14/04/2012 The Football League Show

You can always trust the Football League to deliver the unexpected.

Whether it's Steve Coppell turning up at Crawley or the fact that,

with four games left, still nothing had been decided across all three

divisions. Well, that could all change today

with up to seven teams knowing their fate come 5.00pm.

One thing we can reveal however is that Fleetwood Town will be joining

the party after their promotion from the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Well done to Nicky Mellon and his players.

Steve Claridge is here for his take on today's games.

Here's what's coming up tonight. Without a home win since Feb, West

Ham look to be heading for the play-offs.

On Saturday the Hammers entertained Gus Poyet's Brighton, who began the

day just two points shy of the play-offs.

We've the best of the action from Southampton's dramatic meeting with

Reading at St Mary's as the top two met on Friday night. Frenzy

activity across the three leagues with all the goals from a crucial

day. They have the football league's only unbeaten home records

they are five games away from the return to League One for the first

time in 15 years. We're at Shrewsbury town to meet Steve

Evan's Rotherham. Well, it was billed as the

Championship title decider as Southampton faced Reading on Friday

night with just goal difference separating the sides after 42 games.

It also saw an intriguing match up with Saints boasting the division's

top scorers, while Reading had the league's best defence.

league's best defence. Nigel Adkins named the same 11 that

won at Crystal Palace on Monday with Rickie Lambert partnered up

front with Billy Sharp.$$NEWLINE Reading made one change with Jay

Tabb coming in for Tomasz Cywka. John Roeder takes up the story at

St Mary's. COMMENTATOR: Billy Sharp was not

following up there. Had he made a run in towards goal he might of

been able to feed on the scraps there. Lallana with a deep cross.

Desperate defending. Southampton keep the pressure up. Lallana.

Deflected and Federici with the save. Came off the leg of Gorkss

Gorkss. Federici had to react quickly. Butterfield, Lambert

arriving late. Federici pushes it away. Danger still on. This shot is

just wide of the post. Adam Federici has kept 19 clean sheets

in his 42 Championship appearances this season. First against second.

It's the leader's, Southampton, who have been pressing the harder of

the two. Kebe. Roberts! Jason Roberts puts Reading in front, very

much against the run of play. It's a wonderful cross from Kebe.

middle. Was he pushed over there? Not interested. They felt there was

a dive there from Billy Sharp. The manager who has been associated

with Reading for so long. Lambert! Deflected in, equalliser. What a

start to the second-half for Southampton. Rickie Lambert's 3 1st

goal of the season. Every Southampton fan inside St Mary's

could not have hoped, in their wildest dreams, to such a good

start to the second period for their team. Reading have failed to

draw in any of their last 28 league games. Their last draw was a

goalless one at Crystal Palace at the end of October. Butterfield

with the cross. Too long for Lambert. The header was just wide,

as Lallana arrived. Just getting Hunt. On to Kebe. Pulled back

nicely. Le Fondre does it again. He starts the move, Kebe and Hunt both

involved. Look at Le Fondre, hanging back, waiting for. It Hunt

lets him have the shot. It's a fine finish from Le Fondre. Reading back

in front at St Mary's. Twice they have now taken the lead at

Southampton. Can they hold on to it this time? One more victory to

assure themselves of promotion. Le Fondre looking to get goal-side. Le

Fondre away from Davis. Three points Reading. It's the

Championship, is it heading to the Madejski Stadium? Suddenly, in

behind Fonte was frond frond. Two goals from the substitute.

Southampton are beaten. Maybe, just maybe, one hand on the Championship

maybe, one hand on the Championship trophy. Regardless of the result

tonight there is more games to play, more twists and turns. We will pick

ourselves up, as we always do, analyse the game. Put a line under

neath it and move on to the next one. These guys know how to win.

They know what is required at certain times in games. They know

what to do. We send them out there, they are doing a fantastic job for

our football club. Reading's dream run continues, they won 43 points

from the last available 48. Brian mentioned it there, they have

become ruthlessly I efficient in certain games, most in theibly

recently? They have. -- noticibly recently? They have. I went to

Brighton the other day. They are very effective. Brighton missed an

opportunity. They hit the bar, a deflected free-kick. Southampton

did the same. They missed it. Reading scored, another chance,

they missed it and Reading scored. Over the period of those two games,

second best. They got two vital wins. What an impact Le Fondre

makes from the bench? Fantastic. They have a threat going forward.

