03/02/2013 The Football League Show

Good evening. So that's it then. After all the hype and hysteria,

the transfer window has finally closed for business. Well, until

the loan market re-opens on Friday. But in the Football League, there's

been plenty of talk about deals that didn't happen. If it wasn't a

reported failed eye test, one manager claimed that a player went

AWOL after lunch to only start negotiating with another club. And

when one player did move, his manager knew nothing about it. So

plenty for to Steve to reflect on, including today's games in the

npower Football League. After turning over Tottenham in the Cup

last week, could Leeds use it as a springboard in what so far has been

a disappointing league campaign? Neil Warnock's men were hoping for

more of the same as the Championship leaders Cardiff came

Leicester seem to have found their stride with the help of new signing,

striker Chris Wood. We have action from the Foxes' Thursday night

encounter with struggling Wolves. They have beaten several of the

promotion it favours but have been propping up the table. Could

Peterborough spark another mini- revival for the visit of Burnley?

And we've have highlights from Saturday's Late Kick-Off between

two teams very much in the hunt, It's been a busy few days for Leeds

United. After impressively seeing off Spurs in the FA Cup last

weekend, the Whites then sold wantaway top scorer Luciano Becchio

in return for Norwich's Steve Morison plus a handy amount of cash.

And with games running out to make the play-offs, there was no better

time to register a seventh straight home win against the leaders

Cardiff, who were looking to end the day 10 points clear. Commentary

Leeds United are back to big business and looking for a crack at

Cardiff. Leeds lost top scorer Luciano Becchio to Norwich this

week. Steve Morison has come the bad news is that he is not fit.

Paddy Kenny replaces in goal. New edition Stephen Warnock and Habib

Habibou are on the bench. Cardiff in Mick two changes from the last

outing at Blackpool. Craig Bellamy and Ben Turner missed that game

through illness and come back in. Kevin McNaughton and Joe Mason met

with. New signing Fraizer Campbell recruited from Sunderland this week

to David Marshall. Is that a back pass? And the referee, Mike Dean,

will take the appropriate action, a yellow card for David Marshall.

There it goes. Marshall had a clear sight of that as well. Leeds have a

free kick now, inside the box. McCormack, straight at the wall,

and it has done his job. There was too much traffic in front of him.

There is Steve Morison, new signing for Leeds. He cannot play today.

Five injury keeping him out of the equation. He could prove crucial in

the run in. -- thigh injury. Is that a free kick? I think it is. It

is getting frustrating for the spectators of both teams. Good save

by David Marshall from Ross Barkley. He has come up with so many big

saves this season. David Marshall to the rescue. It was teased in,

Cardiff corner. Whip in towards the near post, and Paddy Kenny has two

points that away. Paddy Kenny has had to be sharp on a couple of

occasions at his near post. He had Barkley. He caught that crisply,

but could not direct it on target. The lone player from Everton, still

looking for his first goal for lease. -- Leeds. Cardiff with three

in the box. Craig Conway might need a bit of help. He has done well to

make space for the cross. And Craig Bellamy scores, but the flag is up,

it will not count. Relief for Leeds supporters. Well-worked move from

Cardiff. That man there was ready to punish them. Kim to Smith. Jan

Tommy Smith find room for the shot? And he has sliced it behind. It was

an opening for Tommy Smith, and Cardiff. Should they have made more

of that? Another weapon for Malky Mackay to use in the remaining

games, Fraizer Campbell. Dury comes, for his Cardiff City debut. -- here

Nobody there to meet the cross. That was a poor clearance, and

Fraizer Campbell! What that debut for Fraizer Campbell! With almost

his first touch since coming on as substitute, he and Bines the

breakthrough. It is the goal that the game has craved, for ages.

Fraizer Campbell in just the right corner kick. Great save by David

Marshall, Cardiff City just about survive. Leeds, looking for a hand

ball. Tom Lees with the header. David Marshall was well placed to

make the save. Big claims for hand ball, there. We knew it was not

going to be easy. Leeds have won the last six home games. It was

never going to be easy against Leeds United at Elland Road or Neil

Warnock, so we had to make sure we came up here with a game plan and

Doug in. I am delighted for the fans here today. They got the

winner, got out of prison. That is why they top the league. Some great

chances, we have missed chances. And we had a certain penalty. You

might not have been able to see it but from the view at the side of

the goal, it was handball. And the referee should be in a position to

see that. He is a top referee, but the one decision we needed from him

and his linesman was the handball, but they know that they might have

got away with it, and good luck to them. We need to get Fraizer

Campbell some menace on the pitch. He has not played much football

risk that. We will break him in gently. But he came on today and

with his first touch, he scored. But that is what centre-forwards do.

