21/01/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. A busy few days in the Npower Football League. Reading

are on the verge of a multi-million pound Russian takeover. Jon Coleman

is staying at Accrington after turning down talks with Rochdale.

And after a 13-month break, Mark McGhee's back in management - this

time with Bristol Rovers. Today, though it was down to the

football to make the headlines - including the possibility of a new

name at the top of the Championship. And we'll see whether West Ham

managed to get the point they needed in the company of Steve

Claridge. Here's a glimpse of what else is coming up on the show

tonight. Middlesbrough fluffed their lines

last week when they had the chance to go third. Boro had a shot at

redemption today at the Ricoh against a Coventry side desperate

for a win. Birmingham City hit six away to

Millwall last week then dumped Wolves out of the FA Cup. The Blues

are also upwardly mobile in the league - today Chris Hughton's men

hosted Watford. And in League One, no prizes for

guessing what was game of the day - Charlton versus Sheffield United,

first versus second. We'll bring you the best of the action from The

Valley. And Ed League Two, forget goal of

the season, how about this as the rand of the season? You can't

accuse Paolo Di Canio of being anything other than passionate.

Hopefully he has calmed down by now. We start tonight in East London,

because with Southampton not playing until Monday, joint leaders

West Ham were looking to finally put some daylight between them and

the Saints and end the day top for the first time this season. For

that to happen, they needed at least a point against a struggling

Nottingham Forest. We sent Clem along to Upton Park to see how the

West Ham's relegation from the Premier League last May was a rude

awakening for all concerned. Our host of established players

followed manager Avram Grant out of the door as the club attempted to

balance their precarious finances. But eight months on, the signs are

that the corner may have been turned. Accounts published this

week reveal a substantial fall in West Ham's debt and on the field,

under Sam Allardyce, so far so good. Are you about way you expected to

be? Yes, I think everybody expected us to be there or thereabouts at

this time of the year, and we have had Alla worst run in December in

terms of results and injuries and suspensions -- our. To find

ourselves in mid- to late January on equal points at Southampton is

really good. Everybody in good nick? Yes. What

to is the mood amongst the fans? Optimistic, I think. Having beaten

Portsmouth away last week and being joint top of the leak, I think

everyone is happy. At the start of the season, I would have been

Harrop -- happy with pay-offs, all of the negativity has been turned

around. Within today is going to be the big one, top of the

Championship today -- we think today. And so to the thorny old

issue of West Ham's style of play. Schooled on the finer footballing

arts of Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking and Paolo Di Canio, how

are the locals coping with the current generation? I have been

coming here many years about travel a long way and I want to be

entertained. Not a scrappy 1-0 win, or going one up and sitting back

hoping the others did score. There is sometimes a bit of the long ball

but if it gets a result, that is all that matters. Just get back to

the Premier League and look forward. We always want one more, but that

is West Ham for you. Football for May, are best they are played under

the managers in the 80s and it was the way West Ham should play. The

ball is in the air at the moment a lot but the fans would care as long

as we get promoted. And has the so-called West Ham way

ever permeated how you do things? Nobody has played the West Ham way

for years, so I don't think... did so why people keep on going on

about it. A does it annoy you? don't know why. Not really, if

somebody told you that West Ham played to lose, I could understand

it, because that is all the club has been doing for the last few

years. I have seen 22, 23 players leave this football club since the

end of last season and have had to incorporate 14 or 15 new players. I

can wave a magic wand pretty well, but I can't wait two in two

direction than produce beautiful football. Are you going to get

through all of those? I have three early running, and should have gone

ahead but Marcus Tudgay they couldn't hit the target. But before

this game, Forest had picked up 16 from a possible 48. Under Steve

Cotterill. They had goalkeeper Lee Camp to thank for keeping them in

it. The Hammers continued to press and on the stroke of half-time, the

persistent paid off. The cross was handled and they had a penalty.

Mark Noble stepped up for the 5th time this season to drill home of

from the spot and edge West Ham closer to the top of the leak.

After the break, Forest stopper Camp again stirred -- showed his

agility, with this are surviving stop keeping the advantage to a

single goal. -- This stunning stop. West Ham beat forester the reverse

picture in August and it looked to be heading for another three points

when they were headed -- awarded a second penalty. Chris Gunter

handling this cross. Mark Noble taking the responsibility to put

the game out of sight. Deep into stoppage time, the visitors did

manage a goal of their own and it was a cracker. Lewis McGugan

thrashing home to reduce the deficit. But it wasn't enough, as

West Ham go top for the first time Delighted. Obviously, two penalties,

Mark Noble has done fantastically well to keep his composure. But a

win is a win, we have had to battle it, the team has come here and

raised their game, Forest did well today but we deserved the win in

the end. Yes, a significant day for West Ham. I know some of the fans

are so happy with the style of play but they are top of the lead

tonight. -- aren't so happy. Yes, it may have to take a back seat

with regards to getting results and are getting out of the division.