No matter how much pressure they soak up, Roberts and Hunt are a

good partnership, willing runners. When the game flattens out, people

become tired, you bring someone like that on who is a fantastic

finisher, two wonderful goals he scored. Hendrie when he scores

goals he has won them a lot of points this year. He certainly has.

Now, the race for the Championship play-offs is coming to the boil

nicely, with Brighton's dream of back-to-back promotions still very

much alive. They began the day just two points

off the play-offs and were looking to add to West Ham's stuttering

home form, with the Hammers failing to win any of their last seven at

Upton Park. So with Southampton losing on

Friday, could Sam Allardyce's men find that elusive win to close the

gap at the top? gap at the top?

Martin Fisher was there. West Ham the automatic promotion game has

almost faded and died. There cannot be any further slippups. Brighton

need the points to too to squeeze Brighton under immediate pressure

here and try to get off to a perfect start. It took a deflection

against the bar. It took a deflection. Maybe that is what

caused it to spin towards Brezovan. No-one has picked up Vaz Te. He

might hit this. Too much power. What a strike Vaz Te. That was like

a bullet. A screamer from the Posh Portuguese, inside three minutes,

West Ham are off to a dream start. 30 yards out, Brezovan never smelt

it. It's threw his hands before he got his hands up. 1-0, West Ham

delivery. It's deep. Man over. Nolan's effort brilliantly saved by

Brezovan. West Ham could be two in strong. Nolan got a head on. It

Taylor. Nolan denied again. It's all one way traffic. Brezovan

pulled off a terrific save there to keep out Kevin Nolan. Here is Nolan

charging through the centre. O'Neill with so much time. In goes

Vaz Te, it's 2-0, West Ham. Brezovan beaten again. West Ham

United two up, seven-and-a-half minutes in. Vaz Te has them both.

Two inside seven-and-a-half minutes. Even the most ardent West Ham

wouldn't of believed that. Vaz Te continues his red hot form in front

goal for Nolan. Ten-and-a-half on the watch. It's 3-0 West Ham.

Brighton have not turned up. This is already embarrassing. Look at

the marking here as Taylor just holds up the centre, Tomkins has

got in behind Painter, more intent on stopping him than heading it

away. It came off a West Ham head Brighton appealled that the it went

across the goal-line. The referee said it hadn't done. Green is

tested at last. Vaz Te wants to hit this again, and why not! This time

Brezovan gets his fists in the way. Vaz Te warming the knuckles of

Brezovan again. Vaz Te, no-one ahead of him. A lovely ball.

Lansbury in for number four! What a miss. Brighton completely ripped

apart. West Ham United will be happy enough with a 3-0 lead at

sent him off his scent. Rolls on to Cole, who is onside. Look at the

room he's got? That's the target, Brezovan thought about coming. That,

surely, is a foul. No, says the referee. Vaz Te, goal, it doesn't

matter anyway. What a goal from Vaz Te. That's the hat-trick. While

most of the colours in blue persuasion are appealing for a

penalty, Vaz Te played on, and to what effect. What a finish by Vaz

Te. Cole with the header back, Lansbury was fouled. Vaz Te played

on while others didn't. What a finish. Deadly by Vaz Te. West Ham

stays down despite desperate appeals from the Brighton players.

Carlton Cole will claim it, but it took a wicked, wicked deflection.

Brighton, a wide open. He chanced his arm, what really matters is

that it finishes in the back of turned it into the bottom corner of

could have been seven. Tomkins, up at the back post, and Nolan, from

try and win the next game and wind like we have won today, and like we

did at Barnsley. What do West Ham fans saw today is us playing at

home like we have away from home. But even better. You know they are

going to press and try to probably win the game in the first 20

minutes. We knew it. And we didn't deal with that-duration, we

couldn't, maybe. -- deal with that situation. It was perhaps we had a

bad day, all we were not strong enough. Ricardo Vaz Te, what a job

he has done for you since he arrived. And what a strike. I know.

