21/04/2012 The Football League Show

Well, what a week it's been if you're a Reading fan.

Despite being 150-1 to win promotion back in December, the

Royals marked their return to the Premier League on Tuesday thanks to

Mikele Leigertwood's goal, giving them a 1-0 win over Nottingham

Forest. Cue scenes of wild celebration at

the Madejski. With Reading back in the top flight,

after a four year absence. Yes, very well done to Brian

McDermott and his players, a phenomenal effort, dropping just

five points in 2012. We'll reflect on that a little

later in the company of Steve Claridge.

With promotion and relegation issues coming thick and fast at

this stage of the season, here's what else is on the show tonight.

Southampton were hoping anything Reading could do, they could do

just as well. They faced Boro at the Riverside

knowing that a win would see them march back into the Premier League.

There was also plenty to play for down at the bottom, a win for

Bristol City against Barnsley would save their bacon and condemn

Portsmouth and Coventry to life in League One.

Speaking of League One, the only guarantee was that someone would be

relegated today. We'll bring you a round-up of all

the action in a frantic day at the sharp end of the table. We are in

League Two to see if Swindon tp town could get the point they need

to get their return to League One. They had one crack at this at

Aldershot during the week. Today they travel to Gillingham.

So Reading promoted, the big question on Saturday was could

question on Saturday was could Southampton join them in the

Premier League next season? Well, this was the top of the

Championship table going into the weekend, with just two games left

for each side. West Ham aren't playing until

Monday night, but Southampton knew that a win at Middlesbrough would

be enough to put them eight points clear of the Hammers and secure a

second successive promotion for the Saints in the process.

Commentary comes from Laurence Herdman.

From the Ashes of administration, Southampton stand on the prink of a

Premier League return. A Saints victory wraps up the second

automatic promotion spot after Reading crossed the line mid-week.

Too many home draws, not enough goals, Boro need two wins and a

helping hand elsewhere. Boro are set to revert to a four, four, two

formation. The goalkeeper has been sounded out for Olympic selection.

Barpy Robson makes his last Riverside appearance. Two former

Southampton players lead the attack. in the Championship. He is right up

there. The last player to achieve that was Mark Chivers in 1966 when

players getting in each other's way. Here is Rickie Lambert. He squares

it. Southampton have taken an early lead. Billy Sharp is a cut above

the rest at the moment. There is no better finisher in the Championship

at the moment than Billy Sharp. What a cool finish. What a start

this is for Southampton. This time Haroun is onside. Chance to cross.

Excellent defending by Southampton. Still on. Robson goes for goal.

Travelling high and wide. An excellent stop from Fonte who

nearly collided with Davis. Laid back for Barry Robson who went for

power. What good defending that was. Robson goes for goal. That wasn't

very far away. It was his midfield partner Bailey that found him. The

StS of Southampton, they need to keep it tight until the half-time

whistle. Here is Robson. Good delivery. The shot is into the back

of the net, from distance! Nicky Bailey has equallised for

Middlesbrough, completely out of the blue. The player who suffered

play-off heartache with Charlton may of rescued Middlesbrough's

dream. It was a volley on the left foot. Davis couldn't get there. He

dropped out of the air. To the final second of the first half at

the Riverside. On side here, and into the back of the net. The

whistle had gone against Jutkiewicz. I think he's onside. It was an

incorrect decision. Jutkiewicz controlled it well and buried it

past Davis. The goal should of stood. Lallana had an opportunity

to cross. He's run out of room. Fox, with the pass. Nodded down by Fonte.

Bounces awkwardly. Smashed over the crossbar. What a chance for Billy

Sharp. Lambert floated the initial cross. It was the physical presence

of Fonte. It fell to Sharp, a good opportunity. Through the middle

here is Lallana. Lallana is tripped right on the en of the penalty area.

A -- edge of the penalty area. Lallana fell inside the box. He is

surrounded by Middlesbrough players tsm could be a big call by the

referee. It's Lambert for Southampton. It looked as though it

was going to hit the back of the net. More often than not, Ricky

Lambert finds the target. Not on that occasion. We are into the

final quarter. Middlesbrough have to win. Davis had to push it around

the post. On target, no, it was Has the referee called the

Southampton defender back? He has. He has given a free-kick on the

edge of the penalty area. Fonte has been shown a yellow card. It was

McMahon's floated ball in towards Jutkiewicz. Fonte was holding the

upper right arm of the Middlesbrough striker. There.

Zemmama kills it. It's into the back of the net. Zemmama has been

the party pooper. A piece of magic. Middlesbrough's play-off dream is

still just about alive. Up, and down, and beyond the keeper. West

Ham United supporters are, for the moment, confident that maybe Sam

Allardyce's team can join Reading back pedalling. He fancied his

chances. It was coming down. That was close. Another dream this

afternoon has turned sour for afternoon has turned sour for

Southampton. We knew it would be a challenging game here.

