19/01/2013 The Football League Show

Evening, you won't be surprised to hear the snow wreaked havoc with

the weekend's fixture list with 14 games called off as a result.

Thankfully though, every Championship game got the green

light and we should say well done to those fans who, along with club

groundsmen, worked all hours to get their games on.

Today marked three more managerial debuts in the football league as

Sean O'Driscoll, Gary Flitcroft and Brian Flynn were all confirmed as

the full-time men in charge of Bristol City, Barnsley and

Doncaster respectively. Well, Steve's here to reflect on

how they got on, with plenty more to look forward to.

It's one of the fiercest rivalries in English football.

This week, the East Midlands Derby takes centre stage as Nigel

Clough's Rams met a Nottingham Forest side adjusting to life under

new manager Alex McLeish. Two clubs well placed in the hunt

for promotion went head-to-head on Friday night, we've all the action

from the game involving Leicester and Middlesbrough.

A week after the departure of manager Michael Appleton from

Bloomfield Road, Blackpool seek to steady the ship against League

leaders Cardiff. At Ewood Park, Michael Appleton was starting his

third job of the season as Blackburn Rover's third permanent

manager. Will they start with a win over Charlton Athletic?

First up tonight, a game you can always trust to help raise the

temperature levels as arch rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest met for

the latest bragging rights. With just two defeats at home,

Derby had proved tough nuts to crack at Pride Park while in the

week that saw wholesale changes in the Forest boardroom, on the pitch,

they were looking to build on their first win under Alex McLeish last

Saturday. Saturday.

Commentary from Martin Fisher. COMMENTATOR: There is no doubting

the size of these two clubs and no doubting the passionate Pride Park

this afternoon. The Rams looking for an unprecedented fourth win in

a row over the Reddes who have tasted victory here just once in

nine visits. Derby make two from suspension. Otherwise, it's

the same side that earnt Alex McLeish's first win as their

Chancing his arm. Forest slow to close him down. It's been a bright

start from the home side. That is a nice turn. Bryson. Forced wide to

Coutts. Derby want a free-kick on the edge. The referee thought about

giving it, and now has. Ward coming in there on Bryson. The referee had

a good look. Thought Coutts might have been able to take advantage

here, but then decided against it. My money is on Ward. It's Ward. It

is through the wall. Big deflection off one of those red-shirted bodies.

Darlow was heading the wrong way. A big deflection off Gillett. That

would have given Derby County the Derby's early onslaught. It might

run through for Billy Sharp. He couldn't take it in his side. Cox

with the shot. Against the bar. They couldn't get in for the

rebound. So close to breaking the deadlock. Beautifully found by

Sharp. The goalkeeper might have got the slietest of touches to that

-- slightest of touches to that. If he did, it's a great save. Sammon.

Nice turn. Poor cross. Forest beginning to settle down a bit now

as Lansbury seeks to pick out Cox who is onside. Sharp through the

centre. He lost his head at the vital moment. More composure there.

Legzdins might have been tested in. Well stopped. Clearance sets

Derby on their way again with Coutts. Up the line for Sammon.

Coutts, urged to hit it, does. Always sailing wide of the post.

Not a lot in the way of support for Sammon. Coutts didn't have many

options for him either. He thought he might as well go for. It Darlow

not required. Sharp, taking on Roberts. It might drop here for

Cohen. The first-strike to the Reds. A sea of red and white. Great work

from Billy Sharp sharp. Cohen, that was an attempt at goal. It turned

into a pretty good assist. As Legzdins came out to try and block

his path to goal, Cohen side foots it home. Forest's first goal since

late November, away from home. Forest, at the moment, without

not required again. Created space for himself here. Very well. It's a

disappointing effort at the end of it all. Two minutes from half-time.

Forest still leading through that strike from Chris Cohen on the

half-hour mark. Here's Jamie Ward, on the curl! From the reaction of

the Forest fans from behind that goal, it was a lot wider than it

appeared. Just trying to play the one, two can Sammon. There is the

link up. Ward is well off target. Ward scores. Derby level. Simon

Gillett has the red face. His mistake. A goal out of nothing.

Beautiful combination between Sammon and Jamie Ward. Derby County

are right back in the game now. Well, if was a gamble to play Ward,

he's just repaid that gamble. Great work by Sammon. Beautiful weight on

the pass. Ward, like Cohen in the first half, finishes with calmness.

Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Forest, who had looked so

comfortable, have gifted Derby an the gears. Hendrick. Jamie Ward to

his rite right.he goes himself. Darlow helps it over the bar. Where

has my defence gone, asks Darlow? Hendrick, three goals in his last

three games, testing Darlow here. It was swerving and heading home.

