17/12/2011 The Football League Show

Evening. The Christmas rush has officially begun in the Npower

Football League. For many teams, today saw the 1st of 5 games in

just 22 days - a spell that could make or break a season, as sides

bag as many points as possible. Well, tonight we'll find out who

kicked off the festive season with that winning feeling, in the

company of Leroy Rosenior. And here's a taster of what's coming up

this evening. It was 3rd v 4th in the Championship's Game of the Day

as Cardiff took on Middlesbrough. Could the Bluebirds extend their

winning run and boost their own promotion hopes going into the

promotion hopes going into the Barmby's Hull - they were looking

to enhance their own promotion credentials when Millwall visited

in these parts. He wears red and white and doesn't mind sitting at

the top of the tree. I'm at a freezing cold Valley, with about

ten layers of clothing on, and I'm spending the day with the League

company with Phil Brown, we've extended highlights of their game

with high-flying MK Dons, a team that has Charlton very much in

Well, we start in the Welsh Capital where Cardiff were looking to

continue their dramatic rise up the league table. Unbeaten in 11 in all

competitions, Malkay McKay's new- look side began the day in 3rd,

proving to be the dark horses this season. Their opponents were the

team just below them Middlesbrough, whose success has been based on the

league's stingiest defence. target. Cardiff City are the form

team with three defeats all season. Middlesbrough boast the best

defensive record in the division. Only goal difference keeps them

below. Cardiff City make one change. Gunnarsson returns in midfield.

Philip cueist returns -- drops to changes. There is a first league

Lovely cross to the near post. It was a clear sight on goal. Mark

Hodson challenge to the Nigerian. The ball went over the bar. -- Mark

Jason Steele raced out of his penalty area. Nick Naughton

clattered into the Cardiff City full-back. The Cardiff City fans

certainly feel there was a case for a penalty. But the referee waved

scoring for Middlesbrough on his first start for her the team. The

Nigerian international with a deflected shot. He has been sharp

in training this week. He has stayed behind for extra training

sessions. Finding the back of the net, catching the eye of Tony

Mowbray. One hit, slight deflection and David Marshall was beaten for

Jo Bennett. Conway with an intelligent ball, found when. --

found width. Bennett was alert. Cardiff City have an equaliser! Ben

Turner will love that. It was his deflection that gave Middlesbrough

the opening goal. Now the Cardiff City defender has restored parity.

What a time to score your first goal of the season. It was a

scruffy connection but he won't mind that. Lovely delivery by

Argentinian caught. -- Cowley. It will be a free kick. Arca came in

from behind and just bundled over Hussain has somehow been kept out

by a combination of the defender Cardiff City defence. -- to the

pump. McDonald went down under the challenge of Andrew Taylor. There

was not a penalty given but the shot came in. Excellent defending

front. It was brilliant from Miller. And Alan Gunnarsson with a cool

finish. Look at that, craft, precision, Cardiff are now in front.

He was running away, the back heel inside. And Aaron Gunnarsson, look

at that. Phil Steele -- Jason Steele was brave. Gunnarsson had

will win the free kick. Andrew Taylor is the offender. The

He might blow his cheeks because he was a marked. It was a clear cut

Middlesbrough! It was an incisive move by Tony Mowbray's side. It was

a pinpoint cross. Meat and drink for Scott McDonald, the Australian

international. He has got Middlesbrough level. It was

Bailey's ball that spotted the overlapping run. He could not miss.

Far too much room. The Cardiff defender went astray. It was a

Great stop. The rebound is over the crossbar. It was Miller and Miller

again. Running in one direction, and the back heel to his man,

Whittingham. Whittingham's shot was Robson need support. -- needs

support. Haroun is the target. He has scored a brilliant goal from

Middlesbrough. It is a LGBT to send the Teesside faithful into raptures.

-- A Belgian beauty. How about that for Middlesbrough. What an

important goal that could be. -- it cleared by Cardiff City. A 4th goal

would have sent all three points back to the north-east. The Belgian

had his arm wrapped around Mason. Did he hold him back? He certainly

did. It was a silly free kick to be one of those days for Cardiff

City? Certainly, in the end it was challenge. The Cardiff City players

feel that Kevin McNaughton was fouled. Kenny Miller led the

protest. There was a desperate search for an equaliser. Kevin

McNaughton, it fell to him, but was there a touch from a few dates? The

shot was just wide. It was knocked on by Turner. Miller trying to find

substitute. If there was time for a hero, it was there. The French

striker had a chance but he could We did not go with a runner twice

and if you don't, at this level, they are the team will score goals.

