17/09/2011 The Football League Show

Good evening. We're six weeks into the season and

the league tables are starting to take shape. The leaders of all

three divisions - Brighton, Charlton and Morecambe were all in

action today. We've also got a couple of cracking derby games to

bring you, including one our guest knows all about. Yeah, Leroy is in

the hot seat this evening and here's a taste of what's on the

menu tonight. It's usually pretty feisty when Forest take on Derby.

Clough's Rams were looking up while McClaren's Forest were looking for

a pick-me-up - all the ingredients for a tasty local affair.

We've our usual round-up from all the divisions including the

Championship where the leaders were looking to extend their advantage

over the chasing pack. If lively is what you are after,

look no further than today's match at the New Den, Millwall against

West Ham, not one for the the faint hearted.

But we start tonight in the East Midlands and a game that always

serves up a treat as Nottingham Forest took on Derby County. It has

been a difficult start for Steve McClaren since he took over at

Forest, managing just one win in the league so far. But speak to any

Forest fan and they would like nothing more than to kick-start

their season against arch rivals Derby who began the day at the

other end of the table in fifth place. Martin Fisher was at the

place. Martin Fisher was at the place. Martin Fisher was at the

City Ground. It is a rifle that dates back to October 1892. It has

intensified further in recent years. Forest versus Derby, one of the

most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the Championship calendar and

one that brings goals at this end of the A52 and 16 in the last three

clashes at the City Ground. Forest are unchanged. The only change was

Luke Chambers whose girlfriend is about to give birth to their first

child. Injuries upset Derby's settled side. Three changes for

Early goals have been a theme in this game here recently.

Up goes Mill we are a touch collected by Derbyshire. Danger

here. A penalty has been given. Penalty given by the referee.

And a red card for the goalkeeper as well. What a dramatic start at

the City Ground. I did warn you that there is always

drama early on in this one. How about this? Goalkeeper Frank

Fielding sent off. Let's have another look at this. Miller and

Fielding dived across him and the referee points to the spot and

slowly, but surely brought out the red card.

What an introduction Legzdins. McGugan is on the bench so it is

Andy Reid. He scores!

Forest are in front again at the City City Ground inside the opening

minutes. Just the start he wanted. That might just lift some of the

pressure that has been building on the Forest boss.

The goalkeeper given no chance and sent the wrong way and Reid

players who stayed down. We'll come back to that in a moment. Fast and

their fans are expecting Derby to put this ball out of play. I'm not

sure that Derby knows what has Jamie Ward with the equaliser.

Forest wanted Derby to put the ball out of play.

On, on, he went and Ward levels the -- levels for Derby Conti, but it

will be another huge slice of Forest. There is nothing to say

that Derby should kick the ball out of play, but there was an

expectation amongst some of the players that they should do that.

But Nigel Nigel Cluft said, "Carry man on the pitch. He only stands at

5'5", but he got his head on that one. He couldn't direct it, but he

What's the referee going to do? A yellow card. Here is the handball.

No doubt about that. Reid swings it in.

Forest with another chance with Greening.

Shouts of handball, who handled it was it a Red Shirt or a white

shirt? Well the referee didn't spot anybody and it is a throw in.

The shouts there for handball against Shackell. His arms were

close to his body. The referee with that big, big call in the game

early on. His eyes are on the ball, not the man. It is a big shout from

the referee. A controversial moment, legs of O'Brien. Miller has looked

the most likely for Forest throughout the afternoon. It was a

powerful drive. Robertson still full of running and he has kept it

in. Held up by Chambers. What a miss by when by Hendrick.

20 minutes into the first-half, Nathan Tyson.

