06/10/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. We have reached a milestone of sorts in the nPower

Football League, with every team having played their first 10 games.

We will be hoping for more goals like these two from midweek -

Anthony Knockaert and Dean Cox with two early contenders for goal of

the season. Sadly, Jimmy Bullard has announced his retirement. Steve

Claridge is here to pick out the headline makers from today, and

these are some of the games we will be talking about. After their

midweek win over Birmingham, Cardiff went to Ipswich in search

of their sixth victory out of seven. Birmingham have only got three wins

in nine, and they are yet to find their feet under Lee Clark. Today,

there are against the club which sacked him seven months ago,

Huddersfield. We have got action from League One's game of the day,

between Notts County and the unbeaten leaders Tranmere. By day,

he is Wycombe Wanderers' caretaker- manager, and by night, the closest

thing the Football League has to a rock star. Can Gareth Ainsworth

halt the decline of his club before he takes to the stage for his

second performance of the day? More from Clem later. First, to a team

which is flying high in the Championship. Cardiff have been

enjoying their best home run of form in 66 years. On Saturday, they

went to a struggling Ipswich side, who were unlucky against Brighton

on Tuesday. Paul Jewell gives debuts to his two late loan

the better football so far. Whittingham with the free kick. And

it was Mark Hudson who was completely unmarked. Higginbotham

was playing all the Cardiff players onside. There is a rather subdued

atmosphere around Portman Road in the early stages. The supporters

here have seen back to back home defeats against Wolves and Charlton

before this game. That was a great chance for Campbell! Having got

goal side of Connolly, Campbell was just unable to direct the ball

from David Marshall. He has not had too much to do so far, the Cardiff

goalkeeper, but when the former Arsenal man let fly, that ball was

really moving, and it was a superb save. The corner is taken by Andy

Drury. Marshall came and did not gather. Murphy's header cleared off

the line. This time, Marshall is more assured. Higginbotham with the

delicate ball back in. In fact, it Martin. DJ Campbell comes up with a

debut goal for Ipswich, right on half-time. Lee Martin deserves much

of the credit, a lovely spin earned turn, followed by the teasing cross.

-- Spearmon and turn. -- spin and turn. Campbell got the final touch,

but was it with his hand? It was. He took a long time to celebrate,

and that's because he used his arm missing was the finish. Emmanuel-

Thomas has been a real threat so far this evening. But as the angle

tightened, he could not get it on That is a dangerous ball in, and

Helguson has got the equaliser! In the end, it was a gift. Conway was

allowed to drift inside, and Helguson was onside. Scott Loach

just did not deal with it. Against the run of play, Cardiff City are

presented with a very soft equaliser. But they will say that

That was a good clearance, but only as far as Taylor. Beaten away by

Loach. Taylor again... Conway... Whittingham! Another good block.

And it is Murphy to the rescue for the home side. It came through the

it was Higginbotham with the block. Helguson! And Heidar Helguson may

have put his side back on top of the Championship! Taylor with the

ball in, and Helguson at the back post, unmarked, and the veteran

comes up with another key moment in this game. They have got to get the

ball forward now very quickly, Ipswich. The cross comes in from

Emmanuel-Thomas. And that was almost an own goal in the end, and

it was Heidur Helguson who almost completed the hat-trick with an own

It is hard to take when we have played so well in the first half.

We started the second half really well, and then a mistake leads them

back into the game, changing the momentum of the game. I am bitterly

disappointed. We dominated the second half, after having been

dominated in the first half. It shows character and resilience,

especially coming away from home. I think we have won here before today

ones in 60 years. Yes, another record broken by Cardiff. For

Ipswich, the wait for a home win goes on - especially disappointing,

after such a promising first half. It was. It looked very good. I

think what you have got to say is, they played very well, he is

disappointed they did not go 2-0 up, but you're never going to dominate

the game for 90 minutes, so you have to see that period out when

you are under the cosh. Unfortunately for them, the

mistakes came at vital moments. Paul Jewell has mentioned on a

number of occasions that mistakes are costing his side. And Scott

Loach, the goalkeeper, has tweeted tonight saying, his mistakes have

led to the defeat. One of them, definitely. It is not just about

stopping the ball from going into the net, it is where it finishes up.

That one, it finished up nicely for Helguson. This ball travels an

awful long way. The two defenders are looking at him, but if he does

not shout, than the defenders have got to do a bit more as well. It

has travelled an awful long way. There is a bit of a lack of

communication there. In the end, neither goalkeeper nor defenders

have gone for it. Interestingly, the Ipswich owner went into the

dressing room afterwards to give Paul Jewell his backing. But for

Cardiff, a good victory, especially as they were missing key players.

