09/02/2013 The Football League Show

Evening. We are already into the final third of the season and why

it is obviously too early to win anything at this stage, we are

getting up at point where there is plenty to lose. Today saw a repeat

of the opening day's fixtures minus the hot weather, of course, and for

some, high hopes but there is plenty of optimism that Nottingham

Forest, who have turned to Billy Davies, while across the Trent,

Keith Curle has left Notts County and for Paul Dickov masterminding

all them's Cup run was not enough to save him from the side. Lee

Briers here to reflect. These are some of the games we will be

talking about. -- Leroy it is here. With one win in seven, Bolton are

in danger of the relegation dogfight. The Trotters faced the

side at the other end of the table and in hot pursuit of a play-off

place, Lancashire rivals, Burnley. Watford's charge for promotion is

gaining momentum. A Friday evening, Gianfranco Zola's free-scoring

Hornets welcomed Crystal Palace, another club looking to take their

place in the Premier League. Unbeaten in seven away from home,

Hull City are maintained at -- maintaining their automatic

promotion push. The Tigers were at the Amex Stadium. We are at the

Keepmoat Stadium, where enjoying back black -- enjoying life back in

management, Brian Flynn's Doncaster Rovers against Walsall. When Bolton

opened their campaign against Burnley, the relegated Trotters

were the book is' hot favourites to bounce back into the Premier League.

Six months on, they are trying to get grips with life in the second

tour. As the Sean Dyche, he has quietly gone about his business

with the play-offs a possibility. At the Reebok Stadium was Nigel

met in the mid- warmth of summer in the opening day. Both clubs have

different managers and different objectives. Bolton are staring the

prospect of back to back relegation firmly in the face. Burnley need to

close the gap on the top six quickly. Bolton manager Dougie

Freedman has a busy transfer window and gives Premier League that low

knees Craig Dawson from West Brom and Southampton's de Ridder their

debuts. Burnley's only change is enforced. Duff damaged his car for

Peterborough, so Edgar deputises. The rest of the side has been

settled for much of the season was corner. Dawson was inches away from

a debut goal. League Grand was scrambling across there. I don't

think he would have made it. -- Lee player. Dear reader may be

disappointed there. There was nobody in the Bolton white shirt to

came close for Bolton Wanderers. Not picked up again. The

combination may be of the woodwork and the boot of Lee Grant keeping

Burnley on terms. Dougie Freedman may feel his team should be ahead

behind the goal and they have been answered by Foy. Ross Wallace has

are the Championship of this season strike again. You can win in the

first header and time seemed to stand still for Bolton as Edgar

rose highest and on his return to the side, he scores his first goal

home debut comes to a premature end. The home crowd do not seem too

impressed. He has twinkled sporadically throughout the day.

Craig Davies is coming on. The Blues are even louder as Mardin saw

Dell is replaced by Ngog. Brave changes made by Dougie Freedman,

with his side trailing by one goal equaliser. An instant impact from

Craig Davies. What an inspired change from the manager that turned

constructive football, an excellent finish from Davies. Despite the

boos when he came on, that changed now looks entirely justified. --

Davies very close to a second goal kick. He will be confident of

picking up a much-needed victory ball in. Dawson's shot was blocked

and Burnley are grateful they had half-a-dozen shirts on the goal

wins the free kick will stop -- he hand from Lee Grant, keeping out

scored for Bolton Wanderers -- and Ngog. The men off the bench have

turned this game around. Davies was involved, Spearing was going for

goal but it was razor-sharp from Ngog. His 5th goal of the season

and in the context of a relegation battle, it may be the most

Is that a missed opportunity today? Yes, I think it is, playing good

stuff and taking the lead. Unfortunately the first goal was a

poor goal, from our point view. The second one, the lad put that away

nicely. The player was �7 million, it shows the strength and depth.

You are paid to make big decisions and the crowd were not happy when

you brought on the two players, but it was justified. Yes, that is why

I am at the football club, to make decisions. We were unfortunate to

go goal behind. We have substitutes to help the team and that is what

we did. I felt we had to change the shape. It worked for us.

certainly did, it was a disjointed contest in the first half. It came

to live in the second. Is it there to show it -- say that Bolton

shaded it over the 90 minutes? first half was even, who have got

the first goal was going to be decisive. It has been a frustrating

time for Dougie Freedman Appleton. If you look at his record so far,

it has not been spectacular. Six wins from 20. Will that contribute

to the pressure he made when he was making the substitutions and the

response from the crowd? He has drawn games as well and there is a

frustration. When the substitutes came on, you could hear the booze,

a good him a chance but of you do not know what you're doing, but he

did know what he was doing. This is the diving header, which came off

his shoulder. That was the luck that Bolton needed. Ngog, who I

feel is better when he is more instinctive, finishes off

absolutely beautifully. It falls in the box for him. He hits it with

the left foot, spearing puts it in the box and it is a lovely finish.

