31/03/2012 The Football League Show

With just one month left now of the regular season in the Football

League the stakes are steadily getting higher by the week.

It seems it's never too late in the season for club's to change

managers, with Bournemouth the latest after sacking Lee Bradbury.

And it's never too late to get a red card, after Bradford squared up

to Crawley. Leroy Rosenior's with me tonight to

keep the peace as we reflect on the day's events,.$$NEWLINE Here's a

taster of what else to expect tonight.

There was a pivotal game at the top of the Championship as West Ham and

Reading went head-to-head. Unsurprisingly, it was an

incredible atmosphere in East London with so much at stake.

Leaders Southampton have looked as good on the road of late as they

have at St. Mary's. After four away day wins on the

spin, the Saints were looking to make it five in a row when they

travelled to Blackpool. In League One, Sheffield Wednesday

are looking up under Dave Jones. The Owls were hoping to put

pressure on the top two by beating a Preston side managed now, of

course, by Graham Westley. Nowhere is the promotion race more

exciting than in League Two, where the top seven all realistically

have a chance of an automatic place. We're with one of the contenders,

Torquay United,for their Friday night away day at Barnet.

We start with the big game at Upton Park, where West Ham took on

Park, where West Ham took on Reading this afternoon.

The two sides, separated by just one point at the start of the day,

are locked in a real battle for the second automatic promotion place,

with victory handing a crucial advantage at this vital stage of

the campaign. A reminder that the first game

between these two earlier in the season ended in a 3-0 win for

Reading with two West Ham players sent off.

It all added a bit of extra spice to a game watched for us by Tony

Gubba. Victory doesn't guarantee automatic promotion, for West Ham

and Reading this one of the defining fixtures of the season.

Reading second in the chach yonship, one point ahead of West Ham. The

three points here could help decide who wins that �50 million ticket

into the Premier League and who faces the Lottery of the play-offs.

West Ham have home advantage, they have drawn the last five league

matches here. Faye returns but O'Brien is out but Faubert is at

right back. Reading are the Championship form team. They have

Jason Roberts back after a hamstring injury. He scored five

goals in 11 appearances since arriving in January. Otherwise,

back from West Ham. The style of play that hasn't impressed some of

the West Ham supporters. Nicely pulled down. Chance for a decent

cross. A low one. That's Nolan, that came off the post. This is

Carlton Cole. West Ham have taken the lead. It came back off the

woodwork. It's the best attack so far. Driven in low. It was a

glancing header from Kevin Nolan which Federici somehow managed to

claw away, but Carlton Cole was on to the lose -- loose ball. Into

Roberts. It's fallen to... He must. Great block by Tomkins on the line

to denied Reading. Here they come again. This's gone behind. It's

going to be a goal kick. It's Reading's first chance. It comes

after almost 20 minutes of relentless West Ham pressure. The

defender didn't clear it, Faubert failed to get it away. The effort

from Noel Hunt denied by the head of Tomkins. Oh, Brian McDermott

turning away in disappointment with everybody is. He's given it away.

He slides it to Carlton Cole who tried a clever flick with the

inside of his left heel. Roberts Federici worried at the moment that

that might be dropping in. Was that really Matthew tail or's intention?

It was ambition if 2 was. It wasn't far away. -- ambitious if it was.

It wasn't far away. He looks unconcerned, Sam Allardyce. Now,

McCartney. Vaz Te with a header, he directed it well, under the

crossbar. Easy enough catch for Federici, slightly to one side it

Faubert. Can West Ham get that second goal before half-time? It

finds its way to Matthew Taylor who drives it in. It came off the feet

of the defender, surely? Again, the officials have delayed and made a

decision which very few in the crowd would agree with. Driven in

by Matthew Taylor. Vaz Te was arriving. Long ball forward, headed

down by Tomkins. Shouts for handball against McAnuff. Got the

shot away. It was poorly done. Harte will take this corner for

Reading into the last-minutes of the half. Can they get back on

level terms? Into the near-post. Kaspars Gorkss got the equalliser

for Reading. A thumping header into the top corner, holding off the

challenge of Kevin Nolan. Having been second best throughout the

whole of the first half, Reading will go in at half-time at 1-1.