Yes, we know the chairman has given him his backing, because he has

allowed Paul Jewell to sign three players this week, and good players

as well, like Higginbotham and Campbell. Cardiff, he just tweaks

it did it at half-time, and to come up with the victory, you're doing

something right. Just behind Cardiff in the league at the start

of play today were Leicester City, the form team in the Championship.

Despite Nigel Pearson leading the side to five wins in six, yesterday,

the chairman gave him public backing after newspaper reports

suggested his job was under threat. Today, they took on Bristol City.

After the show of support from the hierarchy at the club, Pearson's

players delivered their own vote of confidence on the pitch, extending

the longest winning streak in the division this season. Leicester

came into this game having scored in all of their previous matches

this season. David Nugent got the first goal. He has been the main

man at the King Power Stadium recently. This is his fifth goal in

their last three home matches. Nugent got a hat-trick in

Leicester's previous league game here, and he was looking for his

second one here. But the final touch in the end was credited to

Richard Foster as an own goal. Bristol City are waiting for the

first clean sheet of the campaign, and it could have got even worse,

with Anthony Knockaert only denied his third goal in two games

following top work from Tommy leading scorers at Pride Park. They

were cursed by hamstring trouble. There was no disputing that

Brighton are missing their inform striker after taking just a point

from two home games in which they had hoped for more. In their quest

for an away win, the appeals for hand ball fell on deaf ears. And in

the second half the division's former leaders were denied twice by

the crossbar. First, this deflected effort had him well beaten. The

keeper may have got a touch when Hammond and Greer threw themselves

up the same ball but were unable to force a winner. It finished in

stalemate with both managers moderately satisfied. A lot of good

football played at times, not too many chances created in the context

of the effort we have put him in the last week. The tough away games,

we are delighted with a clean sheet. I am going home quite relaxed today.

I am seeing my team play, controlling, trying to go for the

win all the time. We tried everything possible. We were solid.

It was a good performance. A win over Charlton would have given

Blackpool their best League starts since the mid- 90s. Instead, they

suffered a third defeat out of four. That is typical of the Tangerines,

who were up and down like the local rugby coast. Ricardo Fuller gave

warning it would be no easy ride. Gary Taylor-Fletcher went close.

Blackpool could not make the most before this tough-looking fixture

but turned in a masterful performance, a typical shot from

Fuller saw him bring out the best. The breakthrough came four minutes

after the restart. Cort claimed his second goal of the season from this

corner. A rare goal from Solly, only the second of his career,

confirmed a morale-boosting win for a team that had just started to

doubt themselves. Blackpool could do with a similar pick me up.

has turned out not good enough. One set piece, one corner, diabolical

from our point of view. Very disappointing, when you give them a

free header like that and they have scored. After we dominated

possession but we did not create enough chances. That is it, that is

the way it has been going. We have to get on with it. A great

afternoon for us all round. I knew it would be a tough game coming

here, Ian Holloway at Blackpool are one of the sides that are fancied

in the Championship but I felt we stood firm. Eric Black threw his

hat into the ring for the manager's job at Blackburn ahead of the visit

from Wolves but Rovers' first home game since Steve Kean's departure

was not want to enhance his chances. Sako was held at bay for early on.

Robinson's 150 th appearance for Blackburn. Jordan Rhodes asked for

a penalty. Then the visitors almost got into the lead midway through

the first half. A crowd of over 17,000, Blackburn's highest of the

season, turned out since the managerial change and they nearly

witnessed something special for stoppages not clear if Fabien in

has meant it. There was plenty of talk about Alan Shearer's potential

return and a match-winning strike was what he would have been proud

of as Sako/Home 12 minutes from time. -- has Sako put one home 12

minutes from time. We deserved our points a. We must be ready

otherwise you get punished. It was a draw, to be honest. It was not a

fantastic performance but I think a draw was a fair result. Where Eddie

Hale goes there is entertainment. Burnley don't struggle four goals

but the defence suffers alarming leaks, not lost on Crystal Palace's

top talent, Zaha. At first committed when the visitors'' way.