He got on the Derby team coach, Nigel Cluft led a chorus of boos to

get him used this reception. required.

complain about his team's work rate today. They have tried to cover

every blade of grass. Over the top by O'Brien. Forest

appealing for off side here. Oh what a finish and it is Jeff

hend Jeff Hendrick. He missed the chance earlier, boy has he made up

with it by that sweet strike. Davis in there quickly to pick up the

pieces. Hendrick said, "This is mine, bang, goal." What a sweet

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 43 seconds

Lynch. The strain beginning to show there, stretching every sinew, it

was going to be a special finish if final whistle. The Forest fans

whistling their disgust. All eyes on the referee who blows

for full-time. It is all over at the City Ground. What a dramatic

afternoon. Nigel Cluft wins on his former stomping ground, a day that

couldn't have started much worse. His goalkeeper sent off, Forest in

front after two minutes, but then Jamie Ward and Jeff Hendrick scored

and piled the pressure on the beleaguered Steve McLaren. It is a

wonderful day for Derby fans. It is a miserable one for Forest fans. At

City Ground Nottingham Forest one, City Ground Nottingham Forest one,

Derby County two. How do you sum up that reward

today? It was a staggering performance to go down to ten men

and come back and win. I would have been happy with a point, but to

come back and win, incredible performance by the lads. We haven't

spent too much money over the last couple of years, but what we know,

they are an honest bunch with a lot of heart.

Steve, what are your thoughts after that one? Shock. Pure shock and I

think that's how we played after what was a fantastic start, penalty,

ten men and we never looked in trouble and then defend so poorly.

Conceded the goal and from then it Someone went down and I saw you say

to you lads, play on. We did not complain, we conceded, we felt

aggrieved. Lessons to be learnt and harsh ones. It will be difficult to

go out in Nottingham for many weeks and deservedly so after a

performance like that. Unacceptable and I feel for the fans and for

anybody involved in the club and we take responsibility for that. We

have to solve it. This is very low. We have got to make sure we get it

right and start climbing. Priddey strong words from Steve McClaren.

He did not pull any punches. looked stunned, but he was honest,

not looking for any excuses, which is refreshing. But Derby took

advantage and technically got it right and they worked their socks

off. A colossal effort from them. Brom everyone in the team and Nigel

Clough was very proud. There is not much debate over the penalty. Do

you think francs building should not have been sent off? I think it

There is not a lot he can do. I think the referee has got no

alternative but to give the penalty. He is only looking at the ball and

he is trying to make the save. He cannot get out of the way, but with

the rules as they are, the referee has got to send him off, it is

harsh. That set the tone for the rest of the game and there was some

controversy over Derby's opening goal. Chris Coleman went down.