Expectation is that they need to get out this season, so you'll have

to pardon that they are not may be playing the free-flowing football

everybody wants at times but they get the results and if they carry

on playing the way they are, they will be in the Premiership next

year. Was there a bit of luck in that first pent up -- penalty

decision? I think we have the perfect example of the penalty that

hits your hand. And you have one where backhand hits the ball. This

is not a penalty. There is very little defender can do. It is

hammered a straight at him from three or four yards. He can't get

out the way and I don't see how you can get your arm out of the way

when you are tried to block something at your feet off the

ground. Very well done to West Ham and our thoughts go out to the 17-

year-old academy player they have in his battle against cancer.

One of the teams chasing both West Ham and Southampton is

Middlesbrough, who started the day in fourth place in the Championship.

Earlier today, Boro were looking for their first points of 2012

against the division's bottom club, Coventry City, who are in all sorts

of trouble. With the Sky Blues seven points adrift and recently

cashing in on their top scorer - to Boro. At the Ricoh Arena for us was

Ricoh Arena. Marooned at the bottom of the table, Coventry City need

some Houdini style escapology to escape relegation. Middlesbrough's

push for promotion has hit the buffers since Boxing Day. New

signings thrown in straight away by Andy Thorn. Gary McSheffrey has

caught two in his last two games here and history goal tally makes

him Coventry's top scorer -- his three-goal.

Barry Robson returns after serving his second suspension of the season

for Middlesbrough. Although they signed a Lukas Jutkiewicz,

Coventry's top scorer earlier this month, there was a gentleman's

agreement that ensured the talented the scoring inside the first minute.

Didn't really get hold of it. Poor shoulder, Robson perhaps made the

Murphy needed two bikes to playmaker and rabbit to his chest.

It is twice that Scott McDonald has tested the goalkeeper -- the

goalkeeper needed two by its to Middlesbrough should have packed

today? Three good chances after nine minutes and they have scoffed

Bennett is up there, it is his shot. -- feed it left. Good save. Bennett

has scored this season but not for a long while. That was travelling.

Encouraged Piggott forward here, Murphy at full stretch its

Tom as. It is a strong challenge by The first of the afternoon.

This looks dangerous. A real chance Coventry. How about this for a calm,

cool and collected finish? Three And this will be a red card for

Kevin Thompson. There is the red card. He was already booked and

there is the red. Kevin Thompson dismissed. A goal down and now a

company. He wins the free-kick. Rhys Williams - Mc Sheffrey was too

clever. There is the contact. There is the pull-back. Mc Sheffrey going

tor goal. The -- for goal. Williams on the line, it was judged

to have crossed the line and the championship's bottom club are two

is 3-0, Coventry. Coventry seizing their chances and

loving every minute of it! Great work here. Quality ball in

from Bell who had a terrific impact since he came on. It is 3-0

Coventry. A good cross - McDonald in there.

Well, there is hope. And they still Bell for his quality goal that

brought Coventry their third, we have to give credit for this ball

handle. And Middlesbrough at last parried by Murphy and in goes

McDonald again. And his challenge is seen as an unfair one. Murphy

didn't look that convincing with four - a great save.

What a pass from David Bell. The shot too close to the

goalkeeper. This is Bell. Twisting, turning.

Middlesbrough always in danger of being caught short of numbers at

the back as they push forward to challenge. It is a reckless

challenge. Out of control as he slid in here. Two-footed. Second

dismissal of the day for Middlesbrough and Middlesbrough

will finish the day down to nine will finish the day down to nine

men. Playing well of late. You know, a

lot of games we haven't had the rewards if you like for our efforts,

but you know, a few additions, well, a couple of additions. I thought it

made a big difference How convinced are you that the ball

crossed the line? I think it was a goal to be honest. From the first

instant, I knew it crossed the line. That's why I was celebrating.

We expect teams to be short of confidence, but the first goal

suggests that that Coventry don't fall into that that stereotype.

We don't know how to defend! The officials don't understand

human nature and we had a bit of that going on today. Refereeing

from some log book they read 20 years ago and that's unfortunately

how the game went. Tony Tony Mowbery there.

The referee had no option. That was a silly tackle.