Middlesbrough play good football. We didn't capitalise on the start

that we had. Obviously, the goal we conceded bang on half-time. We

always look at the goals and think we can do better at them. We

started well in the second-half. Had opportunities. The big turning

point will be the decision were Lallana is through, the referee

decided to give a free-kick. We haven't put it in the back of the

net. Hopefully, it would be a good week for us. It's a good week. We

are still alive and kicking. We have to go to Watford and win. That

is not easy. They have a bright young side. That will be a

difficult ask. Cardiff going to Palace is also a difficult ask for

them. It should be an interesting weekend. Next week, Coventry at

home, 32,000 people, what more do you want. Read having won the

Championship. It cap as great week for the Royals. We will talk about

them later when we see how they faired on Saturday. An entertaining

game. They had to much to play for? Real Hamer and tongs stuff, wasn't

it? Yes. Very watchable all the way through. Nice to see Middlesbrough

get a result at home. They haven't been great at home. No. They have

come up short of the top ten. Nice for the home fans to get a result.

As we said, good game of football as well. Should Middlesbrough have

had a man sent off at that stage? Should he have been given his

marching orders? It's a challenge from behind. You really do need to

get the ball. You run the risk of get the ball. You run the risk of

being sent off He will consider himself lucky to have got away with

this one considering where Lallana is and where the challenge is made.

He doesn't get the ball. In that situation you are expecting a

situation you are expecting a yellow card. The referee issued two

red cards. As for the winning goal, Middlesbrough from Zemmama, that

Middlesbrough from Zemmama, that was something special? Fantastic.

It was good for him because it was the centre of the goal. Davis is

centre of the ball. The ball doesn't go in the corner. He can go

either side, Davis has to stand in the middle to get to the ball to

his left or right. By doing that the space and elevation does him.

the space and elevation does him. Fantastic finish. Great goal.

Worthy of winning a game like that. Were does this leave us for the

race for second? I don't think it changes much. Southampton may of

done enough already. They probably have. Leicester away for West Ham

isn't easy. Southampton, start of the season I'm saying to Nigel

Adkins, I will give you a relegated side, you are at home, a draw will

be enough, a win will get into the Premiership, what would he of said?

He would of snapped your hand of. Well as for bottom of the

Championship there were two issues still to be resolved. Doncaster

will be playing in League One next season. Their fate was in their own

hands and knew they would be safe if they could beat Barnsley sending

the Sky Blues and Pompey down in the Sky Blues and Pompey down in

the process. They are hitting form at the right time. Barnsley are

safe. City make two changes from the draw from West Ham Barnsley

ball missed Andy Gray. The shot deflected off the left boot and

Wasn't too far wide. The keeper not too troubled. Skuse is through,

Skuse with a chance to open the scoring. Have they secured

Championship status. The local boy left it late in the season to score

his first two goals. One against West Ham, now, has he got the all-

important one to make sure that Bristol City manager completes his

mission of survival? Cole Skuse Higginbotham. Given offside as he

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

was racing towards the edge of the two goals, possibly the one which

has confirmed another season in the held back as he looked to go round

his man. I dome are somewhat held a poor on the shirt. -- Paul. It is

to double their advantage. Stead ensures a second goal and steers

Bristol City to was the Championship for another season.

The fans' Player of the Season with a goal from 12 yards out. It may

have been a gift but they will accept it. Stead, unerring from 12

yards out. The keeper goes the right way but that was unstoppable.

The Robins will be bouncing in the Stead denied a second goal, superb

electrifying move, Adomah at the Dickie Arbiter 2-0. The noise is

tells you that Derek McInnes has secured survival and delivers for

the Robins and Stead scored the second goal that put it beyond

Barnsley and leaves Bristol City and the Championship to add to

Skuse's first-half effort and precipitates the pitch invasion.

They are delighted to stay up. We are staying up, they say, at Ashton

Gate. The red shirted Robins are surrounded by red shirted

supporters. What seems that Ashton Gate and Stead was crowned the

fans'' Player of the Season prior We made an effort to try to keep

the club up and through perseverance and effort we have

done just that. Today, it was not easy. But we managed to get the job

done, a clean sheet and 2-0 up. We were comfortable for the last 20

minutes of the game. We are delighted to get the result. There

is no real enjoyment in staving off relegation battle but that is not

for now. We have to make sure we have a close season and get good

players to add to the good players here and this time next season we

will celebrate more than just being staving off relegation. They have

been a lot of successes this season, retaining our Championship sake --

status. We look forward to next season. It is not something to

celebrate but during the cold season we have to make sure that we

don't suffer the consequences of the form we have been in since the

turn of the year. Having played all round the country, what a These

fans like? We all got mobbed at the final whistle. They have been

fantastic and when we have needed them in the last couple of home

games they have come out in force and supported us. It was important

to keep the Championship stages and the players when they needed to got

themselves a fantastic run. I think the last ten or 11 games, the last

-- the number of point we have accumulated, we have fought

relegation battle more or less from the first kick of the ball. We

don't want to be in that situation again. It is important we recruit

well, add to the players and Portsmouth didn't know it but

nothing they could have done against Derby would have made any

difference as survival would have been out of their hands and the way

at Bristol City's victory negotiated -- negated anything they

headed Derby in front before the break. Pompey were putting on a

spirited performance and it could have been all-square had tickets

and been able to keep his shot down. -- Kitson. Michael Appleton's side

continued to press. It was Allan's turn to be frustrated, the his

effort coming back off the bar. Derby nearly doubled their

advantage. Warter's free kick was well kept out by Ashdown. -- or

Ward's free kick. Luke Varney's clinical finish was has six of the

season. Instead of pressing in search of a winner, Portsmouth

nearly fell behind immediately. Steve Davis' header kept out by a

brilliant tip-over. -- Davies. The visitors had a penalty.