Jamie Ward scored for Derby. Were Derby right to play on? They

certainly were. There was a lot of time before him going down and that

actual goal. The referee uses his discretion. Jamie Ward does

extremely well, but the defending is absolutely shocking. But

Nottingham Forest can only blame themselves. Jamie Ward has got

ability and he is showing it there. But from then on, their performance

from Forest was poor. The comeback was complete banks to Geoff

Hendrick. You have got to give him credit because at one point it went

wrong for him. That was the best chance of the second half. He takes

his site off the ball. I am not sure if he is looking at the keeper

diving across, but he totally misses the target. But the players

are straight there to give him a little bit of a boost. Then he does

that and puts it in the back of the net. He guides his beautifully into

the bottom corner. It was his first senior goal and what a way to

remember your first goal. I am sure that misses in the past. Darby back

to winning ways. This is with the same defence that Billy Davies had

to work with. They finished 6th last season and third before, so

why is it not working this time? They are not getting enough players,

but the way they play in midfield it is so narrow. When they lose the

ball it is difficult for them to get back into shape. At times it

has been quite easy to get at that back four. You have to defend as a

team and they want to get that right as soon as possible. Let's

find out whether it was good for those teams at the top of the

Championship, starting with Britain. With Southampton not play until

Sunday, Albion had a chance to extend their lead at the top when

they travelled to big spenders they travelled to big spenders

Leicester. Last time this side at the top of the table came to

Leicester they were beaten by the Foxes and Brighton were hoping they

would not suffer the same fate as Southampton. But with Sven-Goran

Eriksson's future in doubt, Leicester found their rhythm and

thought they got in front. But referee Graham Scott had already

blown his whistle, frustration for the Foxes. Especially when the free

kick was sent flying over. 45 seconds after the restart the home

side went in front. It was Yuki Abe. Smith spent a golden chance to the

disbelief of his team-mates. Leicester sustained waves of

pressure, but the defence held strong. But the signals' hopes of

equalising were diminished. That was a blatant handball. The first

was a blatant handball. The first defeat for Gus Poyet's side. It did

not work, there are no excuses, we congratulate Leicester. I think we

deserved to win today. But at the end you feel that you suffer a

little bit because 1-0, you never know what will happen in the last

with the Middlesbrough team a raving for a club record 6th,

successive away win. Palace opened better here. After the break

Middlesbrough had more bite. After a 63rd minutes, the visitors made

their break there. Marvin Emnes has been unstoppable this season and

this was his 8th goal in nine matches. That was a good news. The

bad news is to follow. Middlesbrough played the last 15

minutes with ten men. There were nervy moments later on. Easterby

beat the goalkeeper, but not the bar. Middlesbrough are now top of

We are doing OK at the moment. The players have a bit of belief about

them. I think they know the front players can break away and score

memory of the miners who died in Wales this week before Blackpool

took on Cardiff. Both teams were chasing their 4th league win of the

season and Cardiff began brightly. Kenny Miller beat the Blackpool

defence and was looking for his first League goal and chose to

shoot, rather than find better- placed team-mates. Billy Clark

found Kevin Philips. It was tipped over the bar by an alert David

Marshall. Marshall's opposite number was in action again. Three

minutes after half-time, Malky Mackay's team went into the lead.

Blackpool levelled just after the hour mark, Kevin Phillips rolling

back the years with a superb finish to rescue a point for the

Tangerines. It took a wonderful goal from a wonderful player, which

I do not think we deserved. I think Cardiff or better than us today. I

have not said that very often. thought we were magnificent today,

I thought we played so well. 27 attempts on the goal. At times I

was delighted with the way we played. Hull edged their last two

games 1-0 ahead of Portsmouth. But it was not all smiles for Nigel

Pearson. Portsmouth arrived at the KC Stadium looking for their first

away win and they were nervous from the outset. It was not long before

the ball was in the net. But the celebrations were cut short. Hull

took the lead after 11 minutes. You could not guess he was celebrating

the birth of his daughter in the week, could you? Portsmouth almost

drew level before the break. The defenders' blushes were spared by

the keeper being pushed over the line. Hull dominated after the

break. How about this for a frantic goalmouth scramble? Try as they

might,'s could not find an equaliser and it got worse for

Steve Cotterill later on. Luke Varney was dismissed for a

challenge. Portsmouth's awayday blues continue, but one goal is

enough to push Hull up the table. am pleased with the players today,

and I am also pleased for them. We have had a bit of an up and down

start, but they have showed a lot of character over the last few

Eight of Hull's last 10 wins, what is the secret of that success? They

must be enjoying it? They certainly are. They have played well. They

Those players have gelled well and the players in front have worked

really hard. The centre half is only 5 ft 10, but he will be a

fantastic player. For Middlesbrough their terrific run continues. It is

that record of six away wins in a row. All this with Tony Mowbray not

spending a penny over the summer. Gordon Strachan bought some good

players. The likes of Robson, Niki Bailey and Scott was done of. He is

getting the best out of those players. That is coupled with the

likes of Joe Bennett to is a regular at the club. He is a good

footballer. He got sent off today, but he will be exceptional. As for

Leicester, finally progress under Sven Goran Eriksson. I think he has

found a settled team. It does not matter how much money you spend,

you have to have believed in the team. He has got that. Brighton

will want to make it 3 when they meet Middlesbrough later on.

sort Ian Holloway talk about Kevin Philips be the best finisher he has

ever worked with and he showed it perfectly to date. A lot of

managers have been saying that about Kevin Philips. That was a

fantastic goal today, but I have seen him score every single type of

goal and he will do it for a bit longer. We have already sampled one

derby game and on Saturday there was another one in the capital.

