. Oldham in big

trouble with 16 minutes left. Diamond looked anything put

sparkling. As he sized up his options he was dumped on the turf

by Kieran Lee. Paul Wotton left Oldham facing a long trip home.

They managed to have the final word when Parker was sent tumbling by

Luke Ayling. Reuben Reid succeeded from the spot. It was merely a

footnote to an impressive Yeovil display. The first goals and first

display. The first goals and first points for Yeovil. Charlton a

perfect start, two wins in two. Six new signings in the first 11 for

Charlton. They are gelling nicely? They are. Everybody looked at the

They are. Everybody looked at the buys he bought in the summer. There

are cute signings there. People don't scream at you. If you watch

these players play, you will be aware there are good players he

signed. There isn't no surprise to people in the game that he started

people in the game that he started so well. He signed his 16th player

this week? No doubt. You don't adhere to the philosophy that

sometimes teams with so many new players take time to gel? No, That

I think is a cop out. You buy a right back. You buy him as a right

back, you play him as a right back. You take him from an environment he

is comfortable and you put him in an environment he is comfortable

with. There is no reason why he shouldn't play well. That should be

the same for any player. When you ask them to shop and -- chop and

change that is where they don't change that is where they don't

play so well. They won today with a peach from Buchanan. We shouldn't

be surprised. A lovely way to win a game when you score a goal with

game when you score a goal with real quality. A good start for

Tranmere. A lot of people would have questioned whether it would be

a struggle. Two wins in two games takes the pressure off. A challenge

for Steve Aire, the responsibility of taking over from Keith Hill. He

will be heartened from taking a point from the League favourites?

super goal. To gate point. I spoke to him last week, he his brief is

to keep them in this division. He knows he will lose one or two of

his briefest players -- better players. He is confident they can

do that. Huddersfield's unbeaten run goes on, it's 27. Phenomenon db

-- phenomenonal effort. They don't win enough games. When you look at

last year. If they accumulate that amount of points it would be good

enough for the previous 18 years to have got them up. He can count

himself unlucky he hasn't got a promotion on his CV already.

As for League Two, Torquay United's visit to Bristol Rovers saw Paul

Buckle with an early chance to face his old club.

As if Paul didn't have enough to deal with in his first home game in

charge, he also had our Clem to deal with at the 'Mem'. It's not

unknown for professional football managers to have their rituals and

superstitions. The new Bristol Rovers' boss is no exception.

Continuing a tradition he established at his former club, on

every match day morning he comes to his local cafe to gather his

thoughts over a nice cup of coffee. Morning, Clem. Morning, Paul. So,

is this pre-match relaxation or is that a caffine boost for all that

adrenaline? A bit of both. We feel the job is done. We feel organised

and we relax on the morning of the game. What would you have done if

you had got Torquay promoted? Bristol Rovers came down,

relegated? What a question. Are you going to answer it? You never told

me you would ask me. That I don't know. That is the honest answer. I

threft to after the final. Paid respect to the position we were in

at the time. A major position. I was always going to make my

decision after, here we are, Bristol Rovers manager. You play

for Torquay's youth team? I play for the under 15s. They thought we

-- I was going to go to Bristol Rovers. You are a traitor. You

shouldn't be in this car, son. That's all right. We are nearly

there. Late for his first day in work. I will be in two minutes.

have been saying you will be in in two minutes for the last hour-and-

a-half. Follow the road. This will do us. Watch this car here. Have

you got a parking space? Reserved Paul Buckle. Does that mean the

portacabin? The office. A lot of clubs have potential. This is the

sixth biggest city in the country. Neither team has done anything over

the last 20 to 30 years. The potential is huge. We had one

bright spot and we got promotion. It took 35,000 to the Millennium

Stadium and 40,000 to Wembley. That How are you doing? Strange old day?

I know. He knows all your strengths and weaknesss? He doesn't know the

tricks we have for him though. It will be a good day. We are looking

Let's go. Are you going to get the big introduction now? I will look

to the left, not to the right. are nervous about this, I can tell.

COMMENTATOR: Buckle didn't expect his defenders to allow his former

charges so much time and space. Torquay took advantage. Taiwo

Atieno got his first goal. The keeper beaten from the spot by Rene

Howe. Ten players were making home Howe. Ten players were making home

debuts. McLeish went close. Although Buckle needed a second

half response, Bevan's sharp save prevented the goals from soaring

out of sight. There was hope. This effort was flicked up and by Ron

Antony was left with a simple finish. Rovers had half an hour to

get a point. Another ex-goal missed I suppose this one always had the

ability to be a bit tricky with the off the field side? That is

football. That is football. We look a good side. We will learn from

today. Was there cat-and-mouse with a lot of the Torquay players

knowing your philosophies? No, we had enough chances to get back in.

I'm delighted with the second half performance. How to win friends and

influence people? Especially for the supporters. It was for the

supporters, not Paul Buckle. This is just a little step. It's only

three points. Pleasurable for our supporters. It wasn't the reunion

Paul Buckle had in mind against his old club. It was billed as Paul

Buckle against Torquay United. It's more about the fans? They will

consider he has left a side he did well at. He will be gutted he left.