First 15 minutes, it was all Middlesbrough, but they couldn't

Middlesbrough, but they couldn't put their chances away.

They start the game obviously very, very well. They had three or four

good chances. You would have expected them to have taken one of

them and it didn't happen. The game changed in the space of about three

minutes. The sending off, as you say, it

completely changed the game. They are chances that you would expect

one or two of those to be taken and then the complexion of the game

then the complexion of the game changes.

You see former players not wanting to face each other. Are you in

favour of these agreements? If I am selling one of my better players

and I can get a stimulation that he doesn't play, I will do that. It

depends how much hard ball you are going to play. I don't think

missing a game will stand in the way if somebody wants a player

desperately. Some Coventry are feeling short

short changed. In comes a young player, he was a real handful

against Middlesbrough. He was lively. Mcsheffrey. There is some

amount of power. The neck muscles amount of power. The neck muscles

were fully extended. There was no pace on the ball.

Do you think it crossed the line? Yeah, I think it did. I think it

did. This is when they are in control and he is starting to look

very, very confident there. He sets it up nicely and that's the balls

that defenders don't like, but all that defenders don't like, but all

around a good game. Andy Thornton will be praying there

will be no more exits? They need to put light at the end of the tunnel

and maybe the directors will start to back him and give him latitude.

If they go adrift, they will bail out and sell hover is there. If it

is too late, it is too late and they have to prepare for Division

One. As for the rest of the championship,

a lot has gone on since Portsmouth beat Cardiff City four years ago.

On Saturday, the two renewed acquaintances with precious points

hunting ground for Portsmouth in league matches. They have not won

in the Welsh capital in 27 years and the odds of a Pompey win this

time weren't stacked in their favour, but with only one away win

all season. True to form, the hosts were in the ascend dancy early on.

Wit Whittingham delivered. A defeat today would have been Portsmouth's

third in a row, but as half-time their stride in the second half.

This corner wasn't cleared and Hofford was on hand to give them

the lead. Conwy, good cross, good header from

the captain. The game looked tor heading for a -- for a draw, but

there was one twist as Cardiff completed their comeback. Conwy was

allowed space and time and fired allowed space and time and fired

the winner. We went 2-1 down and we kept playing and trying to probe

because we knew there was chances in the game. We knew there was the

ability in our team to actually create which I thought we did

through the second half and we got into good position and I think we

got our our just deserts. Youth is the word at Reading on the

verge of a take-over by a very young billionaire, no, not him, but

by a 29-year-old Russian educated in Reading. The deal should be

completed by the end of the season and the manager who flew to meet

the owner in Milan has been assured his job is safe, unlike their goal.

Hull's Robbie Brady putting in dangerment level on points going

into the team, there was little to into the team, there was little to

separate the teams. Brady's only previous goal for Hull

was the winner against Reading in August and the Manchester United

loanee did it again, a goal which left the Reading manager stunned.

The rules say ma say Mclean was off The rules say ma say Mclean was off

side. I have just spoken to the referee

and the assistant linesman and we brought them into a room and shown

them the goal. They told me they have a directive that even though

he is off side, if he doesn't touch the ball, he is not off side. They

have been told to play on. I hope everybody in football, all the 92

clubs know that rule because I didn't know it before the game

today. Birmingham went in their game with

Watford with a fearsome record. Watford knew they were in for a

Watford knew they were in for a tough afternoon.

This cross, or was it a shot, had the players scrambling, but the

danger was averted. Just after half an hour, there was some nifty

footwork. The hosts were looking for a third

league win and after half-time they turned up the heat. How about that

for a jump by Davis for his fourth goal in five league games? Watford

looked beaten and Birmingham was rubbing it in. This parry wasn't

cleared by the visitors' defence. Birmingham are into the play-off

places for the first time this and sometimes you have to win these

games that are scrappy and it was that type of game. We gave a good

account of ourselves, shifted the ball well and kept possession well

and caused enough worry in their camp to think we could be a real

threat. It has been a very happy start to

the new year for Nigel Clough's Derby, four went out of four in

2012 and five in a row in total -- wins. Next up, Burnley and the

weather played its part in the game's biggest chance. Burnley have

found some form of themselves, with seven wins from their 9th

Championship games, but Frank Fielding saved Jay Rodriguez's

effort to ensure a 4th consecutive clean sheet for Derby. Very, very

pleased with the performance today. We didn't sit back, it wasn't the

negative 0-0 in any way. A we did enough to win it, but it was a

scrappy game, probably influenced by the weather. Dobbie made it

difficult for us and we will take the point. -- Derby. It is a

positive that we have kept another clean sheet.