This game has got a bit of history. A off all the matches in the

Football League it is the one guaranteed to send shivers down

your spine, Millwall against West Ham, one of the bitterest rival

raised in football history with roots that go way back. It was here

on the Isle of Dogs that Millwall were founded in 1885 with a team

comprising mainly of tin Smith's. A commemorative plaque marks the spot

on the Isle weather factory once stood. A decade later, along the

bend in the river at Canning Town and another team was formed as

Thames ironworks, later to become West Ham United. Their relationship

was intense both on and off the pitch. The companies operated as

rival dockyards and when it came to football matches between the two,

as these programme show, things could get pretty ugly. Millwall's

relocation from the Isle of Dogs Today den on the south side of the

river in 1910 meant the Thames provided a natural barrier to the

rivalry. Then in 1926, differences of opinion between the rival Docks

as to whether or not support the general strike did little to

improve relations. Sadly in more recent years the rivalry has become

synonymous with marauding hordes of football hooligans. Police are

studying CCTV footage of the violence at Upton Park during a

match against Millwall. Despite the best efforts of the club's scenes

like these from the Carling Cup match at Upton Park's news ago have

become the enduring image of the encounters between the two. Is

there again you look forward to or I look forward to any big game at

the Den. It is great when we get through, we have our point and the

crowd go away happy. Although Millwall celebrated West Ham's

relegation last season, there is more subtlety. What are the Brits

of the conflict? Well, you have got to grips of dockers. It was the

general strike in the 1920s. are called to treat it just as as

simple game. Be it is much anticipated. We have worked hard to

get here, to be on par with West Ham and we have done very well in

recent years to get this fixture. You know about this crowd, having

played for them in the 1980s. I was that the old Den many years

ago. We are looking forward to the game and I hope it is exciting.

are Millwall! Clearly, crowd will be the vociferous. There will be

supporting you. Would you take that into the dressing room? Definitely.

In football, do the fans motivate the players or vice-versa? Well, as

a manager, it is my responsibility to bring the fans into play. Five

minutes before kick-off and the atmosphere of his banning! If you

think this is loud, Wait Until the and the West Ham keeper was equal

to the job. Millwall's last League goal was among the go. Trotter came

close here. Having scored on his West Ham debut against Portsmouth,

Larsson was at the centre of most of action. A volley could not be

controlled and went up but instead of into the goal. 0-0 is not bad. A

good clean sheet by the lads. A little disappointed in the dressing

room that we have not won it. they are to get across to the newer

boys what the game is about? didn't. They knew was it a entailed

and they handled themselves well. They have got respect for each

other and that is good. In hindsight, overly things don't go

further than just being a bit of banter. We competed well. If I am

being critical, we would have liked Looking pleased there, but he would

not have been pleased if this had gone in. David Ford is at the back

of the goal. If that goes in, just imagine the atmosphere? It would

have made it really difficult for the referee. Well spotted by

Lansbury though. He is a good player. Both of these clubs are

desperate to move this picture -- fixture on. Thankfully it passed

off without incident. You used to be part of it in the times when it

wasn't so nice. Yes. People talk about what is going on off the

pitch. The clubs are not interested in that. I went to Millwall a

little while ago and they have a great ethos there. They just want

to play football, like West can do. That is what they did today. Let us

have a look at what is happening in the rest of the championship. Over

to London Road. Burnley's promotion hopes depend on tightening their

target. The miss proved expensive for seven minutes before the break.

But for all their attacking instincts, Peterborough have yet to

keep a clean sheet and Burnley were there just before half-time.

Peterborough continued on to win. An emotional return to Elland Road

for Neil Kilkenny. Leeds gave themselves hope of adding more home

comfort after three minutes with a stunning goal. Bristol City had

picked up all but one of their five points on their travels. They

equalised in eight minutes when Kilkenny marked his return to his

former employers. A late intervention denied McCormack of

golf. -- a goal. This challenged -- challenge resulted in a penalty.