There was no reward for this fine save. McCann followed up to thrash

Burnley into a lead that they doubled three minutes later. Quite

a shock for Palace, a beauty from Paterson. The side have won five of

their last six and fought back with a terrific pass Zaha had the poise

to put to good use. A string of Premier League clubs are set to

covered his signature and this performance will do nothing to

dampen down the rumours. The teenager completed the stunning

comeback. So, two more goals to add to Zaha's pair against walls on

Tuesday and the penalty against Bolton last week. Now there was no

stopping the Ben and they were in front Baxter Delaney's deflected

shot. So this -- so far this was a carbon copy of the recovery against

Cardiff but this time there was more to come. Burnley finished off

as it was Touch-tone by Murray. There was time for Austin done it

again. His 15 th goal of an incredible season. His club could

only reflect on what might have been. It has been a fantastic

response from the lads over the last few weeks. It was a very

entertaining game today. We played very well on the break. We could

have had more really. A great effort from the lads and they

deserve to win. When you score three goals away from home and we

are scoring goals consistently at the moment, we are not picking up

the points that Taylor deserves a. We have to work on defending

Another amazing comeback from Crystal Palace, Zaha continues

torment. Dougie Freedman is in a unique position with Zaha because

he has seen him develop as a 14- year-old and four Zaha there is no

better manager to play and that Dougie Freedman. He has said he has

no problem with certain him go but it has to be at the right time to

the right club. Sometimes you get managers to a selfish in this

situation and want to look after themselves. Dougie Freedman is not

that kind of person. He understands he will move on. He is looking

after his interests. He is at a club that had doing fantastically

well. If they were struggling at the bottom I am sure there would be

a time that he would go but who knows what they can achieve this

season. He can go with that and have a great season. If it does not

work out this season, there is plenty of time in the future.

Charlton, a great result away to Blackpool. It limited their

attacking lit instincts by becoming the first team to stop Blackpool

scoring at home in 2012. What a mental lift for a team feeling its

way in the division. It has been a tough start for Charlton, you think

about the last week, they have been having a fantastic time, elevating

themselves to 15 th Beck Row. A couple of good wins. Looking as if

they were struggling with the transition from one lead to the

other, now they look as if they have found their feet. Everyone can

breathe easier and get on with the game. At this rain and it -- ifs

win in a road for Leicester City. It makes press reports about the

manager's job farcical. Is the uncertainty about Birmingham city's

ownership taking its toll? The holding company delayed publishing

its results for the second year in a row. Inconsistency continues on

the field. Which Birmingham would turn up against Lee Clark's former

club, Huddersfield? There were two changes from the hosts. Redmond was

starting. Simon Grayson made three changes. Jermaine Beckford is one

of the players to come in. the first 30 seconds and James

Vaughan fires while of goal. -- goal. This is by far the best

Birmingham spell so far. The first headed chance came and went for

Redmond. It came out to Hirst. His shot deflected wide for a rare

Bermingham corner. There is a fairly low sun, making the you

goal for Huddersfield Town. Birmingham, having lost their last

home game here by five, are behind once again. In by Vaughan, Jermaine

Beckford's finish was really cool, impressive and incisive. A goal

which given their start here they have more than earned, Huddersfield

Birmingham's best opening so far as Redmond finds the post. It comes

smart save. Danny Ward has had a you know who is there to make the

louder on Birmingham's door on the good area. The teenager's foul here.

top. He did not get the cleanest punched on it made a very good save

have looked like a dangerous side by Clarke can bug but nonetheless,

again the goalkeeper was called upon. Again, a good fingertip save

may take further action against Zigic. It was a heavy tackle. Off

balance, yes. Oh, it is read. Zigic is often. The man they sent off --

the man they sent on to change the game to save this match has now

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

came to Birmingham's Red Book -- Elliott's header, Smithies with a

save to may be secured three points on the troubles for Huddersfield

Town. Bedmond, great play, good cross, a great header, save his

Winning second balls, being strong, when you are in possession and

Huddersfield were. They got the initiative. The second-half, I

brought a player on that made us more of a threat. As I said to the

players, we have shot yourselves in the foot because we gave the

opposition the initiative in the first half by not doing the basics.

We wanted to come here and play the way we have played in our previous

away games. Pass the ball around and be hard to beat. We did that

today. We won the game quite easily. We made important blocks by players.

Goalkeeper made a great save in the last-minute which could have

tkwifpb given another outlook on the result. Delighted with the

performance and the way we responded. Gate result for

Huddersfield. They took advantage of a Birmingham side that were

disjointed in that first half? did. They looked negative. I don't

know if if that was because of the know if if that was because of the

heavy defeat against Barnsley. A situation like this. Where they are

set up to defend twofplt centre halfs dragged out of the centre. He

never makes the ground up on Beckford. You think, why is Davis

dragged umed up and Caldwell out of position. Was it a defensive

formation or cautious? A bit of both. When he made the changes in

the second-half they were mostive. There was a threat in the game at

last. When they went down to 10 men and Zigic got sent off. They were

unlucky not to get something out of it. Was it a red card? No. It was

high. The tack sl made with the inside of his foot, not the studs-

high. He hasn't gone in to hurt the player. The lad gets up and gets on

with it quickly. I don't think he got treatment. It's high. It's not

dangerous. A booking not a sending off. A fifth win for Huddersfield.