This was a meeting of two sight in contrasting form. A Blackpool Kidd

hinting at a run into the play-offs, Crystal Palace haven't won in the

league this year but have a Wembley final in the offing. That first win

looked on the cards for much of the game after they were awarded a

penalty on 27 minutes. Referee said penalty after the ball struck the

hand of Barry Ferguson. Owen Garvan, one of nine changes ahead of the

second leg of the Carling Cup semi- final, notched his second of the

season and Palace were ahead. They were also grateful to their stand-

in goalkeeper Lewis Price of for preserving their advantage. Clearly

frustrated by a Blackpool's black opera notation that penetration,

Ian Holloway made a triple substitution with half-an-hour to

go -- a lack of penetration. And with five minutes work -- remaining

it, it worked, Elliott Grandin produced another crucial strike.

Then as full-time approached, Holloway's master stroke paid

dividends. Surely beyond his wildest dreams. Matt Phillips

crossed. Substitute number-two Kevin Phillips hit the woodwork.

Following up, you have guested, substitute number three, Chris

Basham, who completed an astonishing Blackpool comeback.

Palace will need to be on their guard on Tuesday. Did concede a

couple of goals and the later stages disappointed. I think

experience proved decisive in the end.

Leeds fans protested loudly before their clash with Ipswich. They were

out in force to show their condemnation of absent chairman Ken

Bates, his reluctance to invest in new players and the sale of Captain

John a house and a to Norwich. But Ipswich have their own problems.

Yet they scored first. Andy Drury somehow finding a away through a

box full of players. And it would have been two soon after it Jay

Emmanuel-Thomas had gone any closer. -- had. Leeds were handed a

lifeline after 20 minutes. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy making a

decent save, but outside the area. Bass Strait Wedd for him and for

the third game running, Leeds were up against ten men whilst behind --

a straight red card. The Barratt came on at the expense of Jason

Scotland but his first task was to pull the ball out of the net. The

ball was gifted of Robert Snodgrass, another Leeds player attracting

Premier League attention. Ipswich have started a habit of leaking

goals at the wrong time and they did it again. Barrett was unsure

whether he was coming or staying and Ross McCormack had the easiest

of finishes. And it stoppage time, Leeds made the game safe. Tommy

Smith this time pushing the track - - -- track to self- destruct button.

Things come out of the sky sometimes and you have to scratch

your had -- your head as to where it comes from. The last 20 minutes

are almost unexplainable. It is off the pitch headlines that

have haunted Gus Poyet's Brighton this week as several members of the

squad were questioned about an alleged sex attack. On the pitch,

at their home form has been tempered by troubles on the road.

Ashley Barnes went close to putting them ahead after half an hour. It

was a return to Peter Buck Paul Craig Mackail-Smith -- Peter Braude.

But Will Buckley made the running with his second stunning free kick

in as many games. Both teams were promoted from League One last year

and Sinclair went close to levelling for the hosts but the

goalkeeper was in the right place at the right time. Darren Ferguson

introduced David Ball and the move paid off. Brian Tunnicliffe set up

the former Manchester City striker to level the scores with 20 minutes

left. That is how it looked like it would finish until the 88th minute,

when Will Buckley again intervened and again got the better of

Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Lewis 2 and bright at a late winner. A

decent start for Gus Poyet's team to the new year -- Brighton and

late winner. To be honest, it is Grade, it is

magnificent that we won the game, but we don't look at the games that

are home and away. We prepare a Saturday the same and we go onto

the pitch with the same mentality, the same way of playing and we

don't change the shape, we doubt that changed the attitude that we

don't change how high or deep we defend -- we did not change the

attitude. We play the same. Kenny Jackett's will all have had

some strange results recently, losing 6 Bill to Birmingham and

winning five delegates to Dagenham in the Cup -- 6 Nell to Birmingham

early penalty to claim his 10th in the league this season -- the riots

Henderson. -- Darius Henderson. Three minutes later, Henderson was

played in again, showing beautiful chest control before putting away

his second. Barnsley were without their midfield pairing of Jacob

Butterfield and Danny Drinkwater, who has joined Leicester, and when

you couple those emissions with this sort of defending it, you are

in trouble. Particularly when it falls to Henderson, who got his

second hat-trick in a row, his third of the season and his 4th

yellow card, but some things are worth showing off. It was all too

late for the hosts, but they did manage to strike with minutes left

to play. Julian Wignall to scoring. It hardly took the shine off

Millwall's day. The manager was purring. -- Jimmy McNulty. Some of

the football was the best we have produced all season but where we

are in the League and the result is the main thing and we want to build

on that. I don't think we were worthy of getting anything out of

the game, at no point did we take control and we just waited to see

what happened, and when you wait, you get punished and we did get

punished by a very resolute and organised, goalscoring Millwall.