Darlow with a tip over. Coutts with a corner. Forest just wobbling. Up

goes Brayford. He clears the crossbar. O'Brien has never scored

for Derby County. For a moment, he thought that was his moment. Surely

if he offered leeshleesh a point prior to kick-off, he would have

taken it -- Alex McLeish. This game Not sure he needed to get involved.

It's gone behind for the corner. Legzdins felt he needed to get

involved. Sammon was in control. It's off Sammon's head and behind

for the corner kick. Inswinger. A free header, completely unmarked,

and fails to hit the target. Thats with a really good chance for

Blackstock. Sent off when these sides met back in September. What a

miss that is. Where was the Nottingham Forest. No foul against

Sharp. Play on says the referee. Sharp has it. He has now Lansbury.

Forest looking the more likely. Hughes, clearance that sums up his

It's his first real attempt at goal all day, Billy Sharp, he very

nearly won it there for Alex McLeish. Played here into the feet

of Billy Sharp. He glances over his shoulder to see where his marker

was. Found the space. Legzdins was flat-footed. If this was on target

it would have been 2-1 Forest. The goalkeeper would not have stopped

Sharp Forlanest. -- for Forest. A glimmer of an opportunity for Billy

Sharp. On both occasions, good defending has blocked his progress.

On both occasions, Richard Keogh. Moussi forward. Billy Sharp on the

shoulder of Roberts here. He's fouled him. Beautiful finish, but

the whistle had long since gone. If only he had finished like that when

the chance fell his way a second or two earlier. The honours are even

at the end here at Pride Park. Nottingham Forest going in front

through Chris Cohen on the half- hour, after Cox had struck the bar.

Derby leveling, Jamie Ward finished with great composure. Final score

You tend to start brightly at home. How disappointed you did not get

your noses in front? The lads are frustrated with the goal we

conceded. It is a mis-hit and it dropped back in his path. Sometimes

you get a break of the poor and sometimes you do not. I thought

they were dangerous in the last half an hour. It was a shame we

should lose such a cheap goal. We worked ever so hard against Derby

today. I am here to try and change the upper hand they have had. I

thought the players gave a good account of themselves. But for the

got I am proud of their performance. You equalised quickly in the second

half. Is that the message you want to press home? Yes, just keep

playing, start the half brightly again and put them on the back foot.

It was a brilliant goal as well, Connor Sammon working very hard.

Our chairman really wanted us to win and I am sorry I did not get

the three points for him. He is a quiet we are hoping can invest in

the team and make us better. Points at shared in a pretty fierce East

Midlands derby. The highest attendance at Pride Park in the

Championship this season at just over 33,000. Great atmosphere, but

neither goalkeeper over early work. He there were a lot of supporters

at both ends and there were a lot of shots going wide. There were one

or two half chances. Forest got their noses in front first. It is

mainly down to the fact that they have one of the most dynamic

partnerships in this division. It was a bit lucky, but in the end

with a bit of composure it was a nice finish. A You have got to give

credit to Derby. Their midfield is very young. The only experience is

Connor Sammon who has been in the top flight. And you have got Gary

Roberts who can lend a bit of leadership. To fight back the way

they did, they almost picked their pockets. The most important thing

in these games, it yes it is important you win, and if you go

out there and give 100%, the fans will get it. Connor Sammon takes

the ball off him and attacks. That was a great run from Jamie Ward. It

forced him to take the shot early because the ball was a bit short.

He cannot see the defender closing in from behind. The ball to him is

maybe a bit short. If he had let it run across him, the defender would

have made the tackle. Although it was not ideal, it forced him to

make his mind up and take the shot early. It did not faze him. Next

tonight it is another Lancashire club in turmoil as blackboard take

on Cardiff. After Appleton's 65 day reign, the Tangerines had been

refused permission to Dr two potential candidates with Nigel

Adkins favourite. Four changes were made, Craig Cathcart, Tiago Gomez

and Bob Harris, Ludovic Silvestre coming in. Kevin McNaughton, Tommy

Smith, Joan Mason and Danny O'Hagan Blackpool. That was Joe Mason and

he was pulled backwards, but the referee says no. No real contact

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 90 seconds

behind. It is given as a goal-kick. It is Thompson's second caretaker

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 90 seconds

spell. The last seconds of added They have their noses just in front.

It is on Blackpool's pudding of a first goal since October 23rd,

who is going to be taken off by They have found a new sense of

was a firecracker for the Welsh dragons. Taylor had all the space

in the world. It broke for Tommy Smith with a fall, fat, volley.