Well, he made the second run. It was over the first Reading runner.

He won the air in the battle with Kevin Nolan. What a below -- blow

that is to West Ham who have completely dominated the first half.

Here's Roberts. He gets the rebound off the body of Tomkins. Here's a

chance for Noel Hunt. Would you believe it, Reading are going to go

in at half-time leading 2-1. It's unbelievable! That came out of

nothing. Well, maybe some half hearted defending by West Ham

players a slightly fortunate rebound off the body of Tomkins

that put the ball back in the path of Roberts. Having been second best

for so long, unbelievibly, Reading trying to get underneath it. He has.

The defender slipped. It will be a rn corner to West Ham. The half

isn't over yet. Well, we expected fireworks here this afternoon with

these two. That's what it is proving to be. Oh, this's blocked

on the line! A rare old scramble. might of been another equalliser.

It could of been 2-2. The whistle has gone after a splendid 45

header, Ian Harte heart missed it. Here's Faubert. Too high for

Carlton Cole. Tomkins in a good position. The shot was on target by

the big central defender, now chase. He gets to it first,

supported by McAnuff. Hunt. He went down over the challenge. It's going

to be a penalty. The referee pointed at the penalty spot. He

conceded a penalty there with that wreckless challenge on Hunt. Hunt

took the ball away from him, the tackle was late. Some might look at

that and say its with a soft penalty. The referee had no

hesitation. It's Ian Harte heart who will take the responsibility.

Harte, for Reading, makes it 3- 16789 what a comeback this is for

the team in second place in the Championship. Surely, securing that

position now. A 3-1 lead over West Ham. Reading now look in total

control. Reading have taken the full stretched save from Robert

succeeded. One defender in front of him. Can he get a shot away? Kch

Kebe whose legs were taken away from him. It was the follow-up shot

from McAnuff which brought the save. Kebe was on the break here after

the ball was kept in play. McCartney in front of him. McAnuff

who got the shot away. Noel app lift the ball in. Faubert is

arriving, trying to drive it back. It will be a corner. West Ham are

having to scrap for all the bits and pieces. West Ham know they have

to pull another goal back, to give header! Vaz Te, right into the top

corner. Hang on, it's not over yet. What a glorious header that was

from the Portuguese player. Absolutely right into the corner.

Unsavable. It's still all to play two-goal lead. -- Reading. The flag

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did not go up. Surely the three has been here.

How significant do you think that victory is? It is three points for

us. This is was a tough place to come to. We never really got going

for the first 20 minutes and they took the lead. After that, we

played really well and we stayed in the game, which we have to -- which

we have to. Defensively, or we have been sound and everyone has had to

learn the goals. Reading took their chances and we gifted them those

goals. We are delighted with the result. It was great for us. Now,

at Reading have a slip up, we have a win. We need to win all six to

Reading were very good on the day itself, especially as West Ham were

so dominant for the first 40 minutes. There were. Credit to

Reading and because they always seemed unfazed, no matter how the

game is going. Brian McDermott seems to has instilled in them to

keep doing what they do and in the end they got the reward. Or to turn

out from Reading. Delivery was spot on. Determination of forced the

ball into the net. Jason Roberts terrorised everyone in the first

half. It has been a defining season for the Irishman since Shane Long

left? Since Jason Roberts has gone there, he has enjoyed being the

second striker, as it were. What about West Ham and their ambitions

to finish in the top two? A lot more difficult now. They need to

win the next six games just to give them a chance of finishing in the

top two. The way Southampton and Reading are going at the moment,

you cannot see them dropping too many points. With Southampton of

kicking off taught a few hours later, attention has switched to

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after it. That was a really good save from Calvin Davies. Taylor

Fletcher will be bitterly disappointed. They might have lost

some experience today by taking Kevin Phillips out of the game, but

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they have brought in a lot of pace right-hand side, but the goalkeeper

stays up. He is a good barrier and that was a good save from him once

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at Billy Sharp for Southampton. -- excellent finish. Good strength

just when he needs it. He takes that energy from the defender. The

keeper can do nothing about it. Phillips tracing this now. --

chasing this now. Taylor-Fletcher in the middle and Dobbie lurking as

marking is shockingly bad. Be it is massive for us after the

disappointment last weekend. The referee made amends and gave us one

at the other end. We needed everybody to be on their game today.