Doncaster may have held Cardiff to a goalless draw last weekend but it

is on the road that they need to find form. Rovers were staring at

the 6th successive away defeat when they took the field against Derek

McInnes's team. Dean Saunders team had an early chance but Simon

Gillett did not make the most of it. The hosts had anyone three games at

home this season before this one but took the lead inside 15 minutes.

Chris Wood scoring his first goal since arriving on loan from West

Brom. That triggered a frantic five-minute spell midway through

the first half, which turned the game. Habib Beye lunged in to

tackle. Referee Fred Graham was knocked impressed. A straight red

card was inevitable for the on-loan Aston Villa man. Worse followed for

Rovers, Neil Kilkenny taking the resulting free kick and Kallis --

Kalifa Cisse met it to put them two up. The hosts seemed to be cruising

to the wind. At least of the City defence thought so, how else do you

explain the space given to El Hadj Diouf to pull one back. Rovers were

rocked -- the hosts were rock that Rovers were pressing and there was

a chance for them to gain their first away draw of the season. But

Baby James kept Billy Sharp's effort out of it -- David James.

have been here before and we have not got a lot what we deserved in

terms of performances, and today it was about a result over performance.

Yes, a big win for Bristol City. Birmingham, their incredible rise

up the division goes on, up to six. That is their 37th game today, they

are getting stronger as the season goes on. They are eventually

starting to catch up on games, only one off. It seems like we have been

waiting for them to make up the games all season because of the cup

games they have had. They have put a little bit of a run together now

and they have made up ground and they are looking in good nick. They

have had periods way you just wonder whether or not they could

bridge that gap and now they look like they have gone to the next

level. Birmingham put paid to Millwall's chances last week with a

six-goal thumping. This time it was Millwall's turn to do best deliver

a thumping of their own kind, winning handsomely. Darius

Henderson, they are a different team when he is in the side.

Absolutely. Steve Morison was of the same ilk and now when Darius is

fit, generally they tend to get good results. If you take the

thrashing out last Saturday, he has had a fantastic week. That is three

hat-tricks so far this season. When he plays and he is fit, Millwall

look a different side. More importantly, it is their first away

win since late October. He looks pretty fit! Also, some contrasting

fortunes for the two teams involved and the Carling Cup, Crystal Palace

and Cardiff. Cardiff made one change, with Conway coming in and

scoring the winning goal. Palace made nine changes and it shows that

they are taking the second leg very seriously indeed. I think it also

says that Cardiff have put the Championship above the semi-final.

That is the way it has got to be, there are different expectations.

Palace are not expected to get into the play-offs this year or get

promoted, and I'm not saying Cardiff expect to but they probably

expected to get into the top six. - - top six. Did the plan backfired

for David Freedman? If they go and win in the week, you'll say it is

the right decision. -- did the plan backfired for Dougie Freedman.

sure it it will be a defeat he will take if it means they go to Wembley.

For the Seca week running, league leaders Charlton were involved in

the game of the day -- second. At the ballet, first against second.

A victory for shipbuilder knighted would open the league right up --

at the Valley. A victory for Shepherd United would open the

league right up. A winner Gay Shephard benighted and

-- Charlton are now seven points clear facts the Jonny Jackson,

another stunning example from his free kick repertoire. -- thanks to.

Shepherd United trying their luck from a similar range. Before the

break, the Blades had a goal controversially disallowed as an

unchallenged goalkeeper clearly dropped the ball into his home net.

But had he seen Harry Maguire impede Matt Taylor on the line? The

goalkeeper continued to fumble and Evans failed to convert. And then

came the flashpoint. With both teams reduced to ten men. Charlton

substitute Darel Russell was shown at straight red card for fouling

Kevin MacDonald and in the ensuing melee, so was the Blades

replacement James Beattie, for his exam -- impression of the Boston

Strangler. Hardly a way to earn a long-term deal, by becoming

United's first dismissal of the season. It wasn't as flowing as we

would like to be and in the end, it was won by a set piece. They are

important and it was an expanding free kick by Johnnie Jackson. He

did it last week at Sheffield Wednesday and again this week.