Take nothing away from Tommy Smith, worth �7 million. His reputation

grows and grows. It was never going to be an easy game. We knew when we

looked at the pitch it was not going to be an easy game. Both

teams tried to get it down and it was not easy as far as the pitch

was concerned. On the counter we looked quite dangerous. We gave it

the best shot, we are ready to be number one. I will keep them going

and get them dusted down and give them the best shot for Blackpool

because these fans are fantastic. Malky Mackay made a few changes,

which makes that result all the more impressive. They have got that

winning habit. They did not play as well as we have seen them in

previous games. They seem to have Should Blackpool have had a

penalty? Yes, when you look at it. He raises his arm. He gets away

with it because the linesman and the referee have got players in

front of them. Talking about the strength of Cardiff, we have seen

Kim making 16 appearances this season. Did he impress you? He was

very impressive. Cardiff went with two lads up front who are not out

and out centre-forwards. He was impressive and was always a threat.

Maybe he is not an out and out centre-forward, Joe Mason, but a

centre-forward would have done that. I am not quite sure what the

Blackpool defence are doing. That was a wonderful ball and a great

technique. All afternoon he was the one getting into the box. A good

finish by Tommy Smith with the aid of a deflection on his first start

since missing a good chunk of the season. What about this theory

about Blackpool? They have lost a bit off workers, what is your

theory? They started the season really well under Ollie. He is a

bit of a one off. Michael Appleton came in and drew a lot of games and

tried to tighten it up a bit. Maybe Steve Thompson wants to get back

from -- 2 plane from the back. Maybe they lack a bit of focus, a

way of playing that everybody gets. They are going through the managers

and they have been asked to do different things. They are not

quite sure of a settled way of playing. What about Michael

Appleton? Amid widespread rumours of a power struggle at you -- Ewood

Park, he took charge of Blackburn. This is how Blackburn got

themselves into their club a predicament. It reads like

something better of a soap opera. Previously at Ewood Park... Just

over two years ago Blackburn were taken over by a pair of Indian

poultry giant. With the club 13th in the Premier League, the first

thing they did was to replace Sam Allardyce with his assistant Steve

Cain. Came quickly became the subject of fans' frustrations and

the club's rapid decline culminated in relegation. The then they

appointed sink as their director of global -- their global adviser. But

he called Pettersen a pensioner. When King finally trapped in the

towel, same seized control and appointed a former player, rather

than the managing director's preferred candidate. Meanwhile,

Michael Appleton left Portsmouth to join Blackburn. They went down to

17th in the table. Derek Shaw travelled to India to wrestle

control of the club back from Spain. He prised Michael Appleton from his

65 days stay at Blackpool to steady the ship. It was an opportunity I

could not turn down. It is a Premier League football club, it is

one of five teams who have won the Premier League. The infrastructure

is very good in terms of the I'm sure he will go a long way for

us. Do you need me to get you and the owner together and bang your

heads together? It's not as bad as the media and papers make out.

There is probably a loft similar situations up-and-down the country.

As far as I'm concerned, I have full control of everything that is

to do with the football. I think the owners are more than happy with

that. BOOS. The business of football was new to them. They are

learning. They listen to, hopefully, what we have to say. They are very

good to work with. Do you think at any point the Venky's have

regretted their investment and getting involved with Blackburn

Rovers? No, I don't. They are as keen as they have ever been. They

they want the club to be successful. They want us to get things right. I

think with their backing we will do. No-one know what is is going on.

There is no trust any more. This used to be a well-run club, at the

heart of the community. That has gone. Not a day goes by without a

chicken joke. It's not really very funny any more. A nightmare, to be

honest. Hopefully with a new manager they can get behind him.

will be crucial to get the crowd on our side, more importantingly. Try

to make Ewood Park into a fortress again. We have four games to do

that as quick as we can. The message to the players is to make

sure they go out with the right attitude. Give them something to

shout about. Tackle, make it difficult for the opposition.

difficult for the opposition. COMMENTATOR: A tough act for

Michael Appleton to follow. Charlton have one of the best away

records in the Championship. Dale Stevens sent them into the lead.

His goal away from the Valley was one to Saviour. Yann Kermorgant was

leading the Charlton attack and looking to add to the two goals he

scored at their last away day at the start of the year. He failed to

capitalise after Jackson's's shot was parried. The Londoners went to

the break on top. Three minute noose the second-half, Rhodes

continued his scoring streak to put the game back in the balance. The

striker on target for the fourth consecutive match to raise his

tally in Rovers' colours to 15. Ka Zim Richards nearly came close to

scoring. The visitors maintained their 100% record when Yann

Kermorgant out jumped two Blackburn defenders to restore the advantage.