Excellent. Good start for them? has. Three years of real pressure

in the one below thesm got out, penalties and whatever and the

keeper, you get a feeling it's a sigh of relief. The pressure is out

a little bit. Expectation not so high. We can enjoy it more. What is

Like Birmingham, there's been plenty going on in the boardroom at

Elland Road where, after endless talks, it seems only a matter of

time before the Ken Bates era comes to an end.

to an end. On Saturday, the fans were hoping

to smile for another reason, three points against Barnsley in a

Yorkshire derby. Anyone browsing the web ahead of this one will have

seen Keith Hill's pre-match question - how do you trick the

magician Neil Warnock. Barnsley couldn't take their chances. They

dominated the opening exchanges, but just couldn't get a goal.

Hayward was another player who lacked the necessary magic in his

boots. The best trick was from the referee. The referee turned this

free-kick into a penalty. Barnsley were not impressed. Becchio's spot-

kick decided this Yorkshire Derby, a fixture that Leeds hadn't won

since 1998. This save ensured a fourth win out of five for the

Whites. They climb into the top seven. Shaking off their recent run

of defensive laptsss was the pre- match demand from Steve Bruce. With

Wednesday conceding the most in the Championship this season. Errors at

the back had been frustrating Bruce. Jay Simpson nearly touched home.

The deadlock was broken 13 minutes from time. Injury crisis meant Hull

could only name six substitutes. One of the men on the bench

snatched the points, McClean made an almost immediate impact to being

his first in the League since match. Eight points from their opening

nine games represented Wednesday's worse staff start for nine years. A

better day at the office for Bruce. We had individual mistakes today.

Better. They concentrated. Change of system and formation. It worked.

We have to take heart from losses in the performance sometimes. We

shouldn't lose sight of that. We are within the games. It can go

either way. At the moment it doesn't seem to be going our way.

These two went into the weekend with identical league records right

down to goals scored and conceded. Watford were chasing a third

successive win. Deeney was on target leaving the Middlesbrough

manager perplexed on the sidelines. Emnes was fit for playing. Having

missed two games he marked his return with the equalliser. The

major turning point came three minutes before half-time. Vydra

tangled with Nicky Bailey on the touchline no. Complaints from Boro.

The referee had seen something he didn't like. To everyone's obvious

astonish tment was a straight red card for the striker. That was the

eighth dismissal for the referee in the last 11 games. McDonald marked

his first a appearance this season. Boro nearly blew it. The keeper

saved this. We were disappointed with the performance. They went

down to ten men, of course. It's about winning. We played much, much

better this season and got nothing. Today wasn't our best performance.

He was trying to jump over the man that slipped in front of him. He

landed on top of him. Not even big... Not even the player did

complain. I think it was a poor decision. Unfortunately for us he

penalised us. It was the second game we played with ten men. We did

everything we could. However badly your team is doing this year spare

a thought for Posh fans. Peterborough are the only league

team in England without a single point at home. After back-to-back

away wins, hopes were high at London Road. A moment of quality

from Andy Reid settled this game. As superb as this goal was, it was

tough on Peterborough. This match could have gone either way. Barnet

and Harding force the a receive -- safe from the keeper. The ball was

ruled out of play. Posh kept plugging away. Forest held on for a

first win in six. A big result for them ahead of games against Cardiff

and Blackpool. Bolton haven't been travelling too well since their

relegation from the Premier League, losing three of their four games on

the road this season. Millwall had failed to win any of their last

five. The referee decided that Bogdan had been subject to a shove

in the build-up. Kpt lions were in the lead after Henderson's effort

caught handy deflections on its way past Bogdan. The Bolton keeper may

have been disappointed with that goal, he came to wonders rescue to

keep out Wood's header. Chris Eagles drew the visitors level in

style. Bolton had conceded a penalty in all of their last four

matches. They were awarded one when Eagles was taken down by Alan Dunn.

Having hit the net from 20 yards out, Eagles could only hit the

upper tier from 12. Things were to get worse for the visitors.

Henderson snatched a 90th minute leveller last weekend, this time he

popped up with a last gasp winner to move them three points clear of

the relegation zone. Big decisions for the referee to make, I

understand. That good performance. A lot of chances created. A

deserved win. Raiz A much-needed win for Millwall. There were claims

that Bolton players were subjected to racial abuse by fans at the Den.

You know the work that has gone into the community to look at the

problem. That make it is all the more disappointing for you to hear

that tonight? It is disappointing. I spent two-and-a-half years there.