However, the kick was fluffed, or was a good save? With four minutes

remaining, McCormack headed in his best golf. What had secured their

best win of the season all season - - of the season. David Perkins was

unlucky as the shot came back of the post. Danny Drinkwater's effort

was just a little bit wide. Butterfield wasted a good chance to

give their own side the lead. But Watford worked up a storm. Markyate

-- Mark Yeates scored his 4th goal in as many matches. Andy Gray

scored from close range. A lucky escape for what for it. I thought

they pass well and moved well, which we think is part of our make-

up and we did not get going at all. Brian McDermott says he is having

sleepless nights over Reading's poor performance. They have lost

the last five games in all competitions. However, Doncaster

are doing even worse in the competition. Church was the

provider again. Having seen his team-mates spurn opportunities,

Church decided have a go himself. - - to have a go himself. When

Reading did take the lead seven minutes after the break, it pain as

a result after a mistake from Sullivan. Church was happy to

accept this chance to put the home side in front. The court seemed to

settle Brian McDermott's sight when they scored again a few minutes

later. We have had a little bit of a dip and we have come through it.

We need to concentrate on the You could see the relief on

McDermott's face. The new boys did well, didn't they? Yes. There is a

lot of frustration, but it is a policy they have worked very well -

bought cheap and sold big. That is the way the club will have to go if

they are going to have a future. The they beat Doncaster who are

without a win in 19. At one what point will Bay say this cannot

continue? It is a club that Sean has bought further into the

championship. What is success to Doncaster? Is it staying in the

championship? I think that is what it is. I don't think you can get

anyone in to do a better job than Sean is doing. Sinclair is of the

mark now with a couple of goals. He is almost made for Peterborough.

is perfect. He is quick, strong and powerful. He should have had a hat-

trick in all honesty. We also saw a valuable goal from all Ross

McCormack at Leeds. He is playing in his more natural position.

does defend very well. He popped up and got that golf. He has had seven

in nine games. Over to League One and Charlton managed to go top of

the table without even kicking a ball. The Addicks were looking to

stay at the summit when they travel start to the season. They took the

lead after 20 minutes. The summer arrivals doubled Charlton's lead

perfectly placed header. Just three minutes later, it was 2-

2. Ball getting his third goal in four matches. Charlton's lead had

erap -- evaporated in a a matter of moments.

The home side's hard work was undone with ten minutes to play.

Hollins getting on the score sheet again. It is four away wins for the

again. It is four away wins for the visitors.

I'm really pleased we got the Sheffield United. Evans marking his

first start start since April with the opener after three minutes.

Colchester were hit again just nine for more.

Another let-off for the Essex club hose unbeaten run was left in

tatters. Quinn exchanged passes with Evans. Danny Wilson's men, top

Over 46 games a season, Colchester will find it it hard to compete

with Sheffield United. We made life so difficult that we were always

Alan Lee should have done better with the header. The refound failed.

-- we bound field. The home side, lacked their usual

fire power. 1-1 and tempers were starting to

fray. Off camera camera clashed with Lee.

His punishment a red card as well as a penalty.

Lee Novak took the responsibility. David Martin took the glory to earn

earn his side a point. When you get a penalty four minutes

from end, you are hoping it is a great chance to win the game, but

it wean to be. -- wasn't to be. I am delighted with the first-half

performance which I thought was terrific.

Mellor scored his fifth goal. Brentford are unbeaten in three

matches and levelled ten minutes later when Noel McGinn was

presented with a simple tap in. However, Phil Brown's side retook

the lead in the 32nd minute. The final sting in the tail came

with less than 20 minutes to play. Mellor hit the post when he managed

to grab a second. Six wins in a row Stevenage who put five past

Stevenage in the week. The home fans were dreaming of a

repeat display. Reid took the responsibility from 12 yard, but

found Stuart Nelson on top of his game. Martin Alan has been quick to

praise his players after a hectic schedule. Lee Hughes was back in

the line-up and on the stroke of half-time he popped up in the right

spot to put the travellers on top. Stevenage were sent crashing to

their first home defeat of the enjoyed a trrveg start to the --

trick start to the sees -- terrific start to the season.