Charlton's manager is one of the Championship's longest serving

Championship's longest serving bosses. You can smell the

disappointment around the place. Not just in reaction to the game,

everything that has been going on. I was shocked by the crowd, I will

be honest. Down on the average last season? We need to work on that and

quickly. From the players, the staff and everyone, we have to take

a responsibility and make sure we work in the same manner. There is a

lot of people working in different directions at the minute. I suppose,

my job is to try and get everyone at some stage to start working in

the same direction. If we do that, I think there will be a better

atmosphere around the football club and better opportunities to win

games. Only the -- hardly the ideal start for Michael Appleton. Clem

painted the picture about what is going on. What is going on in

Portsmouth Michael Appleton is in a situation with situations in the

boardroom. We say we know much of. That is half the problem. Do we? Do

we know the full story. We are hearing what is coming out from

different people. Surmiseing what is happening at the football club.

When you hear it from the manager, however, that is quite tangible.

You can understand, hold on, there are problems at the football club.

When he is said - one of my job it is to get everybody together and

pulling in the right direction. He is part of that by him coming to

the club has shown it is an issue in the boardroom. Those things, you

have to start at the top. Get things right at the top. Everybody

does have to pull together. That is not really a manager's job. They

have good players. A good squad. They should be doing better.

believe, when you are struggling, with all these factors against the

club, like Blackburn at the minute, you will concede goals they did to

you will concede goals they did to Dale Stephens? This is a fantastic

strike. You are down there struggling, trying to get back in

it, trying to get back into the it, trying to get back into the

game. He hits a goal like that. How many will we concede this season of

that quality? Not too many. Charlton have equaled their points

tally with the last time they were in the Championship.

More from the Championship now and on Friday night it was third verses

fifth at the KP Stadium as Leicester entertained Middlesbrough.

The Foxes had won their last four in all competitions, with new

signing Chris Wood continuing his fine season with six goals in his

Excellent opportunity for Middlesbrough. It fell quite nicely

here. Awkward height. Thompson. Williams making a run on the far

side. Konchesky with the firm challenge from Leicester. They

might break away here. They got a deflection and in. Oh, no, had

bounced away. For the all the world that looked like it would be the

opening goal of the night. Leicester so close to making it 1-0.

As it bounces down, it does not stung the palms of Kasper

Schmeichel. McDonald trying his luck. Ball not placed properly in

the corner. It certainly is. That's OK. Just away. Leicester City

here. Only just wide of the post from Knockaert. Anthony Knockaert

shot. Steele to the rescue. You could hear the cries of anguish as

the Middlesbrough players went down there, two of them. Steele, with

the block. It might drop here for Wood. He keep it is in play. Off

the bar! The header was from Keane. Middlesbrough scram tbl away. Twice

now in this first half that Leicester City have hit the

ball in. Off the post! How close can you get? Wood. The goal-scoring

machine for Leicester City, just Not going to count. Flag raised on

the far side by John Hopkins. That's a very close one. Nugent,

with a fine finish. Steele, and the Middlesbrough defenders,

immediately looking across to the Nugent! Leicester City make the

breakthrough. David Nugent's 13th goal of the season. Leicester City

are in front. They have had a goal disallowed. They struck the frame

of the goal three times. Finally, they find a way past Jason Steele.

Nugent. Through again for Leicester. Disallowed once more. Nugent

thought he was in there, for goal number two, not only for himself,

but for Leicester City. That is the reason why the flag was raised,

Nugent in an offside position. A long ball forward. Saved by smie

kel. Excellent save. -- Schmeichel. Was he fouled there by Vardy? He

was. Williams fouled by Vardy. Middlesbrough have a chance to get

an equaliser. Emnes up against Schmeichel. Schmeichel saves. A

huge, huge moment in this match. Emnes with the delivery. A nice

height for Schmeichel to reach, as he goes the right way. You stand up

to take it. My mind is always, particularly so late in the game,

to put your foot through the ball and whack it. If it hits the goalie,

it hits the goalie. I will not criticise him for missing the

penalty. It was a great save, that is football. We have gone awhich

with no points much we will fight another day. The last time we got

into automatic places we didn't stay there for long. We have to try

and maintain that, sort of, push, if you like, with a bit more

impetuous, I think. We have done well since the turn of the year.

And, I think the players throughout the season so far have applied

themselves very well. It's what we do here on in. COMMENTATOR:

Considerable effort went into ensure Peterborough's meeting with

Hull went ahead. Moments of quality were few and far between and both

sides struggled on a difficult surface. Proschwitz came close.