Portsmouth's tumultuous season was only getting worse. Davies

converted and Derby ran out 2-1 winners. Pompey's relegation to

League one is confirmed. It was almost an inevitability that

Bristol City would get the points they needed to. It would have been

nice to win the game. I thought we didn't have to win the game, we

didn't have not to lose the game especially in the second half, the

performance we put in. But yes, like I say, we are a bit frustrated

and terribly disappointed at the season became their final game in

the Championship. News of Bristol City's first-half goal punctured

hope early on. McDonald's second half effort gave them hope a

miracle might be possible. Doncaster had no intention of going

down quietly. They deepened Coventry's gloom in the final ten

minutes. Hayter and keel. The defender was duly shown a red card

and Hayter scored. Coventry's grip on the Championship was loosened

further. The Sky Blues kept battling. This effort seemed to sum

up their season. Their fate was sealed three minutes from time when

Doncaster scored again through Gillett. League One now beckons for

both next season. The jeers of the home supporters only grew louder

than the final whistle confirmed what many had feared all date for

It is something we need to learn from. We need to regroup, we need

to freshen up and come back I thought I could come in and keep

them in their league, I haven't done it. We have to rebuild the

team, rebuild the club and take the club forward.

So that completes the picture at the bottom of the Championship so

Portsmouth and Doncaster in League 1 next season. Are you surprised to

see Coventry at Portsmouth slip through the trapdoor? Not really.

Coventry have been down there all season, it has been a struggle.

Let's be honest, Portsmouth, you give them the ten points back and

they go in with a shout next week. What would have been interesting,

the fixture, which would have been Nottingham Forest away, but --

because it would have put Forest into the relegation mire along with

Portsmouth side would have been an interesting game. As it stands it

is meaningless. Portsmouth, take ten points of any side, it is going

to be tough. You would like to hope those clubs would hang on to the

young stars to build a future around them but their fate was

decided by events that Ashton Gate. A good win for Bristol City. It was

nice to see that goal from City coming from a home-grown player

like Skuse. It was a super finish. Barnsley would have been one of the

top of the wish-list to play for accuracy. His first, he hits

the ground, but -- but because it is in -- because it is accurate,

although it is not a great strike, it goes in the back of the net.

have to give credit to Derek McInnes. He had to lead them to

Yes, they had six points out-60 before he got there, they plotted

off, a dip, looked as though they would be in trouble but they

stabilised -- they levelled off. Was related to stay up, he said the

players we have got, we should have stayed at more comfortably. They

realise they have under-achieved. As for the rest of the Championship,

we start at Reading who knew they were Premier League bound as they

welcomed Crystal Palace to the meant adding we're back in the

Premier League after a four year absence. -- Ruddick were back. They

wanted to finish as champions. However the visitors had not read

the script and with 14 minutes on the clock that Eagles raced into

the lead when Manpower found the net for the first time in two

months and -- when Zaha found the net. Gorkss' third goal of the

season rounded off intense Reading pressure. But the visitors

continued to threaten and with Reading guilty of very own Reading

like defending, Murray nearly capitalised. His effort came off

the bar. Jason Roberts has been a revelation. On his 500th career

appearance he was to receive his marching orders for what the

referee deemed an elbow. Roberts became the first Reading player to

be sent off this season. Despite being down to ten men the hosts

took the lead. Le font scored four goals in his last three matches and

he was at it again. -- Le Fondre. The Eagles levelled with just under

15 minutes left to play, Murray scoring his first goal in 2012 but

Reading were not to know that Southampton would lose later and

give them the title. So McDermott was not downhearted at the final

whistle. We kept going and going, down to ten men. The referee has

made an honest mistake. We play for the supporters and fans and they

have had a fantastic season and these guys have done us proud,

absolutely proud. I could not be more proud of the group.

Birmingham made a trip to the south coast knowing a win would assure

their play in the play-offs. Two seasons ago Newcastle had promotion

and the Blues hope his experience will pay dividends. Brighton have a

run of form which cut off any hope of reaching the play-offs. They had

another opportunity moments later but the player could not find the

target. Birmingham were not offering much as an attacking force.

The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was through Redmond.

This was almost all number six of the season. -- goal number six.

Into the second half and against the run of play the visitors took

the lead. Redmond found the target to give his team the springboard to

extend their unbeaten run to eight games. But having taken the lead

they could not hold on to it. Brighton earned themselves a

deserved share of the spoils with Barnes' 11th league goal of the

season, but a draw was still good to be able to extend that by

getting into the play-offs. I think, once we got into the top six, it

took us a good while because because we were playing catchup.

When we got in there there was a desire to stay there. That is what

we managed to do. Now, this is the way to travel to work. Blackpool

Chairman arrived in style with his very Onuoha personal parking space.

The groundsman not thank him for landing on the pitch. His manager

was looking to guide his side to victory over Burnley and secure

their play-off place. Having won two successive promotions through

the play-offs with Blackpool in 2010 and Swansea a year late --

later Dobbie is the person you need. Holloway side of a return to the

top-flight were given a boost as Taylor-Fletcher doubled their

advantage. That play-off place well within their grasp now. Just after

the hour saw the go-ahead for the dream headlines to start. A patient

build-up, it saw Crainey score Blackpool's third. How it made it

past the keeper, only he can answer. The show wasn't yet over. As

Blackpool further improved their goal difference and a chance to

leapfrog Birmingham with Wigan loanee, Dicko, adding a late fourth.