He wants to play football desperately, and he wants to be

It does not get much better than scoring with you second touch, as a

striker. Not the greatest clearance, but he was right on the spot. He

has only just come onto the field of play. He was ready to receive

that ball. Neil Warnock said they should have had a penalty? Possibly,

Mark Hudson leaves his arm out, and the ball there strike it, so they

have got a point. Leeds had plenty of possession but Cardiff City dug

in for the win. And that says a lot. Neil Warnock said they created two

good chances and they it, but it was a good containing performance

from Cardiff. They went down the other end and scored. They can find

something that little bit extra to win a game of football and that is

what they adding. Leeds are now six points off the pace, but Cardiff

have extended their lead to 10 points over the chasing pack. Can

the might be caught? Not on the evidence of this. The Maik are

defensively very tight and going forward, they have got such a seven

great players. Let's find out how those teams chasing Cardiff got on.

Starting with Thursday's midlands clash between in-form Leicester and

struggling Wolves, who were chasing their first win under new manager

goal has been coming. This guy scores. Quick thinking by Kasper

Schmeichel. He exploits the fact that Stephen Walker pushed forward.

Wolves, always struggling to get back. The Wolves defenders did not

quite know what to do. The goalkeeper will look back at that

and feel that he should have done Sako. Have to see that again. The

officials saw that. It had to be what a thunderous strike from

Bacary Sagna or, and Wolves are level. The goal at of nothing. It

is his first goal since the middle of November. Bacary Sagna with a

bullet, draws rules level. -- Bakary Sako pulls Wolves level.

Chris Wood misses a glorious chance the moment. David Nugent goes

himself, and then sit in beautifully. -- bends it in. Goal

number 14 in the Championship for David Nugent. Leicester City back

in front. Wolves had committed a lot of bodies forward, and David

Nugent use the other runners as a They played with a lot of spirit

and quite a bit of quality at times. We conceded a bit too much

possession. We weren't quite at our best but we still have enough

quality to win the game. We played really well. We looked dangerous

going forward. We have 14 chances, 10 clear cut chances. We did not

take the chances and we got done and counter-attacks. Although they

had other chances as well. The performance was good, just

disappointed with the result. the Den it was Lions, tigers and

the Den it was Lions, tigers and Beevers. Mark Beevers whose back-

target. Millwall's promotion challenge is hampered by a chronic

lack of goals. Despite beating Aston Villa in the cup, the Lions

have and scored in their last three league matches. They did hit the

target with this at that, but David Stockdale was behind it. At the

other end, the goalkeeper kept Millwall in the match. There was no

Eight poor goal to give away within 45 seconds. Mark Beevers has been

excellent since he has been her and was great at the the mistake as

well, he did not let it wobble him. We have not been able to put the

ball in the net. Have Bolton got a stomach for another relegation

Vicarage Road. The former Watford man did the honours. The last thing

they needed after their surprise midweek defeat at Bristol Fitz t --

after the break. The goalkeeper saved that one but it was left

helpless when this one came off the woodwork. It was Watford that

possessed the cutting edge. They are in the hunt for automatic

promotion. A we know we have possibilities. As long as we keep

working hard and we are getting better and better. We stand a

chance. We're not having a lot of luck in front of goal. Defensively,

we have done very well. We conceded the second goal, which was

disappointing, but there are a lot of positives there. The Ian

Holloway is not a fan of the towards his 4th goal of the season.

Chris Powell's team were looking for their 4th win in five league

games and almost moved into a 2-0 lead when Jackson glanced a header

wide. At the age of 39, this was a fresh start for Philips. The

veteran almost marked his Palace debut with a goal. After going four

games without a goal, glen Moray popped up with two. We Wilfred so

higher making a �50 million move to Manchester knighted but staying on

loans of the rest of the season, there is relief he remains a Palace

player. That feeling to get back like that, not only that, but to

play and create the chances we did in the end of that game is worth

waiting for. I was thoroughly enjoying it. I thought we took a

back step when we should have kept believing what we were doing. In

the end, Murray, who was relatively quiet Scott two chances and got two

goals. With the virus confining Mick McCarthy to his sickbed, Terry,

was thrust into the managerial us spotlight. They doubled their lead

in the second half. It a cracking first goal for Ipswich to go with

the 17 he got when on loan at Coventry. It was Middlesbrough that

looked under the weather. Aaron McLean had twice the strength

before leaving Jason Steele on his back. Middlesbrough have lost all

four of their games in 2013. A post-Christmas hangover, similar to

the one last year. Smith's second wrapped things up. Get well soon

Mick McCarthy, although on this evidence, you can take the time.

