16/02/2013 The Football League Show

Evening, welcome along to the best from the NPower Football League.

In many ways, it was your average week with Leeds' new owners

rejecting another takeover bid, Notts County saw off a spurious

winding up order while, in the dug out, Mark Robins joined

Huddersfield from Coventry, who yesterday had their bank accounts

frozen. Graham Westley parted company with

Preston. Plenty then for Leroy to get stuck

into, and that's not even including today's games.

They've been in the play-off places virtually all season.

This week's promotion rivals Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough

went head-to-head for what could turn out to be a priceless three

points. We'll see whether Tranmere could

get their promotion charge back on track in Friday's home game with

Shrewsbury. John Ward is proving the old adage 'never go back' wrong

as an improving Bristol Rovers go in search of a fifth win in six.

I'm at the Memorial Stadium for the visit of another team transformed

by a new manager, Wycombee Wanderrs. We have all the goals, including a

couple of real gems from all three divisions.

First to the game between fifth and sixth in the Championship as

Crystal Palace took on Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park.

For Palace, six draws in their last 11 has held the Eagles back from

threatening the top two while Boro were looking to build on their

Of 2013 after beating Leeds in midweek.

COMMENTATOR: Six points separating five clubs within the promotion

frame, victory for Crystal Palace or Middlesbrough will be a momentum

booster as the season reaches its booster as the season reaches its

final third. There have been three path of Parr, who will keep it in

play. Stp Haroun made a mess of it. Murray turns it in. Brilliant play

by Zaha. Murray knows who to think for the provision of the simple

list of goals. Zaha seemed as if they was closed in. It was a cul-

de-sac, not for him. The deflection on the cross took it straight to

Murray. Haroun made a hash of it. Zaha's delivery and Murray

gratefully on the end, of all people to leave unmarked, albeit

via a deflection that took it to given to them by Glenn Murray in

the ninth minute. It was provided by Zaha, who is on the ball again.

Great ball. Murray. Oh, it could have been two! Another fabulous

ball in. Another terrific bit of wing play by the 20-year-old, who

is a constant menace to Parnaby. His ball into the area was pin-

point accurate. Murray, stretched as he did, could not quite get the

touch that would confirm Crystal with ease. Murray. He could have

had a hat-trick. He maybe should have had a hat-trick. Zaha is just

too good for Parnaby at the moment. Ian Holloway will know this game

should be beyond the visitors, this the second of two really

presentable openings. The first he stretched for, but couldn't convert.

This one he reached, but planted Palace and a good tackle by Friend.

Everything that Crystal Palace are doing in that final third has an

end product at the end of it. Lovely one, two, Murray almost

through. Good tackle by Friend. Half an hour of Crystal Palace

dominance. Was that going to go straight in? Steele went from far-

post to near to get it away. I wonder if that would have crept in,

it might well have done, you know. Haroun, back to his goalkeeper.

Steele, out as far as Dobbie, who hits it, just beyond the post. The

clearance was brought down well by Dobbie. There was only one thought

in his mind, there is a smile on his manager's face that he would

even try it. He brought it down. Saw the scrambling goalkeeper in

front of him. It swung off the side of his boot and away from that far-

on the far side. Cleared by Ramage. Took up a good position, Ramage,

behind his goal keerp. Just as well that he did -- goalkeeper. Just as

well that he did because Speroni was beaten. I don't think there is

any doubt it was over the line. Palace. Murray couldn't quite get

the touch. Excellent combination between Williams and Zaha. 19 years

old and 20 years old. The Palace Academy graduates almost setting up

a second goal. Palace corner. Murray jumps. And Ramage. At last,

Crystal Palace get themselves what had seemed an elusive second goal.

Not too much emotion on the face of the gaffer. Ramage, who cleared the

ball off the line to deny Middlesbrough an equaliser when

Haroun came close, he pops up at the other end and makes it 2-0. It

was a lovely turn and hit from the centre half. Really good turn and

Steele with the clear. Middlesbrough still down to 10.

Dikgacoi, beaten to it by Friend. Murray! Oh, fabulous! He may have

missed a couple to make it a hat- trick in the first half, but, if he

can pull one out as good as that, maybe a hat-trick is still on for

Glenn Murray. Brilliant goal, celebrated with a punch in the air

by the gaffer. Wonderful hit by Murray. Beyond Steele. Three goals

for Palace. Three points for Palace. Still more than half an hour of

tournament for Middlesbrough. 57 minutes gone, Crystal Palace 3,

to do to avoid having an afternoon to forget at Selhurst Park. Dobbie

might make it four! He maybe should have done. I think he was just

looking too much as Steele's arrival. Murray played the ball in.

Dobbie was favourite to get there. I think, in the corner of his eye,

he could see the goalkeeper coming at him. He just took his eye off it.

I'm sure he could have got there first. Roy Hodgson has choose an

good afternoon to come to Selhurst Park and look at some of his young

superstars, picked up his first England Cap against Sweden in

November. I'm sure more England Caps will be coming his way if he

can produce like this. This is before he become as Premier League

footballer with comuend. -- Manchester United. He has been

outstanding this afternoon. What an ideal time to come on for Kevin

Phillips. Palace in control. 3-0 up, full of confidence. There is 20

minutes for him to stretch his legs, get goalside of a defender or two

and maybe grab the fifth goal of go. If Middlesbrough were to pull

one goal back it might plant a small seed of doubt in Crystal

Palace's minds. Friend has probably been Middlesbrough's best performer.