We have picked up the Golden nugget now, I think that 500 grand and

allowed I have known, who has always had the ability, when he

came to Bolton when he was 16, he has grown up and matured, he has

got the bit between his teeth, and the quality of his goals are there

for all to see. The third goal, what a finish. Yes, I tried the one

before and didn't hit it quite right. So I thought I would attack

What a massive boost, not only for West Ham's confidence but also

their goal difference. This wasn't just about the actual win, it was

about the goals as well. It has got them back in touching distance. No

longer will Southampton have the three-point advantage and the goal

difference. A wonderful game, they were added from the start, West Ham.

They got the goals when they were dominating. They have been in

situations where they haven't made the most of it, but they got at

watching it, it could have been five after 20 minutes. They were so

superior. They really just didn't allow Brighton to play their

natural game. Vaz Te isn't the most expensive of the strikers. But he

is clearly a man in form. He played up front today, I don't think I

have seen that happen. They played with two windows, quite expensive,

normally they have gone 4-3-3, but I think he simplified it today, 4-

4-2, had he said, we will get after A quick word for Brighton. Is that

it now for them? You are asking for them and Middlesbrough to lose

games, I think it is going to be tough, but it has also been a

fantastic first year in the Championship for them. Many clubs

were still in with a shout of making the play-offs today. A one

in each of their last four games, head of the visit of Bristol City.

Those. Have helped them almost cement their place in the play-offs.

City, despite battling relegation, were also in form, looking for a

third successive win. They got a deserved lead from Stephen Pearson.

They have found goals hard to come by on their travels, scoring two in

the last eight prior to this match. But Jon Stead's spectacular goal

doubled their tally for the year and put them on course for three

point. Birmingham had only failed to score in six of their previous

42 league matches. Marlon King's deflected shot kept them in it. In

injury to their keeper sought, and will start in goal for Birmingham,

and his save kept his side in the match. So could Bristol City win at

St Andrews for the first time since 1993? No, because Nicolas Zigic

equalised with half-an-hour left. Neither manager happy with the draw.

It wasn't our best performance in that first half. We were really

grateful for getting the goal just before half-time. They have a

fantastic home record, they have only lost once all season, so

they're a tough nut to crack, but we felt we could win the game, I

felt we got ourselves in a position City Ground a couple of years ago

saw Blackpool complete her famous play-off victory. A repeat

performance would have done nicely for them. If only. The Ayr keeper

is one of four survivors from that match. Blackpool only troubled the

goal once in the first half. The away side might have snatched all

the points when Gary Taylor fracture stole a yard. Not a

classic, Ben Foster -- not a classic of them. There has been a

lot of pressure on for six months, for all of us. We have got

ourselves close to the finish line double we have to get our noses

across it. There was a couple of occasions where I was excited with

a few twists and turns, but he Barnsley in the last play-off

position, and despite going six games unbeaten, five of them have

been draws. There have first pick - their 11th away draws into wins has

caught -- cost them a chance of automatic promotion. But their

play-off hopes are still intact. Good day emulate Swansea? It was

always going to be at battle before the game is able to be played, and

that is what happened in the first half. Second half, we got the ball

down, kept possession, and we got a winner. I thought Babak four

defended admirably, and we ended up with lots of shots on target. It

was a good day. Without a win in eight,

Middlesbrough had slipped from automatic promotion contenders to

stuttering play-off hopefuls. But they almost took the lead early on

in this one. Both teams were creating chances, but the visitors

went close again, not mine's free kick hitting the woodwork. -- not

point. The Boro manager Tony Mowbray brought on Curtis Main a

later on, and it proved a masterstroke. This pass was

measured perfectly, but you still have plenty to do before

celebrating an outstanding second senior goal. That left little time

for Derby County to respond, but they did create a great opening for

an equaliser. It was the first win in five weeks for Middlesbrough.