It is a goal made from Liverpool. It shows where Bolton are, they

have taken players from Liverpool who have played in the Premier

League and they find it difficult to get a look then of results.

Burnley are close to the play-offs, Bolton are six points behind. That

division is tight. Burnley have dropped 22 points from winning

positions. Should they be concerned? He will be frustrated,

once you get your nose in front in this division -- division, you

should go on and win but they have not. If they keep clean sheets,

they will be in the next. He will be frustrated but it is something

they can fix. A more from the Championship, started with Friday

night's game involving Gianfranco Zola's Watford against Crystal

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Palace, who have stuttered lately fun. Richards fed it in beautifully.

He was onside and there was no doubting the quality of the finish.

They have got some world-class players. They have borrowed nine,

which is ludicrous. It seems a lot of clubs can be bought

internationally. We really need to sort ourselves out. I cannot

believe that there is such a massive loophole. My question is,

where are the English players going be agitated. Cardiff's worries only

increased with the first goal. However, the breath for Roux --

however, the referee said there had been a foul in the scrummage.

Marshall was on red alert. The home side always needed to keep a close

watch on Craig Bellamy, even if his aim on this occasion was and what

he wanted. And when Conway was on target, the stand-in captain would

not be beaten. Huddersfield enjoyed a standing ovation. We haven't won,

but we are playing top of the league. You can see the effort

Huddersfield are putting in. It is a tricky pitch and we really need

to be disciplined. At London Road, a meeting of tops and tails.

Promotion-chasing Leicester prop by thousands of their fans along. --

brought 5,000 of their fans along. We 15 minutes left, the ball fell

to United. Leicester's habit of conceding late goals was to cost

them further. Posh were heading for a mighty upset, but not before at a

frantic finale. Lead Tomlin it burst through to come within a

shoelace of a third. However, it stayed 2-14 Darren Ferguson's side.

It was one that was needed, I said that in the team talk. It was one

of those days when you look back and think, it could have been

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turned around. You always get one people would have done the towel in,

but they didn't. Given that Derby are one of the worst travellers in

the division, there wasn't much expected. Jenny Ward delivered the

two-Test touch took the new defender from Ireland. -- Ward

delivered the gentle touch took the new defender from Ireland. However,

the three points became suddenly vulnerable. By the award, Derby's

lead have vanished altogether. -- by the hour. Kirkland had to be

quick on his feet to extend the unbeaten run. When you are 2-0 down,

I don't see why back score is what You would have bought Scotland

deserved a place. -- you would have thought it Scotland deserved a

place on the team. It is Middlesbrough's fit defeat in a row.

It seems to be one step forward and two steps backward poor Tony. --

for Tony. It seems they cannot get all their players on the pitch at

the same time. There are weaknesses there at the moment. One of the

surprise result was at London Road. Peter The started the day bottom-

of-the-table. What a goal this was. When they play against the top

teams, they seemed to come out with fantastic performances and great

Darren Ferguson will be asking his players why they can't do it

against the mid-table to beat Labour table. They know they can

play against the best sides, they just need the motivation.

Brighton boss admitted his team had to take some risks. So, how did

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Brighton and Hove Albion fare away team, which bodes well. That should

have been a goal. How he did not fine piece of goalkeeping. He would

net. Vicente's first goal since March. He goes past the wall, past

the goalkeeper. Who do you blame here? Maybe it is just a really

well free -- a well taken free kick by Vicente. I would not say I am

happy, I was saying we need to make the difference, the extra bit of

quality to score the goal and dominate completely the game. It

did not happen. It was a 5050 game, because we needed to win. We took

an extra risk. Luckily it worked for us today. The game came to live

in the second half. The first half was a nonentity, really, but the

second half was a really good game. That frustration is we have had the

best chances that their goalkeeper deservedly wins man of the match

with two excellent saves. The one from a Elmohamady is a great save,

which ultimately won them the game. Unfortunately the referee's missed

the blatant pushing in the wall but it is difficult to give that

decision. Overall, frustration, because the second half I thought

They had their chances. It was always going to be decided on an

error, or a set piece. That is how it turned out. I felt that. In the

first half, Brighton had the majority of possession. They pushed

the wings back. And the second half, Elmohamady, Brady had the best

chances, which is what Steve was alluding to. The one laid down to

his right was absolutely outstanding. You felt an

opportunity from a set piece, that is what happened. I am not sure

where we sit in the legalities are in terms of the free kick. What did

you make of it? It is something you see every day, somebody squeezing

the wall out of the way. It is an old tactic, used many times. It is

used to great effect. He should do better with the save. I know that

Steve is upset the referee did not spot a foul, but he should be upset

with his goalkeeper as well. puts Brighton back into the mix.