Hull got the lead on the half-hour mark. Ferguson's side offered more

of a threat after the break. They should have drawn level through an

exciting new talent. Hutton couldn't provide the finish. 12

minutes from time, Rose's feet were too quick for two Hull defend

fenders. He was brought down, two substitutions midway through the

second-half helped Peterborough getting back into the game. McCann

gave them their first draw at London Road since April last year.

We need to win games rather than draw them. Against Hull we have

taken four points off them this season. They have had a very good

season up to now. We can't have too many complaints. Both teams found

it difficult on the pitch to move the ball quickly. A lot of people

slipping over as the frost got a hold during the game. All credit to

everybody concerned to get the game on. We get a point, we move on.

Three months after kissing Palace goodbye, it wasn't the welcome that

Dougie Freedman had hoped for. Come kick-off time the majority of fans

gave him a warmer reception. Pratley almost landed his former

club in trouble.he managed to fluff his lines after finding a hole in

the Palace ranks. The Eagles haven't been flying in recent weeks.

One week in seven prior to this. Bow lassie's shot popped back off

the keeper. Glenn Murray bounced. The linesman's flag denied him his

goal. The second-half strike rattled the post. Moritz failed

with the rebound. Bolton were holding firm and keen to build on

their win against Sunderland in the Cup in the week. This drive was

deflected wide as the score stayed level. Bolton were celebrating

their first cleansheet. Bogdan made sure of that by keeping out Alex

Morrow. At the end a warm embrace from the two managers. Ian Holloway

potentially and he is still very young. I have worked with some very

good players in my life, but I have not seen anyone who does what he

does and he is still only 20. Credit to the Crystal Palace fans,

they gave him a great reception, which was nice. It was an enjoyable

game to watch. I felt we were very close, we had a good game plan that

nearly worked. A very exciting game. A satisfactory point. No winter

break at Watford. Gloves, hats and scarves were all in evidence as

John Cranko's Seoul and company braced themselves for the cold. The

Hornets got an early scare, but it did not take what bird to long to

warm up. Peter Clarke was the defender on the goal-line.

Huddersfield's resistance lasted until first-half injury time. The

challenge looked outside the box, but a penalty was given. Troy

Deeney stayed ice-cool and rolled it in. His reward for an impressive

performance. But Matej Vydra's hot streak shows no signs of abating.

It is coming together for the Hornets who looked anything like

the journey mend their detractors would believe. They are now

offering permanent deals to some of that players on loan. This was his

8th goal in eight games and 16th in the season over all. Cristian

Battocchio is taking a bit longer to settle in. It was a tough game

and the result does not reflect the difficulty of the game, especially

the first heart. They made it very difficult for us. It has been a

happy start to the New Year for Burnley. They are within four

points of the play-off places. Stanislas got a stunning winner

last week. He set up Sam Vokes, only his third goal in 31 League

games. After the break there was danger when Adams may have had a

painful run-in with the advertising boards. He was unhurt and went on

to complete 90 minutes. But his side could not find a way through.

James Henry's one was a matter of inches away fund stop --.. Their

run of Danny Ings was picked up. Debit acre's late clearance

guaranteed a 4th clean sheet in five games. They are the big movers.

We started the game poorly, as second best. Burnley wanted it more

than us. It is a fearsome place to come and I have played here myself

and Kenny has done a fantastic job. But we have delivered the

Millwall has drawn one and won 11. Aigrette his arrival. They are in

touch and it is as good as it gets for them. They will be looking

forward to the end of the season. good win for Leicester against

Middlesbrough on Friday night. The main talking point is not only is

this a good finish, but David Nugent and Chris Wood had already

struck up an effective partnership. Great understanding between them.

What I like about them is they are absolute opposites. Nugent wants to

get in behind and we saw a couple of goals disallowed because he

plays off the shoulder. Was it wants to link and get over it. They

are complete opposites, but it makes a good partnership. So

quickly they look as if they have formed a good relationship. I have

been getting loads of tweets from Watford fans. They want us to show

the 4th goal in its entirety. 12 passes. They are telling me it is

one of the best goals they have We have seen it in slow motion as

well and it is very good. The understanding and the way they move

the ball. It is excellent. A super finish as well. Everybody looks

comfortable. Everybody wants the ball. There is an option for

somebody immediately they received the ball. That is what you have to

do it you are going to score goals of that quality. Huddersfield have

a run of no wins in 12. The rest of the Act and on the NPower

Championship. Gus Poyet's side got their first back-to-back win. Would

they make it three in a row at Birmingham? With a cup game against

Arsenal on the horizon, Gus Poyet told his players they must not lose

box and headed in his first League goal in over three years. The

Seagulls were back on terms within six minutes. Ashley Barnes had just

enough space to live up his second goal in as many games. The Blues

then surrendered a second as Albion turned it around before the break.