Can they pull one back? Yes, they can. 11 minutes to go. Maybe there

is a way back into this for Middlesbrough? No emotion on the

face of the manager, who knows it could just be a consolation only.

It was a well constructed goal. Haroun on target. Nice little

combination with Friend, who had won the tackle, and Miller who laid

it on. Crystal Palace 3, yeah! I had a hunch he might get a

goal today. In fact, every time he gets onto the field you have a

hunch he will get a goal. That is why Ian Holloway has signed him.

There is only one in his mind, Kevin Phillips, looking and finding

the back of the Middlesbrough goal. Zaha with the pass. Just there it

looked as though he might be laying it off. Once he got beyond Friend

that trusty left boot, into the This division is very, very tough.

You give... Everybody has really good players. You have to take

advantage of the spells when you are on top. What a fantastic goal

from Glenn Murray. He is having the best season of his life and he is

improving. He is like a fine bottle of wine. At Ipswich we lost after

half-time, a bad goal. Then gu chasing the game and you end up

losing more. -- you go chasing the game and you end up losing more.

Frustrated at the moment. You got the master coming on, at 239 years

old, I said, "I think you will score when you are 110." He is

embarrassing. He is brilliant. I think he is one of the best

strikers I have ever worked with by quite a way. He is so focused. To

come off the bench when you are cold and look like you are in the

speed of the game is some mean They carried on where they left off

against Middlesbrough and they had no chance today. Glenn Murray is

the top scorer in English football, 27 goals to his fame and he could

have had more. He could have done, and he is a poacher. We have seen

this many times, Zaha with his this many times, Zaha with his

magic in the white areas, drawing defenders and Glenn Murray gets the

tap-in. Again, Zaha drawing defenders towards him, Glenn Murray

can't quite get there. You can't blame him for that one that you can

for this one, he doesn't tuck his chin in quick enough to get it on

target. But his 27th goal this season, and arguably his best, a

terrific striker, top corner, deserved in the top scorer in the

division. We saw in Holloway waxing lyrical about Kevin Phillips. He

knows him, he had him at Blackpool and heat it seemed options. They

gave him a good run out and he was well rewarded with a call that sums

up Kevin Phillips. Yes, he comes on for the young man and he may have

lost a bit of pace but he is doing the same thing he did 20 years ago,

getting he shot off early and giving the court he for no chance.

That is what he will bring, more goals. Middlesbrough never conceded

four voles and again last season, they have now done it three times

in this campaign -- goals. They in this campaign -- goals. They

have to be careful that all of the hard work doesn't get undone.

have talked about injuries to three of their regular back four, but

they can't use that as an excuse. Tony Mowbray knows the players who

can going they can do better and some of the defending was not up to

scratch. -- go in there. They need to do better in the final part of

the season, the players in the squad are in there to do the job

and at the moment, they are not. Bristol City had been enjoying

something of a revival under new manager Sean O' Driscoll. Last

week's win over his previous employers, Nottingham Forest, was

City's third in four games. Well, next up for the Robins - a trip

across the Severn bridge to face the leaders Cardiff, who began the

day nine points clear at the top, thanks to the League's best home

As if they need their help, harder called in the Dragons before the

called in the Dragons before the match, Chinese, not Welsh.

Apparently it Ward off evil spirits, which could be useful for the run-

in. Unfortunately, it does nothing to stop wicked free kicks. That job

fell to Tom Heaton, who kept Craig Bellamy from the scoresheet. He had

an outstanding game back on his old ground, equally agile with a

confrontation against an old friend from Manchester United, Fraizer

Campbell. But the striker enjoyed the last laugh, bursting on to

Tommy Smith's pass before the break. It turned out to be fair terrific

home debut for the �650,000 signing from Sunderland. His second goal

from a long throw had Cardiff in command. Bristol City's mini

revival seemed to have hit the buffers but they refused to go

quietly. Steve Davis letting fly. David Marshall was equal to the

shot, which turned out to be crucial. In stoppage time, Malky

Mackay's side conceded for the first time in three games. Time for

first time in three games. Time for a refund on those Dragons. But Ben

Nugent's mistake did not take the shine off the managers afternoon.

thought we were fantastic today, really delighted with the way they

applied themselves and saw the game out. I thought the application and

their attitude was first class and against a very good Cardiff team,

so we knew it was going to be difficult and we had to try and be

cannot have been rubbing his hands together to keep warm. Perhaps it

was the prospect of taking advantage of a Birmingham side who

cannot seem to pull away from the relegation scrap. The Hornets got

to work quickly, Jack Button and denying them. -- Jack Butler and.