They are a good team. -- the other They are a good team. -- the other

team. If you do not match man for man, you're punished. Ogbeche works

every day on aspects of his game he needs to improve upon. He is an

amazing athlete and a fantastic lad. I am delighted for him. You can see

their joy, and the extra work he does with the coaches. He can get

back into the box and do his job. I am delighted for him. A every one

of the stadium could not believe it was not a penalty when Kevin

McNaughton was taken out by the goalkeeper. Every one of them looks

the same. How that is not a penalty, I do not know. That changes the

game. When the business end of the season comes around, March, April,

when there is a dozen games left, that is when you will notice were

you have to go and be solid. You have to make sure you do not lose

and be positive and when. At the moment, we take each game as it

Just like last season, Middlesbrough getting the better of

Cardiff and considering they had two of the best defences on show,

this was a surprisingly open contest, wasn't it? It was an open

contest but I was not surprised. They have quality in both sides.

They showed that. I thought they might stifle each other today,

being such a big game. It was an open, entertaining game. We heard

from Malcolm McKay that -- who complained they did not have a

penalty just before Middlesbrough scored. Was Jason still guilty of

bringing down McNaughton here? the keeper catches McNaughton in

the boccia. He pleads his innocence but he was guilty. I can't see how

the referee did not give that obvious decision. People talk about

Cardiff, that lack of star quality compared to last season, more of a

team ethic in force I suppose but Peter Whittingham and particularly

Kenny Miller, they are two stars here, aren't they? The build-up for

the second goal for starred -- was outstanding. Miller is a very good

player for Cardiff for a few seasons but Miller was an excellent

sign it. People talk about his work rate. He has a Scottish

international. He has great awareness. He creates space for

other people as he did there. He has awareness to see but when of

Gunnarsson. He made two runs to get into that position. They showed

that quality. You were never sure who was going to get the winner at

the end. As it was it was an unlikely source. You were surprised.

Her room showed a tremendous amount of composure, didn't he? -- her

room. I haven't seen a lot of the lad. He looks like a straight

defensive midfield player but he makes the run forward and that

chest control is to top-quality. He puts it in the right place and

makes the finish on the second touch. Very, very easy. It was a

quality goal that justified it. It justified them getting the three

points. They had that tiny bit more quality in the game today. Those of

the last three of 22, Ogbeche, his first goal for Middlesbrough,

brilliant. Yes, he played in the World Cup for Nigeria. He looked a

real athlete. I have been saying that Middlesbrough need somebody

who can go in there and he Was Southampton not playing until

Sunday and -- against Portsmouth in what has been built El Classicoast,

Hammers' bubbles burst after two defeats but this programme has more

class than that. Like West Ham, who scored after six minutes. Noble

with the corner, Diop on hand to head whole -- head home his first

goal in English football for exactly six years. Barnsley, who

lost five-three to Ipswich and that amazing match last weekend, sprang

into action. Craig Davies making space. Rob Green making a save.

After the break the Hammers had green to say once more. Rob Edwards

denied. The introduction of another player me through -- midway through

the second half gave the home side impetus but he could not find a way

past looks deal with this method. West Ham thought they had a penalty

when Sears was brought down by O'Brien. The referee disagreed and

when Sam Allardyce aimed a kick at some plastic bottles in frustration

A very valuable three points and under the circumstances a fantastic

win. It puts the two defeats on the trot behind us and lets us move

description of Nicky Barmby's rain so far as Hull caretaker-manager.

Four wins in six have seen the Tigers move within reach of the

automatic promotion places. As far as this fixture is concern it is

the Lions who were the kings of the jungle, having not lost a league

game to City since knighted 87 and they were on the back foot as

Milton Hall kept out fire. In the first half Farah did manage to beat

Milton Hall but an eagle-eyed assistant spotted a striker when an

offside position. In contrast, the other side had lost one of their

last six. They have flirted with the relegation zone. This free kick

was a gentle reminder not to write them off. After the restart the

deadlock was broken. Confusion between Milden Paul and his

defensive colleague resulted in Koren's cross being turned into his

own net by Jack Smith. Now Millwall's last go on their travels

came on a three-nil win at Leicester last October and but for

the crossbar Paul Robinson's header might have ended that run. As for

this game it was Koren who eventually scored Hull's second ten

minutes from time. The Slovenian international getting his 4th goal

since Barmby to Cover. He may make We will speak in the new year with

the owners and sit down without him. their latest good run against

Reading. A win would make it to be thin seven league outings for Simon

Grayson's men. But it was the visitors who got off to the perfect

start and this one. Their first attack of the game and a goal. From

Simon Church. He scored two in last week's win against West Ham. The

visitors were in the ascendancy and pressed to make it two. Unable to

find the target here. But he had not quite finished. Having been

static bike another player, his shot was saved. They could not

follow up. But Leeds were not about to let this one go as they created

chances of their reign. Snodgrass crossing the McCormack, who could

only find -- fire his header straight at the defenders. The

hosts continued to create chances but were lacking the killer edge.