spoke to him after the game and he was delighted with the result. Also

the manner of the performance and the way we played pleased him as

well. It has ended on a good note. We have to react. The team needs to

rally itself. Rolled its Leeds -- sleeves up and get back to winning

into a relegation battle. It will help Mick McCarthy feel better. As

the Crystal Palace, a great comeback win against Charlton in

the south London Derby. It looks like they need his victory to pick

up momentum which they are in danger of losing? A could be one of

the seminal moments of their season. Murray only scored a penalty in his

last five. A great big game for the club and the players. Two important

goals. You get the feeling it can turn things around and they can

finish strong. Hopefully they can achieve what they want to achieve,

which is either the play-offs automatic promotions. Kevin

Phillips, on Thursday, Leicester continued their 100% start to 20

their team. Or Wolves Wanderers, what about them? Dean Saunders

needs to get them going? He does. He has only been there for four

games. There were periods tonight they played very well. But they are

not picking up points. He has come in at a difficult time. Not ideal

circumstances to try and print your style of management on to a

football club that is losing its football games it is not expecting

too. They have to hold their nerve and get out of this situation.

for the bottom of the table, Peterborough's preparation took a

There has rarely been a dull moment since Darren Ferguson came in six

years ago. Six promotions, sacked, reinstated, and other promotions.

They have suspended four players for an unauthorised night out. In a

season when 27 Football League clubs have changed their manager,

including four of the bottom six, at London Road, all is very calm.

With the form this season, have you ever lost face? Never. I have tried

to key belief within the camp. I think we have done that. After

seven defeats on the bounce, we have now done a right. I'm not

panicking. We have done that before. Act in haste, repent at leisure. We

won't do that again. We have employed their manager twice.

a difficult lead. If you look at the managers that have gone the

season, 12 or 13 out of the Championship. He is still the best

manager. What is the point in changing? Keep the faith. It is a

good marriage. Hopefully it or be a long marriage, and they will keep

us up. I won't spend the rest of my managerial career as manager here.

But I still have a job to do. I want to see it through his. I won't

be content just to keep the team in the Championship. I want to have a

chance of getting a team into the Premiership. With his contract set

to expire in this summer, George Boyd's half-a-million move to the

city ground was considered a formality into Nottingham Forest's

owners decided an eye condition that had no impact on his career

was enough to pull the plug. I bet he did not see that coming! They

are telling us the deal was called off by the owner. We asked why and

look for the evidence. And they told us about him having the

problem with his eyes. We asked, is it conclusive? They said no. So why

is the deal off? He is a great lad. It won't affect him. He is strong.

He comes in and straight away, he is all over the dressing room. It

is a good bit of banter. Will he play this afternoon? No question,

transfer window was charlie Austin. Just a minute on the clock and it

was goal number 24 of the season. The Burnley defence was less

clinical in attempts to clear a corner. Peterborough equalised in

the second half. It might take some individual brilliance to save Posh

from relegation. So that goal to savour this time, with the

midfielder doubling his tally to four that this season. Not enough

for a much-needed win. You could hear the groans around London Road

as Burnley fought back. The equaliser coming five minutes from

time. Perseverance from Chris McCann and the finishing touch from

Martin Paterson. Burnley's play-off hopes are might have been boosted

Habib stoppage time header not brought a wonderful save from the

goalkeeper. The two sides I cannot fault the performance in

terms of the energy. It was against a good team. We do need wins at

home. So it is disappointing. Peterborough denied a vital win at

the end. What about this George Boyd situation? You have had a few

medicals in your time? Have you ever had an eye test? That is a

completely new one on me. I don't know where it has come from.

must have been in the situation there when a move has collapsed at

the 11th hour? Loads of times. can it be? A depends on the

situation at you Football Club. He has been on loan at Nottingham

Forest. George Boyd's name is linked with someone to leave the

club. It is a massive let-down. He is always welcome back to

Peterborough. But from his own sense of wanting to move to a

bigger club. He wants to realise a personal ambition. A massive let-

down. You have to feel for him. Last week's late win at Charlton

saw Sheffield Wednesday continued their revival. Next up, a Brighton

for the Sussex club who have never won a game at Hillsborough. They

were in more trouble when Ashley Barnes lunged at Lee. Brighton

manager Gus Poyet agreed that the card was justified. He was more

annoyed at what happened at the free kick. It went straight in

leaving the ten men with what seemed to be a hopeless task. It

left wins the to continue the uptown and their fortunes which

began in mid-December. Craig Mackail-Smith was introduced and

had the were great to make up for the numerical disadvantage. Hope

was restored for Brighton, but not for long. Michel Antonio restored

the two-goal gap. Some of the Brighton players claimed there had

been a foul on defender Inigo Calderon. The Spaniard was

indisputably caught late by Pugh. That led to some heated exchanges

on the sidelines. Despite that, Brighton had the unhappy his boss,

post match, with the Wednesday manager playing down the argument.