big result for Brighton. Guus was saying that that they needed to

take more chances and they do, until the end of the season. The

need get three. Games. If they get three or four on the trot, they

will be in there. As for the five remaining games, there is only one

place to start and that is at Ashton Gate, where Sean a crystal

faced the club that sacked in six weeks ago, Nottingham Forest. Since

his departure, Forest have replaced his replacement with Billy Davey's

coming in for a second spell. The man who starts on Monday was

O'Driscoll, he took the sweetest of revenge is here. Forest, the third

manager arriving on Monday, Billy Davies, almost opened the scoring.

The second half had barely got under way, when City had the lead.

The Forest back line looking wouldn't as the corner was

collected. He flicked the defected to shot. Much rejoicing at Ashton

Gate and somewhere, a jilted manager smiling. Forest piled heat

on. There was a brilliant reaction save. City made it two. Another set

piece from Pierson, this time finding Martin Elliott, who

celebrated his 200th appearance for the club in style. There is a

chance the Robins may not be heading south this summer after all.

We look at league tables, all I can do is worry about how the team

performs. If we perform well enough we will give ourselves a chance and

if we don't, we will not. Following his two goals for England's Under

21s in midweek, the stage was set for Ince to help himself against an

out-of-sorts Millmoor. Their shortcomings were exemplified by

this early miss. The Lions did take the lead soon afterwards. Henry's

corner flying straight in to break the alliance' four game scoring

duck. They needed the luck because the ball will not go in at the

moment. The woodwork remained Blackpool's best player. That was

until they gave him as the ball. It was inevitable he would have his

say, sooner or later. He usually does. This equaliser was his 6th

goal in four games. Blackpool keeping hold of him in January was

more valuable than any new signing. He almost added to his tally. He

nearly finished this move. In truth, both of these sides have been in

different -- in indifferent form this -- they have been in

indifferent form recently. They won the game with a composed finish.

The same could not be set up the other end, when Millwall had one

more opportunity to showcase their rotten luck in front of goal. The

Lions had another one of those games. Shown great character to

come back. Ince again is on fire at the moment. He has taken his goal

fantastically. We had to get the spark from the bench. We have

conceded a late goal and then hit the bar, 93 or 94 minutes. We were

unlucky to lose the game today. Wolves found Neil Warnock's leads

in unforgiving mood. Form and confidence have been in short

supply at Molineux and an offside decision in the first half against

Ebanks-Blake added to the frustration. But come the second

half, release and relief at last. The home crowd seized on a piece of

good fortune. Ward's cross was turned into his own net by Peltier.

Leeds steadied themselves, then pressed the accelerator. First a

shot by Norris was blocked, but McCormack insured Barney was in

position to finish expertly -- Barnett. Next come a penalty. Leeds

in the need. -- a lead. McCormack missing with illness, appeared to

have clinched a important win for Leeds was 12 minutes left. That is

how it stayed until two minutes into stoppage time, when 22-year-

old Batth chose his moment for his first Wolves goal. A point rescued

to keep the club out of the bottom three, only on goal difference.

deserved to win. We played really well, I thought. The referee gives

them a penalty, which is never a penalty. We have conceded the first

goal from a goal kick and we have got to defend better. Things are

finally looking up for Blackburn. Saturday saw the debut of QPR

Lownie DJ Campbell and when you are trying to change your record, who

better than a DJ. Plus a third straight win four Michael

Appleton's side. The first 45 minutes did not see either side

must a shot on target. This was as close as it came. After Campbell

came on and in the second half, Rovers stepped up a gear, and took

the lead. This shot provoked confusion in the Ipswich box and on

the scoresheet. Did it take a touch off the keeper, Henderson, or did

Jordan Rhodes score? Rhodes has it for now and he had the chance to

add another one. Henderson deflecting in the right direction.

Mick McCarthy's side have battled hard and as the game drew to a

closed, they almost got an equaliser. The volley flew inches

wide, while the Tractor Boys drop further into trouble. Happy days

for Michael Appleton at his new new club. It was always going to be

tight, we knew that. They are coming in off the back of a 4-0

victory, so they are full of confidence. We kept another clean

sheet, which was crucial because that is what has one of the game.