Gone to a side in the same division, albeit, a bigger one. Is there a

neat fit? Dave Penny got it a year ago. He will be thinking his time

has come. A big club. You blai at Bristol Rovers once or twice in my

career. It's a proper, big, passionate fan base. At that level,

a big club. Also, it leaves Martin Lee to a hiding to nothing. He has

to emulate one of the most successful managers that Torquay

ever had? A tough act to follow, no doubt about that. But, what better

way to start than getting one over on the side he left for. Certainly.

Rounding off the rest of League Two now, starting with the team that

kicked off the new season so In Paulo Di Canio's Swindon.

They faced Cheltenham in a game nearly didn't happen, but a late U-

turn by the local police gave Paolo Di Canio the chance to build on his

wedding * Last week. Thankfully all the action was on the pitch.

McCormack fired them ahead -- he's winning start. The hosts almost

went to the break in front. Alan Bennett climbed highest, but a

terrific stop from Phil Smith kept the scores level. Cheltenham did

find a breakthrough in the second half. Steve Elliott's thumping

header had the home side on course for victory. Mark Yates's men

managed to hold out for the three points although some of the gloss

was taken off by the late dismissal of Spencer for a foul on flint.

Nonetheless, Cheltenham are up and He has probably led with his arm,

but it was a malicious. I was happy for the first 25 and malicious --

minutes, and we put them under pressure and we had 10 minutes to

try to decide the game, and obviously if you don't score, that

is it, but we had one or two Northampton arrived in Aldershot,

still glowing from a surprise midweek win over Ipswich. Right

from the off they gain the home side problems. Robinson quickly

into the defence before there were two terrific Blocks From Ben Hird.

The defiant defending counted for nothing from the corner.

Northampton resigned Ashley Westwood to inspire the club's

youngsters and he looked overjoyed to be setting the right example.

Aldershot still had 88 minutes to cancel out the lead, but it was

stoppage time before they created their best chance. Aaron Brown's

acrobatics matched by Sam Walker as for Lawrie Sanchez and after two

impressive victories on the road. Port Vale had not scored in four

previous meetings but took the lead just before the half-hour. Shaun

Reid on the scoresheet after letting rip from 25 yards, and the

goalkeeper was beaten all ends up. Barnet beat Portsmouth in midweek

and had not conceded in their first two matches of the season of fell

behind before half-time. Gary Roberts getting the better before

finishing from an acute angle. The points were all but sealed with

just half an hour remaining. Sean reduce training to become a

tattooist and left his mark on this match after scoring his second of

the afternoon. And his second from outside the box. Sanchez's side

pulled one back six minutes later when 34-year-old Jason Price nodded

home after good play by Mark Marshall. Goalkeeper Stuart

Tomlinson will think he could have done better. Micky Adams described

the victory as almost a complete not forget in a hurry. After two

successive 3-2 defeats they hoped to bounce back at Dagenham. The

referee well placed to spot the handball as a look more shoulder

the responsibility from 12 yards. Terry Brown's men are one up in the

second half and only 45 minutes away from a memorable victory.

Shortly after the week the Football League new boys doubled their lead

in spectacular fashion. A blockbuster from Yousef had them to

within touching distance of a and salvage something from the

match, but Phil Walsh fluffed his often, so a tough assignment for

Gillingham and they were up for the fight. A superb strike, and while

the Alex was still rocking, during an increase the lead. Crewe

Alexandra defenders will see these pictures are few times after they

have to work out why Danny spiller was allowed so much freedom. The

home side departed to a chorus of boos but improved after the break

as Sean Miller heart of the deficit. Not enough to spare Crewe Alexandra

from their first defeat on their own patch since February the they

gave Gillingham anxious moments. Lille -- lead bail closest to

week by the advice of -- arrival of Will Atkinson from Hull City and it

did not take the man long to make his mark, putting Peter Reid's side

ahead after half-time. Not a bad introduction. The Pilgrims optimism

was punctured within three minutes after Gareth Evans levelled for the

visitors. His surging run went unchallenged and his shot beat the

at it again. Last season's top scorer Adam Le Bon Kraupp sent over

a delightful cross and he used is said to put the Millers in front --

Adam Le Fondre. Rotherham's push for promotion was built on his

goals, and he got his first of this future of Plymouth Argyle with the

club still in administration and there was uncertainty in their

defence as well. The goalkeeper Paul is defender under pressure and

he lost out before Jason Taylor set up their top scorer for the second.

An impressive win and maintains Rotherham's 100 % start the season.

-- start to the season. Without an away win since January, Southend

travelled north hoping for a change in fortune. Kevin Macintyre's push

on Leonard presented them with a glorious chance early on.