Wayne Bridge was allowed to wander and put one in the way of Lopez.

Things were now -- very nearly words for the home side. Victory

slipped through Brighton's fingers. Tomasz Kuszczak had this howler. It

was another injury-time goal. Brighton, for whom late goals

continue to prove costly. Brighton's 100% start to the year

came to a frustrating end. weeks ago, we were under pressure

against Derby and nearly conceded a goal in the last few minutes and we

struggled to cope with the situation. Today we coped much

better. I felt for them, but I thought over the course of the game

it is a point we thoroughly deserved. Sean O'Driscoll was

sacked as Nottingham Forest manager only hours after leading them to a

4-2 win over Leeds on Boxing Day. But the League's bottom side did

shake a first half short on quality. Berkeley provided the only real

threat. It very nearly found RoSPA Cormack, but it did not spare the

home side from the booing from the fans. Kenny had to be at his best

to save from his own defender. Leeds would finally find a way past

the worst defence in the league, when Ross McCormack handed in

another cross. Austin went close to making it two, but it is the 6th

straight home win for lease. Bristol City are seven points from

safety. AA have a new manager and they are buzzing a little bit. But

in the second half we pushed further on and we got closer and we

passed it around more and we deserved to win it. If we had

walked off this pitch 0-0, and for long periods it looked like that,

we would have been jumping through hoops. I am not going to change the

way I look at the game because of the result. We have to be

consistent and hopefully that will give them enough confidence to give

us a chance. Top versus bottom, of the form table that is. Sheffield

Wednesday were up against a well as side whose current run is the

complete opposite. There is no doubt that Wednesday had the better

of this game, but could not find their way past the goalkeeper. New

boss Dean Saunders is on a mission to make will this tougher on their

travels. Seven defeats in nine prior to this, and it could have

been worse if Antonio had hit the target. Wednesday cannot seem to do

the business in front of their fans. But they are at least looking solid

at the back, which will be crucial in their fight against the drop.

They restricted their opponents to long-range efforts like this one

from Kevin Doyle. It is a hard- earned point, it is a clean sheet.

We have worked hard and created chances, but it is just finishing

off. This must bring back memories for Mick McCarthy. A South

Yorkshire lad, it is 35 years ago that he made his debut in their

colours. But it was through gritted teeth that he paid tribute to them

here. They should have taken the lead at Portman Road. The finishing

help to illustrate why Barnsley, along with Ipswich, are the

Championship's lowest scorers. Luke Chambers' second goal for Ipswich

looked like being enough for a win. But the Tractor Boys cannot pull

away from the danger zone. The equaliser came from the resulting

corner. 19 year-old Danny Rose, a bar as the boy, ruining Mick

An encouraging start for the New Barnsley boss. Birmingham got a

precious point match against Brighton. We have seen them start

with a one up front at home. But it is a bit mystifying. Is he really

as positive as he should be at home? We have seen the difference

that two players have made when they come on. How many times have

we seen games where Birmingham have had to come back? They have had to

get back into the games. It keeps happening. Good home form for Leeds.

They have won six consecutive games at Elland Road. But their fans are

impatient. The new board has come in, but it has not taken effect in

terms of the plane. Maybe two editions. As players come in, I do

not know how much they have improved the site. We might be able

to pay wages a bit more than we have been able to pay before. Maybe

we could go for a better class player. You just need to take the

time, you do not need six or seven or eight, you need two or three to

make a difference. Maybe they will utilise that and we will see a

couple who could make a difference. Leeds have got a new manager who

has only been there a matter of days. He has taken on a pretty

tough job. Very tough. When you consider the side is used to losing

for two-and-a-half years, it is a very tough ask. There are seven

points of safety, which even at this stage is an awful lot. It is

difficult to catch up with very few easy games. In League One only six

of the game's managed to survive the big freeze. The promotion race

is fantastically poised with only goal difference separating

Doncaster and Tranmere. In third leaders suffered a brogue just

before the break. Defeat at Coventry in the week ended

Tranmere's for a match winning streak. Andy Robinson did the

business from the spot to give his side the all-important breakthrough

at. But the Bees hit back five minutes into the second half. Both

sides gave it everything in search of a winner and the goal that

clinched it was a peach. Adam McGurk going past two defenders and

picking his spot to perfection. the races 100% in the first half

and made a massive mistake for their goal. Against good teams

margins are decisive. Commonwealth John Ryan declared Rob Jones their

greatest signing since club legend Jeffrey. He opened the scoring.