We made a lot of changes and the ones who came in, the ones who went

out, showed the right attitude. We have got a great football club and

I am proud of them. I think Blackpool did very well today.

There were presented with a penalty that was not converted. We conceded

two goals and it was shocking. Sometimes it gets you stronger by

picking a team that is not what is expected. Did it last year and was

fined �25,000. With this world, it does not affect them that much.

Good luck to Southampton, they are a fantastic team. If they had

scored that penalty, who knows what It was all about the penalties,

wasn't it? That changed the emphasis for the game. They miss

one at one end and the other side get one and converts it. It gave

Blackpool that impetus they needed. The foul was actually outside the

box and I think he was already going down. Harsh, but the referee

had no choice but to give it. And then Stephen Dobbie stepped up. An

excellent penalty. I am more impressed with his golf. The

strength is great. The resource that the anticipation of the

challenge. It means he can write it. He changes the angle of his run.

talked about the movement of Stephen Dobbie, he's going to be

crucial for them. He could play a similar role to what he did 24

months ago. Absolutely. That Blackpool squad has got real depth

and quality in it. They have to. There were seven changes against

the team riding high which means he has confidence in his team. So was

that a one-off was up and then? scenes without Ricky Lambert they

are not on their game. Let us round up the rest of the championship,

starting with a game between two teams that started in the top six

Tony Mowbray was well aware of an unnecessary North East hat-trick of

waiting his team. Brighton's home form of nine wins suggested it

The breakthrough came after an hour. Middlesbrough now has top-scored

1-1 keeps both teams level on points. There is a lot of mutual

respect between that rival managers. I really enjoyed watching Tony

Mowbray's team. Huge credit to than, coming from the First Division. The

way they are playing is similar to what Swansea did last year. Credit

to their philosophy and I am sure they will move on to do great

year since Rovers notched up a win against the blues. But her first

victory look like it could be on the cards after be scoring was

seven outings before this. But you equaliser settled the play of

Birmingham and in the second half they could pick off Doncaster at

opportune moments. Chris Burke put them in the lead for the first time

in the match after an hour. 20 minutes later, Marlon King grabbed

his 15th of the campaign. It is looking ominous for Dean Saunders

Paul Spike men now. Birmingham's fans went home happy with their

side in the play-off positions. This was a match between two teams

desperate to discover some form for different reasons. Kenny Jackett's

side have lost for mind Games in the bottom and Cardiff had drawn

goal was flag for offside. Then one was disallowed for a foul in the

build up. Cardiff were almost caught on the break play Tom by the

keeper did just enough and it was a fourth consecutive draw for the

home side. Millwall were fighting for their lives and came here and

put forward meant 10 -- behind the ball. The open them up on a set

piece and scored a perfectly good goal and when the referee sees it

again he will be embarrassed that the decision. A five-match unbeaten

run has given Coventry fans hope that they may stay up after all.

That belief was strength and again when Cooper headed into his own net.

Hull also has got themselves but Joe Murphy saved acrobatically.

There are a few things in the world that take nine months to deliver,

of course, and here is another, the first Coventry away win of the

season and Coventry are out of the bottom three for the first time

since October. I said then the challenge to go unbeaten until the

end of the season. There is a great buzz in the dressing room and I am

pleased for the fans as well. had a shock on their last home

appearance with 87-3 thrashing by Nottingham Forest. Watford were

ahead in five minutes. Leeds are still looking for their first home

win under Neil Warnock and they themselves. A golden opportunity

went begging. The goalkeeper finally grateful to get his hands

on the ball. But the Leeds defence was stretched again soon afterwards,

and punished. After -- it was two goals in a day for Chris Iwelmu.

Defender Paul Connolly knew what was coming with his second yellow

card for the file. Watford now unbeaten in seven. There reset

something spookily symmetrical about Peterborough and Leicester.