Wes Thomas tried his luck but failed, a rare highlight the Blues

he was struggling. Seven minutes before the break, the perfect cross

for Troy Deeney. If Lee Clark had concerns about the defending, he

was in for more head-scratching as it Jenny Ania -- Anya indeed --

continued to shine. Birmingham tried to stir themselves back into

action, but Thomas missed his cue. It failed to disrupt Watford's

rhythm, breaking four on four, the outcome seemed inevitable. Troy

Deeney made it 3-0. Watford are averaging three goals a game and

refused to switch off. Almunia staying focused to deny Peter

Lovenkrands and keep that clean sheet. Watford raised the score

with five minutes to go as Birmingham's unbeaten run came

crashing to a halt. The top two will be looking nervously over

their shoulders. The last game, against Palace in

the second half, we dropped a little bit too much physically, and

so I was concerned about our physical condition, but today I

loan signings from Egypt, engineered by Egyptian Board

chairman, could help Hull reached the Top Gear of the football

pyramid. David Meyler was close to snatching some of the attention

away from the North African contingent. Andy Dale Stephens's

diligence denying him. -- Only. Steve Bruce has said substance over

style will be the order of the day during the run-in and to prove the

point, the winning goal was a scrappy as they come. Mohamed Gedo

scoring for the second game running. Hull had won all but one of the 15

matches they scored first in this season and could have ensured that

run continued in comfort. Chris Powell has said his side need to be

more clinical, but they couldn't quite he'd hit their manager's

almost seal that later on as Tom Cairney went close. I didn't think

it would be possible to get to international footballers on loan

from two of the biggest clubs in Africa but thankfully his

connections in Egypt, and the turmoil there with no food for

going on, has enabled us to get to read a good players. Fashion a

football. They may not be as prolific as

Palace, but it is another tight win for Hull. It is easy to be cynical

when you have Egyptian owners and juicy Egyptian players coming

through but these players are clearly effective. -- and you see.

They are good footballers. Matt Wilhelm Hammarby has come in from

Sunderland and we know he is a good football -- football. Amid Guido

looks like a natural goalscorer and since Fraizer Campbell was there,

they haven't really had that -- has got to be Watford. A lot has

been made of the loan system, but credit to the Horn it, because they

have exploited a loophole, but a player came to the for that not

many of us have spoken about on the programme. Ikechi Anya, one goal

and two assists and he has had quite a journey to get there.

Nigerian father, Iranian mother, on loan from Glasgow, and quite a

journey, but he is playing very well in that win back well. He is

somebody who likes to get forward. It is so important to have somebody

who can get up and down and affect the game going forward. He likes

staying in that wide position. He attacks the fullback. If he is a

defensive wing back, he doesn't do this but he finds a yard and hits

the back of the net. That is the way Watford have been playing,

relying on the wing backs all season. Again, look at the running

power, getting forward. It is a great release and he picks out a

lovely pass for Troy Deeney. Again, a terrific break. 64 goals in 32

games for Watford and a clean sheet despite one of the changes in

defence. As for Birmingham, Lee Clark said Nicolas Zigic and his

bad for training, I surprised he went to public? I haven't got a

problem with him disciplining someone for bad training but I have

got a problem with coming out to the press. It is to be in house. It

may be a message to the supporters but I don't think it does for club

any good, it doesn't do see kitchen he could. He might lose a player he

may need -- it does not do Nicolas Zigic have been it. Interesting to

see how get back from that. Let's round of the rest of the

Championship, starting with Billy Davies's second homecoming at

Nottingham Forest. Could he end the club's three-game losing streak

against Bolton, managed by the former Forest striker Dougie

revolving door, the man who says he has unfinished business. Philip

Davies twice took the clubs into the play-offs in his first spell in

charge at Billy Davies. There was a spring in the step that would have

raised his hopes of a hat-trick. Henri Lansbury was foiled. The

high-tempo start from the team who have won just one of their last

seven league games, lifted by the buoyant atmosphere. They maintained

the momentum. Alex Bogdan continued his busy half as he kept out Simon

Cox. There's a lot of ground to make up if the Nottingham club is

to make it into the top six this season but there are some skilful

players at the City Ground, and Darida among them. His fabulous

folly gave them the lead -- Andy Reid. But in the unpredictable

Championship this season, dominance doesn't guarantee results. David

N'Gog stretched the home defence and teed up fellow substitute Craig

Davies. Do the fruit and said his players deserved the draw for their

tenacity and they certainly faced a final testing minutes -- but

Friedman. Well, that a man light as they prepare for the final

onslaught. At Bolton. There was no second Forest goal to get Davies

after a fire, just a draw and a display the Scotsman felt was full

of promise -- off to a flyer. was nice to get a look at the team

and individuals within the team and what they can give us and on

today's performance, I have got to say I'm very pleased with what we

where he made a name for himself as a player. He made his return still

searching for that elusive first win with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This was far from a classic. Jamie O'Hara's strike was the best they

had to offer in a poor first half. Wolverhampton Wanderers's position

is becoming increasingly precarious and a young Dobbie team was

standing firm. -- Derby County team. Not even the inform Jamie Ward

could affect the scoreline. He was stopped from scoring for a 5th

successive league match. Wolf hunt wonders of one. Fear from trouble

while Derby County are seven points adrift of the top six -- 400

wondrous are one point for a way both teams scribbled -- struggle to

create chances. It is not a disaster, and I think looking at

the result, it may help of a little bit. -- it may help us.

Be it may be like father like son next week, with Thomas Ince

expected to see his father Paul Tecau as black Ford boss on Monday.

