23/02/2013 The Football League Show

We have become increasingly used to managerial chopping and changing in

the Football League, but this week it seems to have stepped up a gear.

And they have all got to hit the ground running, with points

becoming more precious by the week. We reflect tonight on a busy day

across all three divisions, with Steve Claridge. David Flitcroft has

seen his Barnsley side wins six in a row in all competitions. Today

they were at Ashton Gate for a relegation scrap with Bristol City.

Middlesbrough's promotion charge has been faltering since the new

year. Could they register only their second win of 2013 against

Millwall? Notts County have also lost their way of late, or without

a manager, and without a win, since the sacking of Keith what a. They

played Bury on Friday night. -- Keith Curle. Here at the County

Ground, the fall-out from Paolo Di Canio's departure has been raging

all bleak. Today they are up against another team in transition,

Simon Grayson's Preston North End. First, to our main game in the

Championship, a chance to see a Barnsley side who shot up the table

under their new manager David Flitcroft, moving out of the

relegation zone, with five wins out of six. They were away to Bristol

City, who have got just one win out Tunnicliffe! Pushed away by Heaton.

He saw it all the way. Towards Stead, and back to him. Looked

offside, but the flag stays down. Stead! Gathered at the second

attempt by Luke Steele. Jon Stead has been instrumental in Bristol

away to safety. Jon Stead is causing all sorts of problems for

but Barnsley were alive to the here... It was a lovely pass, and

Heaton was forced into a save, with Rory Delap arriving on the far side,

this corner kick? It comes towards Marvin Elliott, and turned in by

Jon Stead! It is just reward for him after his very impressive

opening to this match. The corner came in towards Eliot, whom

Rosewell, and it was Stead who diverted it past Luke Steele. --

who rose well. Bristol City's last two goals were both own goals. They

came against Kurdish, and then against Crystal Palace, in the

defeat on Tuesday night. McNulty was able to turn that one away from

the onrushing City man. For all the world, it looked like it should be

a corner. Stephen Foster has come forward, the centre half. What a

save from Heaton. That's a brilliant save from the goalkeeper.

Barnsley, so close to getting back on level terms. Free kick taken

quickly by Jon Stead. Anderson, with red shirts straining forward

in support. Anderson has got a corner. Paul Anderson has got three

goals this season for Bristol City, and all three of them have come

Moloney, and turned in at the far post by Liam Fontaine! And how

important could that be for Bristol City? Moloney with the ball in, it

did look like a dangerous delivery, Luke Steele could not get across to

was. This time the decision has gone the way of the Bristol City

shot with the shot! A second Brian Howard -- a second goal for Jon

Stead and a third for Bristol City. It was nicely controlled by Stead.

It just brushes Rory Delap on its way in, but there is no doubt that

Jon Stead will be claiming it. Lovely football, Kelly Thaksin --

Kelly!. Should that have been the hooked behind for a corner by

McNulty. Taking no chances. It comes in towards Eliot... And it is

blocked again. In one small, and it is a fourth goal. It has come from

Lewin Nyatanga! The pressure was almost constant from Bristol City.

Marvin Elliott's header back in, and near Tangier was on the end of

it. 4-0 to Bristol City. -- Lewin Nyatanga was on the end of it. It

is almost a second own goal. Tunnicliffe! We still have plenty

of time left in this match for a Barnsley come back. Heaton with the

save. But how many red shirts were back there. Is it too late for

David Perkins giving Bristol City an opportunity to go should -- to

get a fifth. It is number five, and this term, Stephen Davies does

score. He was denied by the goalkeeper just moments ago. But he

meets it well, and this time, Luke Steele cannot block it. -- Steven

Davies. Rowing brilliant finish from Steven Davies, but the whistle

has gone. I'm not sure about that, but the referee saw something. 1

throw from Delap. Fired in by Cywka! Barnsley have a second goal.

Tomasz Cywka has given them hope of an unlikely comeback. It is a fine

strike. The shot comes from O'Grady. Heaton gets it at the second

attempt. Barnsley keeping going minutes' additional time. Scotland!

What an afternoon at Ashton Gate. It was a very eventful afternoon,

but the most important thing is, three more points for you. Yes, we

have concentrated on the performance, and for the large part,

the performance was good, although you can see the frailties in the

team. We gave ourselves too much to do. We have given ourselves too

much, and in the other games that we have come back, the deficit has

been much smaller. To go four down, it is too much. They did not help

themselves, Barnsley, and it brings to an end at a terrific run. As for

the game, it was typical of the Championship, with a side top of

the form table conceding five... Yes, you could not have called that

one, only in the Championship. Always expect the unexpected.

you surprised? I was not, the gain was fully open from the start.

There was a bit surprised at the manner in which Barnsley conceded

their goals. For every one of them, it was either free-kicks or corners.