It is unusual for me. It is not a McLeish. For us's failure to land

transfer targets so rumours of a rift at the City Ground. To make

matters worse, one of those players undid them here. Forest had two

beds and knock back for Chris Burke. Forest brought in Darius Henderson

but he still looking for his first goal. Jack Buckland, destined for

the bright lights of Stoke City, so to that. St Andrew's is the last

then you Alex McLeish could expect to find some that it. The Blues are

still bitter about his defection to Aston Villa. Players tend to rise

above these things, although Chris Burke did look very pleased with

his second goal. Birmingham held on to victory despite a late goal from

Forest. Billy Sharp was brought down by Curtis Davies for an

injury-time penalty. Billy Sharpe converted it, but it was scant

consolation. Only one win in seven for Nottingham Forrest who need to

find something to lift the gloom. We was it going to see Chris Burke

scored both goals? You tried very hard to bring him to the City

Ground this week. Listen, if you have they can come back to haunt

you, and Chris Burke did that with two goals. He is a good player. We

tried to get him and could not do it for one reason or another. We

were priced out of the market a little bit. It was not to be. And

well done, to Chris Burke. Mark Lewis's thought caretaker match in

charge of Huddersfield to come to one of his old clubs, Derby County.

Fresh from an excellent victory over Crystal Palace. But he met his

match against Derby County. The free kick the first hint of the

Challenge to come. Alex Smithies played -- prove just about equal to

it. Nigel Clough's men were clearly a minute. Insight 10 minutes Derby

County increased their advantage with Conor Sammon working it wide

to Gareth Roberts. He evaded Conor Sammon, but not Ward. When Sean

Scannell was microsecond a centre was turned onto the post, he was my

starting to get the feeling this should be another disappointing day

for others. Richard Keogh Rubber- stamp Derby County's success.

Huddersfield are still too close to the bottom three for comfort,

especially as they face Cardiff City next. Derby County deserved

their three points. Scored three goals and kept a clean sheet, so

we're absolutely delighted. It was the Tour game in seven days, and we

got the three points we needed against Crystal Palace, but today

the transfer window without selling the family silver, but not even the

presence of Tomkins could halt Barnsley's revival with Jim O'Brien

opening the scoring for the visitors. There was no sign that

Tom Ince was feeling sorry for himself after a proposed move to

Liverpool and Reading failed to come off. He swept home Blackpool's

equaliser after the break. That was as good as it got as a goalkeeper

Matt Gilks lost his bearings when he dashed on the goal line, and got

a red card for handling outside his penalty area. Blackpool, still

looking for a permanent replacement for Michael Appleton almost went

out 2-1 up as Matt Derbyshire rattled the crossbar, looking for

his first goal since joining on loan from Nottingham Forest. But it

was a new arrival in black and blue-settled the tie - Jason

Scotland, spoke -- scoring his second successive game for Barnsley

as David Flitcroft's side needed four games unbeaten. This would be

a massive achievement if we could do that, so let's fight for every

single blade of grass, every ounce, every sinew you have got to your

goals past Bristol City this season the omens were good at Ewood Park.

Morton Gamst Pedersen came close to adding to that tally early on but

the woodwork came to the rescue of the Robins. With Jordan Rhodes in

their ranks, Blackburn Rovers have a reliable source of goals. The

first of his match-winning brace came just before the half hour. It

demonstrated his eye for goal. That was something Bristol City lack

although they were this was sold for the best bit of football of the

first half, but Davies could not make the most of it. The Robbins

created chances but had no one to pick them away. Marvin Elliott

threw himself at a cross, but it was easy for the goalkeeper. If

only they had Jordan Rhodes, has 24th for club and country this

season. There was a touch of Alicia about it. It what -- it was his 100

Career goal. That �8 million is you want to win games, and we did

that today. And they have just won their last two games. We were

quietly confident at half-time that we could get back into it. We did

not want to throw caution to the wind. We wanted to stay solid and

compact. And put them under pressure. But the second goal undid

us. The 100 League goal of Jordan Rhodes' Korea. That is a bitter

pill to swallow for Alex McLeish. He has had a lot to contend with in

a short space of time at Nottingham Why try and fix something that

isn't broken? He has taken over at a time when people are wondering

where the change had to be made. It has not been an auspicious start.