The play-offs are still in their player up ambitions, they needed to

win at Millwall, but Millwall have been counted a slick youngster,

Harry Kane, who looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. The

Tottenham loanee scored his third goal in three games. Leicester

started the weekend of three. Outside the play-off places, but

their hopes of reaching the top six suffered another blow when

Konchesky took out Harry Kane after the break. Andy Keogh stepped up

and did a van Persie. Millwall 13-0 win the two sides have won -- met

in the Midlands earlier this season. The Lions were hoping for a 4th

straight clean sheet, but Leicester would make it and nervy finish for

the hosts, when Drinkwater pulled a goal back with aid minutes

remaining. But Millwall held on. Enough to ensure another season in

With Millwall Secure and looking forward to another season. A couple

of teams have stumbled of late. no doubt, big games, a vital goals,

and good wins as well. This is Cardiff's second win in eight.

were a goal up last week and couldn't see the game out. After

Middlesbrough, their first win in nine. The deciding goal coming from

a 19-year-old. It was a good little move. A superb ball from Barry

Robson to stop he takes one touch, and that is a super finish. He

knows exactly what he is going to do. Great strike. Let's take

Brighton and Leicester out of the equation, so we have four teams in

have to say that Middlesbrough are the team currently out of the

position. The other three sides, Birmingham are in it now, no doubt,

the others have a two point advantage, and you have to go with

those teams at this stage of the season. Not because Boro of worse

off or better off, but because they All the very best to Trevor Francis,

as he continues to recover from a suspected heart attack. As for the

rest of the Championship, we start Monday left Coventry four points

from safety and facing next season in the 30th of English Bible. They

thought they had scored after 10 minutes. Coventry claimed of the

ball hadn't crossed the line. Burnley keeper Lee Grant then

frustrated them. The home side promptly took the lead, and it was

no surprise when Charlie Austin scored his 6th goal in the last

five games. Despite their position, Coventry's recent form has been

encouraging, and a triple substitution paid dividends.

Neither manager was so despite with a draw. Scrappy game, from Watford

of view. -- my point of beef. We didn't kick on from the early goal.

I think a draw is probably a fair result. We had some great chances

in the first half. The keeper made some great saves. We had a header

over the line which wasn't given. That was disappointing, at the time,

I thought the keeper had saved it, position, Ipswich against Crystal

Palace was a meeting of two teams heading for a stress-free finale.

Crystal Palace opened the scoring. There would be just one more goal

in this match and it came from Ipswich. It was good, and it had to

The Warnock Europe at Leeds has hardly started with a bang. He said

it team under his management would never play so badly again and he

almost had the proof early on. Darren Ferguson's side were looking

for their first away win of the year. And they got off to a good

start, finding a route through the Leeds defence. Warnock had promised

changes and one of them was a recall for Billy Paynter. He could

hardly miss after this gift by the Peterborough keeper. That time the

post just before the break ensured that they started the second half

in the same manner. Ross McCormick on the scoresheet this time.

Suddenly the belief was back and Ross McCormick was at it again and

minute later. Leeds were now in control. So much so that the

equalled their best home win of the season thanks to Billy Paynter.

10th placed hop have lost their way of late taking just three points

from their last six games. So only a win would do at Watford to give

them a chance of the play-offs. And victory looked possible. Watford

looked destined for another season in the Championship and reacted to

that goal with one of their own from Troy Deni. Halt almost

restored their lead shortly afterwards but this save kept out

teams on the brink of relegation. For Doncaster is anything less the

win against Portsmouth, and they were down. And they got off to a

good start with his header. Portsmouth's hopes of survival

depended on achieving a better result than Bristol City. But

moments later they were reeling. Fabien Robert was on hand to score

his first goal. The manager made an early change. The team began to

show signs of fight. Scot Alan with this warning shot off what was to

follow. The sparks soon began to fly. The referee decided that this

was inside the area. Rovers were incensed. Greg Halford then gave

his team vital hope. And the Portsmouth fans at last had

something to celebrate. Adam Al but not for long. James Coppinger

put the hosts ahead once more. At this stage Rovers were going down

and treading Portsmouth with them. But there was more drama to come.

Jason Pierce got a header. Dave Kitson with his arms raised, made

it 3 - all. Time remained for one final twist. Portsmouth launched a

final attack deep in stoppage time. Marko Futacs hit the target for a

famous victory. It is over for famous victory. It is over for

Doncaster, back to League One after four years. I just wanted to come

along and enjoy the football and to a great extent I did. But in the

second half, the performance of the referee just incensed me. All four

goals from Portsmouth were debatable. But for the long

suffering Portsmouth supporters, some welcome cheer.