There is no club that worked harder within the community to eradicate

this sort of thing. Certainly, one or two, it won't be more than that,

have crossed the line. It's not a racist club. I was there for a

number of years. It's not... It's not a racist club. That is the one

thing it has to identify. There are elements, shall we say, that over

the years have crossed the line and, hopefully, if it has happened today,

it won't happen again. The FA are investigating the matter and we

will see what happens over the coming days. Let's look at that

contentious issue between Leeds and Barnsley. This was never a penalty?

It's not. It's an obstruction clearly. Clearly, it's a yard

outside the box. Foster object instructs him, the momentum carries

him into the box. The initial him into the box. The initial

contact is a yard outside. quickly things have changed for

Sheffield Wednesday. Seven defeats in eight, does that unbeaten run

from earlier buy him more time? helped to get them promoted. I

watched him the other day at Southampton. They weren't bad. They

competed. I thought they lacked a cutting edge, maybe going forward.

Confidence is a little bit low at this stage. The side that goes up

carries on that momentum, how long on into the season remains to be

seen. Maybe he needs to freshen it up a little bit.

To League One now, where the game of the day was at Meadow Lane as

Notts County entertained the leaders Tranmere.

Ronnie Moore's side are showing few signs of faltering as they extended

their record-breaking unbeaten run their record-breaking unbeaten run

to ten matches. Notts County's last defeat to Stevenage wasn't the best

way to get ready to meet the leaders. They were in trouble as

fortune favoured Tranmere. This header from Thompson meant not were

behind at the break. The cross was supplied by Baggie. They nearly

doubled the lead in the second-half. The manager has led the Merseyside

club to its best ever start to a season no. Wonder the boss is

briming with enthusiasm. To come here a big club, and perform. It's

the most complete performance we had this season. We dominated from

start to finish. We got the goal. On another day we could have had

four or five. We had decent chances on the counter attack because we

have the pace in the team. Stevenage were another of the

unbeaten trio in League One enjoying their best ever start to a

League campaign. Greg Tansey went closer. A second-half free-kick

expertly executed by Tansey. A stylish way to break a club record.

Boro have scored in each of their last 17 matches. Second-half we

certainly made more opportunities and looked a little bit brighter in

there. In the end, it's an incredible bit of skill from Tansey

that separates the teams. Brentford and Crawley had never net any

competition before this encounter. Their first ever meeting was to be

dominated by two players in goalscoring form. Donaldson gave

the Bees the lead. This backpass was intercepted by Jonathan Forth,

Adams got the goal. Donaldson had the final say. He got his sixth

but they could not get to grips with I Izale McLeod. It was all a

bit of a blur for the home team, blown away by Portsmouth. Pompey

accidentally kept the contest alive, through this own goal from Webster.

With 18 minutes left, they salvaged a draw. Darren Potter took the

plaudits. If Orient get their wish of a move to the Olympic Stadium, a

new identity is proposed - London Orient, according to the owner,

Barry Hearn. It took an hour for United to produce the decisive

moment. There was plenty for Nick Blackman to do, but he did it with

style. 11 unbeaten at the start of the season, and Sheffield United

have not done that since the 19th century. Oldham began the day

without a win at home this season, but the locals were finally given

something to smile about against their Lancashire rivals. Jose

Baxter opened the scoring with something special just before half

an hour. Baxter was also involved in the second one. Oldham started

the day having scored just seven goals all season, but they soon had

three in one afternoon. Preston tried to play keep ball on the edge

of the area, but they allowed Dean Furman to pounce and calmly slot

home. The visitors a' bad afternoon turned worse, with this second

yellow card taking them down to 10 men. He trudged off without

complaint. Preston did at least get a consolation. But the short trip

home will not have been a happy one. Paolo Di Canio wanted a reaction

after Swindon's midweek defeat to Colchester. James Collins was

clearly listening. That first minute goal was enough to settle

the contest, leaving Bury boss Kevin Blackwell unimpressed. After

a week in the job, he says some of the club's signings have been

garbage. The early season has brought with it signs of promise

from Walsall. Certainly, the manner of their opening goal here

suggested their run of just two wins from seven at home would not

be a concern. Carlisle have travelled well so far this season,

and they responded through Joe Garner. It was his first for the

club, on loan from Watford. Noble fired a warning against the Walsall

Wood work. As it went down to the wire, perhaps the visitors

benefited from a midweek washout at Bury. They had the extra energy to

pursue the points into stoppage time. Noble suddenly found he had

time and space to make sure this chance went between the posts.

