15/12/2012 The Football League Show

Hello, good evening. With Manish away on World Club Cup

duty, I'm deputising tonight on the Football League Show.

After the excitement of the Capital One Cup in mid-week, we return to

League action today as the fight for promotion and survival steps up

a gear. We also bring you news of another

managerial casualty, as Mark McGhee loses his job at Bristol Rovers.

Steve is here to cast his expert eye over events.

Here's what's coming up on tonight's show.

They were two of the pre-season favourites for promotion, but as we

approach Christmas, both Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers find

themselves in danger of losing touch with the Championship title

race. We've action from a crucial

Lancashire Derby. Over the Pennines meanwhile we've

all the drama from a vital South Yorkshire affair as Barnsley went

head-to-head with potential fellow relegation candidates Sheffield

Wednesday. With a home record to match anybody's in Europe, could

this be the season when Cardiff City finally make it back to the

top-flight. Top plays bottom in the Championship.

In another action packed show, we've all the goals from all 36

games played in the NPower Football League.

Blackpool's draw at Crystal Palace last week was their fifth in six

games since Michael Appleton arrived at Bloomfield Road.

Today, the Tangerines welcomed a Blackburn Rovers side who, despite

having won only one in eight under new manager Henning Berg, were

level on points with Blackpool and still only four points off a play-

off position. With all to play for the season nears half way. Cranie

serve as one-match ban. Wes Thomas is the preferred choice in attack.

How long will 13 league goal Tom Ince remain here. No firm bids, but

there have been talks with harms way. Super piece of defending.

If Cathcart had not got there that This is Gordon Rhodes. Again, Gilks

is equal to it. Blackburn, bang on the door. In towards Wes Thomas.

Thomas took it well. Delfouneso's cross. Wonderful touch. Wes Thomas

scores to make it 1-0 to Blackpool. Delfouneso's cross. Wes Thomas, two

goals in Blackpool colours. They lead 1-0. Gilks hit it long. That

will be a free-kick to Blackpool. First caution for this for the

four-times capped international. If Gomes went for goal. Over the top.

Gomes saw the gap, went for the gap. I think he found it. Glorious ball.

Kazim-Richards. He had to stretch the arm and get the ball. Well

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

Off the post. The flag up anyway. A shot early. Ince maybe had more

time there than he realised, you know. Ince took the shot. Kean save

that is shot. Could be expensive as Blackpool break. Harris. A clear

foul. Ince or Harris, the options here. It's left for Harris who hits

it well. Kean responses -- responds. In by Gomes. That is 2-0. That is

the insurance policy and the breathing space that Blackpool

wanted. A first Tangerines goal for Broadfoot. Six yards out. Escaped

his markers. Where were they, by the way? Broadfoot hammers home the

cleansheet stays firmly intact. Henley back in. King, good control

here. Josh King. Across the line, but there was a flag anyway for

offside. It won't count. A close call. I think Cathcart was playing

him on, if anything. Unlucky, Blackburn. Taylor-Fletcher. Harris.

Unpressure. The goalkeeper in a muddle, off the post this time.

Cleared away. Kean's first mistake Cleared away. Kean's first mistake

of the game. Off the post, in a way. Home win at last? Exactly. It's

nice to get a monkey off our backs, so to speak much we haven't won

here for so long. I felt was fully deserved in the end. The first half

was very close. It could have gone either way. We got the goal at the

right time. Second-half, I thought we were dominant. Made a big

change? It was a tight position. Paul has been playing all through

the season. I thought this was maybe the time to give Jake a

chance. We have not had the results we would like lately. I thought the

change could have made difference. I thought he did OK. Even though

the two goals we conceded he couldn't do too much about. Michael

Appleton doing a magnificent job? Two wins in seven, unbeaten.

Depends how you look at. It solid if unspectacular. Not sure we will

get the openness as we had under the previous manager. They have

tightened up. A good result. Good win. Important win for Blackpool.

Blackburn Rovers were guilty of Blackburn Rovers were guilty of

shocking defending today? They were. People need to be tighter. Stops

the ball going out. We need to stop the ball coming in. Do more there.

Because you are not tight from the start, no-one gets in contact with

him. If you stop the ball there and put pressure on it, it needs to be

more pressure here to stop the ball coming. Nobody ever gets any --

into contact with him much appalling defending. Look at. This

it runs off him there. It's an easy header. If you are going to give

goals away at this level, like that. goals away at this level, like that.

It will always be a struggle. Blackburn made it easy for

Blackpool. Henning Berg only one win, how worried should fans be?

Results don't always give a clear indication of how things are going.