Another summer edition is Niche. He is starting to make an impact.

The 30-year-old was beginning to have an increasing influence on the

game. After probing play, nearly brought a third. This header

thundering off the woodwork and away to safety. The former Hibs man

did get that second goal. The finish showed the can have

confidence that's flowing through the team. They are unbeaten in ten

in the league and that's the club's Wednesday. With ten minutes on the

clock, Ben Marshal allowed David McGoldrick to head home.

Yeovil equalised before the half- hour in controversial circumstances.

Play stopped to allow treatment to a player, but the goalkeeper and

Rob Jones collided allowing a simple tap in. The appeals fell on

deaf ears as the referee said the goal stood.

AGuard arrived in the summer. He netted his second goal ten minutes

minutes into the second half. Bennett causing problems at the

back. This goal was this player's seventh in five games. He gave the

Owls their first away win since acselling in Chesterfield, Lyon

Clarke is determined to prove a point after his bust-up. His new

club are reaping the rewards. The striker is on target for his third

goal in a row. Carlisle struggled at home, but yet to lose on the

road. This corner caught out the keeper and Lee Miller volleyed them

back into contention. Miller's fifth of the campaign had

the Travellers on terms for six minutes.

A terrific header had the home side on course for a third win. Any hope

of a Carlisle fightback disappeared in the second half. Wit tack Kerr's

free-kick should have been cleared, but when it wasn't, Clarke helped

himself. His first hat trick put

Chesterfield in command. The former Notts County man getting on top of

this cross to finish off a This This free-kick found Goodison.

The second came right off the training ground. A good old-

fashioned corner. Taylor first to react to the cross. As Rovers

condemned Wycombe to their fifth straight defeat.

Leyton Orient made their worst start to a season in over 30 years

and they went into their second home game of the week bottom of the

table. Porter found the back of the net.

At the other end of the age scale, this player has scored twice

side's defending throughout the match and Oldham took the lead in

the 56th minute. He maybe 34, you this player is

enjoying life and he was enjoying his afternoon. He turned provider

again for Matt Smith who put the Scunthorpe who should be

celebrating their first win of the season, but found themselves a goal

down when Walsall scored. The advantage was precious to the

home team who held on until 12 minutes from time following a

goalmouth scamble, Gary Thompson poked home the equaliser. Nothing

more than Neil's men deserved, but parity lasted barely five minutes.

A fabulous volley had them on course for maximum points. Hard on

Scunthorpe who haven't won here in over half a century. Not the the

result they were looking for, but one that perhaps gets them pointing

with some of the club's fans, Bournemouth chairman, Eddie

Mitchell must feel happier. Back- to-back wins eased the pressure. We

see Thomas enjoyed a stroke of fortune when Jones slipped allowing

him to get a second in as many games. The victory was sealed in

the final minute. Malone's shot was cleared by Danny Coles. Celebration

time for the visitors, contrasting We are seeing surprising teams,

Leroy. The likes of Exeter and Leyton Orient. Which of those

surprised you? Leyton Orient. I know Russell Slade well. I didn't

expect that and Scunthorpe, I thought they would hit the ground

running. It is early days yet so they can find the spark and they

are two sides if they start to score goals and win games.

Chesterfield had a slow start, but they are picking themselves up

nicely. What a story it is turning out to be for Lyon Lyon Clarke?

is a great chance for Clarke. He is scoring goals. He looks happy

and confident. There is no doubt in his ability.