Chris Burke, who he tried to sign on deadline day, along with a

couple of others, and it did not come off. To the management and the

people above him, are they working in tandem, at this stage? They did

not sign anyone on a transfer deadline day. It seems there is a

lack of communication there, somewhere. They might have got to

try and put across the right image. And what is going on in the

boardroom... It has happened so quickly. People are thinking, why

have these changes been made? Lots of it at this stage, to a lot of

people, has not make complete sense. Derby County with a good victory

against Huddersfield, 3-0. Huddersfield are dropping down the

table quickly, 14 games without a win. They desperately need some

readership and need to get someone in the dug-out quickly. It is not

an easy job. Particularly coming in at this stage. You would expect a

club that has lost so many games in a short space of time to be one of

the clubs that faces a drop. One or two of them at the bottom are

picking up points. They might have got to be really careful. Injuries

are mounting up, too, for the Terriers. Right, to League One then,

and a dramatic 48 hours for Swindon Town. No sooner had they announced

talks were ongoing with potential new owners, Paulo Di Canio revealed

he was considering his future after seeing one of his star players sold

behind his back. It was hardly ideal preparation for the 3rd

placed Robins, away to promotion rivals Crawley in Saturday's late

made 3 changes which included full debuts for Mustapha Dumbuya and

Jamie Proctor. While Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio also made 3

changes, as Jay McEveley, Aden Flint and Gary Roberts all started.

Dan O Hagan was watching this one. The first corner kick of the game

for Tommy Miller. Flint's header falls loose. Fine save. There was a

real opportunity for Swindon Town to go in front. Jim Collins with

the strike which brought the best There goes Adams. He checks, and

that is a penalty. The tackle on Micky Adams from more comic. A

chance now to breached that tight Swindon defence. Billy Clarke, from

the spot, six League goals this season. Swindon with 15 clean

sheets, the best in any of the divisions this season. Billy Clark

scores. He went for force and power, down the middle. Clarke, In a fine

run of form this season. He went for sure, brute force down the

middle of the goal with the goalkeeper committed, going the

The deflection behind for a corner kick. George Simpson, with a

glimpse of goal. Good block for the Proctor on his debut, and a really

good save. It was a great save by with a snapshot that to go real

deflection on the way through. -- it made the goalkeeper's job much

harder. Then the cell from a comic, and the referee says penalty. --

the missile from McCormack. Joe Walsh has done enough to concede

again's second penalty. Adam Rooney, from the spot, and he scores, too.

Two spot-kicks exchanged, now a. And Poll de Canio's men are level

McCormack. What a save. Adam Rooney, kept out by Paul Jones with a

magnificent stop. That is sensational. It is a lovely cross.

And the header draws a brilliant save, no other work for it, from

Paul Jones. I thought that the draw was probably a fair result. I was

disappointed having taken the lead from a slightly soft penalty,

although there was not a great deal of football played, that was a good

game. The fans have been singing your name and want to stay. I am

very happy for them. I want performances like that in terms of

character and commitment and desire. But today was all about character.

They showed me. And I am more than couple of incidences in the penalty

area, did the referee get them right? There is an element of

contact, or that I think Adams might be going to ground anyway.

The second one, coming up. Rooney. He loses his balance almost and

goes to ground. He is not even appealing for a penalty. Just the

slightest of touches, no, it is not a penalty. This is the referee who

has given 12 penalties in 24 games. We saw Paolo di Canio not been

A more conciliatory attitude in the interview. He has done a wonderful

job but they are spending too much money. You cannot keep losing that

amount of money. As the club knows, the club's future is at stake if

they continue down this route. Communication levels certainly have

to be better, but the club needs to go down a different route, it

cannot continue to be subsidised as it has been. Things have to change,

the future of the club is more for a place in a top-six finish.

They should have taken an early lead over Sheffield United. End it

got busy again around the box, this centre was snapped up by a Clark. A

smart acquisitions at the turn of the air. United lost Blackman to

Reading. But the evening took a turn for the worse, and this

mistake was seized upon. The shot was parried to Clark, his 5th goal

in six appearances. The first half was as good as it

could get. The second half, we got pinned back a bit as you would

expect. The wind got up, it was difficult to get a foothold.