After a performance like that they were unconvincing in every area in

the pitch. Worrying times, no doubt about that. Look at their squad and

their players, you would expect them to play Bert than they did

today. He says he understands the fans' frustration. Can you see them

turning a corner in the new year? Performances indicate more so than

results the way that a club and team is going. If that was anything

to go by, then, as I said, they need to... That's a big corn tore

Mackay's side has propelled them ten points clear. A consecutive

home win looked very much on the cards today as bottom club

Peterborough United arrived in the Welsh capital. Clare made the trip

as an example you will find in the history of the game as a football

fortress. In fact, in Cardiff win today, they'll be the current

undisputed Kings of Europe on their own turf.

So with form like that, the question is, having slipped up in

the play-offs, in the last three seasons, will this finally be their

year? Hi, I'm Steve Tucker, football writer for the Western

Mail and Wales on Sunday. They seem to have a bit more steel and

determination about them this time and there's a real hope that, with

the likes of Craig Bellamy here and heling son and top class players,

they can finally reach the Premier League for the first time in a very

long time. Mackay's done a fantastic job so far. He's really

taken them up there and I believe they'll be promoted this season.

Since Cardiff joined the league in 1920, they've only spent two

seasons in the top flight. That was after promotion in 1960

when men were men, players had names like Barry, Colin and Graham

and this goal in front of 55,000 at Ninian park sealed their return to

what was the Premier League. In a rebranding from blue shirts to red,

they did wear white. You must be able to sense the anticipation that

maybe Cardiff's time's coming? There is a lot of expectation,

certainly in the media and the public, but there's been that

beforement I'm delighted about the group that have come together

quickly and gelled quickly. Nine people left the club in the summer

so this group are getting to know each other. ALL: Come, Cardiff!

you are you coping with the fact that this big area is rooting for

you? The people down here have been so friendly since the first day we

arrived. The minute you start looking at a game and thinking,

that's an easy one, that's a slippery slope. That must have

taken 100 grannies 14 years. If we don't get into the premiership, we

are going to strangle each other. Danny's done well and they are

going to sting someone, certainly, hope it won't be us. Everybody can

beat everybody. This only proves that theory, after Helguson gave

Peterborough an early scare, the strugglers never looked back. At

times, Posh had the leaders in all sorts of trouble. Turner managed to

clear the danger. Ferguson's men looked nothing like

a team hoping to avoid a fourth straight defeat, growing in stature

with every minute. Helguson gave Bostwick the chance to set his

sights. That blockbuster of a free kick sent confidence levels soaring,

but their resolve would be tested. Bellamy's header came to nothing.

Two minutes into the second half, Peterborough could start dreaming

of their first win in nine matches. Gayle keeping up his scoring streak

to move into double figures for the season.

The form book had been completely ripped apart, not even Gestede's

late consolation could take the shine off Peterborough's display as

Cardiff tasted defeat for the first time on home soil this season.

On another day, a couple of players could have got us the goal at the

end there, but it's not to be. fantastic resultment we were aware

that Cardiff won ten on the bounce. I said to the players, you know,

have rarely do you see someone continually doing it or continually

losing. For whatever reason, I don't know, well, the confidence

and belief I've got in the players, I thought we'd win today.

Peterborough United two away wins all season, Cardiff City's home

record has been magnificent, they go there and win today? I would go

so far as to say this is one of the biggest upsets I think the

Championship's ever seen. The best home side in Europe with the best

record, ten in ten. This boy is on fire, on loan from Dagenham. Seven

in 18 for them and four in five for Peterborough and with that result,

that gets them back in touch, although at the bottom, back in

touch with the people above them and one win away from getting out

of it. Mark Hudson was missing today. How significant was that?

would rather concentrate on giving Peterborough credit for their

performance. He's missed, an integral part of their side, but

they were good value and from what we've heard, it could have been

more. So let's take nothing away from Peterborough. Fantastic on the

day, Cardiff will live to fight another day. Tough games for

Mackay's side. They have Leicester City away next week and the big

game on Boxing Day, Crystal Palace, then home to Millwall, tough games?

Yes, but those opposing sides will go "We've got Cardiff, that will be

tough". So it's a double edged sword and if you want to win this

division, they are the teams that you have to go and beat.

margins for error tighter than ever in this year's title race, how

significant will the 89th minute equaliser for Blackpool against

Crystal Palace last week be come the end of the season? On Saturday,

Ian hallow way's side were away at Birmingham City. Holloway is fed up

with talking about czar haar and wants the rest of his team to get

some credit. We are happy to report that at times they were outstanding.

Lovenkrantz threatened an opener. There was this eye-catching save.