If you want to get results in this league, you have to defend those

set pieces. First phase, second phase, Bristol City winning headers.

Barnsley cannot deal with it well enough. 5 Dale Stephens conceded,

each of them from did balls. Sean O'Driscoll, he has definitely got a

team spirit, you can see that. has got to use this result, it is a

massive result for them, to use it He was quite animated. He was

vigorous and getting his point cross. He was not laid back.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table it had been a fantastic

February, for all City, who with Gedo and Elmohamady handed the

Tigers their third straight win when they beat Blackburn in midweek.

That meant Steve Bruce's side had put some daylight between

themselves and the chasing pack at the top. Could they make it four in

on his side to sharpen up in front of goal after the draw with Derby

in midweek. He could not have hoped for a better response. The

floodgates burst open with a bullet header from practice. Three minutes

later, Davies finished appealing and just enough time to fire a low

drive past Stockdale. Bolton's new look system with Davies playing

behind the strikers was having the desired effect. Having met in two

goals in five games before this one come within eight minutes Hull find

themselves 3-0 down. This header was a judge to have crossed the

line. Sol del very nearly made it four. Hall showed signs of recovery,

reducing the deficit thanks to Brady's free kick. Any faint

glimmer of hope was well and truly extinguished two minutes later. A

prolonged bout of pinball nearly resulted in Dawson getting another

but after hitting the post and watching Hull City making three

attempts to clear the danger, the ball eventually found its way back

to the West Brom Lownie. This time, his audacious effort found its way

in off the post. As for the players were fantastic. Their attitude was

great. -- I thought the players were fantastic. We deserved the

goals. In both boxes today, we were were the better team and we won the

game. That is a 5th game in 16 days, which is not an excuse but it is

difficult. That is what the Championship throws at you. Today,

we did not start brightly enough. Hall's torrid afternoon at the

Reebok left the door open for Watford, keen to round off their

impressive but -- February with another victory. There was still

danger from Derby on the break. Jamie Ward standing his ground. His

drive was ferocious but we would. That is not a description that

applies to Vydra's finishing very often. Yet again he looked razor-

sharp. His 20th goal of an exceptional season in come off the

post. Ekstrand had never known that sort of adulation that the

defender's first goal in English football had the Hornets further

ahead with 20 minutes to go and on course for the place in the top two.

They were fortunate the Swede broke his duck because Derby were not

finished. Ward faced up to the substitute keeper, one for the

injured Almunia. That turned out 4- 2 be a consolation. Seven wins from

nine on for a Watford side on the rise. They are doing fantastically

well. I can only complement them and keep encouraging them to keep

going, because that is not live yet. There is a lot of games to go.

Before we can relax. More travel sickness for Crystal Palace, whose

fans have travelled to Yorkshire five times this season without

seeing a win. The early shot suggested it would not be an easy

ride. Least of all for the referee. His coalition was a first-half

highlight. It could also create some more work for the mask maker.

There was no disguising Wednesday's determination to take something

from this game. Kirkland had to save as Palace improved in the

second half. Kirkland denied to this effort to. Wednesday extended

their unbeaten league run to seven matches. They won the match with

nine minutes remaining. Lita scoring his third goal in five

games for when Stay. No away win for Palace, who will be glad to see

the back of Yorkshire for another season. It was a dog is performance.

It looked like it was may be going to go to 0-0. There were not many

opportunities for either team. Both defences were on top for long

spells. That little bit of magic, Lita pops up and gets the goal. It

was -- that was that. In the second half, we were much better rant

second -- and settled down. They caused us problems, closed has come

oppressed us. We could not seem to get into our passing rhythm. And

the second half we settled down and we thought we might score but

unfortunately that is not how it turned out. Paul Ince was given a

warm welcome before his first home game as Tangerines manager. As

Blackpool have slipped closer to the play-off positions since the

turn of the year, Leicester were looking to avoid a third straight

defeat. The keeper was tested but both sides struggled to find

fluency on a terrible surface at Bloomfield Road. Paul Ince said he

wanted to bring in at least one forward. Blackpool rarely

threatened. Shortly after the break, Leicester had a penalty. Having

scored eight goals in seven Leicester appearances before this

one, Chris Ward could only crash his spot kick against the bar. It

would turn out to be a pretty bad day at the office all round for the

New Zealand National. Dyer presented with them up with a

chance to redeem himself, which he wasted. It finished goalless.

frustrating for us at the -- at the moment, to be not be win the games

where we are creating chances. But the players acquitted themselves

well on an atrocious surface. That is the type surface played in my

Ultimately, a surface will be hampering Blackpool, never mind the

opposition. It will not help their cause. It was only a couple of

weeks ago that Thomson remarked, it was impossible because of the state

of the pitch. It does not do them any favours. Remember at Cardiff

last year, the state of the pitch. They could not play the ball round.