Three wins apiece and three draws against each other. And their kids

at London Road were pretty identical. They could not be

separated after an hour. Peterborough celebrated hard with

the goal and so would you if you had lost five out of the last seven.

The goalkeeper brought down the striker and the referee pointed to

the spot. But Schmeichel saved, twice, as it turned out. We showed

great character. We rode our luck at times but it has taken a

fantastic goal could win it. created a lot of good opportunities

and not taken any of them. And being undone with what was a good

strike. We were not good enough today. With only one win in 12

League matches and sitting one point above the bottom three before

kick-off, Bristol City were in serious need of three. When Derby

came to town. At Pride Park, Derby came from a goal down to claim

victory. This time, Derby true first blood. Craig Bryson stroke --

struck for the visitors. Derby were unlucky not to double their lead

midway through the second half. Bristol City are the holders of the

lowest goal tally with them B33. -- 33. But this sublime strike gave

them the draw. But they are back in the relegation places. We were not

anywhere near at our best. We wanted all three points. I do not

think we did enough to get all three points. The equaliser was an

exceptionally good finish but we felt that the quality of our

performance deserved the three points. How many goals would not

come Forest for a wave this time? 10 days ago it was seven at Leeds,

and then it was none at the next match. But in the second half,

Forest did it again. Radoslaw Majewski did it in style. He had

scored just two league goals all season prior to this game but the

Polish midfielder made it two in the space of 20 minutes with

another stylish strike. Then Radoslaw Majewski showed poise and

precision to complete his hat-trick. Another great win for Forest and

Steve Cotterill. It is a big win because it was away from home and

we are at home next week. The significance of it we probably will

not know until the back end of the Easter but it is a result we are

pleased with. To get a clean sheet, three points, three goals, played

very well. When these two played each other last December, a switch

15-3 after being two down. Things are different now. It was nothing

like a goal rush this time than it was not until the second half when

the only goal arrived, through Daryl Murphy. Barnsley won last

week against Peterborough but they never really got going in this one.

Ipswich had a string of chances to double their lead. Lee Martin could

have done a lot better in this position. Opportunity rarely

knocked for Barnsley and when they did get a sight of goal came up

against an inform goalkeeper. In the end, one goal was enough for

Paul Jewell's keen to extend their unbeaten run at home to eight.

should have been out of sight but credit to Barnsley, they kept going

and have some good players. A much- needed win against Hull on Tuesday

did a lot to lift spirits around Fratton Park, but Port what would

be to another win against Burnley to keep up their push for survival

-- Portsmouth. After 15 minutes, Kieran Trippier got his third

clique goal of the season. Portsmouth had been on the end of

91-0 defeat this season but make sure there was not the case this

time. Portsmouth were applauded off at half-time. But two minutes into

the second half they fell behind again with Danny Ings scoring his

first goal for Burnley. With 20 minutes to go, despite protests for

hand ball, Charlie Austin made it 3-1 to burn the with his 12 of the

season. That is how it stayed until the 93rd minute, when Jason Pierce

lost his bearings and Austin made it 4-1. This humiliation still was

not over. It is not often that the second half replacement as court a

hat-trick but Austin cemented a future win. It had all been a

cunning plan. We changed formation with about 10 minutes to go in the

first half and got bored and in the second half we were excellent.

was not the fact of the defeat, it was more of individuals just not

competing as well as they should Nottingham Forest, who could not by

the ball all that long ago, this time, through the mercurial talent

of Radoslaw Majewski, they have put a massive blemish on the home

record of Crystal Palace. They certainly have. Radoslaw Majewski

has great talent, a great ability. If you give him time and space he

will find the shop and find the back of the net. The third one, I

am really impressed. Quick feet and a great finish. All of a sudden,

Steve Cotterill's site look like they are hitting form. It has been

some turn around for Coventry as well. Unbeaten in six and no better

time to get your first away win of the season. Against a Hull side who

have been struggling, you have to give Coventry real credit for this

result. It is a nice way to get out of the bottom three. Very well done

to it Andy Thorn, out of the bottom three for the first time since

October. I do not think anybody expected what could be challenging

for the play-offs at this stage. 17 points out of 21, for a team that

has limited resources, and limited budget. Sean Dyche was delighted

run them off at the start of the season. All of a sudden, with the

momentum they have got, if they are looking at the play-offs. They have

won their last three and they have real energy and vigour about them.