Palace took the lead six minutes before the break. Palace deserved

their lead and almost doubled it before the break. For those who

think Palace are a one-man team, one question, which man is it? This

was a phenomenal run that should have taken Palace to the top

tonight. But it didn't. Vidic scored with his first touch of the

ball. With eight minutes to go, Diop marked his full debut for

Birmingham with his first goal in Birmingham with his first goal in

their colours. Two weeks in a row where we've got

ourselves in a winning position and didn't see it through. From my

point of view, I'm still very pleased with my team. Pfr-6 1 years

since Wolves won on Teesside. Scott McDonald wasn't helped early

on. Jason Steel lived up to his on. Jason Steel lived up to his

surname, unlike the one in front of him. Middlesbrough went in search

of a third Championship win in four games. Small's long range effort

never hooked like troubling the keeper. The former Boro loanees

returned to the riverside had the penalty. It was stroked home. In

added time, the Dutchman turned provider when he set up McDonald.

I think it was a horrible decision by the linesman. I think everyone

can see that also directly when it happened and certainly when they

look at it afterwards, it's very, very wrong. Swipbgs and roundabouts,

some days we drop points, today we got a bit of fortune probably and

happy to take it, put the points in the bag and move on.

Hull are hitting the right notes. Bruce's team bidding for a win

against Huddersfield. Quinn got clear of Clark to set up Corin.

Just reward for a bright start from the home team but clues's old club

soon fired them a warning. Novak's acrobatics close to getting the

better of Stockdale. Down the other end, Hobbs back in the starting

line-up after eight months out injured should have doubled the

advantage. From the restart, Hull were intent

on trying to make life more comfortable. Brady kept out.

Whilst the Tigers' defence had a relatively trouble free afternoon,

Huddersfield's back line was constantly stretched, this time

Quinn pulling it back for eler. When he found himself in the same

spot in -- spot in stoppage time, the Irishman made it count. The

perfect way for Hull to mark ten years at the KC and Howard Webb was

soon handing out a card. Bruce and Lee made unsavoury scenes.

If you are going to blatantly be run at with an elbow, you are going

to react. Thankfully he hasn't struck him above the chest, he's

pushed him. Then again, Lee's gone down as if he's, you know.

There is always a warm welcome for Leicester. The Foxes have won at

Millwall only twice in 40 years, so it proved here. Trotter forcing

Schmeichel to do this. Leicester may struggle to do the same. Games

against Cardiff and Hull to come. It remains to be seen what

Christmas will be like for the Fox z. Their best chance fell to Nugent.

Millwall dominated the second half and deserved the only goal of the

game. Taylor's second for the club lifts them into the play-off places.

Seven out of ten wins for them. They can even afford to miss a few

here. Keho had a moment to forget. Millwall had already done more than

enough to outfox their promotion rivals.

Credit to Millwall. They are a very spirited side and it's no surprise

that they are doing well this season because of the fact that the

way that they play and play for each other. Very pleased for Chris

Taylor. He missed a number of chances and played very well. That

goal will really help confidence. Excellent win for Millwall. Steve,

Palace are going to the top of the Championship, at St Andrews, and

suddenly Birmingham City stage this dramatic fightback? Yes, we

shouldn't be totally surprised. They were 3-0 down against Hull,

came back to 3-3 against Boro. Obviously today, 2-0 down, come

back to 2-2. Palace, to be fair, the way the results have gone, they

could have gone back to the top of the league. They'll be kicking

themselves because you get in this position and you have got to see

the game out. That's a good header. Enough Palace players there to have

dealt with that. Diop's fantastic header. Palace will be thinking

come the end of the season, if they miss out by two points, that's one

of those games where they'll be looking back saying, we could have

got that. Middlesbrough perhaps unlucky to lose earlier this week

in the Capital One, but bounced back to league form and winning

ways with two late goals? You would have thought it would have been the

other way around, a long trip to Swansea and a hard-fought gack game.

We thought it was then that would have been tired -- hard-fuegt-back

game. Is it hard for them? It's caught

his arm, so I don't know. A great win for them. Steve Bruce

very unhappy his son got a red card. Something's gone on there? Clearly.

He feels Lee's put his elbow into Alex's throat, face, whatever, we

didn't see the incident. A lot of time you go by the reaction of the

offended player and he wasn't the only one. His son was perturbed as

well at getting sent off, feeling unjustly done. In normal

circumstances, Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday would be a match in which

more than local bragging rights were at stake, but with both sides

in the drop zone, this South Yorkshire Derby took on extra

significance. Keith Hill made three changes for Barnsley. Dave Jones

made just one change. Gardner returned from injury with Martin

from Antonio, a real bright spark by Kirkland. Buxton should be able

to get this away to safety. A good stop from the Wednesday keeper.