You could see what they were trying to do but it was impossible. The

pitch this year is fantastic. It does not help the home side.

have seen teams stringing together decent results, like Sheffield

Wednesday. They were up against it was crystal Palace but Lita has

come in. They have added some experienced players. They have a

bit of nous, learning out to win games and Championship. They look

as if they will be all right, to be fair. Bolton got off to a flying

start, 3-0 look after the first nine minutes against Hull City. It

is the kind of result we were almost expecting earlier in the

season. They have lost one in the last seven, drawn four or fight.

You get the feeling he is starting to turn it round a little bit, or

be it is taking longer than its picked it. Some good players, they

played well today. Watford, with a victory, are in the automatic

promotion place and have taken no chance because their form continues

and that is in the wake of Palace and Hall losing. It has been a good

win -- a good week, they have won three out of three. Not at their

best to date, but... It is not a bad thing. They have played very

well, we talked about a fluent start. Not quite the same today but

the ground one out. It does not hurt. Five defeats in seven means

Boro fans are dreading a repeat of last season. Tuesday's goalless

draw meant they had managed one win in 2013. But next, a Millwall side

who had lost their last five. They were two changes the Boro, Dyer and

Main starting, with Millwall making five changes. John Marquis amongst

the players coming in. Dan O'Hagan has been a stop-start first half.

claim it. It is his first League goal since 2011 -- Marquis. He has

given Millwall lead. Who gets the last touch? An own goal, the

decisive Wrangle shows that is the defender's header that has given

the lead to Millwall here. -- is just past the post. It was from

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25 yards, plus. It goes past the is back in, 2-0 for Millwall.

Llera's wretched run is going to continue, the way this is going --

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the finish. He has been on the break here, a real weapon here. He

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back for Boro. There is time as should have made it to two. This

was some chance. -- he should have but a flag is up. Offside, the

decision. Was he? Yes, he was. A good decision, the right decision.

The officials were correct. The goal is disallowed. It stays 2-1

for Millmoor. Any team can lose three, four, five on the bounce and

start a run and win five on the bounce. We need to start think he

positively like that. Usually like -- when you have a run like we have

recently, it is a draw that did it out and stopped the rot. We did not

do that, we got three points that Middlesbrough which is a fantastic

win for us. The Seagulls supporters continued to flock to the Amex

Stadium, another 25,000 crowd for Burnley's arrival. Brighton have

found form, eking out wins. The air the home fans what they craned --

craved. David Lopez scored. It was a long haul from there to the final

whistle. Burnley threatened to equalise throughout but found

couchette in defiant mood. This header was clawed away. Gus Poyet's

side could have been more comfortable with David's raking

pass if it had been finished off, instead they were destined for a

tense afternoon. Despite the miss, are being returned to the top six

for the first time since October and harmed the Clarets' play-off

prospects. A massive three points for different reasons, because we

are winning and a good run, second because we did not play fantastic.

We deserved more, played very well today, dominated large parts of it,

clope created chances and the whole field of performance was full of

energy and endeavour but the performances were interesting

because we keep playing like that, Forest. The play-offs are in their

sights, if the dressing rooms aren't. Two wins and a draw since

Davis returned, Forest were helped here. The card from the referee was

only ever going to be one colour. Forest dominated after that.

Majewski says Davis has restored their confidence. His must be sky

high. He got a hat-trick during the week and also scored here.

Previously he hadn't scored all season. He had the same effect on

Lansbury. Not that this mistake was part of the master plan. After more

unsafe handle, Warped's kick lacked the necessary sting. Henderson

rattled the same post as Charlton's rotten run at the Valley continues.

Their play-off chances are fading. Forest might be a good bet. Even

before the sending off I felt we were dominant. As I said, the

second-half was good. Scored a couple of great goals. We have an

excellent cleansheet. Blackburn boss urged Rovers fans to raise the

roof in anticipation of the biggest crowd of the season so far. This

battle of the roses barely raised the heart rate. This was the best

shot either side could muster in a poor first half. When Rhodes went

through you wouldn't have bet against him scoring at his fifth

successive game. This scuffed shot was never going to bother the

keeper. Leeds got a long-awaited cleansheet away from home. They

were relieved when the final whistle went. We were disappointed.

It's gd when you come to Blackburn Rovers and you are disappointed at

only getting a point. Zigic is back in the good books. The managers

reckons he has changed his way. The goalkeeper attracted all the praise.