It is a good enough performance to come away with something. It is

calling that we got nothing from it. -- disappointing that we got

nothing for it. A familiar sight for Charlton fans. Jack Butler

and's fingertips prevented the addicts from going ahead. Where the

chances came, Charlton could not put them away. Wilson headed wide

as the home team struggled to make the breakthrough. In fairness to

Chris Powell's men, they were up against a goalkeeper of Premier

League quality. He was demonstrating what a bargain buy he

has bestowed. With Charlton equidistant from the play-offs and

the bottom three, it was thought this game might determine which of

those dotted lines they would be preoccupied with between now and

the end of the season. Kermorgant's goal looked like providing momentum.

This was the third game in the row where Charlton have surrendered a

winning position. They could have had nine points. Instead, just the

one. Elliott's injury-time equaliser keeps the Addicks closer

to the bottom than the top. performance from the players was

good but we came begins to keeper that was imperious form. -- we came

up against a keeper in imperious form. You can see why he is

destined for the Premier League and bitter -- bigger things. My players

kept cool, which they have done on many occasions and got a positive

Let's focus on Ashton Gate, lots of sub-plots between the teams. Sean

O'Driscoll talked about Forest. He said they were a fantastic club, a

fantastic support base, fantastic players. All they need are

fantastic owners. That clearly shows you that what happened on

Boxing Day did scar him. Yes, those scars have not healed and they will

not for a long time so that result will give him a certain amount of

satisfaction, I am sure. He will know the job in hand is the most

important one and he has to put it behind him. Nottingham Forest have

lost their last three games. In comes Bette Davis, we know about

the success he has had at Forest. - - Billy Davies. Will he be given

time? He will be given time. There has been turmoil. He needs to set

his actions in place. He has organised. Thorough. Very thorough.

He watches DVDs, he will take time. He got them out of relegation

trouble, play-offs two seasons on the trot and he will have that time.

We saw Wolves Peter Blake point against Leeds. Encouragement from

what Dean Saunders saw on Saturday but only goal difference separates

them and the bottom three, considering the bottom three all

picked up wins on Saturday. It was their worst case scenario. It was.

When Dean took the job, he said we only needed a few wins to get in

the play-offs. That was the wrong attitude. We have seen bigger clubs

go down that Wolves going to lead one. You have to get a Foundation

and move forward. I don't think there was a foundation there. They

need to get it into place to get them moving forward, because I have

not seen it. It is a question of character for the players, who will

not be used to being in relegation in this division. You have got it

absolutely right. There is no doubt about the players'' ability but in

this division you have to show character week-in and week-out and

they have not adjusted to that. If they want to stay in the division,

they need to adjust quickly. As the League One it has been a case of so

far, as so good for Doncaster. Having spent time with the Welsh

national set-up, the 57-year-old has taken the plunge back into

management. Walsall arrived at the Keepmoat and Clem takes up the

This hasn't exactly been this season Brian Flynn was expecting

when his side up as a Doncaster Rovers scout last summer. -- when

he set up. What a funny old world it is, isn't

it? Nice to see you. What did you think you were going

to be doing this season? Obviously initially been asked me to come in

and help him rebuild the team, which she has done a really good

job. He has left are really well drilled, well-organised scored. I

have done very little, just tinkered with one or two things.

Plucked from nurturing Welsh talent like Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and

Gareth Bale, in his last job in League management he laid the

foundations for Swansea city's success, saving them from

After a playing career best remembered with Burnley and Leeds

in the 1970s and '80s but fin wished a second spell at Doncaster

Rovers. The Chairman came to me and asked me to look after the

Stevenage game. Then the following week he asked us to take over as

full-time manager. Has it changed much, do you think? There is a

difference between traditional and old fashioned. Traditional things

always work. If you bury your head in the sand, that is old fashioned.

You will not win anything. I keep moving with the times in the

football world. In stark con contrast to his manager Rob Jones

was described as Doncaster's best signing since Alec Jeffrey. Having

joined the club at the same time as Brian Flynn that his popularity has

led to today being named after him. You think, is it going to overcome

my football. If I feel that, I will take a back seat. I will go back to

playing. I'm loving every minute at it. He made a bigger impact this

year on the field. She wants to be learning his trade. I want to get

the two of you standing side by side. He stands at distance

sometimes. When we are at meeting I insist we are sat down. Do you get

stressed? When you coached the players all week and you see it is

paying off and the preparation is right the 90 minutes become a

right the 90 minutes become a little bit easier.