Davies does well. Dawson finds him of space and pulled the trigger.

That looks nasty. Foster could be in trouble here. It is only yellow.

But that could have been so much worse. Foster was way off with his

goal for Sheffield Wednesday. Steele was furious. He feels he was

fouled. No flag, but you can see should have done better. It was

almost an immediate reply from Barnsley. A former Sheffield

Wednesday man should have hauled Gardner just blocking Tomasz Cywka

causing their own problems. What was Johnstone's doing here?

a terrific chance for the substitute. The when stage keeper

did his job. -- the Wednesday keeper did his job. Marcus Tudgay

come off the line from Prutton. Barnsley continuing to knockout the

Wednesday door, but they have kept Richard. -- but they have kept the

brought it down, one thing on his Wednesday are hanging on. It just

won't go in. A good ball in from Dawson and hair what on the stretch

Everybody was delighted, they would have come the second half we knew

it would be a battle. They put the bodies on the line. We could have

made life a little bit easier but it was never going to be that type

of game today, because two sides down there fighting for points.

big decisions that referees have to make, he has made the wrong

decision today. It would be nice for him to admit it. Determines the

outcome of the game and the contest. It is unfortunate. Emotions are

running high at the minute. But the players have given me everything,

given the clubs and supporters everything they can to get

something from the game. That is a very big win for Sheffield

Wednesday, but you can understand why Keith Hill is so upset. It is a

local derby, Sheffield Wednesday have the backing right but the big

question is Luke Steele. Is it a at this keeper and obstructive but

I think Steele can help himself. There are two players contesting

the ball, he never catches the ball. He has to come and pinch the ball

away, knowing he is under pressure, or clean people out and make sure

he is stronger and dominates the situation by catching it. He does

neither and is Paul Wood a little Nine times out of ten, referees

will blow for that. A possibly, I understand where Keith is coming

from. You have played in many local derbies, the tackles fly in. What

did you make of Stephen Foster's tackle? Is it a horror tackle?

is terrific comedy will not see a This is what makes a farce of a

booking for not giving him a proper punishment with looking at the

evidence. He deserves a punishment, that could have ended his career.

Last week's home defeat at the hands of Hull City ended a seven-

match unbeaten run for Watford, a sequence which had seen Gen Franco

Zola's side break interplay of contention. Next off for the

Hornets, a reunion with former manager Dichio Beck Row at -- with

tried a seal impression in the dug- out. He was soon tapping again when

the defender volleyed home the failed to equalise from a curling

free kick kick, which was scrambled to safety believing David Edgar

bewildered. He was judged to have fouled in the area. The decision

left the players perplexed but allowed to Austin to score his 22nd

of the season and level the scores. At 23rd should have arrived in the

second half. He found the keeper stand tall as he tried to take the

ball around him. Back in Watford. Burnley thought they had won it at

the best colour only to find Almunia equalled a substitute's

header. We created enough chances to win two games. That has been the

thing we have been looking at because we did that a game against

Blackburn but we have to find the clinical edge inside the box.

biggest-ever crowd turned out for the contest for contest between

Brighton, aiming for a first win in three come against a Nottingham

Forest side who are the new chairman. He handed over the reins

to his cousin. Gus Poyet's men should have been comfortable by

half-time. Hoskins wasted a chance. Nottingham Forest had a more of a

say in the second half and went close to snatching the lead. All to

Mutley, both sides finished in the same position as they had started -

- or to Mutley. On another day, Butleigh would have buried this.

His manager knows it should have been more. We started well, we took

the game into their half and started chances. You take -- we

take our point, two clean sheets on the bounce. We have a good squad of

players that we are building and we have used different ones over the

two games, so we are looking at positives to move on. With Bristol

City having won at home only twice this season, a trip to Ashton Gate

provided the perfect opportunity for Derby to secure a much needed

away win. Nigel Clough's side looked sharper. They would have

taken the lead through this flick were it not for the save. But he

was beaten just after the half-hour mark from Hendrick. He responded to

the request for more goals. Derby grabbed a second two minutes later.

By some scoring from virtually the same spot. -- Bryson. Embarrassing,

was Derek McInnes's post-match verdict. And further -- in fairness

to the Robbins they made more of a go of it in the second half. Davies

went close. That was a muted celebration. After seven defeats

from nine at home, Ashton Gate is not in celebratory mood. Derby

ended a run of four straight defeats on the road. It was

important to get a result away from home, Burnley and Charlton over the

Christmas period and we can go into those games with more hard.