Three on the spin away from home for Carlisle. Doncaster have been

let down by their home form of late - just one win in 15 at the

Keepmoat stadium. David Cotterill was felled in the box after just

four minutes, giving their fans hope. Billy Paynter made no mistake

from 12 yards. Doncaster thought they had doubled their advantage

before the break, through this spectacular strike, but he was

denied by an offside flag. Yeovil have lost six in a row ahead

of the arrival of Colchester. They needed to find a spot from

somewhere, and it came from a young Irishman looking to forge a fresh

start. Paddy Madden just took 20 minutes to make an impression, on

loan from Carlisle. Minutes later, Colchester had equalised. But Paddy

Madden refused to be outshone. He has been dogged by injuries since

moving to England from Bohemians a couple of years ago. But he showed

on Saturday why he has been so highly rated. This was a resounding

return to form for Yeovil, completed by James Hayter's fourth

goal of the season. Two sides desperate for a win, neither having

got maximum points in their last six matches. Are people in

particular had struggled on their travels, but the got the

encouragement of an any league through Evan Horwood. -- of an

early lead. But the Crewe equaliser had an air of inevitability about

it. But would it be through a penalty? The linesman said no.

Yellow card for the offence, and for the sustained protest. It was

another chance, but it was spectacularly wasted. The goal

would eventually come for Crewe, courtesy of Chuks Aneke, his first

of his loan spell from Arsenal, and it was an absolute stunner. When

the chance came after the break, there was no more wastefulness from

Crewe. Defender Mark Ellis got the faintest of touches for his first

goal since arriving from Torquay. Hartlepool would come close to

snatching only their second away point of the season. This shot was

deflected, and it had goalkeeper Martin scrambling. The crossbar

came to the rescue. Coventry have proved that a switch in manager can

provide a change in fortunes. Mark robins' side picked up their first

win last weekend, and were too good against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Bournemouth parted company with Paul Groves on Wednesday, and this

was the closest they came to finding the net. Coventry's winner

was inspired by a quick thinking from substitute Calum ball. David

McGoldrick fired home past David James. I would have liked to have

seen the game over and done with a bit earlier. We can be more

ruthless. We look like we are edging our way into games, but the

capability here is much better than that. They were a bit nervous

because they had not won at home, and we were a bit anxious because

of her recent form. The only goal proved crucial. Mark robins and

Coventry would seem to have turned the corner. Let's talk about two

teams still unbeaten in that division - Tranmere, 11 unbeaten,

and today, they were up against Notts County without a couple of

key members. They went into the game today with three of the top

scorers in that division. One of them went off after 30 minutes,

Akpa Akpro. But they still won the Akpa Akpro. But they still won the

game. It augurs well for the future. We always looked to them last

season. When he took over, we know that he knows the club inside out,

that he knows the club inside out, that he knows the club inside out,

there is a lot of trust. He was not there is a lot of trust. He was not

there is a lot of trust. He was not starting afresh. He went in, got an

instant reaction. But then, it is a instant reaction. But then, it is a

case of, can we carry it on till this year? Well, they have done

more than that. To be fair, the way they are going, it is difficult to

see who will stop them at this stage. Stevenage are doing their

best to keep up. You're not entirely surprised by the start

that Gary Smith has made? No, I knew him from Wycombe, he is a good

coach. He somehow found himself head coach of Colorado rapids, won

the MLS, even though the Rapids are not one of the bigger clubs. It was

a fantastic achievement. He has come back here and got a decent job,

and taken them on really well. Just like Tranmere, they have done

fantastically well. We should also say well done to Oldham for their

terrific back-to-back victories. It is fair to say, these are difficult

days at Adams Park. Sternal began the day second from bottom in the

Football League. Can a cult hero with thank you very much ambitions

either man to turn things around? Clem found out. It is the classic

dilemma of any schoolboy - rock star or footballer? At the age of

39,m Ainsworth still has not quite decided. He still finds it

difficult to turn down the opportunity to test out his tonsils.

Despite Wycombe's precarious position, he will take to the stage

in a function suite, strutting his stuff with a local band as part of

an official club charity night. First of all, have you got time for

this interview? That was my first thought! I agreed to this about two

months ago. Musical heroes? Morrison, without any shadow of

doubt. We like a bit more if up-to- date stuff. A lot of his stuff is

date stuff. A lot of his stuff is before we were born. This afternoon,

it is all about the football, but I love my music, and I love being in

front of a band singing. Come on, who is actually going to see him

perform tonight? Come on, somebody here must like his taste in music?

It is a tough enough gig that Gareth Ainsworth has got himself

this afternoon. Wycombe are still suffering from their relegation

hangover, and suffering from a New Age of austerity, since the

supporters' Trust took control of the club in the summer. We will do

what we can afford. We will break even not this season but probably

next season, and whatever we can afford, we will have. You have not

quite got your name on the door yet. But this place has seen some names

over the years. Yes, obviously, Gary would it was very well

respected here. He has been one of the first ones in touch with me to

wish me luck. I work hard, whatever shirt is on my back, and this is no

exception. It is 100%. If I could get the job, I would be very proud.