Good movement as well from the young side. We mentioned Burnley,

Charlie Austin has got 13 goals this season but he has been playing

in the shadow of Rodrigues. It is his first career hat-trick. For

someone we know scores a lot of goals. But Rodrigues has been

playing well and scoring goals. He has just been in the shadow. Alarm

bells for Portsmouth. The quote from the manager, not put over my

conceded five, but the fact that some of the individuals did not

compete as they should have done. You would think when they are down

there that should be the least you expect. It has been, they have all

been putting in a share. But today they did not and then letting down

and he fell there. I think they thought if they could get result

they may be able to move up the table. It is could be very

difficult for them, it is five points now. There was a lunchtime

kick-off on Saturday for Sheffield Wednesday against Preston. When

stay knew that a win would once again take them above their rivals

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Wednesday today is an opportunity to leapfrog their Sheffield rivals

17th goal of the campaign. He has something to say to the Preston

bench about it too. Huge throw. Madine with a committed header.

Offering his striker some advice. Madine's in again! So close to his

third. He will feel he should have done better with that. He couldn't

keep it down. A lettoff for Preston. Second-half was a vast improvement.

Got it down. Higher temp on the other hand created a lot more

chances. It's nice to get the three points. That's what it's all about.

Reported from their dug outh out that four players reported their

starting line-up to them yesterday. When you have 35 players at the

club, when the clubs have been losing before my rival, losing ways

are in there it takes something to knock them out. A club working

against itself is no way to go forward. Day by day, step-by-

step,ish -- shall ue by issue you have to drive forward. It's slow.

If you have people within your own camp working against you, it make

it is tough. With Wednesday winning earlier in the day, Sheffield

United needed a point to return to the automatic promotion places.

Evans was awarded a penalty. He got his 3 1st of the season. The Blades

had to settle for a draw when Boyd went close from distance. Stp they

were helped in their return to second place when Peter Hartley

took his rally call to make his mark literally. He was shown his

second yellow. Clever thinking and a quickly taken free-kick gifted

Wagstaff the chance to calm Charlton nerves on his 22nd

birthday. Their lead at the top had been put ahead of Fife points

thanks to Wednesday. Spring had the keeper at full traech. -- stretch.

The keeper denied goals at the other end. Charlton are six points

clear again thanks to Danny N'Guessan. They quaranteed

themselves a play-off place. Having toppled the leaders a week ago,

Huddersfield were up against a Carlisle side in the promotion

picture. Noble was a whisker away from opening the scoring. The

Yorkshire club were off the pace in the first half and were a gel down.

Huddersfield have drawn more games away from home than anyone else.

Lee vosed Novak. -- crossed for Novak. The woodwork came to

Carlisle's rescue that time. Four minute noose time added on Miller

flicked in a winner as Grayson tasted defeat for the first time.

Todays with a big performance against a club that have massive

revenue compared to us. You have to be proud as a manager to be in

charge of that. See the way the guys have given everything they

have got. You can't ask any more. Donaldson brushed aside Flannigan

to put the Bees ahead. They got a third straight win for the first

time under their manager. Douglas added the second with a stunning

drive. They managed a late rally. Sean Williams second penalty had

them back in the week -- back in it. They almost found an equalliser but

they struck the woodwork. The Dons have a bit of work to do. If

Stevenage don't make it to the play-offs this season they may

point to their current run of form. Five minutes from time Bostwick

struck and they looked on course for a first win in five. They even

had chances to increase the lead. Roberts header hit the woodwork.