That could herald a new dawn for the Tangerines -- his father Paul

just one of their last 22 matches, but Iago couldn't quite get his

angles right to continue that runs -- Gomes. Mick McCarthy said he had

quite a few clubs enquiring about Michael Chopra last month and he

was glad he said no, as he backed up the views of former player Marta

Stewart that he could be vital in the remaining months. -- Marcus

Stewart. Mick McCarthy has said he is happy to win a belief. He got

the scoreline he was looking for after Frank Nouble diverted Alex

Baptiste's header wide. Ipswich are now four points clear of the drop

zone. There is speculation about Paul, I think it should get tied up

over the weekend and probably a press conference on Monday. And are

you staying on at the club? I spoke to Paul and we had a good chat. I

have always said that if he wants it to be part of his team,

fantastic. I have enjoyed it as a number one, it is something I want

to pursue in my career, Sir Kibiwot Spik to help him out, like I say,

I'll help him out -- if he wants me to. Steve Thompson will be a bit of

stability. It is ironic, turned down by Sean O'Driscoll and Billy

Davies, but the man they are going to a point, for all pounds, is Paul

Ince, who was right under their nose to begin with. He has been

watching his son perform well for them all season and for him. He is

itching to get back in, he still has enthusiasm and it is a good

club to go to. Do you think it will have a bearing on Thomas Ince's

future? I don't think so. It is being dictated by what is happening

in the transfer window, winner he was linked to the Premier League

and Liverpool and he needs to play at a higher level, no doubt. If the

Premier League club comes in at the end of the season, he will be

allowed to go. Will it matter he is not necessarily their first choice?

Not at all. They wanted a certain person who buys into the way they

do things and that is why he took his time finding the right manager.

The couple got away, very good managers, but Paul has got

experience and he knows how the club was one and Steve Thompson

will be very important to him, I hope he stays there. It is that

constant thread, which is always needed.

A great reception at the City Ground, as you have come to imagine,

for Billy Davies. Eight points from the play-offs, they were unlucky

not to come away with all three points against Bolton. Can he

galvanised them enough to make the He needs the players to buy into

the way he wants to do things. They dominated games like they did today

against bolt objecton. He will be disappointed with not getting all

three points. Saunders has come away with a draw at his old club,

Derby. That first win evades him. Cleansheet. Defended better. Looked

morselied. It is only a matter of time. He is breathe a sigh of

relief. You don't think it is too far away? No, not after that

performance today. To League One now and after being

knocked off the summit in midweek by Bournemouth, Tranmere had the

chance to regain top spot on Friday night as they welcomed Shrewsbury

Town to Prenton Park. Ronnie Moore made just one change

as Michael O'Halloran came in for David Amoo, who dropped to the

bench. While Graham Turner made three

changes. Marvin Morgan and new loan signings,

Rob Edwards and Chris Porter all started.

Kevin Keatings was watching this there. He isn't happy with the

challenge there, the referee. He will check with his assistant to

see, oh, it is red Palmer is off, just five minutes in. Palmer is

sent off. Well, you could look at that both ways. From Palmer's point

of view it was attempt at the ball. He got plenty of his opponent.

Ronnie Moore has to rejig in terms goal keeping from fon Williams.

Tranmere defence couldn't do anything about that. It looked an

easy take here for fon Williams. Launched in by Richards. It ended

up being a tap-in for the debutant. First game on lone from Sheffield

United. That will do for Chris Portder. That is a howler from the

Moore envisaged losing his player after five minutes to a straight

McCallister! Good save. That was heading into the bottom corner, I

think, via the right foot of David McCallister. We will see it better

from this angle. He has to save this fon Williams otherwise it's 2-

0. A fine stop. He was a former player/manager with Shrewsbury.

see it straight down his throat in the end. A slight deflection this.

Tranmere captain, he is going to force the issue here with the

support of Bakayogo. Stockton! He has been Tranmere's most used

substitute. He got his opportunity at the beginning tonight owing to

that sub spenges. -- suss pension. Porter has miszed his kick. Oh, my

goodness. The tollup from Mc -- follow up from McAllister is over

crucially. An awkward one for the goalkeeper. Squeezed in here by Max

Power. Awkward for fon Williams. He has dropped it again. The keeper is

having one of those nights, isn't made a great save in the first half.

He has made another tremendous stop here. In and out, that is the

description for con Williams. A great reaction save. Going to his

right, he has to adjust. There's Shrewsbury's second. They can't

deal with it. It's Cameron Gayle. His first goal on-loan from West

Brom. He doubles Shrewsbury's advantage. That, against 10 men,

you feel, should be enough. thought for a side under pressure

we passed the ball well. We created one or two good opportunities in

the second-half which we should have done better with. We deserved

the points irrespective of the sending off. We started off nice

and bright. We wanted to get at them. Does he have to make the

tackle? It is bouncing. He had a go at it. The referee has made a

mistake, you know, Iwelumo apologise for having a go at. It it

changed the game. No doubt about changed the game. No doubt about

that. It was going to be a tough ask for Tranmere. Let us get your

view on the sending off, after five minutes. Was the referee right?

Absolutely, right. It certainly had Absolutely, right. It certainly had

a bearing on the game. Liam loses control of the ball here. We have

seen this many times. He wants to retrieve the situation as quickly

as possible. He goes over the top with the ball. Jacobson brings his

left foot out of the way or he could have been in big trouble. The

referee consults and sent him off. It was the right decision. Five

minutes later we saw what happened with Owain fon Williams who, in his

defence, has been terrific for Tranmere. 13 cleansheets in 32

games. He takes his eye off it in the last moment, Porter took full

advantage to give Shrewsbury the lead. He did it in the second-half.