COMMENTATOR: 70 seconds was tall took for Doncaster to fall behind

in this one, Andy Butley headed them ahead. Rovers levelled just

after the quarter hour when Chris Brown outjumped two Saddlers

defenders Paynter scored. This free-kick was kept out and they

survived the aftermath. The bar kept Walsall in business. Rob Jones

off target on the rebound. Doncaster were made to pay for the

missed chances. Nine minutes from the end Walsall inflicted on them a

second straight defeat. Brandy was We have to galvanise ourselves. Get

back to what we were doing good. That will happen. If we look back

at the end of the season this is only a blip. Sneaking up on the

blindside? We will keep under the radar. We have been on a decent run.

The players are playing with confidence and belief. We were

excellent in the second-half today and deserved the win. Walsall are

on a sensational run at the moment. Doncaster Brian Flynn has seen over

consecutive defeats. Bags of experience. He will not push any

panic buttons? No. After the Bury game he said they were the best

team in the division. That was a message for his players. It was a

dangerous thing to say. When you come up against Walsall, the form

team in the division, you could be made to look silly. That happened

today. Brian, he is experienced and know what is is wrong with the side.

They will come through. It Walsall, terrific. Absolutely brilliant

performance. Dean Smith, they had a dodgy spell in the middle of the

season. Lots of pressure. Playing terrific football. In Brandy he is

in-form. He has lots of ability. More from League One now and

Tranmere - leaders on goal difference going into Saturday's

games - were looking to bounce back from a home defeat last week.

wobble for Rovers with this their third defeat in four league games.

McDonald playing a one-two with the Tranmere keeper to bag his first

goal for the O's nine minutes in. Ronnie Moore was hoping his team

would learn from the loss in Carlisle and ensure it wouldn't

happen again. They could have been 2-0 down after Cox was taken out.

The visitors stopper gave a tutorial in powering powerful

penalties. The placement matched the power, Rovers were staring at

back-to-back league defeats for the second time this season. O'Halloran

converted this cross with a quarter of an hour to go. Rovers couldn't

prevent more woes. It's three wins in four for the play-off chasing

O's. We have 15 games to go now. You know, probably need to win nine

of those to be in with a chance of play-off slot. We are looking

forward to it. Three games we lost in the last four games. There is a

lot of teams up there having the same wobble. It wasn't good enough

today. Unacceptable. COMMENTATOR: They say a problem

shared is a problem solved. His future remains unclear. His side

edged in front, Ferry rounded off a slick counter attacking move to

keep them on course for the top two. Swindon were in full flow, Rooney

should have made it two but found Flinders in dazzling form. With

over a quarter of an hour to go Humphreys aimed for the far-post.

Monkhouse prevented his old club from taking top spot. We dominated

the game in terms of chances created. We don't have a top-scorer.

We don't have a natural goalscorer. That is the problem we have had

since the beginning. COMMENTATOR: Along with

Middlesbrough, ports Smith -- Portsmouth Grabban recorded a third

goal in four matches. Only Alex Ferguson has a better points per

game ratio. He remains hot on Fergie's heels. Bournemouth were

not at their absolute best. needed to be more positive and get

balls in and ask more questions of them. I think we did that second-

half. A special day for Melvyn Collins after 06 years of

supporting them his loyalty was rewarded with the role of mascot.

52 minutes gone when Forester opened the scoring. Bury boss was

hoping Brentford might have one eye on their FA Cup replay at Chelsea.

Soares kept cool after latching on the next. Brentford were on course

to end their longest stretch without a win this season. The run

was extended to five games when Ajose converted the cross, 14

minutes from time. The Blades left for Shrewsbury in need of a win to

re-ignite their promotion challenge. They have been losing ground on the

top two. They found themselves in front thanks to a slice of fortune.

The keeper did well to keep this out. The clearance bounced back off

Doyle. Kitson enabled them to double their lead. That rubber

stamped their first league win of 2013. Shrewsbury go the one from

McGinn late on. It was little more than a footnote. Daylight robbery

at Coventry, who were victims of the smash and grab raid. The Sky

Blues made all the running, but were beaten by Madden's goal in

first half injury-time. A six straight win for the Glovers puts

them in the race for the play-offs. They enjoyed a spot of luck here.

Elliott's shot summed up Coventry's week, back-to-back home defeats

despite bossing both matches. Unbelievable. If you play with some

thought, and you play with the urgency and the tempo and you pass

the ball properly you will create chances. You have to finish them

off. We haven't had the ability to do that in the last two games.

played with desire and commitment. You have to do that to get yourself

challenging at the top of the table. That is what we think we are doing.