I think the fans are the ones that are always going to be fair, they

just keep turning up. And I hope we get the opportunity to be built.

Doncaster were relegated at the end of the day and on a sour note. And

you have some sympathy? I was not too happy about any of the goals.

The second one was a handball. This one is a handball as well. He puts

that in with his left arm. They're complaining about a push. And when

you looked at that gain, probably incidents did conspire against them.

But that is not the game that has ultimately put them down.

There will be a lot of rebuilding. The policy has not worked. You want

to let the manager manage. But when you brilliant short term players,

you do not get the results. Points at this stage are not much

use to teams who are struggling. Leeds had their first win at home

under Neil Warnock. And the player who scored has not really had a

look in. He is a decent player, he came from

Swindon. He has had injuries and bits and pieces. It is difficult to

get a foothold. He will want to make some kind of long-term

impression. As for League One, after leading the pack for what

seems like years, a win for Charlton could see them finally

celebrate promotion to the Championship. Appropriately, Chris

Powell's high-fliers took the plane to Carlisle. But for the

celebrations to begin, the Addicks needed Sheffield Wednesday to drop

finishing in the top two were not entirely resting on a win at

Colchester but largely dependent you felt ahead of kick off. Shortly

after which they were chasing the game. U's boss john Ward said he

was delighted with the "annoyance factor" of Ian Henderson who put

them ahead. Centre back Miguel Angel llera's third goal in as many

games had the Owls level after the break, when Chris Lines' delivery

evaded all but the Spaniard at the far post. Owls' boss Dave Jones

said luck deserted his side as they went in search of the winner. Gary

Madine went close with this header. And then Jermaine Johnson's

trickery almost conjured up a brilliant finish. But as Jones

added, Wednesday didn't offer quite enough and so their automatic

promotion hopes look slimmer. That draw for Sheffield Wednesday,

meant a Charlton win would see the leaders promoted - no formality

against Carlisle. Liam Noble so close to putting the Cumbrians in

front. The keeper did even better when Johnnie Jackson's corner

picked out Yann Kermorgant. Chris Powell's men had the edge in the

second half - a fact finally reflected on the scoresheet with

fourteen minutes left. Wright- Phillips poaching the goal which

secured Charlton's return to the second tier after three years away

and took their points tally on the road this season to an impressive

49. Overall, they're just six points shy of a century - which may

yet be achieved. For Powell, who overhauled the squad completely in

the summer, the season's been a the summer, the season's been a

triumph. It is a fantastic day for the

players and supporters. We have had it tough in the last few years. A

small step forward in history. Days like this do not come around too

often. I am emotional, it is my mother's birthday as well. I think

mother's birthday as well. I think it was meant to be.

And chance for Sheffield United to make a significant breakthrough in

the race for that second spot. But they suffered a setback when Leyton

Orient went into the lead. That proved just a minor irritation for

a team who scored five in the week and a brimming with confidence.

It was a real blow for Leyton Orient, hoping to avoid a 5th

defeat in a row. By now Danny Wilson's men were firmly in the

groove. And Orient's chances of recovery looked slim at best.

United were intent on making that extra man count.

The team went four points clear of their city rivals.

Easter was horrible for Huddersfield, and wrecking their

automatic promotion hopes. Even Jordan Rhodes could not hit

the target, Huddersfield knew it was not going to be their day.

Denny near caused chaos with his adventurous run. Huddersfield were

left anxious about a dip in form, with the play-offs just around the

corner. The Dons got the perfect start.

Scunthorpe were a shadow of the team that had gone 10 matches

unbeaten. Mark Duffy wasted their best chance in a poor display. Then

Karl Robinson's men were well on the way to ending a run of draws.

Scunthorpe are not mathematically safe just yet. The dismissal of

Jordan Robertson makes their task more difficult.

He was soon heading for the showers. And his season is now finished.

Sean Williams's 5th goal in as many matches lifted his team up to 4th.

A fourth consecutive home win for Brentford would have taken them

above Notts County and into the play off berths. But Keith Curle's

side are on a roll having arrived at Griffin Park on the back of four

wins where only the cross bar denied top scorer Jeff Hughes. Sam

Saunders late free kick almost won it for the Bees but Damion

Stewart's goalline clearance leaves Notts in the top six.