He was shakey, he dropped it. The defenders backed him up. He made

terrific saves as well. This is a wonderful save with his left hand,

moving across his right hand side. One of those days for Owain. He has

been terrific. Shrewsbury, that could be a massive win for them?

was a massive win. When a player is sent off it can be difficult to

play against 10 men. They played with control and passed the ball.

They got their rewards that three points gives them breathing space

at the bottom. That was their own only third away win of the season.

They have to improve away from home. A break with the sending off. They

are a decent side. Graham is doing a good job. He needs to move them

a good job. He needs to move them forward.

Elsewhere in League One, Graham Westley's 13 months in charge of

Preston came to an end on Tuesday night after a heavy defeat at

Yeovil. The Lilywhites found themselves

flirting dangerously with the relegation zone as they welcomed

the League's form side in insisted there was no pressure on

him or Preston here. That psychology did the trick. They were

ahead within 19 minutes. Beavon got the goal. He was one of several

changes that were made to the Preston side. Wright scored their

second. They inflicted upon Bournemouth a second defeat in 22

league matches. They were brave out there today. They did as I asked

them in terms of gameplan. We kept a cleansheet. All around, a good

day for the club. We weren't at our best. Disappointed with how we

played. It has been a rare thing for us. We have been excellent week

in and week out. Today was a game too far. After their recent wobbles,

Sheffield United are back in the groove. Off to a flyer against

Colchester after Thomson put Robson on the deck. He was determined to

make the most of his start. He gave his side a fourth minute lead. The

Blades could have been two up. This drive shook the woodwork before

Robson fired over the rebound. Having lost their three previous

outings at home they needed a killer second. McDonald got the

shot into the second-half. Kitson rounded it up at the end. Kitson

tap-in secured their third win in the week. They are now up to second.

The last two goals came later in the game, didn't they? The

performance deserved the goals we got. Should we have got them

earlier? Possibly so. I felt their our reaction was good. We got into

good attacking positions. I felt we looked a threat. We lost

unfortunately. What an outstanding performance in recent weeks from

Yeovil. After Scunthorpe's keeper denied Foley they wracked up a club

record of eight wins on the spin. Their opening goal came in off

Byron Webster. Webster appeared to bring down Sodje, the referee took

no action. Brian Laws was shown a red card. Yeovil got two more. This

challenge on Foley saw the referee point to the spot. James Hayter

opened up the crucial two goal advantage. Soon Paddy Madden, who

picked up his League One player of the month award before kick-off,

was scoring in his seventh consecutive league game. A feat

that equaled a club record and wrapped up the points for a red hot

Yeovil. When Mark rob sons deflected to Huddersfield, it was

business as usual for Leon Clarke. His 17th goal of the season

suggests the chopping and changing hasn't affected him. The Sky Blues

made light of Robins departure. This run from Elliott almost

brought about a second goal. The post intervened. Bailey was denied

on the goal-line. Coventry gave themselves breathing space. Carl

Baker's 11th goal secured a winning start for interim manager. There

was a wobble before the end. Ajose thought he got one back. The keeper

preserved Coventry's cleansheet. Walsall were out to put more

pressure on the play-off pack aiming for a sixth home win on the

spin. Will Grigg found aa way through. The danger was cleared.

Grigg did get his opportunity. That gave the leading scorer the chance

to take his season's tally to 11. Walsall ahead by the break. The

tables turned in the second as Notts County went in search for

their first win in four. Judge wasting a chance to equallise. That

run of 22 away game games without defeat seemed a long way away now.

Arq uin restored parity. It was an evil game. We were the better team

first half they were the better team second-half. The surface

played a part today. It had a lot of rain over the last few weeks. A

few games on there where it has been tough to cope with it. It

played the part and turned it into a horrible game today. We had to

adjust to the pitch. Very difficult, you want to play football, but not

over play. Second-half I thought we deserved to win the game. We will

good opportunities to win. It disappointed. First half, if you

said we would come out and played second-half, I would have been

points adrift at the bottom of the table. But today, they stormed back

to record the wind which kept them off the bottom sense -- for the

first time since late October. Paul Hartley's bullet header to equalise

did not arrive until two minutes from time. It looked like honours

even, but with almost the last kick of the game, Hartlepool grab the

dramatic winner. Lick James latching on to a knock-down from

Steve Howard. And you wonder if the great escape could be on for a side

who looked doomed only a few weeks ago.

With new on and off the field problems every week, Portsmouth

could do with a change of fortune. Jon Paul McGovern's free kick

suggested that for once, their luck might be in. Another trying week

for Pompey, who were not allowed into their new training base until

Friday. The delay has not affected Simon Eastwood's reflexes. But

Carlisle were ahead soon afterwards, taking the lead following Lee

Miller's perfect pass. East would not so sharp this time. -- Simon

Eastwood. But Portsmouth still have some spirit about them. Mark the

less be sending the striker flying -- Mark Gillespie. Walker found the

corner to make it unbeaten back-to- back matches for Pompey, who are

grateful for small mercies these days.

the run without a win goes on. We saw a management change at Deepdale,

Graham Westley not in the dug-out, and they pick up their first home

win in four months. It never really happened under Graham, did it?