Teams above us we are dragging back to us. We are right in that

promotion pack. COMMENTATOR: The caretaker boss saw

Notts County concede after 37 seconds in midweek. Top work from

Speiss prevented them from trailing in his second match in charge as

well. Crewe took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Luke Murphy

got back on track from 12 yards after his penalty miss in his

league game. Alan Judge almost drew County level. The Magpies got the

equaliser their second-half showing deserved when John Cofie struck on

his debut before the hour mark. Oldham are another side looking for

a manager after parting with Paul Dickof. Lee Barnard got the opener

in this one midway through the first half. The Dons may have

slipped off the pace in recent weeks but Robinson says his side

are the best in the division bar none, this shot by Powell backs up

his claim. Oldham re-established their lead. In the second-half they

ensured their losing streak at home would not stretch to five matches.

Martin failed to get old of this cross. Iwelumo sealed a morale-

boosting win. With three wins from four matches, Carlisle are showing

plenty of new year's resolve. Loy is an example of their rejuvenation.

A broken leg kept him out of the game over a year. His three

appearances this month have brought two goals in back-to-back matches.

Arnold might have put him back on the treatment table with this

challenge. Lee Miller doubled Carlisle's lead with 13 minutes

played. Even with 10 men, Borough did make a game of it. It was a

lively game. Before half-time McGovern went close with this shot.

Symington did something similar in the second-half. Carlisle climb

further away from trouble. They record back-to-back wins for only

the second time this season. Having waited four months for a home win,

Scunthorpe made it two in the space of five days despite Sparrow

putting Crawley ahead on his first return since leaving three years

ago. Barker was disappointed with both of the goals that Crawley

conceded. This effort was put into the path of Ryan. Had Proctor's

radar this been working better his mood would have been better.

Canavan got this goal to give them back-to-back victories for the

first time in almost two years. Walker kept out Procter. The club

have started to pull themselves together winning two out of three

after losing nine straight. Massey tried his luck. Something which

Preston are in need of. Their recent run is testing the patience

of their supporters. When Sears arrived on the scene to give

Colchester the lead it did little to brighten their mood. That is

four in five for the former West Ham striker. Lee Holmes unlucky not

to level the scores. Bailey Wright was dismissed. The Australian

failed to learn his lesson. He got involved with Ibehre in an off the

ball incident. The referee reached for his top pocket again to rub

It goes to show what has gone on at that club this season. I feel sorry

for guy. They were competitive today. They had two good finishes

from Grabban and Pugh. When you come up against a side that has

played �450,000, it shows the difference in resources at the club.

50 Orde players is unbelievable. There must be going into the

dressing room and saying hello, not knowing who they are. We know where

they will end up. We know they are going to go down. It is just a case

of whether they survive or not. Guy will make sure that whatever they

do, they do it with pride. familiarity between the players at

Yeovil Town, they have won six in a row. Their season continues to get

better and better come are putting the pressure on the teams just in

the play-offs on the other side of the line on goal difference. Any

slip-ups and they are out. Gary Johnson will be saying, no one

fancies us, everyone expects this to come to a stop. We will just

keep going. Once Gary gets a feel good factor at the club, it is

difficult to shake him off. He knows how to get the momentum going.

But a small club like Yeovil Town, they will have it and the players

will buy into it and Madden, 16 goals in 20 games this season,

every time he gets in front of the 18-yard box it will end up in the

back of the net. He is in great form. A couple of management

changes. At Oldham, Paul Dickov has left the club despite what has gone

on and the FA Cup. No sentimentality involved may be far

Keith Curle, who had a terrific away form but obviously it was what

was going on at Meadow Lane which affected his position. He could not

get a settled team on the pitch with suspensions and injuries,

there were changes and expectations were high there. It was not too

surprising that he went. Paul Dickov, after the FA Cup, you

thought it might give him a stay of execution but the interview with

the chairman, you thought, no, and when the staff went on the back of

it, it was a tenuous situation. lead to, starting at Port Vale and

Micky Adams' side opened up a four point lead at the top. On Saturday,

straight for the off. Mark Byrne had Chris Neal scrambling across

his goal, who recovered well to keep out yet on. They were a

nuisance in the second half, getting fingertips to this effort.