Dreams of a return to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge still alive.

The manager a relieved man at the final whistle. At half-time I would

of taken 1-0, never mind what happened in the second-half. My

boys were terrific. Great belief in themselves and produced a great

performance. We have two matches to have another go. A lunchtime kick-

off in south Wales gave Cardiff a chance to steal a March on their

rivals and confirm their place in the play yaufts for the third year

running. Leeds started brightly. Joe Mason's performance this season

saw him sign a four year extension this week. He marked it four

minutes before half-time with his ninth league goal of the season. It

could of been worse for Leeds moments later. Some fine goal

keeping stopped Kenny Miller doubling Cardiff's advantage. Mark

Hudson scored a goal from his right foot in the midweek game against

Derby, but he couldn't manage it. Andy Taylor tried his luck but the

keeper was alert to the danger. That save proved crucial. Leeds

were level within minutes and Cardiff cursing a lack of

concentration. Luciano Becchio claimed his 11th goal of the season.

12 games unbeaten for Cardiff, two points conceded at a crucial part

of the season. It was fantastic save for us to go 2-0 up. They

scored a good goal. I could never see them scoring. Following

Cardiff's 1-1 draw with Leeds, Hull knew they wouldn't be able to make

the play-offs this season. They welcomed a Nottingham Forest side

who quaranteed their Championship survival in recent weeks. It was

the visitors who bossed the opening exchanges. They could of taken a

lead. Paul Anderson couldn't direct his header on target. Forest

continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock after the

restart. Radoslow Majewski shot never looked like beating the

keeper. It was the hostes who made the breakthrough before the hour

mark. Chris Gunter the unlikely party. Nothing he could to avoid

putting the ball into his own net. Hull were on track for back-to-back

victories following their mid-week win over Barnsley. Forest went in

serve of an equalliser. They were denied as Hull stayed resolute.

Five defeats last month is were Hull's play-off ambitions came off

stuck. They were awarded a penalty. Luke Chambers brought down Chester.

They scored with ten minutes to go, 2-0 up. Forest got the goal their

performance had merited, Majewski lashing in at the second attempt to

reduce the deficit to one goal. Too little, too late. Hull run out 2-1

winners. Unaffected by the play-off battle, Watford could of been

forgiven for playing out time at London Road. Peterborough like to

attack. Paul Taylor caused enough problems for the defence early on.

They conceded a penalty. Kew Tomlin who put the home side ahead with

his eight league goal of the season. Watford are facing their sixth

campaign at this level. Deeney's form will encourage hopes for a

place in the play-offs. Right place, right time to equallise. His ninth

league goal of the season. It was goal number 77 scored at London

Road this season, a total only equaled at Bramwell Lane. It wasn't

long before goal 7 did arrive and the visitors scored it, Sean Murray

hadn't celebrated his first birthday when Watford last won at

London Road. If there is one thing that Peterborough do, it's score

goals. Paul Taylor's future remains uncertain his aim is true. A

further hint to potential buyers, perhaps. Peterborough might of

snatched a late victory. This goal rattled the bar, not the back of

the net. Good entertainment. The points were shared. Come on! With

the play-offs out of reach and relegation avoided you might of

expected Ipswich and Millwall's clash to have that end of season

feel. Millwall have won their last four. They went in front with Andy

Keogh's eight league goal since joining Millwall in January. 139th

goal in matches Ipswich have played all season. They have scored 67

themselves. Chopra failed to add to that tally. Paul Robinson turned

Chopra's cross on to the post before recovering well to steer

Jason Scotland's attempts off the line. Ipswich hadn't won any of

their last four. Their chances of ending that run looked remote when

Trotter increased Millwall's lead after the hour. The goal showed the

visitor's at their best. The Tractor Boys were given a life line.

Jack Smith brought down Drury to concede a penalty. The goalkeeper

gave notice he is not ready for retirement by saefg not only this

kick, but also the follow-up. -- saving not only this kick, but also

the follow-up. Millwall added a third goal with Keogh again on

target. The Lions the only Championship club so far to get

maximum points in April. Turning out to be a great end to the season

for Millwall with five wins in a for Millwall with five wins in a

row. Congratulations to Reading. They have won the title. The draw

happened to be enough against Crystal Palace. What a year it has

Crystal Palace. What a year it has been for them Incredible. When you

think of what happened in the play- offs. Fantastic since the turn of

the year. The form side. In the last month, a lot of questions

asked. Big games they have had to play. West Ham away, Brighton away,

Southampton away. They found the answer in all of those. As I said

before, you cannot begrudge them their success. Good luck to them.

Blackpool began the season with hangover after relegation from the

Premier League. Dobbie continues this great affiliation with the

play-offs. They are one of the dangerous live wires in the play-

offs. You are not quite sure what you will get from them. They have a

player there who can step into a side and, particularly the way

Blackpool play, they can accommodate that player am they

pass the ball. He plays in between the line. Off the front player. He

gets the ball down. He makes people play. He asks questions of the

opposition. With regard to, how do you pick him up and where do you

play against him? If you can make the difference he can with that

extra bit of quality is a good addition. Huge credit to Birmingham.