didn't. 37 players out, 22 in, it seemed like a revolving door. They

needed to settle down. Stuart Beavon has returned from injury and

gets it going. Graham needed for players to buy into what he wanted

to, and the fans and it just didn't happen. He had a recipe that

brought him success before by bringing familiar players from his

previous clubs. Yes, and it didn't quite work for him at Preston. The

fans became impatient, the Ford became impatient and I think Graham

was a bit impatient -- the board. Some of the players that he signed,

he moved on, and he was only there for 18 months. He had to reduce the

budget, I think he managed to do that by 60 or 70%, so it was a

tough job and he needed a bit more time, which he office he didn't get

because the fans and the board were looking for more -- which he didn't

get. Coventry fans thought they were getting somewhere, and they

were, under Mark Robins. What a week they have had to endure. And

the problems continue with the stadium but they picked themselves

up. But they have their backs against the wall again. Mark Robins

did a terrific job that you can't blame him for going to Huddersfield.

What has happened at Coventry with the ground and the frozen bank

account yesterday, you can't really blame him. This is a man who was

out of work for for for years and it is like buses, they come along

at once. But he has taken Coventry into a fight position and I am sure

they will prefer the five funds that he was there rather than none

at all. It has taken John Hughes a little while to get going at

Hartlepool, but off the bottom for the first time in four months.

he has target. They are unbeaten in five now and John will want to keep

them playing with pride and keep moving forward, that is the job he

has got to do and they are certainly doing that. What can you

say that hasn't already been said about Yeovil Town? Eight wins in a

row, sensational. They are flying at the moment, a club record of

eight wins in a row. The best home form in the division, they have won

10 games at home and it is a fortress for them and if they keep

that going, I would be surprised if they go straight to. Gary Johnson

has done it before, he has been with them being on the end they

have that mentality where they don't care, whoever turns up they

will give them the game. Well done to them and what an achievement,

the best run in the Football League this season.

Our look at League Two starts at St James Park, Exeter, where the

Grecians set a new club record of ten away wins following their 3-0

victory at Morecambe last week. On Friday, they were hoping to

transfer some of that form at home against relegation threatened

from only their second away point since November when they showed why

they are in serious trouble towards the bottom. They keep and

alarmingly static defence watched the Devon side break the deadlock,

who despite their lofty position, have struggled for wins on their

own turf. They almost threw it away in bizarre fashion, when Danny

Coles attempt to play it safe when -- nearly went wrong. But

Accrington seal their own fate, an ambitious back-pass catching the

Kamara and the goalkeeper by surprise -- the Kamara. Michael

Kier him with his second ticket the pressure on their rivals. --

out to be the Morecambe winner and it will not have pleased Micky

Adams -- goal. But she would have expected the country's tops for us

to have found an equaliser. But a terrific clearance shut out Darren

Purse. And for the last 18 minutes, they had an extra man as well.

Morecambe's wing back Andrew Wright showed that shown a second yellow

for a body-check. He took his time to leave the field of play, but

once he departed for but the remaining 10 performed heroics for

Morecambe. Especially the goalkeeper Barry Roach. A double

save from Williams made certain of a third straight win for Morecambe.

Port Vale, with 64 League goals already, were having a nap -- an

off day and they failed to find the net for the second consecutive need

-- week after Daniel Jones just fizzed a shot wide. Winning any

game away from home is a fantastic achievement. To do it against a

team who are riding high and scoring plenty of holes, and we

were certainly up against it in the last 25 minutes, but we do have

been there and ground out a victory. scored the Gillingham opener, but

the referee overruled his assistant. The Dagenham in 7th -- sense of

injustice inspired an impressive start the second half. They soon

levelled the match. Gillingham's recent home record is not the best.

Nerves were starting to fray when Charlie Lee headed wide from Matt

Fisher's cross. But two minutes later came the second decision that

incensed Dagenham. Did Chris Lewington get the ball? The referee

said no and awarded a penalty. Having only just stepped off the

bench, Deon Burton slotted in the most composed of penalties. That

winning goal takes the Gills back to the top of the table. Dagenham's

arguments about decisions they have been more muted had a margin of

victory being malls -- been more. The post prevented a more one-sided

which made for a tight first half with no hint of the drama to come

after the break, when Burton Albion turned up the heat. Billy Kee and

Alex MacDonald forced into saves from Scott Davies. The keeper was

also at the heart of the action which decided the course of the

match. Referee Gary Sutton decided the striker was clipped by the

goalkeeper and opted for a penalty and a red card. David Lucas donned

the gloves and faced the man who had been fouled. He will have been

disappointed not to have got a firm hand on the spot kick, but there

was nothing Lucas could do when Billy Kee turned smartly on the

edge of the box and increased the advantage. Fleetwood's ten men in

big trouble. They avoided further damage until the final few minutes

but tired legs began to tell. Calvin Zola setting his team-mate

away. Previously, Albion had a managed 11 away goals all season.

They hate crease that by a third. Calvin Zola getting the 4th and

boosting Burton's prospects of counted, said the Aldershot boss

Dean Holdsworth. After Michael Hector went mighty close early on,

his players stepped up to the plate by taking the lead midway through

the first half. Ben Herd's cross was only partially cleared and

Danny Rose latched on to the cup back. They nearly doubled the lead

shortly after, a cracking effort from keirin can Logan, dipping just

done with, because midway through the second half, Paul Bengtsson put

away his second in consecutive games after coming on loan from

Swindon. It was anybody's game and after Anthony Tonkin was shown a

second yellow card 17 minutes from time for obstructing -- a

obstruction, you fancied Cheltenham to take advantage. But this turned

out to be an excellent point for Aldershot.