Disappointing afternoon. A three- minute spell where we have given

away two poor goals and that made the job more difficult. It was a

big love-in at the Reebok Stadium ahead of kick-off as Charlton's

Chris Powell man at -- met up with Lennie Lawrence, who is working

with Dougie Freedman. It was the home dug-out which was almost

cheery first come once the whistle went, when Eagles, despite having

his shirt pulled, forced a smart save. After one win in seven league

games before the visit of Charlton, freed men ask for patience from the

fans and play. The virtuous approach was severely tested.

Haynes was involved after the break, when he saw off BRITS, before

firing off a shot, which he failed to convert. His lack of composure

in front of goal was to end Charlton's seven-match unbeaten

league run, where his Bolton's substitute Ngog was to win the game.

Friedman wanted points at positive performances but it was

collaboration that provided them. Ten minutes from time, the French

man nonchalantly claimed his brace. Powell said his time -- his side

had created enough chances to win the game, but were beaten by a huge

substitute who had a great pedigree. He came off the bench, made an

impact, that is great for the team mates to see. All-round a fantastic

day for the club. Mick McCarthy was back at the club he supported as a

youngster. But which has won three road before meeting a Neil Warnock

side showing two changes from the defeat at Derby. The Leeds boss

included El Hadji Diouf, who had signed a new contract. Is corner

was met by Tom Rees, before Jerome Thomas flicked the ball past

Henderson. Representatives from the Dubai-based investors were Elland

Road, as they close in a takeover. They saw the header cleared by

Cresswell as the hosts created the better chances. Chelsea may be on

the horizon for Leeds as they meet in the cup quarter-final this week,

but Warnock's side appear determined to bring a tractor

boys'' winning run to an end. Lucciano Becchio was denied. David

Norris Sand Thomas worked as 69 th win it -- movement down the left.

Green doubled the lead. Green's second goal in as many games. The

Ipswich boss pointed out this was not as routine as the scoreline may

suggest. Lee Martin's Industry gave Chopra a clear sight of goal, but

Paddy Kenny remained unbeaten. had some great chances to put it to

bed, but still took a very good save it so we did not eat our

fingernails. It was a good all- Leeds United warming up nicely

ahead of their quarter-final cup with Chelsea. Let's talk Derby

County, three points off the play- offs. Yes, they have flattered to

deceive in the past, with Nigel in charge, but I get the feeling this

year this is their best opportunity. To really see this through and push

has happened to defending? I have no idea, Bristol City have been

renowned for this sort of defending. That is a welcome three points,

particularly away from home. They are strong at home but away from

home the need to pick up points and make the step forward into the top

make the step forward into the top six. Bolton wanders have stabilised

and then God is doing a great job of coming off the bench and

changing games. -- Ngog. This is what you want from substitutes. He

what you want from substitutes. He is in the box, he points to where

he is. He sees the ball, he has the whereabouts to turn and the

awareness to finish. A great feat. A absolutely, this is the side of

his game, strength, a lovely shimmy there. He has the poise to put it

away like he does. It is difficult. away like he does. It is difficult.

The problem he has got his can he get a Riverside with Kevin Davies,

the way that they play? That is the Can you see them heading up the

table and pushing for promotion? Look at Dougie, hasn't won as many

games as he would like, one defeat in nine. How do you look at it?

With their squad and the players they have, he has laid the

foundations now. They will look to have a good second-half to the

season. Football managers always say this, it's in the about me,

Dyche will be delighted? You are up against a side who came into the

game in good form. You go behind, you don't lose the game. Well done.

To League One now and everything to play for at the top.

Three consecutive draws has seen Tranmere Rovers' lead disappear,

with Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United now breathing down their

necks. Next up for Ronnie Moore's side was

pre-match billing with clear-cut chances in short supply. The best

that Tranmere had to offer was a Robinson free-kick. It caught Long

offguard. Wilson's team are unbeaten on their own patch since

March. Blackman couldn't prevent them heading for their tenth draw

of the campaign. Both clubs are non-movers. An outcome Rovers are

more than happy with. One little mistake was going to cost somebody

dear. At the end of the day, we are competing, it's unbelievable. I

have nothing but praise for my players. When games are as tight as

that you want quality in some part of the pitch that might open them

up. We forged this a couple of times. We didn't make the most of

it. Just like watching Brazil, not quite! Coventry have got the goals

to go with that South American style away kit. They are averaging

three a game at the moment. Franck Moussa's superb opener set the tone

three minutes in. With six wins out of eight, there is no stopping

Coventry under Mark Robins. David McGoldrick doubled their lead

before the half-hour mark. Their season will hinge on his future.