Momental effort to reach the play- offs? The start of the season with

the Europa Cup, people saying he can't take that and the League. To

be fair, that was almost a couple of good results in the Europa Cup

set their league form alight. From that, they have had a good season.

Yet again, they have more than earnt their place in the play-offs.

earnt their place in the play-offs. They certainly have.

To League One now and we start at the bottom of the table, where it's

safe to say the scramble to stay safe to say the scramble to stay

afloat has been pretty frantic. What was certain though was that

someone would fall through the relegation trapdoor on Saturday.

The bottom three, Chesterfield, Exeter and Rochdale, all needed

wins realistically to stand a chance of maintaining their League

One status. Problem was though, two of those

three, Chesterfield and Rochdale, were actually playing each other.

That's where we begin our basement going to end in tears. Whoever lost

was condemned to relegation, both sides would of gone if results

elsewhere went against them. A tense and goalless opening 73

minutes told its own story before Rochdale's Akpa-Akpro put Rochdale

ahead. Chesterfield are making a habit of deifying the odds. They

have started to win. Scot boden knead three in a row. With a draw

no good, Rochdale lost heart. They stood and watched these efforts,

Danny Whitaker was much more alert. With two games remaining,

Chesterfield could record an escape worthy of Houdini. Rochdale return

to the fourth tier after two seasons in League One. What put us

down, since I've been at the club, the inability to win away from home.

You wouldn't get a better chance than we had today, 1-0 up and

coasting. It was vital that we won. The three points were crucial. I

thought Rochdale were the better team. The players showed grit and

determination. The manager made good substitutions with both of

them scoring. It's about winning games at this stage of the season.

Nothing but a win would be good enough for Exeter City, anything

else spelled relegation. They fell behind when Nicholls fired the ball

into the net. Before this, Exeter shared the unwanted award of the

lowest scorers in the league, 39 in 43 games. That was to be turned on

its head. Daniel Nardiello gave them hope, five minutes into the

second-half after Gow's shot was saved. Cuvelier put them in front

with his third goal of the season. Exeter wouldn't give up. The

chances of a remarkable fight back when Manny Smith was shown a second

yellow card by the referee for this challenge on Nardiello, with 25

minutes still to play. Alan Gow had been playing in the Indian league

and almost went to play in Iran. Exeter was delighted they he choose

them with this chip to bring them level. He was at it again. The

former Rangers striker finished in style to give them the lead for the

first time. They weren't finished. After a spot of wrestling, and a

spot of, after you, there was time for Sercombe to add an a fourth.

The pivotal moment was the sending off which got us back into the game

numerically. Having conceded the second goal, when we thought we

were back in it, 1-1. We conceded a poor second goal. I was looking at

the players thinking, are you going to keep doing the rietion things?

They did. We played with purpose. We played with a fair bit of

ability. I think we deserved our win. With promotion already in the

bag, Charlton had one last piece of business to take care of. Yann

Kermorgant's free-kick pointed the way to victory over Wycombe. Their

route was far from comfortable. They did well to keep out Bevon who

threatened to ruin Charlton's day, but home fans got what they wanted

with 15 minutes to go. Johnny Jackson stole possession and Danny

Haynes, the substitute, made an immediate impact. Dale Stephenson

Court. His fourth of the campaign creating -- crowning a great season

for the London club. A 5th successive win puts the trophy in

the cabinet and ensures Charlton return to the Championship in style

after a three-year absence. You get the feeling this could be the start

of an exciting journey for Chris Dorian three points clear of the

drop zone, Barnes was squeaking. Step forward Kevin Nisbet -- Kevin

Lisbie. When Jamal Campbell-Ryce teed up the second of the match,

Orient were sitting pretty. But the Mugly defending ensured Orient were

gripped by anxiety. On 82 minutes, Williams pulled one back after

Orient failed to clear a free-kick. There was worse to come. Own

injury-time corner found the home but when Robbie Simpson headed home,

it gave them some much-needed breathing space. Preston have

nothing to play for but pride, but they equalised 10 minutes later.

Danny May showed good skill to keep the ball in an Crossford Chris

Holroyd to head home. Oldham are say.

Two clubs with an eye on next season. Rochdale are relegated

after two years in the division. Their chairman admitted not that

long ago that too much has changed at the club into little time. It

caught up with them. It has. Losing some very, very decent players at

the start of the season. They figured prominently in their

success last year. A change of manager. None of it has helped.

Things have culminated in getting relegated. Three wins in a row for

Chesterfield. They have given themselves a fighting chance.

certainly have. There are two games left in this division. Slightly

more room for manoeuvre. They played really well. To be fair,

although I have done is carried that for one. We walked away from

the game thinking how they down there? Now they are showing form.