This is the toughest question you will ever have to one so - 100,000

adoring music fans, you screaming your head off at Wembley Stadium,

or three points this afternoon? Three points this afternoon. I have

got 200 screaming fans tonight, so I am OK! Gareth Ainsworth certainly

played his part in their first home win of the season, setting up this

one for Gary Doherty. But the one for Gary Doherty. But the

Chairboys are the only side not to have kept a clean sheet this season,

so there was an air of inevitability when Torquay's

equaliser came just before half- time, through Rene Howe. Wycombe

had Dean Morgan to thank for their winner. He set the goal up with

some tremendous trickery. Torquay pressed for the equaliser, and

their goalkeeper had to be at his best. But Wycombe held on for the

about? It is just me saying thank you to them. I have been so proud

of them, they have worked their socks off. That's what you get. I

am so proud. Go and see them, and put your spandex trousers on, and

put your spandex trousers on, and we will see you later. He becomes!

You look every bit the rock star. Good luck, mate, in you go.

He was a winner. It should have been the other way around. The

amount of times he apologised for kicking me. He is a competitor. He

will lead by example. He will not ask for anything. They will be no

quarter given at Arsenal. He will lead by example. Some people do it

verbally, other people do it the way they play the game. He is one

of those. Because he has an outlet with the music, the pressures of

the day job of being a player manager or a manager will not be so

intense for him? Yes, he has a way of letting off steam. I am not sure

he will go into the boardroom when they lose again and get that

reception but having said that, all is well that ends well. It has been

a terrible time but they have stopped that now and hopefully

onwards and upwards. Good luck to them. Gillingham showed they read

resilience in midweek after bouncing back from their first

defeat of the season. On Saturday, star man at the Kassam Stadium. He

kept out Kedwell and Barratt early on. They were near-misses. They

were not or Gillingham's. Oxford United stopped Gillingham taking

all three points away from home. Clarke was the main reason. He

stopped this from Deon Burton. The goalkeeper will have enjoyed his

afternoon. Clarke was dropped a couple of games ago but an injury

to his understudy has brought him back. Oxford got a draw and proved

a point to his manager. Martin Maalot -- Martin Allen was

impressed as well. I will have to check the team sheet to see who is

in goal. I thought it was Gordon Banks. What are you laughing at?

Their goalkeeper was unbelievable. He has made some unbelievable saves.

I want everybody in McLeod -- ground, they must have clapped him,

I was captain in the technical area. He was fantastic. -- I was clapping

in the technical area. The top scorers in lead two-at the lead

through the division's most prolific marksman this season, Pope.

The beneficiary of fine works on the wing, five minutes before half-

time. Only Port Vale have managed more than a 20 goals in Exeter's

leader can this turned and the defeat in 4-2 games. Pope popped up

again. Ashley Vincent was the provider. Pope backed his 9th goal

in six games and 11th this season. Smart work from the keeper ensured

that dalliance left with a clean sheet and a 5th away win on the

and it was Fleetwood, still enjoying that momentum of promotion,

who struck first. Brown's cross was too hot to handle. Ball forced it

over the line. Cheltenham have not started the season so well in 12

years since they hit back after the break. According eventually

stabbing home. Attended a personal goal drought dating back to January.

Another Jones corner and the Robins were heading for a 4th win in five.

The Portuguese defender was the scorer, Jombati. Three what are

tough to beat. It was Brown who was on hand to force home the equaliser.

His 5th goal of the season and a point but also sparked MLA. The

referee saw enough to produce a red card Bennett, not a moment for the

Burton are not brilliant on the road. A goalless draw was always

favoured Pierrette especially with finishing like this. The game was

short on spectacle. Dagenham had only picked up five points from

their previous five home games but would 2-0 a put against Bradford

after half-an-hour. Bingham was in the right place with six minutes

gone. The Daggers came into the game having made their worst-ever

start to the league season. Eight points on the board from their

opening ten matches. You would not have known it went Spillane scored.

It was 3-0 just after half-time. Wilkinson the latest man to get in

on the act. However, there is the reason the Bantams have only lost

one of their last six league games and Parkinson's side mounted to

come back. Wells had recently signed a three-year contract and he

hauled the visitors into contention with a double strike in the space

of six minutes. Lewington's foul on, will allowed Wales to stroke in his

5th goal in as many games. A rare win was firmly back on the horizon.