Southend are suffering from a lack of bodies. Northampton's opening

goal, scored by Roy O'Donovan, for trade a back four decimated by

injury and suspensions. -- the trade. So much so that there was an

unexpected olive branch to his French centre-back. Another red

card came with only 27 minutes gone. To their credit, Southend levelled

in the second half when Matty Lund's header went in off Kelvin

Langmead. In a game of heroes and villains, Kelvin Langmead was both.

Not only is the skipper a rock in defence, he has recently turned

goalscorer. His second in as many games secured a vital win over

their play-off rivals and only their 4th away from home this

Northampton's promotion challenge on track. All of the headlines will

be about the sending off. It was clearly a gamble taken by Paul

Sturrock. In hindsight, is it too easy to say it was one that

backfired? It is too easy. He has ability, and for once to give him

every chance that you can give somebody too many chances and that

is his fifth sending off the second. You have to build trust players

that they will do the job for your answer to the Trust that will stay

on the pitch -- that they will stay on the pitch, and for will have to

do with that in his own way and then to the conclusion whether he

gives him another chance or not. is fair to say that Morecambe had

to with standard bit of pressure from Ford fell. -- withstand a bit

of pressure. Their budget is not as big as the clubs around them and he

is having to play catch-up. only the technical side of it, but

there was real guts and that display, because it was like the

Alamo against Port Vale, so a great three points. Down to ten men as

well after 80 minutes, so GB showing them how to play, he is

developing as a coach and developing their mentally as well.

If that wasn't the result to make you stand up and take notice,

Burton's certainly is, four goals away at Fleetwood. After what they

did against the nine men of rock from last week, Exeter next week,

they are in a powerful patch against teams around them --

against Rotherham. A great strike by Billy Kee and as you say,

beating the teams around them is so important for a side in the top six.

And this is a good goal, a lovely if finish. They are enjoying

playing anybody at the moment, they don't care who they play. To come

away with those two results is exceptional.

More from League Two now and what a turnaround at Bristol Rovers. The

Pirates were in a relegation dog fight when John Ward returned for

his second spell as manager in December. They began the day five

points clear of the drop zone in 19th. Clem was at the Memorial

Stadium for the visit of another side steadily climbing the table -

Ward started his original three- year tenure with Bristol Rovers. Oh,

Carolina by shaggy was number one. Home games were temporarily been

played 30 miles down the road in Bath. And after three seasons in

what is now the Championship, they were heading for relegation. 17

years and 80 managers later, they What do you think of that fella

there? Is it true you used the same ticket, you bought it to go to

Plymouth and got off a stew stops before? I phoned Plymouth. They

were good about. It I got the train ticket and got off at Temple Meads.

They were guys I didn't know well, the fizz Yeo had a bigger squad

than I had. Two years' time there is a new ground on the horizon here.

That will happen. That will give Bristol Rovers the opportunity to

push forward. I find it tough to keep talking about that. My time is

now. I have to make sure the team that goes into that ground in two

years' time are worthy of it. you put a finger on what the gafer

has done since he came in? Worked on the back four, got us tight, he

did it with the midfielders and the strikers. We have not conceded that

many goals, he has done a good job. A hell of a month for you? It has.

21st birthday then Player of the Month. Yeah. It shows the system

works. People are out there spotting good players? I turned 21.

I had the captain band. To make the month better I got Player of the

Month. Hopefully we will get three points today to make it even better

for me. Can you tell instantly the good managers from the bad?