Brian Flynn was celebrating after Chris Brown made it 2-0, eight

minutes into the second-half. Paul Quinn struck the post three minutes

from time. Bennett was denied on the follow-up. The scoreline

certainly didn't flatter high- flying Doncaster. Lovely to come

back to Doncaster and get a win, a convincing win from start to finish.

I thought we went about our jobs in the correct manner. A little bit

sloppy the second-half on certain occasions. We showed some real

quality in attacking play as well. Without a game since New Year's Day,

Notts County were caught cold inside two minutes. McGuire headed

the Blades into the lead. His five goals this season have been scored

on this ground having been on target twice in their win back in

October. Later he failed to make it account. The Blades have lost

ground on the top two in recent weeks and were chasing their first

within since Boxing Day. Zoko challenged McMan. The referee

wasn't about to change his mind. Zoko took his protest way too far.

When the yellow card was flashed in his direction, he completely lost

his cool. His dismissal left them a man light for well over an hour.

Their hard work played off when Judge flicked them level. Yet

another blow fob United's promotion challenge. There is a nervousness

about us. Whether that is because of the pressure shall I don't know.

The Swindon volunteeres who cleared the pitch of snow ahead of kick-off

against Shrewsbury were awarded with free pizza and goals. Chris

Martin tucked home the penalty. His first goal since coming on-loan

four months ago. Williams' six goal in his last five games after a

knock down from Gary Roberts. Seven-minutes from time, Swindon

were indebted to their young keeper an a McCormack challenge on Jon

Taylor. Richards penalty was low into the corner. Foderingham got

down to keep it out. Ward struck the post late on for a Swindon side

who now move up to third. All that pre-match shovelling had paid

handsome dividends. Stand by for one of the strangest matches you

will see all season. Walsall and Bournemouth serving up absurdity.

Mch antom gave them the -- Mantom gave them a lead. Pitman hit the

bar. James and Bournemouth were having one of those days. When

Grigg Grigg waltzed into the box, James demonstrated the

miscalculations that has peppered his otherwise distinguished career.

Grigg Grigg took the penalty and doubled the lead on the stroke of

half-time. Pitman pulled one back after the re-start. The fun really

began. This cross dropped on to Thomas' head. What do they say

about the luck of the Irish? This free kick was turned out. Walsall

went down to 10-men with 17 minutes to go. You haven't seen anything

yet. Sheert showstopper. When Grigg goes down here a free-kick is not

given. Not a great idea for O'Kane to catch the ball. Handball was the

decision as Walsall got another penalty. Grigg did the business.

They collected a win neither side will forget in a hurry. Elliott

hasn't started a match for Coventry since his goals at MK Dons three

weeks ago. It took six minutes to open the scoring here after coming

off the bench against Oldham. He thought had he scored again. The

officials weren't convinced his header went across the line. Oldham,

who had been outplayed throughout, equallised through Smith in the 9th

minute. Justice was done five minute noose stoppage time when

Bailey pinged home a terrific winner. It's 10 wins in 15 League

games for the Sky Blues. They are games for the Sky Blues. They are

only just outside the top six. The comeback you feel might not have

happened the last couple of seasons, two unbeaten runs came to an end on

Saturday. Bournemouth's 15 game sequence ended by Walsall in a

highly entertaining game. You have highly entertaining game. You have

sympathy with Walsall's second goal. It's clearly a foul. I mean, I

can't see how the referee, Andy Davies, doesn't give it. He flicks

it up. Grabs hold of it. About to put the down for a free-kick. He

realises the referee hasn't given it. It's a penalty. I mean, he

can't have seen the challenge the can't have seen the challenge the

referee, as simple as that. If he has, how he hasn't given it, I will

never know. That was Bournemouth of course. As for Brentford, unbeaten

in 13 at the starlet of the day. What a win for Tranmere Rovers.

Everyone thought this great start and a great mid-season would come

to an end. They have a second wind to an end. They have a second wind

now? They have kicked on again. When they look back. There is no

doubt, if they are promoted, they are in a great position for that,

this is one of the game where is they look back and say - what a big

win that was. That will give them distance and and against one of

your main rivals as well. A huge your main rivals as well. A huge

win. Doncaster have Brian Flynn full-time, his Chairman says he

wants the title. I suppose, for Brian Flynn and the experience that

he has under his belt, you can take that pressure on board? No doubt

about that. Why not? They are seven clear. They are on a fantastic run.