Deep into injury-time, Wickham were awarded a penalty. Roberts fouling

eastman. Basey got a late point and inflict a fifth straight straight

draw on Stevenage who lose ground on the top six. After a blistering

start to his reign as manager, Notts County have gone off the boil

recently. This effort from Taylor proved Oldham weren't there just to

make up the numbers. After successive home defeats to the two

Sheffield clubs they looked to be frustrated again. They got a win,

Sheehan had only one thing on his mind. That finish keeps his team in

touch with the top six. Relegation seems inevitable for Exeter. The

short-term prospects for this match didn't look good when Duguid gave

them the lead. Colchester old boy Cureton claimed he made the contact

for the cross for the equalliser. How close did Cureton come to

winning the match with this effort flashing just wide? After sacking

Lee Bradbury, Paul Grooves is in place of Bournemouth until the end

of the season. After start a mid- week draw, they created plenty of

chances against Yeovil. Cooper nearly surprised Walker, who was in

inspiring form. The South Coast side pushed hard for a winner. They

were foiled by Walker who needed all of his frame to deny this shot.

The young Bury boss had the upper hand when Sodje sent them into the

lead. Five minutes later, terrific play from Andy Bishop opened the

door for Coke. He kept his cool to put Bury on track for their first

win in 14 matches. That put a stop to Tranmere's unbeaten run. This

goal-line block prevented Bishop adding his name to the scoresheet.

Ahead of the club's first home game since winning at Wembley it was

hoping the trophy would spur them on to a victory. Westcarr put them

ahead. Scunthorpe had equallised. Chesterfield to deal with the

loanee, Robertson applied a smart finish. Three goals after the hour

make, the Iron avoided six successive draws. Robertson turned

provider which was rounded by Walker. They failed to clear their

lines. Robertson punished them with a cracker. Chesterfield look adrift

at the foot of the table with six games left. It was a day for for

them to celebrate as Barcham got the fourth. Both sides went into

this game knowing that the winners would take a giant stride towards

preserving their League One status. Walsall were awarded when Ledesma

opened the scoring. They took control when Widdowson got the

credit of the own-goal. Whatever Rochdale manager said at the break,

it worked as the home side began their fight back. Akpa Akpro

stabbed home. Deal pressed and levelled from the spot after

Kennedy was up-ended by Saddler. Symes converted the penalty with

the minimum of fuss. The home side pushed for a winner. Deep into

stoppage time they were rewarded. This volley secured three valuable

points for Rochdale. There was to be one final twist in this game.

Butler headed home. The teams share six games and the points. Dramatic

end to that game. Terrific goalscorers. You have to put Gary

Madine in that bracket, helping Sheffield Wednesday to their 23rd

league win of the season? A great signing. You could see his

potential. He hits it firm. The keeper would be disappointed it

went through his near-post. The power beats him. This goal is what

Madine is all about. A big striker, good in the air. He is aware of

what is happening around him. He guides it into the corner

beautifully. We heard from Graham Westley. There is confusion

regarding what is happening at Preston. He is alleging that some

of the Preston players leaked the team or whether it was a windup

from the Wednesday bench. It highlights there is a lack of trust

between some players at the club and Graham Westley? Either way it's

a disgrace. If players are going out there giving the team away.

It's making... If that is true? undermines everything he is trying

to achieve there. Whether he likes their methods or not they are

professionals and they have to get on with it. If at the end of the

season they can move on. If it's a windup that is even worse. Is

shouldn't be something any other side should get involved in.

can they repair this relationship? It can only get worse. Preston need

to pick up points to secure their league status. How can he do that

with players he doesn't trust and who don't want to play for him. If

he is going to root it out I will try and get them out now so they

can move forward with a group that is behind him. Carlisle United,

unbeaten now in 16. Their play-off push continues. There is a feel

good factor at this football club. They took 600 fans midweek, with a

special offer, that shows you what is going on there? Abbott has done

a terrific job. He has done it with lots of loans. They have a lot to

be travelling for and happy to do the distance. They are in the play-

offs and doing well. Greg Abbott works hard and doesn't get the

accolades he deserves. Over due win for Bury against Tranmere? Massive

relief for Ritchie Barker and his team. One win in 14. Coke comes up

with the winner. You think, where are the next three points coming

from? They got it. They were slipping into that bottom four. It

has given leeway to move forward dominated by the incredible scenes

at the end of Bradford's game against Crawley Town. Five players

were sent off after a mass brawl broke out. It remains to be seen

what punishment will be given by the focus shifted back to the

football. On Friday night, Torquay had another long-distance trip,

Nearly 14,000 miles will be covered by the Torquay United coach over

the course of this season. Only Plymouth Argyle will do more than

rounds in bleak one had last season's play-off final, their play.