No one has doubted that. It is just his attitude at times. I am sure he

might have thought after seeing what happened at Swindon that maybe

it is his last to show what he can do. In the last three or four games

he has done that. A few similarities when Craig Davis

arrived and John got the best out of him? John has the knack of

seeing the best in time and putting the past or things they might have

done, everyone makes mistakes and you can move forward. At

Chesterfield they are allowed to move forward, and enjoy their

football. Neil Miller is proving it. Four

goals in the last two games. Preston are doing well.

He is 28 now, Neil. He has always been able to Fin I shall. With him

and the other goal scorers, they are elder statesmen. A great story

developing at Hartlepool. They are doubling their gates at the minute.

The attendances at Victoria Park. They can attract more fans now?

When I was at Torquay I used to look for Hartlepool's gates. Over

5,000 which is fantastic. It might not sound a lot, but it is

fantastic for Hartlepool. It helps when it is �100 for a

season ticket. Well, as for League Two and a mid-

week draw with Macclesfield was enough to keep Morecambe top of the

table going into the weekend. The leaders were down in East London on

Saturday to take on Dagenham and job since May and he has taken to

it like a duck to water. Elson was involved in the second.

Dagenham and Redbridge lost their last three matches before today and

failed this pick up a point yet again. This free-kick may have been

impressive, but it was in vain. That was because that man elson

managed to clear this effort off the line 15 minutes from time.

Bentley's side are unbeaten in Torquay showed there was no room

for sentiment. Ryan Cresswell crashed in the second. But Torquay

responded virtually straight away. Three goals and a breathless first

11 minutes and plenty more to come. The impressive Gareth Evans sent

over the perfect cross. But the home side refused to pay Ben. Kevin

Nicholson found a gaping hole in the Miller's' back line and Major

the second half was finely poised. Takin I have had momentum. When the

Millets captain got caught in possession, the big man made sure

he paid for it. After entertainment lite beers neither side deserved to

Vale Park is the place to go, 25 in the last five games. So no

surprises it only took three minutes for the first breach. It

gave the visitors the lead. That was doubled 11 minutes later when

Mark Wright remained cool under pressure. Vale have scored in every

game so far this season and maintained that record with Ben

Williamson who registered his first for the club. The Shrews's two got

advantage was restored after the break. There were still some fight

left in Niki Adams' side to set up a grandstand finish nine minutes

from time. But that would not be enough to attain the Shrews who

move into the top three. The first ever meeting between

these two clubs began brightly for the home side. The Dons suffered a

3-0 defeat at Northampton in their last match, and you got that

feeling it was going to be their day, at five minutes before half-

time there was an own goal. The points were all but sealed for

Terry Brown's men midway through the second half. There was only one

outcome. Then came the 4th. Charlton have had something to

celebrate in the 89th minute. They header was no more than a

consolation. A of see Wimbledon secured their biggest win since

promotion. Paolo di Canio wants a new striker

after a Swindon side misfired. The Italian says he wants a player who

will attack the ball with desire. The determination of Justin

Richards pave the way. If Paolo Di Canio was upset with his side's

lack of finishing, he was distressed by what was going on at

the back. He accused the goalkeeper of killing the game. He took his

eye completely off the ball. Crawley have not lost three in a

rope in a 3 1/2 years and up go back-to-back defeats they found

themselves trailing early on. Kyel Reid opened his account. That was

the way things stayed until the second half when Steve Evans' side

finally kicked into gear. Tyrone Barnett levelled the score. Andy

Drewery made an instant impact, his effort bringing their supporters to

their feet. The Bantams had chances to equalise in the closing stages,

but it was the Red Devils who were more clinical. Victory was

confirmed two minutes from time. Tyrone Barnard said Crawley back to

winning ways. Plymouth Argyle came into this match as the only side in

League two without a win. Peter Reid's side's resilience lasted a

short while. Liam Dickinson tapped home the resulting penalty. The

task was made harder for the Devon side when they went down to ten men.