don't always get what you deserve at times and you have to take it on

the chin and move on to the next game but I do feel that how we

played today, disappointment at not getting anything out of it. But the

way the game went, the decisions that went against us at times, and

I am sure from Chris's point of view, he will be a bit annoyed

about some of the decisions against his team, we can admit that after

ourselves and some of the decisions we have had have been difficult to

understand -- but we can only look after ourselves. Deja vu for

Charlton fans, beating Sheffield club. The Johnnie Jackson free kick

it is almost uncanny. It is incredibly skilful. That is the

goalkeeper's side as well, so you don't expect him to beat him like

that. He never got anywhere near it. The power and placement is

fantastic. There is another side of Charlton's game we have heard

nothing -- less so bad, that they have been frustrated, players, by

the way Charlton go about things. They are a bit streetwise. They are

basically saying that if Charlton are playing particularly well, and

Chris alluded to that fact, they will not allow the opposition to

play particularly well, so you have to knock people out of their stride.

Play the game at a tempo. As I say, it is a bit of experience, and if

you are not quite reaching your peak, there are other ways you can

affect the opposition. It is said to be working, another good win for

Charlton. As for the rest of League One, Huddersfield were trying to

compound Sheffield United's misery by it overtaking them into second.

Huddersfield made one change. There were three changes for Brentford as

they brought in rigidly, Namibian... Commentary from Paul Walker --

Colin Webster Johnny on the spot there, it definitely spotted a pole.

Peter Clarke wrapped his legs around heaven -- it definitely

times out a fire this season... Make that five out of six.

Brentford lead and it is nothing more than they deserve. An

excellent start for the Uwe Douglas. He has an option outside

McGinn. A good ball in. Gary Alexander, 2-0. What a turnup for

the books here. What a start from Brentford. McGinn's cross. Gary

Alexander unmarked. Douglas, finding Bean. He has got in behind

Bean. What a chance. What a chance for Bean. It should be three. He

knows it. Free-kick. Lee an obvious target with his height. Here's

Roberts. Good effort. Good save, Lee. Huddersfield a whisker away

from being back in it. A terrific save. Here comes the corner.

Convincing from Legge. Huddersfield are back in it. Legge's clearance

was awful. That should be a foul on the keeper, shouldn't it? Lee knows

exactly what he's doing. Richard Lee, well, can't believe it.

Neither can he. Not a happy man. Quite right too. Ward, he does well.

Good deliver. McCombe 2-2. They shared eight goals the last time

they met in this fixture. We are half way there now. Terrific header

from McCombe. Here's Ward. Vicious with the pass. It turned into a

terrific ball. This is Jordan Rhodes. Alan Lee through the centre

as well. It's still Jordan Rhodes. Surprise, surprise, Jordan Rhodes

on target again. He puts Huddersfield on top. His 26th

league goal of the campaign. What a finish. The country's leading

Here is Donaldson. Looking for options. It will drop for Weston.

Could have done better. Should have done better. There is the whistle.

Huddersfield back into second spot thanks to Jordan Rhodes. Boy, did

thanks to Jordan Rhodes. Boy, did they have to work hard for. It

Everybody could see that Lee didn't have the intention to go over his

ball. He looked for where the goalkeeper was. He wanted to bump

into him. He raised his arm. It should be protection for the keeper.

I don't know how the linesman couldn't see it. I hope that the

referee and the linesman also get charged after performances. That is

common knowledge he won't be going anywhere this window. For sure,

when the season ends it will start, what I said to Jordan, I think

there will be a lot more options from both the top two leagues in

the country. Now for us to stand a chance of keeping him we need to be

competing in one of those top two leagues. Obviously, the first one

is the Championship. We can't jump is the Championship. We can't jump

two divisions. Wednesday's wobble continues. Peter Hartley gave

Hartlepool an unexpected lead at Hillsborough in a game that he

featured two of the best goals will in his second league appearance

since Guy's Faubgs night. Madine broke a toe, that injury was a big

loss for Wednesday. Madine is back. With 15 minutes remaining scored

his first goal of 2012. That looked like winning it. A moment of class

from Sweeney was worth a share of the points. Goal of the day

Jermaine Johnson or this effort from Sweeney. Honours even. The

Dons are six unbeaten but they had a golden chance to take all three.

Bowditch's corner was controlled and volleyed home by Tom Flannigan.

It should have been two after the break when Charlie McDonald found

Bowditch. McDonald continued his run. He left all around him

wondering how he missed. This looping cross fell to Alan Judge.

His goal-bound shot was ruled to have been handled by Flannigan.

Hughes made it four in four matchs to level the scores. County are

without a win in seven league games. Another draw doesn't do much for

Scunthorpe's fight for survival. They are a point clear of trouble

after being held by Stevenage. Chris Day prevented the home side

getting a deserved lead. When Mark Duffy put Garry Thompson in the

clear the home fans held their breath. They needn't have worried.