Maybe they have shown it too late, but there's a chance. Fans will

also be thinking about Exeter, who live to fight another day. They

beat Walsall, which mean the Saddlers are hovering just around

the relegation zone. A fantastic goal. Leyton Orient's goal

difference is so bad. Exeter can catch them. Their chances are slim,

no doubt about that, but we have seen in Chesterfield and Exeter,

some very decent results. Rochdale leave the decision, well

done to John Coleman in his efforts to bounce straight back. -- good

luck to John Coleman. The race was on to see who would be joining

Swindon. Shifford United -- Sheffield United would be without

Wilson's share food United, who knew victory coupled with a defeat

for Sheffield Wednesday would see them promoted. Alan Smith's first

goal in five years had the Dons in front after 60 minutes. That was

enough to send Carl Robinson's men into the brake on top. Smith could

have doubled the lead but Michael Doyle was perfectly placed to clear

the danger. The Dons were not safe yet. United had come from behind in

the two previous outings to win. Daniel poll's strong-arm tactics

made life difficult. His dismissal left the Dons with 10 men for the

final 20 minutes, but despite being a man down, they continued to cause

problems. Roared on by 6,000 travelling fans, the Blades almost

snatched a point at the death, but Jones, Wednesday are determined to

put United to the post. Word of the Blades scoreline had already

reached Hillsborough when they took the lead. Lyons pouncing after

Jermaine Johnson's shot was parried. The Carlisle goalkeeper had an

otherwise inspired afternoon, repeatedly denied Wednesday what

could have been a comprehensive victory. When Colin was beetle,

there was a goal line saviour. -- beaten. With time running out, it

seemed fortune was favouring the Cumbrians. A deflection off the

wall fell nicely and he silenced Hillsborough with seven minutes

left. But it was worth it for the pandemonium that greeted the winner.

Wynnstay doing it the hard way, going within a point of their arch-

rivals. -- Wednesday. When it is 1- 0, set play, the little break fell

to them. The lad has drilled a tin. Full credit to the boys because

they kept believing, kept playing right and they got their rewards at

the end of the day. It would have with this fierce free-kick from

Bobby Grant. Huddersfield's season has fizzled out in recent weeks.

Three consecutive defeats have left them consigned to the play-offs

again. Scunthorpe manager Alan Neale thought his side dominated

possession. But they were relieved to see this effort rolled up for

offside. Batten ruled out. At the other Wren, body Gibbons was then

denied by a fine save from Iain Bennett. Grant could not force the

rebound home. So the game looked like ending goalless. That was

until the very last minute of normal time, when Lee no broke

through and scored his 15th goal of the season. But it is a third

consecutive play-off campaign for Notts County the chance to pull

clear in the race for that final play-off position. A vicious strike

from David Worrell had them trailing at the break. Straight

from the restart, County were level. An own goal by Giles Coker. Even

though Louise Hughes did his best to claim it. But Bury are finishing

the season with a flourish and midway through the second half.

That meant the home side had to pull out all the stops. Mike

Edwards crashed them back into contention with 11 minutes left.

When android Jones was dismissed for bringing down Jon Harley, their

hopes of turning it around were given a timely boost. But as Keith

Cowell's men pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, they

left themselves open to the counter-attack. Mark Carrington

race clear in stoppage time to guarantee his side another season

of League One football. County's hopes of a top-six finish on now in

defeat at Stevenage will take some beating. When Clinton Morrison were

brought down, they were awarded a penalty. Clayton Donaldson has had

an inconsistent season in front of goal. This was not one of his

better moments. The striker thought he had made amends in the second

half when he was felled for a second Brinsford penalty. But

Donaldson was not allowed to take this one. Sam Saunders stepped up

and soon wished he had not. Victory would have seen the bees leapfrog

their hosts into the last play-off spot, but almost inevitably,

moments after that second penalty miss, Stevenage took the lead.

Craig Reid with a tidy finish. With Bradford still thinking about what

might have been, Nick Freeman made sure the borrower would climb into

the top six. -- Brentford. Brentford were not entirely

hopeless with the dead ball. Saunders restored a measure of

pride with his free kick, but with the play-offs five points away, he

and Brentford opted not to Bournemouth took the lead when Les

Thomas did not interfere with play and John McDonald raced through to

score. -- Sean McDonald. But that Bournemouth almost doubled their

lead in the second half. Thomas just could not connect from close

range. It was good to see the crowd in end-of-season party mood and

Colchester did their own -- added their own contribution six minutes

around in mid-table. Tranmere had the edge by half-time courtesy of a

smart finish from John Welsh. The chance of a Honiball equaliser

looked slim given they had only found the net three times in broke

-- nine previous outings. But Sweeney levelled the scores with 20

minutes left. When Ryan Noble raced clear, therefore match winless

streak look destined to end. He was blocked off and after initially

showing a red card to the defender, the keeper headed for an early

shower. That paved the way for Andy Coghlan to make his bow in the

Tranmere goal. Austin made it -- almost made into debut to forget,

but the post spared his blushes. The points shared at Prenton Park.

Very well done to Charlton Athletic, winning the title. What an effort

to end the season with five wins in a row. Some effort. That is after

going five games and only winning one. The gap started to close a

little bit. To be up there all year and find those sort of reserves and

those energy levels to go again and put this division to bed with five

victories, fantastic. The great effort from Chris Powell and his

men. The race for second between the Sheffield club intensifies

further. Last week we saw United take the initiative, but Wednesday

are back in it. Very much so. Alan Smith's first goal for five years,

what a time forget it -- to get it. The other game, you talk about

salient moments in your season. 95th minute. The gap is down to two

points. All of a sudden it is game on again. One point is the gap! We

on again. One point is the gap! We have confirmed that. It is a

fantastic end to the season. Yes. The better goal difference is

effectively two points. They have to make up that ground. It is very

difficult. Two games left, we have seen how it can change very, very

quickly. It is just about applying yourselves. No Ched Evans for

Sheffield United for the last two Sheffield United for the last two

games. Where does it leave them? you wash afford United, they

haven't scored today. You look around your dressing room, and what

there will do to the mentality of the dressing room with regard to

know Ched Evans. Him and Jordan roads have torn this division apart

with the goals they have scored. It will not have a positive effect.