The manager departed followed by several key players but it would

appear that the good times up back Ed Torquay United. Step forward and

man who has won five promotions as a player and another one as a

manager with Leyton Orient, and who has overcome a challenging time at

Cambridge United to beat Torquay United on a run of 12 wins from

their last 16 games since the turn of the year. The boys of buzzing,

aren't they? There is plenty of banter which is always a good sign.

They are quietly confident of what they have been doing. There is a

good team spirit. We're talking about our pop star over there, Rene

Howe! Since I have been with Torquay, everything has been up and

down. We have been relegated, promoted, near enough in a dogfight

as well. Did you hold in New Year's Eve party and put something special

in their drinks, because since the turn of the year of the form has

been unbelievable! Or try to save we did, but 2012 has been

unbelievable. I have never been on such a run as this. Excuse me!

have the kitbag! I know we go on about it with Q and planet and the

distances, but you must have de facto it in. -- with you and a

Plymouth. Yes, it does come into it. 19 overnight out of 23 trips, you

have to make sure it does not play against high-flying Torquay. The

Torquay goalkeeper escaped with a yellow card. The failure by McLeod

proved costly as the Devon club pushed on for the win that put more

pressure on leaders Swindon. They were on course to match a club

record of 11 away wins in one season. The defeat leaves Barnet

perilously close to trouble. Torquay March on. Come on! Get the

sandwiches out! We spoke at half- time about quality, it was better

in the second half. Brian and Mark had their front two, well done, at

the first half they gave us a run around and you ask them the

question. That is a job well done. That, if I may say so, had all but

full marks of a team that is heading for promotion. It is called

the smash and grab method! I did not dare say it! Definitely, the

pause was nowhere near the level we have been. They would cut, they

missed their chances, we took our one good chance. It is not about

performers at this stage of the season, it is about results. I

think that has broken Arrow wave record as a clerk. There is plenty

of character in the dressing room. You had a small saver on the

appointment of Martin Ling at Torquay. I was asked about a man I

told the truth, I said he is honest, he wants to play the game and

develop players and will be a perfect fit for Torquay. I'm

delighted that they appointed him. Do you see them completing the

process with promotion? I do. He is so, and he has a great assistant as

well. They are really hard working and the supporters appreciate that.

No matter where they are in the league, supporters will always

appreciate hard work. The wind for Torquay move them to one. Away from

Swindon. Swindon welcomed Bristol players alliance after that the

not get past the Bristol Rovers goalkeeper. A frustrating day for

Swindon. After Crawley's brawl with Bradford

in midweek, Scott Davis almost lifted the cloud hanging over them.

In the end they were bemoaning two. Strop. It could have been different

but the referee had decided the handball was deliberate not

accidental. I do not think anyone can understand why we did not get a

penalty. Aldershot set out to do what no other team has done this

season, the double over at Shrewsbury. Six minutes into the

second half it look like they may pull it off. Josh Payne took aim

from the spot and did not disappoint. Prospects improved

minutes later. The referee took a different view of the challenge and

it is no surprise that Graham Turner is considering an appeal.

Aldershot looked to push home their advantage. But we Cobb minutes left,

Marvin Morgan conjured up equaliser that preserves the end the unbeaten

home record in the Football League. They are still in the hunt for the

top three. If Shrimpers came to see the return

of their hero Freddy Eastwood, they were not disappointed. 10 minutes

after the red card, the first goal. Horn doubled the lead with a shot

that been used the goalkeeper. Then the moment that the fans wanted.

Freddy Eastwood, on loan from Coventry, crowned his return home

with a goal. In total control, but hopes were confident the stroking

the ball about and in no need to go easy on the visitors. A

comprehensive win for Southend against the promotion rivals.