Thankfully, we managed a breakaway. Tranmere seemed to have recovered

their rock solid reliability. But they found trouble here when Akpa

Akpro took exception and Rovers found themselves down to ten men

for the first time this season. Moore had no complaints about the

red card, and the absence of Akpa Akpro proved costly. Despite their

numerical advantage, they had to work hard for what turned out to be

their first clean sheet away this season. Gillespie got a fingertip

to this header. Tranmere eventually found away past him, and these

celebrations were cut short by the assistant. Overall, a real shock to

the leaders. One of the shocks of the day in

League 1 as Bishop headed his team to their first win in 13 games. 11

minutes later, the side were 2-0 it up, Ajose claiming his first goal

since starting a second loan period. Doncaster or might have even

considered a third, had it not been for the keeper. A first home win

league win at this level. This clearance bouncing favourably.

Watch out for the perfect way to celebrate a century of appearances

for your club, before half-time, Upson brought up his 100 with a

screamer. Jean-Eric Vergne has been -- Byrne has been instrumental in

the form of his club. Volleying wobble, but Bournemouth catalyse?

They have stormed up from 20th, so gifts like this for Grabban aren't

usually necessary. MK Dons are heading in the opposite direction

and caused themselves more problems again. Lowest macro did not

appreciate the attention he was being played by the visiting

captain and the resentment clearly lingered. His subsequent decision

to go in late and high on the same player was only going to result in

one outcome. Lowest macro was quick to issue a post-match apology. --

Lowe. His manager wouldn't have been too impressed as Bournemouth

took full advantage in injury time. This block was gobbled up by a Pugh.

The ten men did have a go in the second half. Williams was

unfortunate. The assistant spotting an offside. The signing of Richey

from Swindon this week was a clear statement of intent from

Bournemouth, matched by the quality pivotal moment. But we had already

scored and I was really pleased with the players today.

Hartlepool have provided easy pickings for all comers on their

own turf. The invigorating effect of last week's win at Portsmouth

was of his in this sweeping move. How about that? An early shock for

the promotion chases. They pull themselves together after the break

and drew level when Campbell-Ryce week his weight in. -- weaved his

way in. Hartley popped up with a header which proved decisive. A

shocked Liverpool, they badly needed another winner. But Walsall

have been living up the table and went into the mood to be charitable,

Baxendale squeezing in a -- an equaliser. Champagne for Old Firm

last weekend, Brandy for Walsall. In the second half, Pattison made a

wonderful solo goal, moving to I 5th win in six league games. In

stoppage time, the Oldham keeper handed possession away, and another

fine finish increasing pressure on the team.

Unbeaten since New Year, Scunthorpe had problems getting away from

trouble. Then, a decision described as soft by the scumble and a job

which cost his side the game. Murphy presented with the chance of

over the 90 minutes, with some fine saves ensuring the wayside left

with all of the points for a 4th time in a row. We got off to a

really good start, the perfect start, it gave us something to hang

on to. We remained created all the way through.

One moment lit up a lacklustre first half, a terrific strike from

Beavon just before the break. Something positive to talk about

during the interval. Preston have gone 10 League games without

winning. That depressing run was about to be stretched. As the match

moved into stoppage time, Davies gave way to this penalty. The

Shrewsbury skipper clinched a last- with something to lift the gloom

around Fratton Park. The High Court hearing delayed again until the

middle of the month. The prospect of a second successive relegation.

Only more misery, their team was down after 10 minutes. At least

there was a bit of artistry to admire. This equaliser. One step

forward, two back, for Portsmouth, hit with six straight defeats going

into this game. Up stepped the former West Ham striker to score in

three consecutive games for the first time in his career. After

nine straight defeats, Colchester break and poured another back. But

it was not enough to prevent a defeat keeping Portsmouth 1 up from

A huge win for Colchester. In four months, 44 points from 19 games,

amazing what they could have achieved. An amazing turnaround.

out of his players. Also, they have stabilised of the field as well.

Preston, back home win, it continues to elude them. It is a

long time, four months. You would say, they have been strong at home.

There will be people wondering what has gone wrong. Thinking back to

his Stevenage days. They can't win for love nor money. What a result

for Yeovil against Brentford. Particularly when you consider

these surface that game was played on. I saw them earlier in the

season. And against West Bromwich. They were fantastic then. I thought

this could be their year. They could see this through all the way.

They have won their last five. That is a result a lot of people will

have a look at, a fantastic result. Madden, they have got themselves a

bargain. In really good prospect. - A.