Then Gayle restored the two goal cushion a quarter-of-an-hour from

time. But con el's connection with a long throw on 84 minutes set up a

charge at Accrington, a splendid Donnelly strike inside 60 seconds

an immediate reason to savour the return. Whilst denying victory here

would be sweeter than any other, Coleman did want to share of

friends how well he was doing. A penalty was the outcome. Grimes was

emphatic from 12 yards. Coleman could enjoy this familiar

surroundings. Stanley were determined to keep their former

boss on the edge of his seat. Mingoia, on loan from Watford, got

them into the contest and not long after the break it was 2-2. There

was plenty behind the effort from Boco, enough to embarrass the

goalkeeper. The goalkeeper's bushes would be spared with the finale of

the long-range shooting, Kennedy's goal would prove to be the winner

although this player wasted the chance for Accrington to share the

Conference coming York have been denied a proper derby for a little

while. Rotherham came calling. The Minster man could not make the most

of it. Walker was on target early on. The Millers had chances. Here,

is was's first touch was good. He had the pace to get away. Finishing

was not up to scratch. He is still looking for his first League goal

of the season. Both sides worked hard without much reward. Hunt's

brilliant block ensured the points were shed. It was probably the

only club without a win and lead to and they almost had that familiar

sinking feeling when Hurst some two against the woodwork but the Bees

went ahead with impressive long- range shooting as Holmes let fly

just after half-time. Robson's men were starting to dream after

parting with all three points. Another weaving run from Holmes led

to another goal. This time, Hyde applying the finish for his third

in as many games. But no one had gained more points from losing

positions in lead to this season than the Shrimpers and two minutes

later they were back in it. Barry Fuller handling to allow East would

the opportunity to reduce the deficit. Lowe was the next man to

rattle the frame of the goal and it turned out the Bees really did need

the cushion he nearly provided. Just six minutes left to play when

they failed to deal with the long ball and Hurst duly scored. Despite

the disappointment of letting up two goal lead slip, Barnet were on

course for a first away point of the campaign but it was nearly

snatched away following an almighty scramble. There was still time for

more drama. However, it is not a for goals, Bristol raiders made a

change of fortune. It came when Charles hauled down another player,

a red card with 23 minutes played. The visitors survived until the

break. The crossbar denied Riordan. But Northampton would not survive a

great deal longer. Eaves, on loan from Bolton, was perfectly placed

for his first Rovers goal. And another player's maiden Rovers goal

appeared to have put the game beyond doubt, Kenneth had not

scored since January 2011. Town did not give up. Akinfenwa heading one

back for the ten men. They were eager to push for the equaliser.

But it also spurred on Rovers to make sure of the points. If there

was any anxiety, it did not show. Northern on hand to make sure of a

home win finally. -- Norburn. The pressure is building on Dean

Holdsworth and Aldershot. This header was as close as they came.

Their first -- the third defeat in a row might have been confirmed

earlier, had Chris Atkinson done better from this perfect pass.

Atkinson and Chesterfield the not have worried. Salvation was around

the corner. A better finish from the midfield at this time. Thus by

rights were on their first -- were on their way to a first away win of

got a hard fought away win. Harrison got a goal after 13

minutes. Plymouth near that level to. Brown came to the rescue. The

real drama came in the final few minutes. There was a tangle in the

box, a penalty to the hosts. Although Griffiths missed from 12

yards, he picked up the pieces. It looked like the points would be

shared. Wimbledon found the winner in injury time. It was looked in to

hand the Dons a much-needed win and Wimbledon came out on top against

Plymouth but let's talk about the battle of the strikers between Pope

and puritan. Pope came out on top with a couple of headers that have

been off high quality. Completely different as well, you look at this

one. A little bit too much maybe. He has to control it. He has fallen

back. He has to get the elevation and control on the ball which she

they know where he is going to be at this stage. It is time to pick

and choose where he wants to be. He gets some of the defender. He

elevate himself, stays up there. It is all about direction. He hits the

A good finish. After the defeat against Gillingham, he has gone the

other way, regrouped and come back strong. Five wins in 74 Micky

Adams's men. They have defied the odds despite what is going on

outside the club. As for Dagenham & Redbridge, they caught to win

against Bradford one of the best they have ever seen at Victoria

Road. It had a bit of everything, gulls, excitement, the win.

threat of a comeback. Fantastic. Another team which looked as if it

was going to be a tough year, there had victories in the last couple of

weeks and all of a sudden everything looks brighter. Another

team wear them are not passive expectations. They will not be a

huge amount of pressure but John has to keep things going and keep

them away from relegation. Rochdale unbeaten in six? Yes, after going

in their last year they got relegated but they are starting to

work a bit of magic. It is a good side of a sudden. Against Sarmi on

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

Saturday. Let's see how Saturday's We have to leave it there. There is

more football on Sunday night on Match Of The Day to who at 10:25pm

on BBC One. There is no match Of the Day next Saturday because of

the international break. We will have the best of Leagues One and