This clever flick was easily dealt with. It was Leeds'' third home

defeat and Reading's first ever home win -- first ever win at

The first half was excellent, we could have got a second and it

would have been more comfortable but the second half, it was a day

for leaders and we had them all against Burnley wanting to win so

they could have a victory at the mix. This was the game with plenty

of talking points and with barely five minutes gone Brighton were

down to ten men. There was a knock the ball vocation. After

deliberating with his assistant, the referee saw fit to show him a

straight red card. Incredibly that was just the beginning as six

minutes later there was a second dismissal. Surprisingly after this

challenge it was for a Brighton player. Ashley Barnes feeling that

wrath of the referee. Brighton were down to nine men. Surely it was

only a matter of time before Burnley made their numerical

advantage count. Trip here choosing the perfect moment to rifle in his

first League goal of the season. -- Trippier. The deficit was only one,

the Danish keeper was at his best here. This Eagles almost drew level

but Mackail-Smith could not beat Grant or Edgar. It finished one-nil.

Gus Poyet was full of praise for his players despite ending with

nine men. I am not going to talk about the referee, I will talk

about the outstanding effort and commitment from the players, the

way they understood what was needed to hold, to wait, to defend, to put

the ball coming into the box and wait for the chance. But Paul don't

do goalless draws. They have yet to be involved in one this season --

back ball. The Tangerines came close to find in the Watford net as

early as the 7th minute. The chance created after a lengthy run by

Philips, not Kevin, he was on the back -- bench, but Matt. Ian

Holloway's side have not lost a league game this season in which

the opened the scoring. The only problem was doing that in this

match. Just failing to convert here. Lua Lua has been impressive since

the arrived. The Condoleezza International is still waiting for

his first go on home soil but that post was becoming a ball magnet --

Congolese. In nearly 350 league appearances Taylor-Fletcher has

scored nearly 100 goals. He had not one but two chances in the second

half to close in on his century. But the Hornets were looking to

compete -- complete back to back away wins having won at Ipswich and

they should have gone ahead with 25 minutes to go. Kevin Phillips

replaced Lua Lua after 67 minutes for Blackpool and almost inevitably

had a great chance to win it, thanks to Matt Philips. But not

this time. So Blackpool to do a goalless draws and Watford's shone

damaged left the happier of the two managers at the end. -- what the's

manager left the happiest at the end.

Doncaster Rovers went into the match against Leicester City with a

record that did not exactly inspire confidence. Second from bottom

before this one. Dean Saunders' team had lost 13 of the 21 league

outings and things looked grim after 38 minutes. Steve Howard

pastor David Nugent, who nipped the ball Edwards for his 7th goal of

the season. The last time Rovers beat their opponents was in 1955

and they came out all guns blazing in the second half. Sharp in the

right place to nod home a cross to level things. In Sharp, Doncaster

have a man who can turn a match in an instant and two minutes later he

did that. He had this acrobatic effort to score his 9th League goal

in 15 appearances this season and put the home side ahead. The Foxes

had their chances to level things. This deflected shot was the wrong

side of the post as Rovers takes three points. That was a big, big

win. We have been playing well, it has been coming. We should have got

something out of the Birmingham game last week and Southampton's --

and the boys are taking things on board. We are more difficult to

beat. Last week's stunning comeback

against Barnsley saw Ipswich and their seven-game losing lead then.

Darby recently ended a losing streak of the rain that confidence

was high amongst Paul Jewell's side. There were plenty of chances and

entertaining first half. Keith Andrews testing Derby's stopper

Frank Field in with his long-range effort. Ipswich had their

goalkeeper to thank for keeping them in it. This stunning reflex

save denying Bryson's. The keeper in goal because David Stockdale was

recalled by Fulham. The new boy was busy. Jamie Ward this time unable

to get past not once but twice. Now whatever Ipswich boss Paul Jewell

has been saying in his half-time team talks lately it must be good

because 29 seconds after the restart they were ahead. Keith

Andrews rising highest. The referee saw Brayford had cleared the ball

off the line but after consulting his assistant he gave the goal. The

home side could have made it two but it meant back-to- back whence

they Ipswich and 60 beats innate for a frustrated Nigel Clough.

can't tell a bit is over the line or not. We were frustrated because

it was not given straight away. I thought if the linesman had seen it

over the line he would have put up his black but we played four or

five seconds on and the goal was not given, then to go back and give

it was frustrating. I have a different take. I think they should

give every manager, every coach, two calls a half and then we could

use that call-up for whatever we want. Then you have four calls on

the referee during the game. I think we would all be happier.