A double save stopped Peterborough from maintaining the momentum of

their midweek win at Millwall. Posh went to the break behind. This went

straight to Zigic. On Tuesday he was recalled to play Sheffield

Wednesday he provided Birmingham's first tkpwhol three games. Gsh goal

in three games. Peterborough felt they were hard done by. The player

may have been clipped. The officials gave nothing. The home

side knew they were heading back to the bottom-of-the-table thanks to

this turn from Burke followed by a stroke of good fortune.

Peterborough's recent upturniped in the bud and back to square one for

their boss. I felt we should have had a penalty straight after half-

time. I never understand why officials can't see if a player is

clean through why he would fall over. We didn't get that decision.

They scored a deflection second goal. Teams are going to get

setbacks between now and the end of the season. It's how we respond to

it. Ipswich manager's analysis of this encounter was frank, two bang

ordinary sides playing on a lousy pitch. Huddersfield carved out the

best chances. Ipswich's keeper was force into a double save from Novak

and Danns as he tried to follow up. The visitors defence was exposed in

clinical fashion, this finishing was less so. Huddersfield will take

solace from the cleansheet, as will Ipswich who had Henderson to thank

again as he repelled Jack Hunt. game may not have been great the

work rate commitment was there. We work rate commitment was there. We

tried to pass the ball. Significant day for Brighton. Into the top six

for the first time in five months. Particularly after what they did in

midweek. They turned over Cardiff. You saw that. You were not too

surprised to see them hitting their straps now? No. I looked at their

squad, there is a lot of depth to. It they have a certain way of

playing away from home. They are tough to play against. The

perception is they play football and knock it around. There is steel

to go with that. They made life very difficult for Cardiff.

Cardiff's home record is very good. Good performance. It doesn't

surprise me they have gone top six. They have kept three cleansheets

They have kept three cleansheets from the last four. You have a

chance, haven't snu They are hard to play against? They are. We may

not be as prolific as other teams in that division. We aren't scoring

goals at a regular amount, we will be tough to beat. In tight games a

little bit of quality, maybe it doesn't have to come from a forward,

doesn't have to come from a forward, will be the difference for us.

great few days for Nottingham Forest, superb win mid-week.

Majewski has got four goals in his last two. A confident player. Billy

knows him, he left him behind two years ago? Yes. Things have settled

down a little bit. A shy of relief for everybody to get on with their

job. Everyone is pulling in the same direction. Another player who

will benefit under Billy. Bill yes knows him and knows how to get the

best out of him. You are getting his rewards quickly. How big was

that win for Millwall? It stops a poor run. It is a big win in the

context that Middlesbrough keep their run going. It would be have

been 13 or 14 points away from the play-offs. Now it's only eighth. In

the league sense it keeps it alive, just about.

As for League One, when Paolo Di Canio walked through the doors at

Swindon Town you always got the impression life was never going to

be dull for the Robins. And so it turned out as the Italian

resigned with the team top of the league and shortly before the new

owners took charge. It left the Wiltshire club picking

up the pieces, with Tommy Miller and Darren Ward standing in

temporarily. Clem takes up the story as Preston,

who also had a new face in the dugout, arrived at the County

Ground. The last one to leave, please, turn out the lights. After

the departure of the man himself 24-hours earlier, the last act of

the Paolo di Canio regime under his assistant was to guide Swindon to

the top of the table with a win on Tuesday at Tranmere. It signalled

the end of a 21-month period in the club's history. Those who saw the

Italian's foray into the lower league management as an accident

waiting to happen. I speak with my body language. If I'm in English,

English referees have to respect me. His team romped to the League Two

title. Hopes were Hui of a second successive promotion. With the

playing budget stretched to the limits and lower than expected

crowds the imposition of an embargo led to a tetchy manager. My legs,

my arms, my shoulder, they can't send me off every time. When the

owner Andrew Black and his shareholders decided that the

estimated �13 million they invested since 2008 was enough and put the

club up for sale. 2013 started with a desperate search for new

investment. The transfer di Canio says behind hi his back of Ritchie

to Bournemouth which put off administration. Di Canio described

his position as "untenable" his resignation followed last Monday

when the local consortium lined up to take over the club failed to

meet the deadline to complete the deal. When they did on Thursday the

departure of di Canio's back room team and his early hours return to

strip his office of personal moment mows left the club preparing for

the visit of Preston with their kit man, fizz Yeo and two senior

players at the Helm. It hit us hard. We had the next day off. Came in on

the Thursday. We had a meeting with the owners. They told us what they

wanted from us. We prepared the lads ready for today's game.