Thompson's third of the campaign meant Stevenage were heading for

their first away defeat in three months. Darius Charles got a point

for the play-off chasers six frustrating afternoon against

Walsall, none more so than Jon-Paul McGovern. He could hardly be

faulted for the Blues failure to get into the play-off places. On

another day this would have hit the net. Ant Andy Butler showed him too

much of the ball. Lee Miller recorded a tenth goal of the season.

They might have doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time.

McGovern again. The crossbar was the best player in the first half

for Walsall. There was something inevitable. They are the draw

specialists with seven in their last nine matches. Their equalliser

came from the spot. Personal mile stones are all the range. On his

200th senior outing Nicholls secured a useful point for the

relegation battlers. Cherry's manager put his victory down to

character, discipline and good shape. Hardly the qualities

displayed by his defence later on. The Tranmere keeper said there was

nothing wrong with a poke down field as long as Delaney is there

to finish it off. Wesley Tomas scored. The winning goal came from

a corner, Mark Pugh recorded his spoiled his debut in the Deepdale

dugout. The O's struck midway through the second as they went in

search of a third winning four from home. Sweeney slipped in Mark Laird

who picked his spot to perfection. Ten minutes from time, otherient

wrapped up the win that puts them level on points with their

opponents. Cox swung over the cross for Jimmy Smith to ruin their day.

Sam Walker is Yeovil's fifth goalkeeper this season. If Bury's

goal is anything to come, they might need a six. Schumacher

couldn't miss. It wasn't a happy place. Ryan Dixon got the

equalliser. Bury re-took the lead on 21 mince. Skarz was at the sharp

end of a well rehearsed corner routine.. Mitt Schumacher is Bury's

penalty taker. The handbags came out. It took three team-mates to

separate the two Bury players. The skipper won the argument. They

collected bookings for their troubles. Schumacher didn't thret

affect him. He converted the penalty to give Bury a 3-1 half-

time lead. Burpy boss allowed Steve Mclean to allow it closer than it

should have been. He grabbed one later on. Three points secured.

Perhaps a dressing room inquiry will follow. Chesterfield ended a

run of 17 games without a league win as the manager gave Jack Lester

a rare away start. He headed home this cross. Colchester equallised,

Gillespie fired home. Thompson was able to celebrate with a winning

goal. He used his strength to head home. How did they fail to take a

point. Gavin Massey made his debut and the running in the final

moments found Henderson whose effort earned them boos rather than

a point. Pre-match the manager said the next few weeks would define

their season. A fine double start prevented Exeter from taking a

first half lead. This was their third clean sheet in a row. Matt

Smith should have punished them. A wasted opportunity. Without a win

in nine, Rochdale cancelled their supporters coach through lack of

interest. The fans were spared the agony of watching this opening goal

in the relegation battle. Trotter scored Wycombe's last six before

returning to Fulham. Bevan smashed in his second with 17 minutes

remaining. An error from the keeper led to this third, Wycombe are two

led to this third, Wycombe are two points safe from safety. We saw

Huddersfield come back win against Brentford. I suppose it was only

made possible thanks to, I'm not quite sure what this was all about.

quite sure what this was all about. Ap Alan Lee, how did they get away

this Incredible. I don't know why the referee doesn't give it there.

Going back to the 40's and '50s. A big goal. Look at the left arm.

Five minutes to half-time. That is a goal that will change the

perception of the game. We saw Chesterfield after what has been a

bad few weeks, four months. They got their first in 1 on Saturday

afternoon. The manager will be relieved tonight. They haven't been

a million miles away. They have been getting the results in the JPT,

haven't they? They have. He signed kids from sides from above the

division that are playing, I think James hearse from Blackpool, Josh

Thompson from Celtic and a player from Wolves. They brought freshness

to the club. When you are in a lun -- run you need new faces to bring

something new to the club. I think those kids have done that. When you

consider, haven't won since 17th September they are two wins of

Also stuttering lately were Wycombe, but they got a win against another

struggling side in Rochdale. That's a morale boosting win? That done do

their confidence any harm, but it was an important game and a massive

game because if they hadn't won this, they would have been bottom

of the League. A team out of form and Rochdale have no manager, again

probably a make or break game for Wycombe. It is one they would have

hoped and expected to win and they have done that. Maybe they can move

on from this. OK league two where the leadership

continues to change hands. The team continues to change hands. The team

at the top was Southend United. The leaders were boosted by the

first-half dismissal of Morgan. That left Graham Turner's team a

man light, but the home team found a breakthrough.