Last week's appearance of former chairman and current head of

football operations on the Coventry bench at home to hold -- Hull has

backed out rage amongst sky-blue fans. He stayed clear of the

technical area at London Road. Whether his absence had any effect

on Coventry is debatable but the Sky Blues had the better chances

first half. This header should have hit the target. Peterborough's only

effort of note in the opening 45 came from Lee Tomlin. His accuracy

-- given his accuracy it was not hard to see whether Posh had not

won in their last fight. The deadlock was broken on 66 minutes.

There was the 6th League goal of the season from Sinclair.

Peterborough rode their luck in the second half to keep the first clean

sheet of the campaign. Gardner hitting the woodwork. Worrying

times for Andy Thorn's side who are eight points from safety.

Forest last lost to Bristol City in 1974 when Barry White's famous song

was number one. Steve Cotterill will not smile at anything with no

Goal or point Reform matches. David James produced a save of the match

to keep out to J's volley. That was Forest's only real chance in a dire

first half. Bristol City best effort came from Walford. It ended

with a poor end product. The way things were going that Barry White

statistic looks safe. Lee Camp showed that anything David James

could do, he could do just as well. Elliott left wondering what they

had to do to beat the Forest keeper. His smile said it all. Forest posed

the greater threat as the game moved towards its conclusion. This

effort brought another stunning save from James. He was called upon

for a final time. The Barry White statistic remains an Steve

Cotterill's Forest have gone five We have played with great energy

and a fantastic spirit and it will only be a moment of time before

those chances go in. David James in inspirational form. Ipswich getting

a contentious Cole and Paul Gould believes we should get video

referrals. He thinks each manager should get two referrals. I am not

keen on that idea. Definitely goal line technology. But if you get

referrals, I promise you and manager will refer the decision and

they still will not come to an agreement. I do not think it will

work. The linesman did not give the goal but then changed his mind.

That is confusing. It is ridiculous. Why does he need the referee to go

over and have a work? It brings up all sorts of problems. I could not

see how he could give the goal. was an eventful game with Brighton

losing two players. It is ironic because Eddie Howe had all his

strikers fit and then his fall-back comes up with a screamer. He is a

good player. An England Under 21 player. That is what you need. When

it is not happening for your strikers, you need someone to come

up with a strike like that. A good win for any how. Four wins in a row

for Hull. They clearly enjoy playing and it Nick Barmby. Surely

it is only a matter of time before we give him the job full-time?

think they should keep him as caretaker! It seems to be working.

Peterborough finally kept her first clean sheet of the season. It is

If you are a Charlton Athletic fan you will be celebrating Christmas

Day at the top of the tree. They are clearly enjoying life under

Chris Powell. Could they survive a visit from our very own Ebenezer

Actually, after the misery of their past few seasons these really are

wonderful times for trot Athletic. Remember, they were a Premier

League teams just five years ago. They found salvation in the safe

hands of a familiar face. It must be a lovely feeling to give the

fans something to cheer about, to give them such a great Christmas.

So far. Absolutely. I love this place. Everyone knows, it my time

here as a player was during a wonderful spell for the club. There

is no hiding from the fact of what has happened to us but now we are

looking for a new history. For the first time in a long time I can say

Merry Christmas to a Charlton fan. Hopefully we will keep going, it is

the best time to be a Charlton fan for many years. We are going back

up again and that is brilliant. have peace and light Jason Euell

and Chris Parr back so it is like a Premier years again -- people like.

You seem to have circumvented this whole idea that it takes a while to

gelatine. What have you done? Alongside myself and all the

assistant manager's, I think the plaudits have to go to the players.

I have told them what I wanted to what my vision is for the club and

they have bought into it. You leave when the club is in the Premier

League any comeback in League 1. The ball changes so quick. I'm

happy to be back, it is at club close to my heart. Where are you

and Chris now? You are best mates but he is the gaffer. When I first

came and I carried on calling him by his nickname, I got called up by

the staff. But now I have got it down, he his gaffer! Is the nicest

man in football still the nicest man in football or has yet to

change a bit? -- has he had to change. I treat my players and

everyone as human beings. A have you got it in your locker?

course I have. They may be excited about the future but they do not

forget their past. There was one minute of applause in memory of

Peter croaker, who died recently, the last surviving member of the

goalkeeper to insure level terms at half-time. The response from

Charlton was a bright start to the second period which bore fruit when

Darel Russell found a halt in the back line of Oldham. His first goal

equaliser with just six minutes left. Four draws on the road for

We cannot forget the exact Christmas present that we want.

some ways we have still got what we want because we remain top over

Christmas. But it was a tough game today. We went ahead, it was a

resilient performance by Oldham. I did and the credit they deserve. We

had one or two situations where we could have got the three points,

but we have not lost. At the end, a good point for Oldham. A terrific

start to this season. One defeat in 21 game. A great team performance.