Players dime see me and said, "Nick, can we plead with you and don't

bring in a new manager right now can you allow Tommy and Darren to

take control of the squad for the next couple of games coming up.",

"we know what is Republic of Ireland of us and together as a

team." If you saw their performance on Tuesday night you would have

seen a real team performance. As far as him coming back, that is now

the decision of the new owners. It is outside of my control. I

wouldn't bank on it. We are 14 games away from the end of the

season. And, we have to realise, got to make the players realise

that the carrot at the end of this that the carrot at the end of this

is huge. COMMENTATOR: Andy Williams picked

him out with six minutes on the clock. Preston's keeper was on hand

to prevent what would have been an incredible story. The goalkeeper

was called into action in the second-half. He was back to his

feet and tipped the shot to safety. Swindon might have changed the

locks to prevent another night-time visit by Paolo di Canio, they left

the back door open here. WillHayhust took advantage. How

about this for a match-changing substitution. Miller and Ward put

on Adam Rooney. He ensured the on Adam Rooney. He ensured the

Robins a share of the points. How hard to play your own game and

manage at the same time? Very difficult, to be honest. You know,

this is new to us. We gave it a good go. Disappointed we didn't win.

I thought we had more than enough chances to. The lads were superb.

We had a very, very hard week. To get a point, at the end of the day,

not the worse in the world. Unbeaten in 13 now. Can you just

keep it ticking over to the end of the season and get over the line

that way without anybody needing to come in? We would like to think so.

For the time being we have been asked to do a job. How long it

lasts, we don't know. The lads were great today they gave it their all.

Another day the chances go in. We keep going until we are asked to do

otherwise. I would say the players will be glad playing football after

recent events at the County Ground. It is true to say, Paolo di Canio's

time has been eventful at the Robins. It has ended almost in

appropriately bizarre circumstances, the reported CCTV footage and him

going back to his office. You have to think it is usual? There is a

different way forward for the football club. Players will have to

leave like Matt Ritchie they won't give him the licence to bring in

players like he was. Managing that football club will be harder than

it was before. He has done a good job. He leaves them in a good

position. People will think highly of him as a manager. So, in a way,

I can understand why he has gone. Yes. Interesting, the club brought

in Fraser Digby, now the goalkeeper coach, well-known to the players

and fans, almost reconnecting with them? It's getting to a position

where you can relate to the fans and getting across to the fans you

understand what they want and trying to bring it back. Players

who have done well for the club in the past, it never hurts to get

them on your side. I think, as you say, it is connecting with

everybody and saying, we are not here to destroy your football club,

we might have to take it another direction and do things a little

differently. More from League One then, starting

with Friday night's game at Meadow Lane where Chris Kiwomya was

looking for his first win in charge at the fourth attempt.

The visitors were Bury, who went into the game six points from

Fighting for their lives. That was telegraphed. And

Schumacher puts Bury in front! Its Schumacher puts Bury in front! Its

his 9th goal. The Bury captain seizes the opportunity, and

Notts County! Ross County are level. Julian Kelly will have loved that.

It was his error which led to the in two minutes for Notts County.

Francois Zoko, a half-time substitute, has brought delight to

It is getting better and better for Notts County. What an inspired

half-time change by Christie one the. -- Chris Kiwomya. Kelly, who

started the fightback with that equaliser. Judge goes down, and the

referee points to the spot. There are fat chance to put this to bed

for Notts County. The nightmare evening for the goalkeeper gets

penalties already this season... Make it five. It is game over,

Make it five. It is game over, surely. I thought we deserved the

victory, especially in the second half. The boys needed to pick

themselves up, and we did that in the second half. We had a ten-

minute spell where we defended like schoolboys. From that point of view,

I have got no complaints. Sheffield United midfielder Barry Robson was

United midfielder Barry Robson was outstanding for his side in their

victory last weekend, and once again, he was leading the fight in

the promotion battle at Bournemouth. But United were in no mood to be

denied. After a slip by Mark as painter, it was Jamie Murphy who

got the goal. Full credit for them -- to them for how they defended.

Teams will do that to us, and give us full respect, which is what they

did today. We kept the ball really well, but we never hurt them enough.

Every aspect of our football today, our plan to come down and win the

game, it was brilliant. They thought things about very, very

will today. When you come to a stadium and a team which is doing

so well, you have to be on to put your game, and everybody was today.

After Paddy Madden had scored in his last seven games, Rovers keeper

Gary Woods did not need to give him a chance to make it a record-

breaking eight, which he duly did, after six minutes. Billy Paynter

squandered what seem a certain goal here. But he recovered from his

shame to get the equaliser just before half-time. Gavin Williams at

almost extended Yeovil's eight- match winning run. Both of these

teams could be promoted. Neither team could afford to lose. It was

on a very hard pitch, so everything was too high, too Farm in the air.