would like to think so. You have been through a few? You know that

you could get a boot where you don't want one. I keep pushing the

players to do that extra bit and never let them think we have

cracked. It we haven't. We are still in danger. We have to get out

of that as quick as we can. COMMENTATOR: A fine move saw Ryan

Brunt tee up seven-minutes in. When Brunt tee up seven-minutes in. When

another opportunity came his way His execution was sharper. This

cross took a deflection to find him. There was nothing lucky about the

finish. With Wycombe having lost once in their last six away games

they had to be strong at the back. O'Toole could have made things a

lot less nervy for the hosts, but couldn't keep his cool from close-

range. It was 19 points from 24 this year. The highest return of

any League Two team in 2013, despite anxious moments during

I suspect, if I told awe month ago you would pick up 16 points from

your next possible 18 you would have snapped my hand off? Both

hands we would have taken off you there. There are different ways to

win. We had to dig in today. We can play Bert than that. Digging in has

been fantastic. Fair play to the team. There is something about you

and this football club, isn't there? I quite like it, yeah. I

quite enjoy. It we have to keep doing it though. It doesn't stop

here. Well done. Thanks. Incredible to think six weeks ago that fixture

would have been seen as a relegation six-pointer. Bristol

Rovers get another three points. They are out of the bottom six. You

are not surprised by what John has done? No. I have known him a long

time. I thought it was a perfect appointment. Not just his

organisation, but his players he has. Right down the spine of that

team, all the signings made an impact. If you take a snapshot of

the League since he took over they would be second in the division

behind Port Vale on good difference. Fantastic job. I think it will

continue. You see this, don't you, you see managers go to other clubs

not working out. There is a certain fit and John and Bristol Rovers is

certainly is an example of that? Bristol Rovers are a unique club,

passionate supporters and passionate atmosphere. John knows

that. Have to fit into the community if you go there as

manager. He knows what makes them tick, he knows how to get the best

out of the players and the supporters. They are 12-man. A last

look at League Two now. A South Yorkshire Derby as

promotion-chasing Rotherham welcomed Chesterfield to the New

COMMENTATOR: The second-half followed a similar pattern, they

will reflect on what might have will reflect on what might have

been. They were undone by a set- piece. Rotherham are up to sixth in

the table. It was what we had been trying to work on. It was high

tempo. Players on the front foot creating chances. When we do that,

the crowd is behind us, that is all the ingredients for a good

performance and win. That is what we got. Delighted. Bradford boss

was delighted with his side's performance in winning 3-0 at

Wycombe on Tuesday. After Garry Thompson stuck them in front they

conceded two goals in the last seven-minutes. Dickson put through

an own-goal. Just eight days ahead of club's big day at Wembley, they

failed to pick up Gary Alexander at the near-post. They will need to

mark Michu and co tighter next weekend. Plymouth have been hard to

beat. James Constable's early gone for Oxford posed a problem for

which they had no answer. They had the chances to thaend poor spell. -

- to end that poor spell. Cole rescued Argyle. Sheridan was

perplexed. Constable clipped the post and had to settle for that

single goal. They now return to the comfort of mid-table. Keith Hill

has his first win in his second spell as Rochdale boss it could

have been a different story had this slip been punished by

Torquay's Mr Reliable. He missed the chance to score for the fourth

game in a row. Michael Pope did well to keep him out the first time,

but couldn't stop the follow-up. Dale came into the game after

blowing winning positions more than any other club in the division.

Breathing space would have been welcome. It's now four defeats in

the five games Torquay have played without their manager who is absent

due to illness. Sean Taylor expects to be in charge on Tuesday. They

Barnet from the relegation zone. When Stevens put through his own

net, this free-kick caused confusion. Yiadom ensured the ball

crossed the line. Barnet haven't travelled well this season. Sensing

the possibility of a rare away success, they committed players

forward. Nurse enjoyed one of their better opportunities. The switch

worked a treat. Hyde was the match- winner. The player providing a

decisive contribution. There was a late lettoff for the visitors. They

held off, they are two points clear of the drop-zone. In a season of

struggle, it's a step in the right direction. Barnet coming out on top

with the two managers winning European Cups not often you can

European Cups not often you can Cisse that in League Two. York

going off the boil at the worse possible time? They haven't won in

eight. The goals are drying up. They have to try and keep a

cleansheet to get anything out of the game. It's not happening for

them. Rotherham got bragging rights against Chesterfield. 11,000 at the

against Chesterfield. 11,000 at the New York Stadium. Evans is trying

it get that level of consistency, isn't he, maybe this win will help

them? They don't do anything by them? They don't do anything by

halves. They have won 10 at home. Lost four. If you draw five or six

of those games you are right in there. They have a couple of games

in hand. They haven't picked up points when they haven't performed

as well. Priceless victory for AFC Wimbledon. One of the most

outstanding results against Bradford. Could they be guilty for

having their eye on something bigger? Of course. You can't blame

them either, can you? The last eight minutes or so AFC Wimbledon

came up with a couple of goals. They had one eye on something else.

Wimbledon took advantage. It gets them in touch of the people above.

A massive win for them. You share my view that all the best goes out

to Martin at this time, Torquay want to get stability in as he

recovers from his illness? Yes. They want Martin and Sean to

continue next season they need someone in to help out until the

end of the season. We wish Martin a and they stay eight points clear of

Hull in second, who also picked up all three points.

Watford and Crystal Palace both took advantage of Leicester not

playing, by moving above them, while Middlesbrough stay in sixth.

Bristol City were the only team in the bottom three to play on

Saturday and they lost at Cardiff. Wolves picked up a point, but are

still without a win in 2013. Ipswich take advantage of those not

playing around them and move up two places.

Bournemouth stay top of the NPower League One, despite losing at

Preston. Sheffield United won and move back

into the top two, while League One's surprise package Yeovil kept

up their incredible run with an eighth consecutive win and move up

to third. Tranmere, the only other top six

side to play and their defeat sees them drop down to a season low of

fifth. Portsmouth are bottom of League One

for the first time this season and are still without a win since

October, replacing Hartlepool. Bury, who are above the Pools, lost.

Oldham were in FA Cup action, while Scunthorpe and Colchester both came

away pointless. Gillingham are once again top of

the NPower League Two after they won and Port Vale surprisingly lost.

Burton kept up their good form and move into the top three.

Cheltenham drop to fourth. Exeter, Rotherham and Northampton

all move above Fleetwood. The bottom two stay as they were

with just two points separating AFC Wimbledon who are bottom and Barnet

Wimbledon who are bottom and Barnet in 20th.

That's almost it from us, but don't forget to join Colin Murray for

forget to join Colin Murray for Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night,

which comes from Anfield. That's on BBC One at 11.05pm.

There's more Six Nations Rugby next Saturday as England meet France.

Live coverage from 4.30pm on BBC One.

With Match of the Day at 10.30pm, followed by the best from the