It certainly has been. Bradley Wright-Phillips getting a lot of

plaudits. Chris Powell will be interested that they have only

conceded 16 goals. As a team, I could cope on and on, it is a team

that has put together very quickly. The draw for Carlton and there was

even more to play for at paid his old man a visit. His

father is the goalkeeping coach. No prizes for guessing who was on the

end of the cross. The dream start for Huddersfield. Stunned by the

early blow, Sheffield Wednesday conceded again four minutes later.

Rhodes doubled the advantage. 10 minutes later, Sheffield Wednesday

were given a lifeline. Rob Jones put them back in contention. The

crowd were in for real treat and four minutes later, Sheffield

Wednesday were all square. Huddersfield appear to be out of

danger and tail they went to the break all square. It was a

sensational second half. Gary Megson's men now have the momentum.

Ben Marshall was a man on a mission. After finished like that it is not

hard to see why they want to keep the loan player on a permanent

basis. The turnaround was complete when O'Grady put his third in of

the season. But Lee Clark's men were far from finished. Rhodes got

his hat-trick. His fourth treble for club and country set up a

grandstand finish. In the 7th minute of injury-time, Huddersfield

clinched a share of the point. Rhodes finished. Truly outstanding

It is special, it means a lot to come here and score goals. My

father works here and I have lots of friends. To come here and score

a goal, I would have taken that before the game. It is about the

team and then pour surely we got a point. It needed a little bit of

know how to see the game out. We did not have that. An amazing game

at Hillsborough 25 goals in 25 games for Jordan Rhodes. He thought

he was on professional to ask his father some advice about how to

stop him. I think the answer from his dad would be that he is

unstoppable. At the moment, when he gets a chance, he puts them the way.

He ticks the goalkeeper out of the equation and instinctively put it

in the corner. I think all the Rhodes family will be happy to see

how that finished. No doubt MK Dons would have been aware of that

resolve before they took to the pitch in the late kick-off. They

have won their last five games and were up against a Preston team who

parted company with manager Phil last week's goalless draw against

far post. MK Dons failed to clear their lines there. The hesitation

was punished. And the first goal for Preston opposed Paul Brown is

scored by Paul Parry. A well- crafted goal by Preston. Great

delivery and it got the header that it deserved. MK Dons, who could go

magnificently. It is amazing what a change of manager can do to lift

the team in terms of self-belief and confidence. It just kisses the

goal so far this season. He got away from his marker there for a

split-second. A rare opening in this first half for a below-par MK

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 118 seconds

his name. Robinson will feel this was a foul and it could easily have

clincher. Really wrapped up there. There and then. He has never scored

a senior goal. That was mighty What a start. It is a great start,

me and Graham are delighted for the players. They have put in an

unbelievable shift and worked off their socks. They put their bodies

on the line and the Staff that were here today, we are proud of them

and delighted for the players. have come here with a game plan,

they went ahead when they were on top. For the last 75 minutes it was

almost backs against the wall, they found it difficult although one of

them should have been sent off. cone, you mean. Obviously, you know

as well. I don't want to get myself in trouble but the exact tone was

he slipped. I don't know many strikers who are bearing down on

goal would want to slip. I don't understand that. We saw, Robinson

fuming thinking that Jamie Cope should have been given his marching

orders. Was this worthy of a second sure if he is going down easily or

whether Jamie has got hold of him but you look at it from a better

angle and you see fairies -- he has the he has got hold of him and he

brings him down. It is one that McComb got away with and he went on

It was a terrific wind for Preston. What is the go from here? They are

three points away of the play-offs. A thought they might get rid of him

while they got rid of -- while they were losing a game. The spirit was

tremendous today. It was a great goal as well from Parry. But Peter

Ridsdale As the new chairman, did he feel he could have a

relationship with Phil Brown, obviously not, that is why he has

gone. Where do they go? They are three points of the play-offs and

they have a good squad with a good spirit. They need someone to take

it forward. I do feel for Phil Brown, it is unfortunate for him.

The meeting of two inform side says Bourne was squared up to Sheffield

United. -- almost squared up to to score for six successive game

when the opposition can do it for you. There were two own goals. The

first, from Boruc. Evans felt he deserved some credit. It was a case

of deja vu. Another rate down the flanks from the Welshman. This time

it was Cook. It ended the Cherries's six-match unbeaten run

and the Blades have won half-a- dozen on the bounce.