A statement of intent from Stevenage. They ran riot after look

Freeman got the ball rolling. You will Poplar -- you will's problems

got worse. The referee reach straight for the

red card. The Stevenage lead was made more

commanding before half-time courtesy of this goal. And Gary

Smith's side then showed off their aerial power.

This avalanche of goals was more than welcome for a club now perched

just four points outside the play- their League One status all but

secure. The American served up a beauty ten minute in. Bournemouth

are without a way win this year. The Cherries paid the price. They

failed to take this chance. They missed the target. When they did

hit it, Bond got in his way. No doubt Bury relieved by the finish,

back up their defeat of Wycombe. Ryan Noble had too much room to

help put them in front. With this equalliser before the hour after

fine work from Jordan Bowry. They went behind ten minutes later. This

header keeps alive their hopes of a the lead. Walsall went into the

game knowing victory would put them in a strong potion to secure their

League One status. They are three points above the relegation zone.

Lee Beevers got a second booking. difficult for themselves. For the

fourth game running they conceded to Oldhamham. Morais had the

freedom of the park before picking his spot. That was the tonic for a

team on their five-match losing streak. This ball had the keeper

floundering. Beavon got his 23rd of the season. The scores were level

at the break. It stayed that way until 12 minutes from the end. Joel

Grant unfoxed the Oldham back four to put Wycombe on course for

maximum points. There should have been no way back. This challenge

put put them on-the-spot. A moment that wasn't taken. Two minutes from

the end Robbie Simpson was pulled down by Marvin McCoy. He showed us

how it should be done. Wycombe in the bottom four, Oldham six points

clear of danger. Rochdale had to win this game to have any hope of

staying up. Exeter were awarded a penalty before the half hour. They

took their figures into double figures. With 11 minutes aleft,

they were thrown a rubber ring when Adams pulled one back. Two minutes

later they were level. Joe Thompson's first goal of the season

was this brilliant shot to set up the most unlikely of turn arounds.

Akpo Akpo thought he had completed it when this effort came back off

the post. So it was was left for Jason Kennedy to grab the winner

two minutes from time. We had a couple of chances early on. They

got a penalty, rightly so. As we think we are getting on top in the

ebb second-half they give us a sucker-punch. They had a couple of

chances to extend it and kill the game. We kept going. We knew the

players would, they have done it before. Once we got the first goal

we went on to win the game. Delighted with the players and

Delighted with the players and delighted for the fans. The bottom

three survive. Many congratulations to Charlton and Chris Powell to

their promotion, they are back in the Championship. They deserve it?

the Championship. They deserve it? They have been top since October.

Which is difficult in itself to stay there. They have done it

brilliantly. They never had a dip this season. They have always

maintained that gap. Chris Powell legend as a player. He cemented his

name as a manager? Absolutely. I played with Chris, good lad. Think

about, it they put a lot of trust and faith in him. Two or three

months he had last year didn't go according to plan. He said, we

would back you throughout the summer. That hasn't happened the

way we imagined. Backed him, got players in. Hit the ground running.

Knew what he wanted and what was needed from the two or three months

he had last season. Fabulous all year. One automatic promotion place

between the two Sheffield clubs. Who blinks first, it was Sheffield

Wednesday? It was. Sheffield United went back in the week during

Rochdale but won the game. Sheffield Wednesday didn't win

today. Potentially, I would imagine, Carlisle is not easy. Brentford

isn't easy for Sheffield Wednesday. MK Dons isn't for Sheffield United.

They have the four point gap and the goal difference. Leyton Orient

they are giving their fans... Undoubtedly. It seems an awful long

time ago they were on that magnificent run last year. They

have lost their last five. You always get this were a team comes

from nowhere, loses a lot of games on the spin and finds itself on

trouble. The saving grace is they have Yeovil next week. Wycombe have

to go to Charlton. If they win that and spin it around it would give

them a six point gap with two to play. The way they are playing, no

game is going to be an easy one for them. Some performance for

Stevenage. Fantastic. Stevenage. Fantastic.

They're the only side in the NPower Football League's three divisions

to remain unbeaten at home this season.