It is surprising, when you see the size of me and Brian, with our two

teams smashing it up in the air. Normally we try and play, but it

was very difficult. With four of the top six dropping points,

Tranmere were the day's other big winners. They took the lead through

Max Power, who hit this Wilfried Zaha with precisely that. But

Colchester levelled before the half-hour mark. It was Magnus

Okuonghae who got the equaliser. But the lead was restored through

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro. After four straight defeats, some were

starting to write off Tranmere's promotion chances, but they ran

away with it here. There was another show of comedy defending in

injury time. The late penalty was awarded for the foul on Michael

O'Halloran. He converted it himself. Goal difference could be the

decider in the promotion chase. Brentford midfielder Jonathan

Douglas got a crucial goal up at Walsall in December, but it was his

defending which frustrated them here. But the other end, it was

Marcello Trotta up and Adam for sure who threatened. After this

cross in, it was Marcello Trotta, looking to score in his fourth

consecutive match at Griffin Park, who was denied on the line. It was

a match of few chances. Smarting after missing out on a Wembley

final, Coventry set about the same opponents they have played in

midweek with vigour. Crewe's response was just as emphatic, with

Mark Ellis converting. They have now scored in each of their last 14

League games. Coventry almost regained the lead through Steve and

Elliott early in the second half. Carl Baker then went close. But

Robertson denied him from underneath the bar. Now, how about

this for maximum impact from substitute Max Clayton? It was his

first touch. It condemned Lee Carsley to a first defeat. A first

victory in six for Crawley, who won this thanks to a moment of

brilliance from Billy Clarke, with his 12th goal of the season. It

came early in the match, but it was a touch of class. Crawley were

worthy winners, and they nearly doubled their lead soon afterwards.

Leyton Orient were lacklustre. MK Dons have not won a league match

since New Year's Day. After keeper David Martin saved at point-blank

range here, they grabbed the lead nine minutes before the break.

Carlisle had won four of the last five home games, and they were a

touch unfortunate here. But they say luck evens itself out, and

Darren Potter returned the compliment in the next MK Dons

attack. But they conceded from a corner five minutes from time. It

was substitute Mark Beck who finished, and promotion now looks

remote. Two sides toiling in the middle of the table conjured up

some fabulous finishing and defending. James Dunne got this

unstoppable goal. The equaliser was equally well-struck. It was Paul

Parry who fired home. With just minutes remaining, two substitutes

combined decisively, Marvin Morgan shooting home. Mark Roberts almost

prevented a fourth consecutive defeat for Stevenage, but the

John Hughes has more than doubled Hartlepool's points tally, and the

brilliant run continued at Scunthorpe, with James Poole

sending them on their way with this goal. Hughes says it is not down to

tactics, just that the players are playing better. Jonathan Franks is

proof of that. This was a terrific effort, his first comments since

September. Eight points short of safety, there is still a long way

to go, but suddenly, Hartlepool have belief. This effort from Poole

showed just that belief. Prior to this week, Scunthorpe had been on a

good run. But back-to-back defeats have put them back in trouble. They

will need James Alabi to get a few more like this if they are to stay

above the dreaded dotted line. Oldham's caretaker boss had left

Jose Baxter, the top scorer, on the bench, for the victory at Stevenage.

But he was back in the starting line-up, and he scored after 11

minutes, his tenth of the season. Portsmouth were heading for a club-

record 22 games without a victory. They were not helped by the

dismissal of Sam Sodje for an altercation with Lee Barnard. To be

fair, it should have been more comfortable for Oldham. Jonathan

Grounds' splendid free kick rattled the bar. Later on, Jordan Obita was

a lot of luck with this magnificent effort, as Oldham warmed up nicely

for the Cup replay at Goodison in midweek. Tony Phyllis Kirk is doing

a terrific job at Oldham, although he says he does not want the job.

But new leaders at the top of the division tonight, Sheffield United,

and that was a significant result for them at Bournemouth. Yes, it

was only a couple of weeks ago that it was looking as if it was going

to be a struggle even to get into the play-offs. But they looked very

strong. It was a really big win today. Two points separating the

top six in that division, it is coming to the boil nicely. It is

going to be great at the end of the season. Tranmere pulling out this

result at Colchester, which makes it very difficult for Colchester,

but Tranmere seem to be back on track. If you're going to turn a

road or aspirations for the season, that is the way to do it. It could

imagine Ronnie Moore saying, forget the bad run that we have been on,

think back to the start of the season, and would we have taken

this? Of course we would. Let's just think about what lies ahead of

us. Let's concentrate on what is in front of us. That is exactly what

they have done. Two other teams are doing their best to turn things

around after a tough few weeks, although one of them. It was a

great goal from Jose Baxter join it was a fantastic finish. -- from

Jose Baxter. It was a fantastic finish. Hartlepool, unbeaten in six.