Failing to take those chances almost backfired. Pope went close

to grabbing a winner but Barnet are out of the relegation zone.

league tables are based on your form in 30 games we have had so far

and it will tell you that we have done very, very well and Barnet,

not so well. But today, I think it showed the strength of the league,

that anybody on their day can possibly beat anybody else and when

you come to places like this, particularly a team at the top of

the league, you have to roll up your sleeves and dig deep. Phil

Parkinson taking the applause as he arrived at Valley Parade. This was

Bradford's last home match before the trip to Wembley and they had

the best of the early chances. Jones was close to opening the

scoring. Nelson was recalled to the Phantom menace. Gillingham haven't

had a single shot on goal in the first half, but in the second, they

opened the scoring. MacDonald made it pay. The Gills Beck Row, on

their way to a tense away victory. Bradford battled to find an

equaliser and nearly had it. There was an inviting cross for James

Hanson, but the League Cup hero somehow put it wide and it was the

visitors who reigned at the parade. Cheltenham have never previously

lost to Dagenham in any competition but the home side gave what it --

warning of what was coming in a goalless first half. After the

restart, the breakthrough. A patient build-up, pinpoint finish

by how all. It should have been 2-0 soon after, when Elliott Sir --

fouled Saunders. But Williams' previous talent for placement

deserted him and brown save 12. With a draw to play for, Brown

appeared at the other end but his touch was not so effective and

Cheltenham's first defeat in six dropped them out of the automatic

promotion places. No one comes out with any credit. Me, I have got a

few things wrong by the look of it. We did not really get started.

Credit to Dagenham, but we were poor today. Burton hold the best

home record in League Two and the hosts denied awayday specialists

Rotherham a strip -- a 5th straight league win on the road in a stormy

affair. Kee set them on the way to victory before a first major

incident involving referee Eddie Ilderton arrived. The official was

not in Steve Evans' could box. His first cause for complaint came when

Noble was cautioned for the second time in just five minutes before

half-time. The ten men did almost level when Nardiello crossed, who

was repelled by Tomlinson. The visitors had one of the best

records and the Football League for coming from behind to snatch

something but the game looked up when Kee struck again, ten minutes

into the second half. Evans' mood was not improved four minutes from

the end, when O'Connor saw red for a tangle. The Millers' manager says

he will speak to the FA about the official on Monday. Sold was not

rub it in his perceived wound from the spot, as they were prevented

from scoring. While Evans is pursuing his grievances through the

official channels, the travelling fans decided to vent their anger in

a much more inappropriate manner. and must still be wondering how

they did not win. Paul Sturrock will be just as confused after

watching Southend struggle for the best part of an hour. Gray gave

Stanley a deserved lead with their second League goal this year. If

Sturridge was perplexed by Southend's lethargic display, he

must have been at his wit's end when Cresswell decided to flatten

Stanley's goalscorer. An ugly episode that could have only one

outcome. Cresswell was shown a straight red card, but strangely

that gave them an edge they needed. Hurst usually creates goals but for

once, nicked one himself to square the scores. That fierce drive a

real blow for Liam Richardson's men, who have now just 11 of their last

seven games. Smith was in stubborn mood. Hughes failed to put away the

rebound. How about this for a move from

Morecambe? A glorious display of fast paced passing at the Globe

Arena, for what would surely rank as the goal of the weekend, if only

he had scored it. Instead, it was Exeter who took the lead. A

through-ball to Cureton and he slid past the keeper. Exeter were beaten

3-0 end-September and it was like that they had a point to prove in

this one. Five minutes from time, they added another. Davies score.

Cureton added a third, the goal machine grabbing his 18th of the

season and ceiling Morecambe's first home defeat since September.

Northampton's home form has been a key reason for the challenge for

the play-offs and home advantage told again after half an hour.

Platt scored against his former club. The keeper fumbled at the

crucial moment. Neat -- Lee Nicol was on top form, Donnelly did

everything right for the visitors except score. Rochdale were not

discouraged. There was no answer to Kennedy's twist and turn and

Macintyre's cross, 20 minutes into the second half. Almost immediately

Northampton were Back in Front. Langmead's touch was decisive for

his 5th league goal of the season. Still, the home side were not

finished. The run ended in a heat with Macintyre. Akinfenwa coolly

stroked in the penalty to send Aidy Boothroyd's team up to six the. --

sixth. Assistant manager Sean Taylor felt

that Torquay had not had a better first half this or last season, but

they still trail that the break. Parkin scored for the 5th game

running. It was going to be tough after that, as Fleetwood had kept

the most clean sheets in the division this season. Davies was

tested. Brown could have made it more comfortable for the Konzani

but the find he made -- keeping came from Pope. Torquay failed to

score at home for the second time this season. Chesterfield needed to

win to stay in the play-off place so a visit from the Football

League's bottom club represented a good good opportunity. Alexander

gave them a gentle reminder not take them lightly. Having gone to

the Breakell Square, the Spireites took the lead on the hour mark.

Gnanduillet scored his first goal in English football. Just what they

needed after tasting success just once in six previous outings.