To League Two now and Bristol Rovers had enjoyed something of a

revival since John Ward's return to the club last month. On Friday

night, the Pirates welcomed another team fighting for their Football

were looking for their third victory in a row. This piece of

composed finishing happen with 11 minutes to go. The Pirates but

things the hard way. Barnett levelled when Harry Crawford scored

his first goal for the Bees in the 90th minute. Incredibly, there was

still time for Rovers' winner. It came two minutes into stoppage time.

Ryan Brunt, another new signing, scoring on his home debut and

lifting role was out of the relegation zone for the first time

in two minds. -- lifting Rovers. Port Vale boss Micky Adams said he

was shaking his head as to how his side lost to Accrington in August,

but his opposite number Liam Richardson was nonplussed by the

decision to show Charlie Barnett a straight red card. Micky Adams

nodded approval in the second path as two home debutants secured the

points. Lee Hughes with his trademark celebration. Minutes

later, the free kick from Ryan Borges fell for Darren Purse. He

can't, as first of the campaign. Hughes then grabbed his grace. The

precision pass from Richard Duffy, and an afternoon in which top

scorer, Tom Pope, was for once not the star of the show. It was

frustrating. In the second half we needed that goal to open the gates,

to be fair. We got two goals and three points, that is the main

thing. The value of the loan market was highlighted all round at King's

Medal. Gary Alexander had not scored for Crawley in the League

since December but took half-an- hour to impress at Wimbledon.

Burton Albion had been busy in the transfer window and Michael Symes,

bought from Leyton Orient, restored parity. It was his first League

goal since the opening day of the season and it owed a great deal to

those supposedly marking him. Burton Albion started the day in

the automatic promotion places, but Zander Diamond harmed their hopes

of staying there by doing something off-camera. Wimbledon failed to

make the most of playing ten-man. A missed opportunity according to

their manager, Neal Ardley. Harry Pell almost made it five debut

goals, but they remain 92nd out of 92. By shortly after this, we

witnessed a tremendous hat-trick. Not that type of hat-trick, this

type of hat-trick. There was a touch of a vaudeville about

Rotherham's penalty. It was built that the ball from Ben Harding had

been theatrical. Aidy Boothroyd said he thought it was a penalty.

Nardiello scored the penalty. It was a good time to get it.

Rotherham climbed back into the play-off places at Northampton's

expense, when Ben Pringle path the way this crisp finish. Rotherham

were were the winners, out walking and outplaying their promotion

rivals. The one and shot was impressive, and so was the David

Noble on the fall of, beautiful finishing from the midfielder for a

second goal in as many games, not bad for his first start in five

months. There was not much for Northampton to celebrate, but

Clarke Carlisle earned the Cobblers a last-minute consolation. Exeter

boss Paul Tisdale felt his side were up against a tough Aldershot

team and the sun. Hall almost opened the scoring. Jamie Cureton

looked favourite to beat Jimmy Young, but the deeper forward of

his FA Cup heroics of another decent stock. Aldershot could have

won it after the break. A good 0.4 Aldershot, plus Exeter failed to

draw upon home comforts. Children started the day without a victory

in 2013, but Keith Lowe quickly started putting that right.

Regulars at Whaddon Road will not have been taking the prospect of

three points for granted because of their team's regular habit of

coughing up these. But this neat and tidy finish gave them some

were creaking at that stage but home side could not capitalise on

numerous chances. In the end, it was closer than it should have been.

Torquay manager Martin Lee was off sick with a virus, so he did not

see the reply, and it was one of Scott Brown will not enjoy viewing

again either. Children move into the top three. -- Cheltenham.

have got some good players now, on top of the ones that we already

have. It was a good three points. Luke McCormick make his Oxford

United debut. The goalkeeper was making his first appearance since

being put in prison in 2008. On both occasions, I'll be Porter lost

out on the one on one situations with the goalkeeper. And on the

League 2 ground that has seen fewer goals than any other, James

Constable also connected with the woodwork. For the Southend boss,

Paul Sturrock, who made the decisive intervention with a double

substitution on 81 minutes. He introduced Ben Rees, his loan

signing from Southampton, and Ryan Leonard, the 20 Road, who

celebrated the decisive goal. -- 20-year-old. Bradford captain Gary

Jones admitted the League Cup finalists have been distracted by

their exploits. Just as they were at this corner kick. City equalised

when Matthew Wells blasted home a free kick just before half-time.