And now to League Two. Swindon Town had issues off the field this week.

Paolo Di Canio's side went into the weekend needing a single point to

secure an is to return to League One, but if Crawley or Torquay

failed to win, her Robbins would go up anyway. Swindon went to

Gillingham. It has rarely been far from the headlines, but as Paolo Di

Canio stands on the verge of professional success, it has also

been a season of personal sadness. Seven months ago he lost his father

and straight after last weekend's win over Plymouth, he went back to

Rome for his mother's funeral. has gone on with his family, people

need to understand he has been through a phenomenal about, but he

has never used that as an excuse. When people see him here, it is to

talk about football. When Swindon went Aldershot on Tuesday night, a

minute's silence in her honour was immaculately observed by supporters

on both sides. The game that followed gave Swindon the

opportunity to secure their promotion, but a 2-1 defeat

followed and De Canio tore into his players after a night out last

weekend. Did he do the right thing last weekend? Definitely. He

brought discipline into the club. The players let us down. He needs

clear. The perpetrators are aware of what they can and can't do now.

We will try to get a positive result. On Saturday, we beat -- we

beat Plymouth. It was naive of us. If we can do the job today, weekend

maybe not in the gaffer's eyes, it would be forgotten about and we can

celebrate and enjoy the occasion of promotion. # Paolo Di Canio, Paolo

that Swindon hope to seal their fate under game that might have

taken place over closed doors after but we sort would will get sorted

out beforehand and it has been sorted out and obviously you can't

have a game without fans and there will be a full house here. These

are always feisty affairs with Gillingham. I am sure it will be a

great claim. They have a lot to play for. They have a genuine

chance of getting into the play- offs. We want to get things sorted

out today. I feel the game will point hit the skids before the

half-hour. Kedwell's looping header had the leaders sweated. His 14th

of the season gave Gillingham a lift. Montrose went further to

inflicting -- went close to it inflicting further damage. The Kent

club started the second half just as strongly. Swindon's promotion

party was firmly on hold, and thus they could find inspiration from

somewhere. McCormack's determination briefly raised hopes

of a recovery. That left Paolo Di Canio's men nine minutes to find an

equaliser but when Weston was sent tumbling in the box there was no

way back. Whelpdale did the business from the spot but Swindon

could be celebrating if Torquay or Swindon when Wassmer gave Crawley

and early need. The youngster has made no secret of his problems with

Steve Evans, now back in the first team. Wassmer gave Town every

reason to celebrate after 18 minutes. Another young player had a

crucial saying this. Bingham. His great strike confirmed the Daggers

will extend their stay in League 2. It cost Crawley, who could not

produce a winner in the second half. The usually prolific Alexander

looked well placed to get it but he hit the scoreboard instead of

were doing Swindon of favour at Wimbledon. Their form on the road

is good and Morris should have given them the lead after

hesitation in the Wimbledon defence. That was in the sunshine. Then it

started to rain. And rain, and rain. Substitute Yussuff did not ride the

change in the weather, giving the home side the lead with 12 minutes

left. Six minutes later the rain had stopped but Torquay's woes

continued. Moncur made room for a left-foot shot to keep the goals in,

It is difficult to celebrate for many reasons. I want to finish as

champions and then because already I am thinking about the future. It

is obvious that for ten minutes I can relax a bit more and enjoy with

the fans and the players because during the season their suffering

together, they deserve this moment and I am happy to be part of the

group that brings back-up this club in League 1, for the future may be

the Championship. Of all you have achieved in your football Korea,

where does this rank? That is a good label, first here as a manager,

I live at Wembley, achieving a final, and to go up at the first

attempt is something if not unique than really special. He has got the

club straight back up at the first chance of asking and credit to him,

his first year in management. We have 35 different players this year

so it is credit to the players they have managed to bond. How you can

celebrate. The boys are a bit down, but we have been brilliant all

season. We have had a sticky patch but the boys have been excellent,

# We are going up, we are going up Well done to Swindon, back in

League 1 after a year away. As Pollitt -- has Paolo Di Canio Peter

Price due in his first year as a manager? No, we know that at that

level Swindon are a decent football club. He inherited good players,

added to them, made one of two signings that did not work out, but

he had room to manoeuvre, a decent budget, you add that together and

it makes a successful side. He has done his job well. There has been a

lot going on at the County Ground the last few days. The Italians had

shown he is not a man to be crossed but he is not afraid to make

decisions, like the one against Gillingham will stop players have

admitted and rightly so, they have apologised, they were

unprofessional and what they did last Saturday. You don't go out on

a Saturday if you have a midweek game. Everybody realises that. It

is one of those rules at the club, Mayebi and written, that people had

hit it. They have let themselves down and away. It has coincided

with losing games of football which does not help either. A

nevertheless, congratulations to Swindon Town. With Swindon promoted

and as we saw earlier both Crawley and Torquay dropping points it

meant that Shrewsbury would be promoted along with the Robins if

the Crown Ground hoping to win automatic promotion. A Gornell had

the in raptures when he gave them the lead just past the half-hour

with this shot on the turn. The Shrews were on top and almost added