Lester set about increasing the lead. The veteran striker not quite

on the mark that time, but he soon had another site -- another sight

of goal. This time, Lester hit the spot, racking up his mindth of the

campaign, all scored at home, to keep Chesterfield and the hunt --

home before this one, but Ward's fast-improving Rovers had them

cursing. Be the first half, with a good defending. It was Montrose was

a reminder that you park at your own risk. Rovers took control in

the second half, cheered on by a travelling contingent of 2000 fans.

After having one successful kick pulled back for encroachment, Brown

cent the keeper the wrong way the second time. The Oxford manager

through on another player, who almost scored. Rovers doubled their

lead. A quickly taken free kick and Richards went one-on-one with the

keeper and Richards sealed Rovers' six when. -- win.

Here is a coach with a difference. The York manager Gary Mills made

his squad walked the last part of the journey as punishment for last

week's 4-1 home defeat. I wonder if they walked all the way home as

well because we come were ahead after less than three minutes and

the result never looked in doubt. Morgan was at the centre of the

action. There was a penalty. York rallied, well, they did not concede

a game until first-half stoppage Town -- time. Morgan did it from

the spot, his 5th goal in the league. Things only got worse for

your car after the break. Even they might appreciate one of the goals

of the day by Grant, for number three. Another to add to his back

catalogue showing his trademark stopover. No. Four was more

straightforward. Skill when's corner followed by when Phil's head.

-- Scowen. The term relegation six-pointer had

been bandied around a lot ahead of this one and Plymouth settled their

nerves early on as on-loan Crystal Palace man Banton opened his

pilgrims account. Aldershot were level soon after and it is unlikely

that Vincenti would score an easier goal in his career. Danny Hilton's

effort was perfectly parried into his path. Banton was to be the

Plymouth hero, as he backed two against a back line that had hit

four clean sheets in the last six games. There were chances for the

shots to draw level on a number of occasions. A couple of

opportunities fell to Rose. The frame of the goal denying him the

first time, before Branston was in the right place at the right time

Burton up to third. Striking up that partnership that we saw

working so well at Accrington Stanley? Good to see him fit and

strong. Michael Symes. It was behind his thinking to get them two

back to together. With Zola out there, they are good people to turn

to in that situation. At Rotherham we saw incidents we don't want to

see too often, if at all of course. When he took over Bristol Rovers

couldn't win a game. They are now organised. He has some good players

in like O'Toole in midfield thesm have belief now. The most

impressive transformation is at Wycombe and what Gareth Ainsworth

has done? Unbelievable. Top half of the table. They are winning games.

Gareth is full of enthusiasm. I thought was the most difficult club

to take over. He has galvanised the players. They are on a roll. He has

done a terrific job. A thumping win done a terrific job. A thumping win

With Cardiff only drawing at Huddersfield, none of the teams

below them could capitalize as they extend their lead to 11 points at

the top of the NPower Championship. All of the top six failed to win

with Leicester, Hull and Middlesbrough all losing.

Brighton in seventh close the gap on Boro, while Blackburn climb five

places and are now only four points off the top six.

A good day for those at the foot of the Championship table, with all of

the bottom three winning. Wolves picked up a late point,

which means they just stay out of the drop-zone on goal difference.

Ipswich, a place above them, were the only team in the bottom 11 to

lose. Tranmere stay top of NPower League

One despite losing for a second consecutive week, as did Doncaster.

Swindon and Bournemouth both move to within one point of the top two,

while just five points separate the top seven.

Hartlepool stay bottom of League One, but are improving, as they are

unbeaten in three now. Portsmouth lose for a club record-

equaling ninth time with their situation looking worse by the week.

The three teams above Bury all won. The bottom 10 stay as they were.

Port Vale remain top of the NPower League Two, but Gillingham have cut

their lead to two points with the Gills playing a game less.

Burton move up into the top three with just four points separating

them and Fleetwood, who are in eight.

AFC Wimbledon stay at the bottom of League Two after losing, Aldershot

drop back into the bottom 2 with Barnet moving out.

Accrington drop a place, while Plymouth move up two places.

Elsewhere, Bristol Rovers have now moved five points clear of the drop

moved five points clear of the drop zone.

Well, that's nearly it from us, but Well, that's nearly it from us, but

a couple of reminders before we go. There's more Six Nations rugby on

Sunday as Ireland meet England in Dublin, both sides having won their

openers. Live coverage starts at 2.25pm.

Later join Colin Murray for Match of the Day 2 at 10.00pm on BBC Two.

of the Day 2 at 10.00pm on BBC Two. Thanks to Leroy.

Before we go though, we can't sign- off without paying tribute to one

of our own. Commentator David Oates tragically

died last week. David was a big Blackpool fan and