They have good players. Attacking wise, brilliant? They have players

that you would say, as a manager, you can rely on. I think we know

what we will get from them. They have been consistent all year. No

reason why they can't go and... Let's start with automatic. I'm

sure Tranmere will have something to say about that.

Well, the League Two fixture programme was decimated by the

weather with just four games going ahead.

First up, Friday night's meeting between Morecambe and promotion-

between Morecambe and promotion- chasing Cheltenham. Cheltenham's

tactic of getting the ball wide on a difficult pitch twice at more

come in trouble. This cross scrambled away. As they pushed for

the win that would have taken them into the top three, ahead of the

Saturday fixtures, it was McGlashan that had the home defenders at full

stretch. You sense one goal would be sufficient. It was Morecambe who

went closest to getting it. It was Ellison with the delightful curler,

just wide of the upright. Northampton were looking for a

seventh win from their last eight. Akinfenwa denied in the opening

minutes. This cross from the left hand side and this volley nearly

give them the lead they deserved. There was nothing subtle about the

goal. Akinfenwa headed it home. Akinfenwa's ninth goal in his last

11 league appearances seemed to be enough. When Drury burst free down

the right hand side, defending was required. This shot was deflected

over the crossbar. Northampton up to sixth. Gareth Ainsworth's first

game as caretaker was back in September. They have come a long

way since that defeat. Sam Wood got the goal that decided this game.

They needed Archers save to ensure three points. Ainsworth says it is

a team effort that has Wycombe moving in the right direction.

trust have got it together today. They got fans in, they got

themselves in. Some director s were moving the snow there. If they can

work that hard, the boys could work that hard. We got the three points

together. That is what happened. York City produced the move of the

match before the break against a fast improving altd Aldershot.

Young kept out -- Aldershot. Young kept out this shot. If Craig Reid

had set his sights a fraction lower late in the match. It's 12 league

late in the match. It's 12 league draws now for the Minster Men.

Nothing to separate York and Aldershot on Saturday. Northampton

and Wycombe who got a win, to reward the fans all the day to get

the games to go-ahead, unbelievable. For Northampton, 15th goal in all

competitions for Adebayo Akinfenwa. Do you think Bothroyd will be

hoping the window comes and goes he will be at the club? He has a good

record at this level, no doubt about that. A good win against

another play-off rival in Burton. He will be pleased. They got that

game on. They got the victory. They have themselves in with a shout,

not only the play-offs, nicking third spot. What a turn around at

Wycombe? 0 volunteers helped the game to go-ahead moving the snow,

from being bottom in mid-November November to six points off the

play-offs, incredible? I watched them when he first took over at

Aldershot. It wasn't a great spectacle. Two teams that left a

little bit to be desired. He has really worked it there. He has

galvanised them. They have points. He had a really huge effect on that

football club. So far, he's the man, isn't he, for Wycombe? Well done to

Gareth Ainsworth. Let's have a look Gareth Ainsworth. Let's have a look

at the table then: Cardiff have extended their lead at

the top of the NPower Championship to 10 points after winning at

Blackpool. Leicester move up into second while

the three teams below them all failed to win.

Watford close in after thrashing Huddersfield.

Bristol City lost for the third consecutive game and they stay

bottom of the Championship. While the five teams above them

stay as they were after they all drew.

In fact, none of that bottom half won on Saturday.

Tranmere and Doncaster both won at the top of League One to move well

clear of the teams below them, Swindon move up to third having

played fewer games than the two above.

Brentford and Sheffield United both drop down a position.

Well, none of the bottom five of League One played this weekend, so

it's as you were. Oldham, Shrewsbury, Leyton Orient

and Notts County were the only teams to play in the bottom half,

with County the only team not to lose.

Well, the top three of the NPower League Two didn't play this

weekend,. Cheltenham in fourth did, but they

only drew which meant they missed out on a place in the top three.

Northampton won and move up into sixth.

The bottom six remain the same, with Aldershot the only team to

play, but they could only draw. Wycombe's win sees them up to 16th,

Wycombe's win sees them up to 16th, Wycombe's win sees them up to 16th,

their highest place since August. Before we go a quick reminder, on

Wednesday we've got all the drama from the League Cup semi-final

second leg ties between Aston Villa and Bradford and Swansea and

Chelsea at 11.00pm on BBC One. We take a break next week for the

FA Cup Fourth Round, but we're back on the 2nd February after Match of

the Day, which starts at 10.30pm on BBC One.

Steve, good to see you. See you on Wednesday.