McGoldrick is due back at For nest three games' time. If Coventry can

extend that loan, the play-offs may not be out of their reach. Don cast

ver only conceded ten at home all season. Chris Browne pulled one

back after Paynter hit the bar. Con wri -- Donny could have gone top

but fall out of the automatic promotion. The sky Blues restored

their three goal cushion late on. Barton got Coventry's ninth goal in

two games. I'm really pleased. You can just see the combination of

your efforts. Get the Christmas party out of the way tonight as

well, that is great. We are all happy. Not like us to concede four

goals like that. We don't that. We conceded two in the last few games.

Away from home we have hardly conceded any. We will have to pick

yourselves up -- ourselves up. It's a bad day at the office. We've done

brilliant. Campbell-Ryce was back in the side after serving his ban.

This cut back was turned into his own net by Tony Craig. When you

have taken 20 points from a possible 24, you are not like to be

low on confidence. A superbly manufacturered equaliser arrived

from Adam Forshaw, nine minutes before the interval. Mind you,

Brentford owe plenty to their young keeper as Notts County started to

ask a few questions. It theth tippover here was top-class. The

game appeared to be heading for a draw, but just over two minutes

from time, Clayton Donaldson got the final touch inside a crowded

six-yard box to provide a dramatic winner for Brentford. His sixth

goal in his last five games. It meant Brentford were level on parts

with Tranmere. We had a hard game today and Tuesday. Unexpected FA

Cup tie waiting for us. Obviously, to win that game in the last-minute

was fantastic. Mitchell Cole who recently passed away aged 27 was

remembered before kick-off. He would have approved of Stevenage's

opening goal. Robin Shroot celebrated his seventh of the

season. Crawley, who followed their hosts up through the leagues, hit

back with two goals in a four minute spell. The keeper got a hand

to this effort, but hope Akpan got his sixth of the season. The Reds

completed the turn around. Dannie Bulman's effort took a deflection

to leave the keeper stranded. His first of the season sealed it.

deserved more than we got. Going a goal up as well at home, which has

not happened too often. Creating enough moments. Got in enough good

positions, but the goals, I have to say, were pretty soft, avoidable,

in the end, have cost us. John Hughes reckons they have been

getting better in recent weeks but the table couldn't look much worse.

His side was out played at stadium MK. A goal down when Ryan Lowe hit

the target for a third successive League game. The only surprise is

that the Dons didn't score more. Both managers agreed on that. They

extended their win at home to six matches. Potter hit the woodwork.

Hartlepool broke their record of 21 games without a win. You wondered

if the best of the action might come from the technical areas.

Raffaele De Vita had other ideas. Two goals in three minutes secured

him the headlines and saw the Robins close the gap on the play-

off places. Oldham had won four out of five in League and Cup but were

outplayed for most of this match. They are display was branded as

"unacceptable." The robins recorded a first win in four. Bournemouth

boss gave all the credit to his players after he was voted League

One Manager of the Month. A Lewis Grabban goal four minutes before

the break wrapped up the points against Colchester. Colchester's

Josh Thompson had one scrambled away from inside the six-yard box.

It's nine wins and three draws under Howl. Brett Pitman

millimetres wide late on. The form book suggested this was a home

banker. Leyton Orient have been enjoying their best run for more

than half a century. Scunthorpe had been suffering. Christian Ribeiro

got the opener. His second goal of the campaign. Eight eight minutes

later Duff's quick thinking was matched by Karl Hawley's finish.

The O's had won eight in a row. They sensed a route back into this

contest when the referee decided the ball had been handled. Kevin

Lisbie put away his eighth goal in as many games. Any thoughts that

after three con secondive defeats that Brian law's side would crumble

were soon dispeled. Damien Mozika's deflected finish earned them a

much-needed victory. It's fair to say it has not been a great week

for the Bury boss. Brad Inman should have done better to help

them with their third win on the spin. The game appeared destined

for a draw. With two minutes left, Luke Murphy clipped over the

perfect cross for Inman to clip home. Crewe keep on climbing. After

15 games without a win, two consecutive home matches against

lower half opposition gave Walsall a now or never opportunity.

Paterson grasped the nettle on 13 minutes, getting his fifth goal of

the season. Yeovil didn't turn up for the first three quarters of

this match. Grigg got goal number two and there were 18 minutes

remaining of the game that Walsall dominated. The striker tried tried

the lob but found Row A. What an expensive miss it turned out to be.

Moments later, Joeville, who had barely threatened, pulled one back.