Shortly after they went in front in some style. Ryan Dixon, on loan

from Southampton gallop away, before calmly slotting home his

first for the club. Bantams manager Phil Parkinson thought his side had

been robbed of their first league victory in five games. He felt the

decision to award a penalty was harsh when the ball struck James

Hanson's arm from point-blank range. Jon Parkin was given the chance to

share the spoils, and keeper at Matt Duke, the you're so many

penalty shoot-outs, was inches away from being so again. They and a

strong team with Jon Parkin on up front, but we have coped very well

with that. The referee has cost us today. Chesterfield were out to

spoil Wasdale manager Keith Hill's happy homecoming. O'Shea with the

spectacular effort. An unwanted team of Chesterfield's season has

been wistfulness in front of goal, but O'Shea is trying to change that

with his third in four games. Like so many parties, things started

well and ended badly and so it proved for Bobby Grant. That

wonderful goal his 13th of the season, before being given a

straight red card for that lunch it on Mark Togwell with four minutes

of time remaining. But there was further late drama. Chesterfield's

penalty claims were with the way by the referee for the challenge on

Ridgers. Chesterfield remain the only team in the Football League

not to be awarded a penalty at this season, only for Barry Murphy to

miss his cue in the dying embers of the game to ensure a draw. After

coming back to win at Dagenham last week more come Wednesday. Lewis

Alessandro with the goal. The referee Richard Clarke spotted an

infringement and pointed to the spot. Jason Walker's finish Font

Rawyards was emphatic. Just as success at Dagenham was secured

with late goals, the Shrimpers struck again in the final quarter.

Ellison, slotting home his 11th of the season. John Bentley had sent

on Jack which offer the last 20 minutes and he seized his

opportunity. A reverse pass gave Ellison another sight of goal and

although the first effort was blocked, Redhsaw -- Redshaw picked

up the pieces. Ellison put him through again. He took his season's

total to 10 goals and sealed an emphatic victory. The recently

solid play with defence went missing as look how all headed wide

for Dagenham. Was a drab affair, but Plymouth or Grella showed more

injury. Jason Benton, the loan signing from Crystal Palace hit the

bar. The pilgrims forced the game's only have a chance of note, won the

header from Rubin Reid was cleared A frustrating outcome for Plymouth

and Dagenham & Redbridge with it all been in big victories at this

stage of the campaign. That is a big victory against Barnett.

away, at places like Fleetwood, tough places to go. Four out of the

last five. It shows. It is a massive game on Friday night. Port

Vale continue to go from strength to strength. We are used to seeing

Lee Hughes on the scoresheet. Micky Adams has brought in a lot of

experience, Lee Hughes, Darren One finish an excellent volley and

that one-on-one with the keeper, from Lee Hughes. Good editions. --

additions. It was a mixed day for all those giant killers from the FA

Cup last week. It wasn't, the Michael got beat, didn't they? --

they all got beat. Bradford have got to improve their form at going

up to the League Cup final. Yes, there League form has been poor,

dropping down to 10, out of the top seven. They would swap that, to get

promoted, rather than the Cup final. It is a big club. Cardiff regain

their 10 point lead at the top of the Npower Championship by winning

at Leeds, with Leicester still second. Hull move back level on

points with the Foxes. The three teams below them stay as they were,

as Watford and Crystal Palace move away from Middlesbrough after their

heavy defeat at Ipswich. With Bristol City losing, Peterborough

missed out on the chance to move off the bottom as they could only

draw. David Flitcroft's revival at Barnsley continues, as they won at

Blackpool. Wolves and Bolton remain in trouble. Tranmere stay top of

Npower League 1, despite surprisingly losing Doncaster

missed the chance to move top as they also lost. Bournemouth move

into a season-high of third. Swindon and Brentford both drop a

position. Sheffield United stay in sixth, still looking for their

first league win of 2013. Hartlepool stay bottom of League 1,

but their second consecutive win has seen them close the gap on

Portsmouth, who lost for the seventh straight game on Saturday.

Bury"s win means they swap places with Scunthorpe, while Colchester's

victory sees FA Cup giantkillers Oldham just one point and one place

from safety. Port Vale took advantage of Gillingham not playing

until Monday by thrashing Accrington Stanley and move top of

Npower League 2, Gillingham host Wycombe on Monday and will hope to

move back to the top. Cheltenham move back up to third after beating

Torquay. AFC Wimbledon stay bottom after drawing, Barnet lost on

Friday night and slip into the bottom two. Aldershot and Plymouth

stay as they were while Bristol Rovers move up four places and out

of the bottom two for the first time since the start of December.

Right, that's almost it from us, but a quick reminder that coverage

of the Six Nations continues on the Beeb on Sunday as Italy meet France

in Rome. Watch live coverage on BBC 1 from 2:25pm. And later in the day

you see can Super Bowl 47 live as the Baltimore Ravens meet the San

Francisco 49ers on BBC2 starting at 11pm. We'll be back with all the