Lying third in League Two, could Graham Turner's Shrewsbury be on

the verge of making a return to League One for the first time in 15

years? We sent Clem West to find out as

Steve Evan's Rotherham arrived in town. It was the year Margaret

Thatcher was to become Prime Minister. The airwaves were filled

with the sound of Reunited by Peaches an Herb. Shrewsbury Town

supporters were celebrating. Graham Turner had led their club to a 26

match unbeaten home run, which would provide the platform for

promotion and a ten-year stay in the second tier where they had

never ventured before. Graham Turner got the goal. 33 years on,

Aston Villa, Wolves and 15 year association with Hereford United

including owning the club, Graham Turner is back in the Shrewsbury

Town history books. He has beaten his own unbeaten record. His team

is third in the table and he is on for managerial promotion. What is

the key to management longevity? don't know. Don't you, seriously?

Not thought about it? Enjoyment and passion for the game. Luck along

the way. Knowledge picked up here and there. There is a an ability in

man management as well as the other side of the tactical thing and

formations and bringing players in. It's a combination of lots of

things. How does working for one of the, sort of, father figures of the

game compare to hifg a young buck as a manager? More experience. He

has been there and done it. 1500 games as a manager? Ridiculous

amount to stay in the game that long. Brilliant for him. He can

only learn from someone like thasm he passes on that knowledge when

and were it's needed. Did you know we were coming? No, I didn't, to be

fair. Look at this. You can't go wrong with them, can you? Not only

are you a football you are a faition nist ya and you supply JLS

and NDubz, is this true? They have worn some of the clothes before,

yeah. They like it. Hopefully it does well. Today's visitors

Rotherham have been in the news this week with their surprise

managerial appointment of Stephen Evans who leads them comfortably in

the League Two play-off positions. The timing of it that surprised a

lot of us? It surprised me, to be honest, Clem. Rotherham made an

approach. The only one on the shortlist interviewed not to apply

for the job. They provided me with an toupbt opportunity to speak to

them. When I said it was something that would interest me. They said

if we were 100% focused that was all they were concentrated on and I

had to Mick a decision. The fact I'm back now with significant

changes here, with a good chance of taking them into the first division,

it will be an achievement that I'd be proud of. They have waited a

long time for a promotion. And, we hope to deliver it this time

hope to deliver it this time without going into the play-offs.

COMMENTATOR: The former Crawley's boss was up with Cresswell's second

in two games. Rotherham's hopes of making the play-offs were dealt a

blow as Shrewsbury showed while they were unbeaten at home during

the season, Gornell scoring. Rowe was instrumental when Town hit the

front soon after. He kept his feet as he went past Taylor before wild

wild finished. --Wildig finished. They have climbed up to second

after their trademark fight back. This performance was crowned by a

This performance was crowned by a Having conceded we looked shakey

and nervy. We didn't dig in and get into the game. It was a vital goal

for us at half-time. Changed the room in the dressing room. Set us

up for the second-half. I loved the calm persona of the master in the

second-half via what was going on in the other technical area. People

talk about passion and the rest of. It I'm not refefring to Steve, but

you don't have to be waving your arms around and jumping up-and-down

and kig kicking the dugout. -- kicking the dugout we all do it

differently. If you get this sixth promotion were will it rank?

best because it's the latest. The others are long-forgotten.

Forgotten the feeling of promotion. About time we did it again.

Shrewsbury make it a losing start for Steve Evans. There a magic

relationship with Graham Taylor. It's a good club, nice ground in

good nick. Maybe this year they are writing a wrong.

Well as for the rest of League Two, we start at the County Ground where

Paolo di Canio's leaders Swindon had a chance to seal automatic

had a chance to seal automatic promotion against Plymouth.