We had almost written them off a few weeks ago. Yes, it took some

time for the new manager, as it will do, but he has moulded his

team together, they look a good unit. They are well-organised. You

can understand why one of a sudden they are asking questions of sites

and getting points. If it was not four down, he would say they would

have an excellent chance. In League Two, Chesterfield were hosting the

league leaders, Gillingham. They were back on top after beating

chance. -- Chesterfield's best chance. It was a record-breaking

day for Martin Allen's side. have only conceded nine goals away

from home, another record. 11 wins. The club is 100 years old, the

centenary year, it must be. To create history for the football

club is a fine achievement by everybody, staff, players and

supporters that give us great backing. Torquay's interim manager

Alan Knill make enjoy it sizable height advantage but the failure

has only had Gillingham to look up to. This was not easy. This header

was saved by Chris Neil, who needed to be sharp to thwart Billy Bode in.

Encouragement for Alan Knill after two days in charge while Martin

Ling recovers from illness. Port Vale made it nine league games

before kick-off, his players certainly responded. Symes took 11

minutes to open the scoring. Maghoma had been influential for

the first goal and it was his start to the byline that set up Holness

for Burton's second. It was the central defender's first for the

club. Maghoma has indicated his desire to play at a higher level.

His first time finished to the roof of the Exeter Net to make it 3-0

will certainly have impressed any watching scouts at the Pirelli

Stadium. This was a quality team performance and Bell's thumping

shot on the hour made certain. Burton were heading for a 7th home

win on the spin and back into the automatic promotion places. But the

home side got a little sloppy and conceded twice in the space of four

minutes. First, Bauza lashed home a loose ball from just inside the box.

Following are Craig Woodman corner, Bennett's header was adjudged to

have crossed the line. It was a very tight call but in the end it

made absolutely no difference. have to play Rotherham, flea would

awake and Exeter at home. The best away record in the division. We

would struggle to say we would win all three. That is what we have

done. We have scored ten goals in the process and conceded two, so

absolutely magnificent effort. I said to the lads, we have 12 games

to go, we have set ourselves up. Let's go for it. Too many draws

have slowed Cheltenham's promotion drive. Martin Yeates' side need

more three point halls. They were on their way back here car when

Jason Taylor were stripped. There was a spot kick, Pack sent the

keeper the wrong way. Pack enjoyed his second penalty in three games.

Accrington, who dropped into the bottom two midweek, were level

before the break courtesy of Beattie's header. Almost 35, it was

his first goal and ten games under Stanley are to get out of trouble

they needed him to roll back the years and finish like that. The

lead lasted six minutes. Cheltenham paid to them back with Pack

grabbing his second of the afternoon. Another draw for the

Robins, the 6th in the last nine games, while Stanley stake in the

forms suggested an inevitable outcome. It proved to be anything

but until this header was saved. The resulting corner, Cole

controversially spilled the ball over the line after being impeded

by his team-mate and knocked Platt. As they celebrated, they passed the

stations were correctly waved away. There was a glorious opportunity to

enhance the margin of victory. No matter, as the 6th consecutive home

win for the hosts cent Plymouth plummeting to the bottom.

result is all-important, a controversial goal for us but we

had a situation on Tuesday night were a similar thing happened to us

unfortunately you have to swallow it and hope it evens itself out. It

did for us today. Skull was appointed the manager of Aldershot

on Friday, in time to win over Fleetwood. There were certainly

nothing elegant about their opening goal. Hylton with his 11th of the

campaign. When Anthony Barry picked out Crowther, he should have done

better than hit the post shortly after the break. From that point

one, Fleetwood's afternoon unravelled. Maguire pushed a player

to the ground, no question about the red card that followed. With 15

minutes to play, ten men became nine when Alan Goodall was adjudged

to have brought down Hylton. The keeper led the protest supply would

thought Hylton had gone down too easily. The referee was unmoved.

Lucas managed to pull off a stupendous save to keep out the

penalty and Fleetwood were somehow still in the game. That is until

Hylton burst clear later on to slot in his second. A fine start for

Aldershot under Scott, who are four points clear of the relegation

places. It has been a difficult time for everyone and football club

and this club has been through a lot of turmoil over the years. We

want to bring back smiles to their faces and to do that we need to

give them attacking, exciting football, creating chances and

excitement and two players sent off, luckily not for us but a missed

penalty, the keeper has been absolutely terrific today and made

great saves. We scored two, we could have had four or five and a

clean sheet, so it terrific start. Southend are through to their

first-ever Wembley final in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but they

attempted the promotion bid back on track suffered an early blow at

Wycombe. Morgan capping a need Wanderers build up. The home side's

league disappeared when there was a corner and Corr reacted quickly. A

strange week for Southend, served with a 5th winding-up petition and

four years, before securing the Wembley date which should ease

financial concerns. Corr was unlucky as they pushed for a first

league win four. Instead, there was a through pass to set Assombalonga

on his way. The striker on loan from Watford had just one thing on

his mind. With only five minutes to go, three points to put South End

in touching distance of the top seven seemed to be in the back.