Southend were trailing for the second week running. Ryan Hall with

the equaliser. His manager signed a new contract, but it was the mab

the man in the opposite dug out who year out and a smiley Mark McGee

was pointing Bristol Rovers to victory.

Many a form book has been ripped up at Cheltenham.

The vitors the visitors were in front after the break.

Bennett hesitancy allowed Richards to score to get Rovers back-to-back

winspm. We went on from that. The second goal, it doesn't kill it off,

but at 2 2-0, it was going to be difficult.

There are times when a draw feels like a defeat. Crawley's three in a

row cost them the dominance of league two.

Town were denied victory at the death. Injury time acrobatics from

Maxime Blanchard made it 1-1. For Plymouth, the point was more

precious. It takes the Pilgrims out of the bottom two for the first

Donnelly's push on Flint, he was the one heading for the dog house.

The Swindon boss is facing the prospect of a second touchline ban

after losing his cool with the officials. From the stands, the

Italian saw Benson flick his side into the lead. That header put the

home side on course for a fourth win on the spin, but they were

handed the chance to give the scoreline a more convincing look.

Given the mood of his manager, Ritchie needed to be spot on from

12 yards. Still, perhaps the boss 12 yards. Still, perhaps the boss

might have calmed down by then. I have a culture. I speak with my

body language sometimes. Even if I am England and the English people

have to respect me. I do what I want. If I call my player, they

can't stop me. I call my players, I have to do what I want with my

players. If I don't go out from the technical area. I will I will move

my body, my legs, my shoulder, they can't send me off every time. If

they want to send me off, every game. No problem, I will win this

league anyway because my team is a strong team. We play play football,

even if they send me off, we will even if they send me off, we will

win the league, no problem. Thanks to this effort from Pitman.

It was a goal worthy of winning any match, but not this one. Strike one

came with a smart left foot finish. Strike two, a brilliant header.

Strike three arrived, this time in from his right boot in the right

net. It is probably right not to gave them a fourth minute lead.

At this stage, there was no sign of the carnage to come.

On the hour, a goal was scored. Tomlin restored Gillingham's

cushion at 3-1. Then came the defending that most

ensensed the player. Rip Richards own goal made a game of it. The

Don'ts equaliser came with ten season paid dividends. The Devon

club set their sights on a play-off place. Morris delivered the corner

separated two teams. Torquay doubled their lead. This is

more is more is Morcomb's worst run of the season.

By the Finn Finnish, the Morcombe was more distraught. A let off for

Torquay, who are back in the top six years, but even that strike

wasn't enough to give Bradford a first win of 2012. How close he

came to winning the game. City have a habit of conceding late

goals and so it was proved when when Palmer's cross secured Burton

getting his boots on. Henry blazed over.

With nine minutes left, Aldershot missed an opportunity.

These two have under achieved this this season and need to improve

quickly if they are to make a push for the play-offs.

Greg Pearson scored his second to equalise for Crewe.

Then the hosts were in front courtesy of a horror show!

This own goal hard enough to save as well as to watch. Crewe made

sure of their third consecutive win. The railway men weren't finished.

They chipped home the fourth to condemn the Daggers to a third

win game for Northampton. Just as well because they lost it.

Town have taken the lead in seven of Boothroyd's matches, but only

one of them. Keep calm and carry on was

Boothroyd's message before the Boothroyd's message before the

game! Barnet hitting form. You can't say

the same for Northampton. They have dropped 16 points from winning

position and knowing the manager that, he is, he will be more aware

of that? He will after he is watching this! It is a little bit

of a lack of confidence in each other. If you get into the lead and

you concede and then you have got to be strong and make sure you see

games out and they are not doing that. I don't know, you are looking

around and thinking maybe they haven't got the confidence in each

other that they might have. On the pitch, it is proving to be a

great season for Swindon Town. It is never dull, is it? They love

him at Swindon. I have been down there a couple of times and the

fans love this. He is passionate and believes in what he is doing.

There is a line. He has got to be careful? If you are winning game of

football people accept that. An eventful day for him? I will be

all day if we stay on this. He might still be going.

Dewbury tweeted saying he scored the imperfect hat trick. We have

seen this a couple of times tonight where defenders don't like that

where defenders don't like that ball.

This one, I am not sure what he is doing. He heads that one in. He

gets himself confused. That is a gets himself confused. That is a

fantastic finish. How many times do you see a player score an own goal

and goes up the other end. Own goals for six different clubs,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 69 seconds