The Swindon manager on the bench despite hearing the news of the

death of his mother before their visit. His emotions appeared to be

more taut than usual. For 85 minutes his team was frustrated by

an Argyle side which could still sharp turn and a shot from Alan

Connell. The manager has returned the top three hinged on this

testing trip to Torquay. The home side set about landing the first

blow. Boast -- both sides were cancelling each other out. Paul

Sturrock conceded his team are probably out of the race for

automatic promotion. On another day, Neil Harris might have had a

Southend home and dry, which is more than can be said the their

forwards. -- ebola woes. Crawley's new director of Boro was

-- a football may be to improve this challenge, it broke the

opponent's a leg. Crawley were unlikely to find the winner at they

needed to confirm their play-off place. The Dons were blasted ahead

with 13 minutes remaining. Just as emphatic was the equaliser from

Alexander. The Jenny man striker smashed home his 21st of the

campaign to keep the Red Devils on experiment with next season in mind,

and the much changed side proved to be no match for Cheltenham was stop

good as finished. This free kick skipped into the corner. The only

blight on the promotion-chasing club's game was a scruffy

the same. Restoring their three- and their quest for promotion. A

victory at Oxford would have kept them firmly in the play-off picture.

Oxford were looking to strengthen form. Gillingham boss at refused to

rule his side out of the promotion games, took the lead against Crewe

Alexandra. Harry Davis was adjudged took his tally to 14 for the season.

He displayed nifty footwork before this mess, as basic just outside

the play-offs? It seemed any number for the relegation threatened silk

men did take something from the game. Tomlinson's patient run, and

Redbridge will be a Football League club next season. The daggers to do

leader on the hour. The shot did manage to avoid another defeat. But

it looks unlikely for Dean Holdsworth's men, who needed more

than the point they salvaged with controlled belong spells. -- for

long spells. The former Manchester City striker, thwarted by Tomlinson,

as the home side tried to avoid a of his bearings, and the points

a two from the last four games, and with the score was goalless, no one

could have predicted what was going to happen. Within a minute of the

restart, the lead was doubled. The mistake this time belonged to Ryan

Austin. It was a memorable no sign of the game's eventual

scoreline. This was to prove an emphatic defeat. Rovers restored

their two-goal cushion within five minutes. Richards was released on

goal, Stanton conceded the penalty and was possibly fortunate to stay

on the pitch. Even if it was only when Paterson converted to destroy

any hope of that burden extending their unbeaten run. -- any hope of

Burton extending their unbeaten run. more. Another long ball, yet

another mistake by the Burton defence, and Richards was in for

first ever hat-trick, via the aid of a deflection, as Rovers

rare away success. The undoubted star of the show was the Bermuda

were second best throughout, and his players look like they were

contention soon after the break. This time Bradford struggled to

clear their lines, before Carlisle A long punt forward found a huge

to 18th, surely uncatchable, and Hereford got an early lead. Goals

like that are pressures when you are fighting for your Football

League status. But they were back at square one when this long kick

caused panic in the travelling ranks. Barnet were level. A point

doesn't do I decide's prospects much good, but it is more harmful

for Hereford. This goal line clearance could prove significant

for both clubs come the end of the games to go, the battle to avoid

the drop? It is two from three. think Barnett have an advantage but

the worst goal difference, that can change quickly. Have they are

bottom of the league, but they have the hardest three games, but two of

them or at home, whereas the others have two away games. Bonet at this

stage or in the box seat. At the top end of the table, Swindon are

edging closer to promotion to stop you cannot question de Canio's

commitment to the calls come after the tragic loss of his mother the

night before. I don't think anyone could question anything he has got

to do with Swindon this year, he has been fantastic. You also can't

question their record of conceding goals in the last 15 or 16 games.

That gives you a chance. A couple of hat-tricks. Elliott Richards at

Bristol Rovers in their 7-1 thumping of the blatant. -- of

Burton. Not even on the best of pitches. The football and rugby is

taking its effect! Not many positives at Bradford City this

season, but a good hat trick here. That is a goal scorer's positioning.

They will want to tie him up on a deal. With the games are running

out, let's take a look at the place will now be between Oxford

and Crewe Alexandra, both of those sides are level. As you were at the

bottom, Macclesfield failed to capitalise. Bradford's when moves

them up to 18th. Congratulations to Charlton, they will be back in the

championship after three seasons in League One. It is looking close to

the last play-off spot, four sides minor miracle for any of the bottom

for Southampton, they are just three points behind them, and

relegated in the Football League this season after that late defeat

to Portsmouth. That win means Portsmouth are seven points from

Few would like to watch any of the goals again, the show is on the red

button. It is also on the iPlayer The best of Manchester United