They had to survive one final scare. has been absolutely superb in

recent weeks and it took him just two minutes to rattle his side in

front from the edge of the Bristol Rovers box. He very nearly grabbed

his 11th league goal of the season -- of the campaign in the next

attack as Morecambe's friend to take control. But fair play to

Rovers, who dug in and levelled at three minutes into the second half.

Richards with his second goal in four games. It was anybody's much

now. Louis Alessandro must have thought he had restored the lead

only to see his header hit the foot of the post. Now it was Richards'

chance to become a hero but after a magical run from midfield, he could

not be the keeper. -- beat the keeper.

Kick off at the Kassam Stadium was delayed by five minutes because the

crossbar was not level. The ground staff sorted out the issue but it

did not help the strikers. Josh Parker's first half shot was us for

at close as they came. A run of eight games without a win had left

your looking anxiously down the table. Blair should have done

better with his head. The Minstermen are the Leeds -- the

League's goalless draw specialists. This was their 7th of the sees a

Masashi chambers was unable to deliver a match winning finish. --

the 7th of the season, as Ashley Chambers was unable to deliver.

The Dons have been unbeaten in two at Dagenham. They were prevented

from taking a first-half lead by brilliant goalkeeping. Alexander

was denied point-blank range. Last month, St Louis was prevented from

going to prison for assault, but the Dons took the chance and he

repaid their face with his first League goal. The Daggers through

everything at the Dons to rescue a point in the closing stages but it

is now just one win in six. Barnet had their goalkeeper to thank, this

fine stop was the pick of several good saves. Barnet could have

claimed another three points to follow their comeback win at York

last weekend. When this header rattled the crossbar, the keeper

had to slap it away from danger. Rochdale were hanging on at the end

and would have been relieved to see Beattie's drive drift wide. Barnet

The point shared between Barnett and Roger stayed -- Rochdale. At

the bottom, Plymouth, the new team at the bottom of the division, is

that the psychological blow? Does players take much notice something

like that? No, I don't think so. It is very tight. The stigma of being

bottom doesn't help and also there will be pressure on Plymouth

because they are one of the bigger clubs at that level. There is that

to handle, but a couple of points and you are out. It is not a

forlorn task. They came unstuck with that goal, Northampton winning

the last nine out of ten and looking brilliant at home. As for

Southend come agreed few days. They have booked their place at Wembley,

April 4th I think it is. Is it difficult? It is -- is it a case of

Paul Sturrock keeping their feet on the ground? They know they have a

job to do in the league, they have everything to play for. They have

to keep winning games of football like this. Off field financial

troubles as well. Hopefully it will help. It will be alleviated by a

trip to Wembley. What about Burton? We seem to be mentioning them for

the last three weeks. Ten goals against the likes of Rotherham,

Fleetwood, that Exeter. They have only conceded three against them.

It is more than they could have wished for. He said preceding and

games, it was a tough two or three games ahead of them and they have -

- and they have dealt with them brilliantly. If they are organised

and work hard, he has a chance in every game. The last seven at home

have been one, a great run of form at the Pirelli Stadium. Chalk and

cheese, at home. Let's look at the stay top of the NPower Championship,

five points ahead with a couple of games in hand over the teams below

them. Watford move into second, while Hull drop down to third.

Crystal Palace and Leicester stay as they were and Brighton are in

the top six for the first time since October. Peterborough drop to

the bottom of the Championship, replacing Bristol City who hit five

past Barnsley, who drop to 21st. Wolves host Cardiff on Sunday and a

win will see them move out the bottom three. Sheffield United have

returned to the top of NPower League 1 after a four-game winning

run, Swindon drop down to second after their draw. While Tranmere

move back up to third after thrashing Colchester. Doncaster

drop down to fourth after drawing with Yeovil, who stay in fifth. The

bottom four of League 1 stay as they were with Portsmouth now four

points behind Hartlepool and 12 from safety. Oldham's win means

they go above Scunthorpe, with now three points between the Iron and

Colchester. In NPower League 2, Gillingham and Port Vale both

picked up wins as they continue to battle for top spot, Burton and

Northampton also won as they carry on their recent form. Rotherham in

fifth didn't play and have games in hand of those teams around them.

Plymouth drop to the bottom of League 2 for the first time this

season as they lost at Northampton. Accrington Stanley stay in 23rd

after battling back to earn a point. Barnet drop to 22nd, while AFC

Wimbledon, who were bottom, move up three places to 21st with a win at

Dagenham. Right, before we go a couple of reminders of some sport

that you might not want to miss on Sunday. We've Six Nations rugby

with live coverage of Scotland against Ireland from 1.30pm on BBC1,