Harrington has waited months to take his about the Bury. His long

awaited debut turned sour just before the hour as Carrington's

mistimed tackle saw dr Karrada go to ground. Gary Alexander-Oxy spot

kick in his stride. There was another blow for Berra with 12

minutes left. There was a late challenge, a second booking meant

the men appeared to be on track for back-to-back defeats. Fortunately

for the ten men they had a potent weapon in reserve. John-Lewis does

not boast a great scoring record but he is in fine form. His third

in four games, or after coming off Abbott had ever won three games on

the bounce so when Loy opened the scoring against Wycombe the signs

looked promising. Christmas in the top six now seemed a real

possibility but the strugglers refused to be affected by the early

setback and produced a spirited response. The width of the post

denied them an equaliser. Trotter was frustrated by the rough -- by

the woodwork and the referee, who ignored appeals for a penalty. They

finally made their pressure count. A beauty from McNamee brought them

level. The MK Dons also scored in last week's crucial win over

Chesterfield, which has breezedBeen to their survival challenge.

Trotter made this finish looks simple. That put Wycombe on course

for their first win on the road since mid-October. Carlisle

sandwich to point that keeps them on the fringes of the play-off

places. Not for the first time this season, the substitute came to the

rescue. We battled away and we got a really important point. He keeps

the momentum going of not being beaten and we certainly going to

next week's game better off for getting the equaliser and if we had

not done. Notts County manager Martin Allen

Saiz t has a responsibility to lift the spirits of the fans in these

hard times. This bar rattler may have given and great expectations

but they left it a bleak House. Dawson playing the role of Oliver.

His first League goal of the season, a strike which left the O's jumping

for joy before the break. Unlawful midge judgment at the substitute

link-up with Tehoue. He scored in consecutive games. Hughes' first

goal in almost three months was an immediate response. They missed

chance to score in added time. Afflict header from Hughes allowed

his namesake to charge into the penalty area where he was pulled

back by McSweeny. With the penalty awarded, McSweeney saw red as top

scorer Hughes looked to us take his tally into double figures. But the

double save from the spot kick gave the O's a precious victory and

inflicted a first home League upon county in nine league games.

Parry insisted his team had the best of the first half at Stevenage.

Rovers fear of four successive league defeat. Fate tried to avoid

that and received a boost 20 minutes from time. The Stevenage

forward did his cause no good by continuing the argument and the

referee sided with the keeper. Roberts put the result before doubt

with six minutes to go as Stevenage stretched their unbeaten league run

to nine matches. The only annoyance was seeing his side's string of us

clean sheets come to an end. Rovers' player scored against

Stevenage but too late to make a difference.

A big job but whoever takes over from Mick Wadsworth at Hartlepool,

sentenced to an eight successive home defeat by Colchester. Words

was delivered the decisive blow when the first half, a win that

moves the Essex club to within four points of a play-off place.

With the hosts averaging a point game up against the division's draw

specialists the outcome was inevitable. Exeter have failed to

score and a dozen matches. The keeper denied Chris had it. Michael

O'Connor almost scored but it back- pedalling keeper pushed over the

bar. Exit can should have commemorated Paul Tisdale' s --

second thoughts he's already got one after this. If anything is more

painful than dislocating your thing it is having it fixed. He played

through the pain, making several fine saves. Even after Gilbert was

sent off, Rochdale were unable to capitalise. The best save came from

the resulting free kick, there has given a vote of confidence this

week. The club's owner despite -- refusing to panic despite a winless

run of 12 games. Walsall was one of the teams they were hoping to catch.

The task looks bigger after a first-half strike. After the break

they were under increasing pressure. Whitaker went close to levelling

the scores. Victory would have pulled the Saddlers out of the

bottom four but Lester pitched a point for the bottom club at the

death. The Spireites are still five That point did neither side any

good. It has been a great season for them considering only two

seasons ago they were in the long - - they were in the non-league.

have been and the non-league a long time and he is relishing their time

in the league. They have been called overly physical. Which she

does not like. They can be physical at times. He wants his side to be

competitive and they are. We saw Leyton Orient to ride the luck

against Notts County on Saturday. But it has been a season of two

hearts, one win in the first ten, now one defeat in 11. It has been

some turnaround. I am really pleased for Russell Slade. He is a

good manager who knows his stuff. They did not get much luck in the

first ten games. They rode their luck against Notts County and got

their just deserts. Not in their 90 minutes but in the season as a

whole, some things have not gone but all the sudden those bits of

luck are going their way. Back-to- back wins the Colchester and if you

are one of the 52 fans who made the trip to Harchibald, well done to

you. I am astonished if you are watching it at home tonight.

Nonetheless Hartlepool, eight defeats in a row at home, obviously

part of the reason why they parted company with Mick Wadsworth, they

need to get someone it quickly. They do want their home for was

abysmal. The caretaker manager is there but they need a permanent

appointment, Phil Brown is available, a lad from the north-

east who will know the club. It is a club that they need some

direction and they need it Derry quickly. A good win for Sheffield

United are we to Bournemouth. They continue to keep up the pace with

the teams above them. Another clean sheet. I thought this would be an

interesting game because it has been an upturn in form at

Bournemouth but a couple of own goals as well, it doesn't matter,

they keep moving forward. Do you think both could do they get James

Beattie back to full fitness in some time soon? He has come without

having played the game was -- that some time. They need to get him

playing. There is so much you can do in training but you need games,

they need to introduce him in games. If they can get him anywhere near,

not fully fit but anywhere near what he is capable of he will be a

real threat in this division. to lead two. -- League 2. The race

to be Christmas No. One was still to be decided. Crawley's motivation

was to extend their 12 game proud man as Crewe pocketed a point

against Crawley. The game was just nine minutes old when Moa sent over

an inviting cross and Fletcher arrived to give Crewe the lead.