Reuben Reid gave his old club a nasty case of the jitters with 12

minutes to go. Worse was to come. The nerves and dodgy defending got

the better of the Saddlers. Foley dropped into the bottom four as

they felled to convert this penalty against Preston. Pompey's top-

scorer was impedeed by Chris Robinson. He shook the crossbar and

not the net from 12 yards. Preston's Antony Elding and Chris

Beardsley both failed from close- range. They chased a first win in

five games. It was lily white's keeper who produced a wonderful

save five minutes from time to shut the door on Scot Allen. Honours

even at Fratton Park. These two sides were desperate for Christmas

cheer. Shrewsbury had only won four times all season. At least they

were at home. Jon Taylor's shot went past the keeper. Taylor's

second goal in as many games. The Chairman moved quickly this week to

put down suggestion that Greg Abbott's position as manager was

being reviewed. Liam noble's equaliser gave them something to

celebrate. Shrewsbury piled the pressure back on Abbott. Paul Parry

marked his recall with the 64th minute winner. Massive big win for

us. I think that we've played well in some of the games recently

without taking the points, without getting our just rewards. Today it

was a hard struggle. Shrewsbury was a hard struggle. Shrewsbury

town out of the drop-zone. Doncaster Rovers's feet was

described as a disaster. I don't know about disaster. They are a

know about disaster. They are a point off the top. Coventry were in

great form. Fantastic run. David McGoldrick, 15th of his season. He

wants 30. If he gets 30 they won't be far away from top six. Things

are looking good. Another team in- form, Bournemouth. Are you

surprised how quickly they have geld under Eddie Howell? No. They

are better than the position they are in. Good players, decent budget.

We highlighted both the goalscorers. You watched Leyton Orient recently.

Their eight match winning streak is over, a terrific win for

Scunthorpe? Leyton Orient, I watched them a couple of weeks ago

at Portsmouth. It didn't surprise me they were on the run they were

on. Fantastic. Magnificent result for them Scunthorpe. What about

Hartlepool United, are they doomed? 13 points from safety, not a big

club at this level, it has to be said. Not going to spend their way

out of trouble. They might have to look at regrouping and thinking

about League Two. There are stacks about League Two. There are stacks

of points available over Christmas? 24 games left. We talk about nine

points in 22 games, you know, you are not going to be able to turn

that form around over night. Not a team that will spend a huge amount

of money. Difficult situation for them. They might have to realise

it's about putting in place Saturday were Fleetwood Town and a

Gillingham's last home game before Christmas. Seasonal cheer was in

short supply when Fleetwood stunned their hosts with two goals in eight

first half minutes. Brown scored the first goal of Alexander's reign

as manager before Goodall made it two.

Lee pulled one back for Gillingham. They raised their game after a slow

start. Weston rescued a point for the leaders. Reward for a stirring

second half performance. It was described as one of Gillingham's

best of the season. The whole team went up a gear in the second half

for sure. We showed the home crowd what we can do. It was fantastic

for so many people to be here at this time of year. It was a

fantastic atmosphere, just to see it so busy. It was great for the

club, great comeback, disappointed we didn't win, I suppose.

Christmas has come early for Paul Baker with an FA Cup third round

tie against Everton. But it didn't bring a sack full of goals. It took

over an hour before the scoring was opened.

Carter steered home his first shot into the corner of the net.

Cheltenham were hoping to make it five home wins on the spin. The

Football League's most potent attacker had other ideas. Dodds

turned home Port Vale's equaliser. Before the game, Vale's owner said

they'll clear the debt with the council and these two goals were

equally well received by valiant fans.

Mark, how do you think you won that game? I thought we did win. We miss

add couple of chances. It feels like a decent result because

Cheltenham are a good side. It's been some week for Bradford

boss Phil Parkinson, his side reinstated in the FA Cup after they

dumped Arsenal out of the League Cup and they were on top from the

word go at Roots Hall. Hanson's header looping on to the top of the

Southend cross bar. Before they opened up a two goal load, that is.

Wells we leased by Meredith, sticking awaiz his 12th league goal

of the season. -- away. Four minutes past the hour, Prosser

attempting another interception for Southend, turned the ball into his

own net. Looking like party time again, but Cresswell cut the

deficit ten minutes from time and you sensed the total commitment put

in against Arsenal was starting to take its toll.

And fair play to Southend who took full advantage. Tomlins ninth goal

in nine games, extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches withen

equaliser in stoppage time. Rotherham had won their last two on

the road and must have fancied their chances against a Dons side

with finding wins hard to come by. The dons started the day a point

above the drop zone. They head towards Christmas without the

services of Gregory. The midfielder was unable to sign off with a goal

as he returns to Bournemouth. It's easy to understand why dons

manager's prioritised his side's defensive set-up. They slip to

another defeat as Cameron's delivery found the sub Agard. The

Millers back on track after the setback against Gillingham and

Agard celebrated in the stands. These two sides have met 95 times

in all competitions. They may share plenty of history, but this was a

game of firsts. Exeter went ahead first, with the top scorer having

the chance to then double the lead. His effort went wide.