People will say that 10 men changed the game, at the end I think we

were very competent when it was 11 against 11.

Oxford's faint hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a blow as a

clinical Morecambe's side claimed the points. Three minutes in, Craig

Curran opened the scoring. With celebrations barely over, the game

was level as Scott Rendell was first to react. More can claimed

the 0.16 minutes from time. Stewart Drummond heading home the winner.

An early boost for Crewe in their quest for play-off place. The

beauty from Luke Murphy gave them the lead against Northampton. They

were seemingly on course for a 5th straight win. But Adebayo Akinfenwa

continues to do the business. His 17th of the campaign at the game

all square by the hour mark. By the finish, Northampton had the

goalkeeper to thank. He capped the debut by thwarting the penalty.

Could Gillingham rekindle play-off hopes after managing just one win

in five games? When the opening goal came after the break, the

Gillingham boss said it would not have looked out of place in the

Premier League. Matt Fish applied the finish. Gillingham's sealed the

points, leaving Macclesfield in the drop zone. Chris Whelpdale headed

home the second. These are dark times for Hereford

who are fighting for football League survival. The managerless

team were looking to impress potential new bosses and scored the

only goal of the game before the break. Hereford are now four points

from safety, bottom of League Two. Steer clear of Terry Brown for a

while. The Wimbledon boss was fuming after watching his team lose

at Accrington. With half an hour gone, Luke Moore levelled up but it

was a pity that they could not make more of their chances in the second

half. Accrington went on to complete the double over their

London opponents, with Will The hero of the hour of made a

brilliant save. Top scorer Mark Richards had the idea to improvise

on the spot. Not only was the penalty save, it was followed up

with two more blocks to ensure a vital victory.

Finally, some breathing room for Plymouth. The only goal was fired

home after four minutes. Guy Branston forced a save from Jake

Kohl. Plymouth held on for a big win to join Bradford level on 40

I am sure the Plymouth fans are breathing a sigh of relief.

Absolutely. There is experience in there. A nice mixture. A vital

three points for them. Brian Horton performed heroics to keep

Macclesfield up. He's certainly go down his work cut out. They have

only 11 game since October. Yes, and they are a few points away from

safety. But Brian Horton is experienced and is doing a decent

job in difficult circumstances. He knows the club and his experience

might help him get out of trouble. One team on the up his Dagenham and

Redbridge. They've had a tough couple of seasons since they had

been promoted. Players have come and gone. But there was a strong

bench this week. Some players back from injury and they are on quite a

good run. Right, well before we go, let's take a look at the latest

tables then. In nPower League Two Torquay have

closed the gap on Swindon to two points after the Robins were held

at home by Bristol Rovers. Southend were the only other side in the top

were the only other side in the top seven to win over the weekend.

Hereford and Macclesfield are both looking in trouble after both lost

without scoring. There was a valuable three points for Plymouth

as they draw level on points with Bradford and Dagenham have now

climbed to 19th with another win. The top three in league one all won

and move further clear of Huddersfield and MK Dons who both

lost. Carlisle consolidate their play-off place with that late win

and have played a game less than Notts County in 7th.

Chesterfield lost ground on the teams above them as they lost and

the 4 teams above them all drew. Bury picked up a much needed win at

the 14th time of asking and are one of three sides on 46 points.

In the Championship it was a great day for Reading as they moved 4

points clear of third placed West Ham and are now 2 points off

Southampton. Behind those three sides it is really tight. After

Birmingham and Blackpool won and Brighton and Middlesbrough drew

with each other all 4 sides now sit on 63 points.

It was a good day for Coventry as they move out of the bottom three

for the first time since October. They are replaced by Bristol City

who drew with Derby. Nottingham Forest are up to 19th with another

good away win. Now the show is on the red button

and on Freeview till six o'clock in the morning on Sunday. It's also on

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

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

There's more football on Sunday - Colin Murray will have the best of

the weekend's Premier League action in MOTD2. You'll be able to see

that at 2200 on BBC TWO. And don't forget you'll be able to catch up

on all the news surrounding the Football League teams in your

region on Monday evening. Late Kick Off is on air at 23.05pm on BBC One.