Crewe saw their chance of causing a major upset reduced on the quarter

hour. Millar -- Miller flying in, leaving the referee reaching for

the red card. It seemed a matter of time before Crawley found that

equaliser and they drew level when Tubbs flicked in his fifties of the

season. The Sussex club are four points clear at the top.

Southend are suffering a dip in form, their 4th defeat in 11 days,

the second in the lead, the most surprising so far. Lonely's

Bradford -- lowly Bradford's was their first on the run this season

and the first ever at Roots Hall, look Oliver was the man they had to

Barnett fought back twice to secure Barnett fought back twice to secure

a draw. Mohammed Furley -- firmly headed home the corner. But

patience is a virtue. They waited for the light at -- right moment

energy to suspend -- of his suspended midfielder. Mark Hughes

fouled Mohammed, and Darryl Duffy showed no mercy. Yates excuse the

Portuguese defender's error saying we it was his first mistake in 15

games. Macleod was less charitable. His Goldeneye shelter and a 9th

consecutive away win. -- his goal gave Cheltenham.

Cansdell-Sherriff got a goal and the second half, his header proving

the difference against Macclesfield, unbeaten in four previous outings.

But the margin of success would have been greater had James Collins

pulled his shot a few inches to the right. Graham Turner's team are

handily placed in 4th. You will not see many free kicks

better than this at any level this season. A touch of class from

Mickey Spillane. Dagenham & Redbridge were hoping for their

second league wing -- legal when it since September. Instead, they had

to make do with the 10th straight defeat, after a solo's second half

header. -- Zola. Ago go's late challenge meant that the Daggers

spent the final half-hour with one over Morecambe. They extended their

unbeaten run to 10 league games. The killer goal came right on half-

time when De Vita us somehow beat a bewildered and the parish to the

ball by converting the cross. -- Matthew Parish. The Ipswich Lownie

left Morecambe without a league win in five matches.

Having drawn blanks in their previous league outings, Gillingham

rediscovered their scoring touch to see off Bristol Rovers. Lewis

Montrose headed them into the lead. The midfielder clearly got a kick

out of scoring his first goal in seven matches. On the stroke of

half-time, he went tumbling under a challenge. Paul Buckle felt that

was the turning point. Kedwell blasted home to double the

advantage. Rovers were staring at a 5th game without a win but just

after the restart, hopes were raised of a turnaround. Danny

Jackman soon killed off any chance of that happening. He restored the

cushion in the second half. Jackman was perfectly positioned for the

follow-up. Andy has and tile's men were now firmly in control. Kedwell

was on the spot for a second occasion after this foul. The Kent

club but now eight games unbeaten Ground with both sides on Song but

Bryan Hughes gave Accrington the edge 13 minutes in. The

midfielder's first goal for three- and a-half years. More trouble for

Torquay by half-time. The referee had no doubts about the colour of

the cards. Accrington pressed home their advantage midway through the

second half. Jaded Stockley had them on course for a third League

win on the spin. But there was fresh hope from Torquay when the

hosts became -- found themselves down to 10 men. From the referee's

eyeliner, it was another straight red. That made no difference for

the Devon club. The manager said they had surrendered their record

with a whimper. Three goals down with one minute to go. Kevin long

applied the finishing touch. The travelling fans had one thing to

cheer, a breakaway called -- breakaway goal in stoppage time.

This was definitely Accrington's afternoon.

Unspectacular but deserved was Chris Wilder's reaction to a first

win in seven. The breakthrough came through Alfie Potter. Cobblers

defender Johnson was fortunate not to give Johnson -- give the appoint

another goal. Page 11 founder car- park, rather than the net. James

constable shoved another player aside to help Dean Smalley towards

his first. This handball did little to help

the Cobblers. Akinfenwa found his penalty saved. A 5th consecutive

away defeat. Fair to say that Rotherham's

promotion push us back on track even though Andy Scott admitted his

side were fortunate to win. Danny Harrison went close, but the Dons

can count themselves unlucky not to have taken at least a point.