Dickinson's first for the club edged them into the lead. As

MacIntyre was kicking himself for conceding, here least went some way

to make amends by having a big hand in the equaliser. Andrew Procter

pounced to equalise. But Stanley, who had not lost a home game in 12

outings, were in trouble midway through the second half. A fabulous

hit re-establishing South N's lead. Despite the setback, the home side

diff -- refused to cave in. A long throw causing chaos, and Peter

Murphy went within inches of dragging them level for a second

time. In response, Paul Sturrock's men are set about increasing the

lead. Anthony Grant lunged in, but the referee allowed play to

continue and least soya set off on a breathtaking run. Sean Murdoch

and needed to be smart off the line to keep the score down but there

was unfinished business of a man in the middle. MacIntyre dismissed for

a second yellow card. Right at the death, John Coleman's men have

almost got the point he felt his side deserved but there would work

came to the rescue of Southend. -- Burton's men must have felt the

effects of their Cup efforts but there was a spring in their step as

they took the lead, as solo rounded Ben Smith 14 minutes in. Maybe it

was Shrewsbury feeling tired despite any needing 90 minutes to

see off Derby County in midweek. They were almost caught cold by

Aaron Webster's audacious effort. At the other end, Martin Morgan

posed a threat as usual. The post was required to keep him from

levelling the scores -- Marvin Morgan. The shot certainly deserve

better in the second half. It remained a shared -- slender

advantage and one which disappeared with seven minutes to go. The

substitute was off the mark for his Broadfield Stadium. The Reds first

home game in the Football League. A frustrating first half.

Macclesfield defended in numbers and Vega was in a mean mood. The

Silk men's keeper was beaten on 57 mins. Tyrone Barnet with a thumping

header against his former club. Crawley had the financial muscle to

make an immediate impact. But Matt tubs could not find a route past

the inform Brega. Manager Steve Evans could afford to keep was

Thomas on the bench, but in three minutes of coming on the striker

who hit 19 for Cheltenham last term opened his account for Crawley. It

was comfortable for the newcomers. Thomas was threatening again and

the Sussex club already look like a get off the mark. Bradford would

have been pretty in Pink had Michael Flynn's free kick found its

way past Ryan Clarke. Instead it was Oxford who delivered the first

blow. Heslop's drive had the home side ahead before the second half -

- the hour. The Yorkshire club needed a response, and Peter

Jackson's men pushed hard for a leveller. Flynn almost put them

back on terms. But Clarke was beaten 12 minutes from the end from

blue-collar the's flick, Ross Hammett nipped-in to send a

travelling fans happy -- home happy -- Ross Hanna. Morecambe were in

the mood, fresh from knocking Barnsley out of the League Cup. No

one more so than Danny Carlton. It took a fine stop from Adam Bartlett

to stop him. But the striker refused to be denied. Two -- too

good for the striker with a note -- goalkeeper with another ferocious

shot. On the stroke of half-time, Jim Bentley's men doubled their

advantage. Phil Jevons exploiting a huge hole in the Hereford war.

Jenny Pitman thought his side look good in possession and things might

have been different if they had pulled a goal back. The big chance

fell to Ryan Green who found Barry Roach on his toes. Even Green

joined in the applause. Any hope of a fightback disappeared when Stuart

A great win for Morecambe, and we will talk about a good few days for

Jim Bentley, but a historic day for two of the new boys. Obviously AFC

Wimbledon and Crawley Town. Crawley were expected to do well and are

hot favourites for the division. They both had tough starts last

Wimbledon went down at the very end to Bristol Rovers. To side to

expect to do well. A good goal from Yousef. Tyrone Barnett, a good

effort. A good header. I don't think we should be too surprised

they got the results because after last week's encouraging

performances I don't think we should be too surprised. Andy Scott

will be delighted with his team's performance away to Plymouth. We do

know all about the goalscoring prowess there. But I think Andy is

trying to get a different dimension from his striker. He alluded to it

towards the end of last season. He wants the work ethic to be changed

to be part of the team together to press and defend the same time.

has obviously put an emphasis on other players to score, because it

was very much what Adam was there for. But there were to air his way

you give him the ball, facing the goal, 10 yards out, there is only

one way out -- one result, the ball going in. He was giving the keeper

the eyes, clearly. He knows what he's doing. We talked about Jim

Bentley at Morecambe, and they beat Barnsley away in the Carling Cup.

The first league win of the season, and for him as a manager, that will

do him the world of good. Absolutely. Jamie Pitman, in the

other dug-out, not a great deal of experience and it is a day to

remember for them, but that is a fantastic strike to get them on

their way. It has been a good three or four days for Morecambe and they

probably had a bit of under- achievement last season considering

the year before and they will want to get back to a decent season.

saw Plymouth in the round-up. Obviously playing against Rotherham,

and the players have not been paid again. And I think they have not

been fully paid since the turn of the year. It has to be horrendously

difficult for them to just keep their motivation. I don't think we

are talking about them not having any money, because you couldn't

survive. IDB at Aldershot. I went 12 weeks without getting paid.

Ultimately the PFA will guarantee the money. It is a safety net for

the players? Yes, but it is not easy. We have seen how unsettling

things off the field can be in reflecting on the field. As soon as

things settle down, there is a takeover in the offing, and

hopefully everyone will know where they are. But that situation cannot

Let's hope there takeover is concluded quickly. Let's have a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

You can always watch this until 9:15am, but if you want extended

highlights, go to the sport website. There is much of the day to

tomorrow, getting under way at Steve, good at your company. We did

not quite get a hatful of goals in the Football League, but it was one