The captain Carl Fletcher was sent off. After it had died down, the

frustration was clear for all to save. It looks like another

difficult afternoon for the visitors. Peter Gilbert headed home

with 10 minutes remaining. It moves the Shrimpers into the play-off

classes. Oxford are into the play- off places after two Mac goals. A

well-taken strike at United on course to stretch their unbeaten

run to three games. Five minutes after the opener, Chris Wilder's

team doubled the advantage. A sublime chip matched by the quality

of the finish. The result came at a cost spot Oxford who finished the

game with ten men. A second yellow cards for the Oxford man who

departed the pitch slightly earlier than his team-mates. Bristol

Rovers' manager feels their defeat to Aldershot should serve as a

reality check for everyone at the club. This was a battle between two

sides struggling for form. Hereford went into the game with only

Krapp's Last Tape separating them from the bottom of the league. Five

minutes later and it was 2-0. Defender Gary Richards headed the

visitors into the ascendancy. Any hopes of coming back were all but

extinguished. It confirmed it was not going to be a Hereford's bait.

Four minutes into the second half it was 4-0. Jackson does not get

many goals, but they are impressive when they arrive. Then things went

back -- from bad to worse. The with 11 minutes remaining, there was a

goalkeeping mistake which compounded Hereford's woes. It was

6-0 in the 83rd minute. Stefan Payne completed Hereford's

humiliation. They got one back, but the damage had been done. It was

their heaviest defeat since they returned to the league. After a

miserable start to the campaign, move and their second was straight

out of the handbook. Crew now in control and agreed tent left

staring at their first defeat in four games. They did their best to

repair the damage, but found the goalkeeper in stubborn mood. A 4th

win in five sets screw up nicely for next week's Derby. After their

midweek win over Wimbledon, Northampton boss Gary Johnson

demanded a repeat performance from his players. They could not deliver

and found themselves trailing before the Blake -- break. Stirred

the Cobblers from their slumber and on the stroke of half-time they

levelled. Jackson a Bligh's up with the goal, his first since moving to

the club. All-square at the Blake - - break and plenty for the

manager's to ponder it. It exploded into life in the final six minutes.

Tomlinson acrobatically added to his early strike, effectively game

Abbott. Gary Simpson made a double sense -- substitutions. The FA

sense -- substitutions. The FA thought were sent home happy. It

has been a great week for Ben Tomlinson at Macclesfield. As for

more come, they will be break dancing in the dressing room. Not

conceding goals, but they are scoring plenty, it is a formula

that is working. Bentley loves a clean sheet, but they are scoring

goals as well. It is a slightly different emphasis. He has handed

his own ideas. They do is great to see Burton doing well. They have

not been in the Football League that long. It is their highest

position ever. And back-to-back wins. It was always difficult for

them to do this and go through the divisions, but it is hard to walk

into the shoes of Nigel Clough who was at Burton and laid down your

own foundations. He has struggled at times, but they are starting to

come through it. They are starting to get their rewards and it is 4th

place and it is a great start for them. A chilly and got the biggest

win of the day and arguably the best goal of the day as well. They

came up trumps against Hereford. is tough times now poor Hereford.

He is into his second season and they have not moved forward from

where they were last season. They stuttered towards the end of the

last season and were close to falling out of the league. The

pressure is on him now. The fans are thinking maybe he is not cut

out to be a manager as he was only a physio. It is a difficult club to

manage. They have not moved up for it. But they will still want to

move forward. Before we go, let's see what the results mean to the

Plymouth lost their 8th straight Hartlepool and Preston continued

their impressive winning streaks. Good wins for Bournemouth and

Chesterfield and they pull away from the relegation zone.

Middlesbrough are the new leaders. Southampton can end that with a win

The Royals have jumped up nine places to 14th. If you want to

watch the programme again it is available on satellite and cable

from now until midday, although it is not on Freeview. It is on the

iPlayer all week and for extended match highlights, go to the BBC

sport website. Colin will have the best of the action from the Premier

League, including highlights of Manchester United versus Chelsea.