Schofield's clearance denied Lee Mansell. 12 minutes from time, they

were sent to defeat by Sam Wood. That goal keeps the Millers in

touch. Port Vale worked hard to get their

game on. Some concerted shovelling soil of the referee gave the go-

ahead after two pitch inspections. No one was happier than Sodje --

Madjo, on loan. It was simple for Madjo. He completed his hat-trick

on the hour. Thanks to a terrific turn and pass by his striking

partner. Divine intervention from the Pope -- from Pope, you might

say. Madjo had the match ball in hand. Aldershot sliced open again

as Sean Brady completed the rout. - - Sean reg. -- Rick. They found the

net once in four matches but could not manage it here. Michael Rankin

was the man on the spot. But that his heroes stayed on the scoreline.

consecutive League defeat thanks to Tom Barkhuizen. His 7th of the

season. How many times do defenders need to be told not to let the ball

bounce in the box. A trio of Hereford flares -- players failed

to heed the warning. With Simon Walton substituted, Chadwick scored

from the spot, his second in three games. The balls were already

cautioned. -- the Bulls. And the pilgrims almost made them pay when

Chadwick volleyed over after being picked out by a Hoolahan. -- by a

Hourihane. The point sees the Bulls climb up one point away from the

climb up one point away from the drop zone.

Plymouth and Hereford sharing the points there. Interesting, Carl

Fletcher admitted that he was using Sean O'Driscoll as a sound board.

Do you welcome that? Very sensible. Permethrin a desperate situation

and they need to get as much advice in as they can. O'Driscoll is a

real influence and he knows him well. As for Swindon, unbeaten in

15. This is interesting because after an extraordinary outburst

following the Bristol Rovers draw, Paolo di Canio was in danger of

alienating himself, but he got a response on Saturday. He knows his

players better than anyone else. Many players would not have gone

out and played like that but they seemed to react to him having a go.

It got a great result. It is working. John Steele will be

relieved tonight. They have stopped the rot, nine consecutive defeats.

Courtesy of a screamer from their centre half. Any centre half that

can do this is worth his weight in goal. He celebrated nicely as well.

After four blanks at home, Vale Park find themselves among the

goals. In Guy Madjo, he is a breath of fresh air. I know him from

Winnie was in Bristol City a few years ago. It did not work out then

and he dropped into non-League, and I was not quite sure what happened

to him. He has ended up at Stevenage. He scored a terrific

Tantric. The third one is exceptional. Everybody knew that he

had this sort of ability but it has not come out. Micky Adams is

working under tough conditions for Stott certainly. -- tough

conditions. Certainly. The fans understand that he has a decent

side and that he needs their support. Shrewsbury, their stunning

home run continues, unbeaten in 16. Let us look at the Christmas league

In Npower League Two, Crawley extend their lead at the top to 4

points despite drawing. That's after Southend lost on Friday

after Southend lost on Friday evening. And with Cheltenham also

failing to win, quite a few teams below them have made ground on the

top 3. In fact, all those teams from 4th to 10th won except for

Burton. The bottom two both picked up a point but remain 3 points from

safety. Northampton were the only side in the bottom 6 that lost over

the weekend. Bradford got a great win on Friday at second placed

Southend and the only other team in the bottom half to win was

Accrington. In League One, Charlton still have a five point lead

despite being held at home by Oldham. That is because of Jordan

Rhodes' late equaliser at Hillsborough in that amazing 4-4

draw. Sheffield United are up to third and were the only side in the

top 7 to win. The bottom 7 sides all drew on Saturday, and I'm sure

some sides will be happier than others with their point. And

there's now a gap opening up between those sides and Leyton

Orient in 17th after they won at Notts County. Russell Slade's men

were the only side in the bottom half that took all 3 points at the

weekend. In the Championship, West Ham draw level on points with

Southampton who play at Portsmouth on Sunday. Middlesbrough move above

Cardiff after that impressive win as do Hull who also won on Saturday.

Reading, who won 1-0 at Elland Road and are now just two points behind

Leeds. Coventry are now 8 points from safety after losing at

Peterborough. Doncaster make ground on the two teams above them who

could only draw with each other at Ashton Gate. Remember, Palace host

Birmingham on Monday evening. Right, Birmingham on Monday evening. Right,

well that's almost it from us. Don't forget, the show is on the

red button and on freeview till midday on Sunday. It's also on the

iplayer all week. And if you're after extended match highlights of

each game, you'll be able to see them on the BBC Sport website.

There's plenty of football to get your teeth into on Sunday. And how

about this for a Championship lunchtime? It may be the season of

lunchtime? It may be the season of goodwill but will how much of it

will be on show as Portsmouth face Southampton? Steve Claridge will be

joining Jake for that one at 12.45 Leroy, good to see you. We have

been treated to some great goals, let us hope that Christmas brings a

more. We will see you soon. Good more. We will see you soon. Good

night. -- brings some more. Brighton! What a goal! Is it in?

What a finish! He scores! It is open! Norris! Nice to see a late