After the break, it was up to Lennox to bring the score level.

This his first ever goal for if club. Plymouth held on despite

having Blanchard sent off for a second yellow.

Bragging rights shared. We worked hard, put them under

pressure and got the goal we deserved. We had I think four very

clean cut chances and missed the target, so disappointed with that.

Chesterfield manager Paul Cook slated his players for not coming

out on the front foot against Burton who were close to opening up

lacking from his side in the first period was summed up by O'Shea's

volley but lacked conviction to set up an equaliser. After the break,

Richards' header bounced back into play.

A much-improved Chesterfield reaped their reward. The chance of sealing

the victory Cook thought his side deserved seemed to disappear when

Leicester was sent off after roughing up Diamond.

Torquay have played some excellent football and won five from six

matches. They only really started to motor

after they changed the colour of their kit during the break. They

opened the scoring just past the hour mark. Stevens with the nimble

footwork on the left and Ryan Jarvis applied the finish. The top

two ahead of the weekend only scored more than Northampton and

with conditions worsening by the minute, a late equaliser was poked

home. It wasn't pretty but it meant Northampton's losing streak was

over. Aldershot only scored three goals

at home all season. The manager must have been delighted that

number four came along after a few minutes. Hoe Pez with the near post

header. Rochdale lost three in a row before this but wiped out the

leads in four minutes as the bottom corner was found. Hilton's delivery

was met by Vicente. Dale made a habit of conceding three times

before half time. It happened after Bennett up ended Aaron Morris. Rose

made no mistake and the shots doubled their home goal's tally for

the season by the interval. It could have been even worse for

Coleman's side. Codogan came within a width of the post for his first

goal for the club. On the hour, Dale cut the deficit when Griems

beat Young for the second time -- Grimes. It was enough to test the

nerves of the suffering fans and a home success wasn't secure until

deep into added time. Codogan's centre was met by Reid. Fed Graham

spotted an altercation between two players.

Prior to kick off, Dagenham were on a six home game unbeaten run.

Williams found Saunders and they looked likely to extend the record.

After his assist, Williams fancied a go himself, having scored four in

his last five. He came within a cross bar whip of adding to his

tally. Barnet barely exerted any pressure and it could have been

worse if it was placement over told the chairman he wasn't able to

deliver stability for this club. Cheer up McGee might have been the

cry when his top scorer turned well before firing home the equaliser

within a minute. York were back in front, the cross

nod home. The third goal was a thing of

beauty culminating in a volley by Walker. With barely half an hour

gone, York had a fourth. The through-ball latched on to by

chambers who expertly grabbed the praise. McLoughlin was forced to

leave the field after a crunching 50/50 challenge with Woodards in

which he came off the worst. And, as the City player was

stretchered off, he past the dug out which included Mark McGee as

manager for the final time. Only Barnet have lost as many games

as Oxford. They owe so much to their keeper Ryan Clarke. Ellison's

fifth goal couldn't be prevented though. Morecambe in front with 12

minutes left to play. They failed to hold the lead and, following

sharp work on the right from Potter, it was central defender Worley who

snatched a late point for Oxford United.

Wycombe extended their unbeaten League One to five matches. 19-

year-old QPR loanee Andradi put the visitors ahead. Wycombe continued

to dominate. Morgan looked to double the lead but McClure from

the rebound, his sixth of the season. The 21-year-old also found

himself in the spotlight once again, getting sent off for two yell Les

picked up if quick succession. Wycombe unbeaten in five games.

Gillingham found themselves getting beat. It's the mark of a good side

isn't it never knowing you are beaten? Absolutely. You are not

going to steam roll your teams every week. Sometimes you have days

like this when you have to knuckle down, show a bit of character.

They've come back into the game 25 minutes left to go, but 2-0 down

and we'll take anything from the game. One of my favourite stories

is that aerld shot before today scored three goals at home, scored

four today in one game, a great story for Aldershot. It's been a

struggle for them, but this won't have done them any harm at aufplt

there is improvements. -- harm at all. The other story is

Mark McGee being sacked from Bristol Rovers, what do you think?

He came in last year and it's not really worked out. It's a big cub,

certainly at this level -- club. Should be doing better than it is.

Brought in a few players and to be second from bottom, it's disastrous.

And you should have top flight football in that city? You should

have two sides that probably feel a bit better than they are at this

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

stage. Wfr we go, let us have a Manish on Wednesday at 11.15 for

the best of the action from Leeds v Chelsea many the last Capital One

Cup quarter-final. And, join Gary for Match Of The Day next Saturday

at 10.25. Of course, we'll have the best of the action from all three