a second when this shot came back off the crossbar. And Accrington

nearly equalised when this effort bounced off the goal frame. In the

second half, the home side pressed for an equaliser. There was a kiss

on the head, sweet. The Shrews what were on target operation until 12

minutes from time when Hughes equalised with this excellent drive

for a backlash after returning to Barnet for a third spell. His

decision to leave them last season left a sour taste and this would

have done him much good and the popularity stakes either. Mohsni

reacted quickest to give Southend the lead 11 minutes in. It put his

tally for the season into double figures. Barnet were in big trouble

when he met this corner. They were finished seven minutes later. The

same corner kick routine set up a Mohsni forest running first half

hat-trick which confirms his side's footballer with a degree in

forensic biology but it doesn't take a genius to work out what is

overhead kick does for crude -- the Crewe's promotion prospects. They

ripped move into the play-off seasons for the first time this

season after a comfortable win. This was one scare against a fellow

Plymouth but a win against Oxford would secure their Football League

status. Robbie Williams hit just the right note two minutes in.

Their play-off chasing opponents could have been in big trouble.

Brown did brilliantly to stop Young from doubling the lead. That

excellent save prove crucial as Oxford got to the break all-square.

A Peter Bowes strike from Hall left Cole clutching thin air. -- A

Peterborough strike. Early in the second half the team almost got

maximum points. Chapman's free kick beating everybody but not the post.

A point was not enough to keep Oxford in the play of places but

results elsewhere meant it was honour and a warm welcome as he

took charge of his first home game as manager of Rotherham. The

Millers started the day it -- the day five points of the play of

places and took the lead when Grabban, a player Evans tried to

sign at Crawley, scored with a shot that broke the netting. Eight

minutes later Morecambe were level Baxter this shot on the turn from

Boro. -- from Burrow. Pavan's first goal broke the net. Rotherham

second, from Jason Taylor, didn't, but his shot had plenty of power

behind it. Then a moment of controversy in the South Yorkshire

sunshine. Cresswell was penalised for this challenge on Carlton. The

referee produced a second yellow card for the Rotherham defender.

And more come's read short equalised from the penalty shot --

from the penalty spot -- Redshaw. Crab and had the final word in

stoppage time. If his first effort but said, why didn't this one?

Rotherham could still make the play-offs but it is highly unlikely.

Most neutrals had Burton versus Aldershot down as typical end of

the season fair but that memo did not reach Dean Holdsworth's men.

They took the lead through Vincenti. Having defeated so Swindon in the

week the Shots swarm all over Burton. There are not too many

Germans playing lead to these days. Risser fits that description. He

nodded at Aldershot further ahead. A late brace from Madjo kept it a

great week for the Shots. Not so great for Burton, who have conceded

11 goals in two matches and can't wait for the season to finish. Not

so Aldershot for whom Madjo has three games in his last two outings.

If they can continue their progress Aldershot could be a good bet for

side that put seven past Burton last time out. One goal settled

this contest. Richards getting on the end of this cross to open the

scoring. The strike on target just as he was in the wind in the

reverse fixture in October and the destination of the points was not

in doubt, especially when Parks went lunching in. Any hopes of a

recovery looked to have disappeared with him. They had ten men for the

second half. Richards almost caught out Davis, who was no doubt

League, Macclesfield's future looks uncertain. They almost fell behind

when Veiga saved. The rebound went over the bar. Macclesfield have

gone 20 League games without a win and the closest they came to

scoring was when Daniel fired just wide. Bradford were not entirely

safe themselves but their League status was secured 20 minutes into

the second half. Hansen met the free kick and was helped over the

line by the distraught then Mills. Later on Ravenhill almost added a

second goal. Macclesfield are bottom of the league, three points

who have had the chance to climb out of the bottom two but like this

play in the first half the balls did not take their chance.

Akinfenwa went closest. His flicked effort dipping the post.

Northampton only needed a draw to secure their Football League status

for next season. Carlisle did his bit. Clearing off the line from

Featherstone. The same player came closer in injury time. The most

agonising of near misses all the ball's, he will hope he does not

come back to haunt them -- or the This is how it looks for the bottom

of League 2. How do you see it a nightmare, Macclesfield, a tough

game. A mixture, who referred to on the face of it have the toughest

task. At the top and Crewe find themselves in the play-off

positions for the first time this season. They could not have timed

it any better. No, I was at a bunch and the other day, Steve Davis was

there, he said we have Cheltenham, he was looking forward to it, I

have to say, not arrogant, not cocky, but confident that he has in

of their to get the right results and that is the correct assumption.

Unbeaten in 14, a terrific run. You can see them in seventh Place. The

battle for third is looking interesting, isn't it? You think

Shrewsbury are all but then out. Yes, rightly so, it is good to see,

they have the chance and they have taken it this year after what

happened last year so good luck to them. Crawley, Torquay, Southend,

Yes, a massive win. You would have expected them to win The. They have

been in the automatic places for while this season. They would be a

tad disappointed if they missed out. Two games, it can still change.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 66 seconds

This is what it all means as far as Before we sign-off, the show is on

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