24/11/2012 The Football League Show

Evening. If you have been to a game today, hopefully you have tried off

now. With the loan deadline having passed on Thursday, teams must now

negotiate a tricky period in the fixture calendar, with what they've

got up to nine games until the window re-opens for business on

January 1st. Off the pitch though, it was a hugely significant week

for Leeds and Port Vale with both clubs ending months of uncertainty

after finally securing new owners. And a warm welcome to Leroy tonight

as we reflect on the days main talking points.

One win in nine has seen Wolves chances of bouncing straight back

to the Premier League take a nosedive. They were at home to

Nottingham Forest. After a decent run of results Derby

have lost their way in recent weeks. Saturday's late kick off saw Nigel

Clough's side take on a similarly struggling Birmingham.

Now at his seventh club as a manager, Steve Bruce, has wasted no

time making his presence felt at Hull. I'm at the KC to check on the

progress of the highflying Tigers as they prepared to meet Burnley.

And we've all the goals from all 36 fixtures as the fight for promotion

and survival enters a defining Since taking over in July, it's

been a steep learning curve for new Wolves manager, Staal Solbakken. A

poor run of form has seen his team drop into mid-table and with signs

of fans unrest at Molineux, a revival in fortunes can't come

quickly enough. Wolves went in search of a first win since 6th

October. With the visitors, Sean O'Driscoll's Nottingham Forest. It

undermine Nottingham Forest and at Wolves. The damage is not beyond

saving, but corners must be turned soon. Wolves can 0.2 injured

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 83 seconds

players. Henry is serves the second scored. Billy Sharp, promotion

winner last season has Forest back. Over the top of Wolves's defence.

They could not get back at him. A decisive finish the to level this

match. It really is a filthy day in the Black Country. A good game,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 83 seconds

- spills. Forest are calling for unrelenting. Cox was stopped by

Foley. What a first half. The latest flurry in the Forest penalty

But what a great save. It is a first heart you do not want to end,

it is a joy to watch this so far. nothing but the goalkeeper. My

wasted chance. Simon Cox, old backyard. On his return to

Molineux, look what you are missing Wolves. 2-1 for Forest. It has been

a familiar story this season, the poor home performances. It has

Wolves. What a homecoming for Sean O'Driscoll and forest. Result and

performance for you today? We were a bit end to end in the first half,

a good game for the neutral. I said at half-time, if we carry on like

this we could win 3-0 all we could lose 3-0. It did not make for an

entertaining second half, but from my point of view we were more solid.

We struggled to win even games. Too many draws. All in all, the

performance at home has been OK, but obviously we need to pick up

points and very soon. What a goal from a player back to his former

club? He has that in the back. He usually stewards from a bit further

out as well. -- shoots. He has that in the back. Anything from that

sort of distance, if he catches in right. I had two shot over the top.

It was right in the net and I am quite happy, but I did not

celebrate. The food return for the Algerian at Wolves. Did it finish

right for you? I think Wolves did OK for the most part. Nottingham

Forest have only lost 1 away game this season. They looked

comfortable. The momentum faded in the second half. They were

cancelling each other out. Billy Sharp started to come back as

Forest -- as far as Forest are concerned. It was a neat finish and

we have come to expect that? great diagonal ball. A great finish.

You could say the full-back should be in the batter covering position.

First touch is greater, settles it down. This is an unbelievable

strike. People say he usually hits them over the crossbar but this

left the goalkeeper stranded. He did not want to celebrate too much

against his old club. It leaves Forest challenging for the top six

and Sean O'Driscoll, is getting there with his starting 11. As for

Wolves, 17th, it is not what we were expecting? He has had a lot to

deal with, at the new manager. They were out of the Premier League.

Anything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. He has a new

assistant and there is lots of things he has had to deal with.

They are working hard and they have only lost two at home. It is the

basis for them to get back into the Premier League. They need to get a

result quickly. It has been three wins in three for Ian Holloway at

Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace are looking every inch potential title

contenders. What a contrast and Neil Warnock at Leeds, no win in

the last seven and they are 18th. Although they did get good news

late on with confirmation as new owners at Elland Road. Neil Warnock

hailed this as the start of a new era but the takeover agreed a new

owners ready to step in next month, the boss reckons their season is

alive once again. He was hoping the feel-good factor could inspire his

team against Crystal Palace. David Norris it tested the reflexes of

the goalkeeper. Paddy Kenny was also in the thick of the action,

first beating away Jonathan Parker's ferocious drive and then

going down sharply to keep glen Moray of the scoresheet. Wilfred

Saha teasing a tackle out of Sam Byram. His penalty appears fell on

deaf ears as they went to the break Awsworth. The first half gave Leeds

plenty to build on for the restart. Luciano Becchio was perfectly

placed. The latest form has seen the Yorkshire club's slide down the

table. Paul Green smashed home with just over a quarter of an hour to

go. Crystal Palace are 14 match unbeaten run was in tatters. Peter

Ramage put them back into contention. That would be the last

time the Leeds net it would report. The home side surviving a late

scare to clinch maximum points leaving Ian Holloway to reflect.

you thought he died, it was a penalty. Never mind. Such is life.

With Palace losing, Cardiff had the chance to take over at the top.

Nugent show the way on his debut with a header his manager would

have been proud of. Peter Whittingham's delivery came to

haunt Barnsley but not before the home side the Miss two chances.

Cardiff could have been clear if Heidar Helguson had taken his

chance in the second half. It was left to Whittingham, another corner

and another scoring header. The Aron Gunnarsson unmarked. The three

points could have been wrapped up. The boats shops missed. As it was,

Barnsley made the visitors were at when Mellis rewarded their best

spell of the match with his third goal of the season with 15 minutes

remaining. And Cardiff found themselves with ten men after Simon

Lappin was shown a second yellow in the final minutes. Look who is top

our back four made our debut, our 19-year-old scored. Good result.

Three points. Tough place to come. Bristol City arriving on Teesside

with the happy smiles of a team off to their worst start in 32 years.

Boro are on their best start for 15, so it was a turnup when the Robins

took the lead. Albert Adomah slided that shot under Jason Steel. Miller

scored next. The City net was found after to be greeted with the flag.

The home side didn't deserve to be behind. Thanks to this corner

strike from Miller. After that, everything gets a bit foggy. Boro

thought they had taken the flaed a corner. Officials were unable to

spot if the ball had crossed the line. City swept upfield to hit the

post. Visibility was worsening. Match officals barely knew what was

going on. No change there! The visitors took the lead for goal.

Stephen Pearson scored, the travelling fans could hardly

believe it. On a day of much missed for Boro, it was City who then

scored again. Substitute Steve Davies given time to turn and and

shoot a cap a remarkable day for the Robins. To score three goals in

the manner we did and create chances away from home against a

good team, we have to be pleased with that. Nigel Pearson didn't

have far to go with this one, the man who skippered Wednesday to

their last trophy still lives in the city. Danny Drinkwater blast

them into a first half lead. Jones' side were tumbling towards a fourth

successive defeat. The winger who had a hugely successful loan spell

with Wednesday last season wouldn't miss next time round. Job done. Out

of respect the celebrations were muted. Leicester's rise to third

spot could have been more convincing. Waghorn clattered the

woodwork. Boos for a Wednesday side that have lost 11 out of their last

15 and are back in the bottom three. We played the game with authority.

After the first 10 minutes we struggled to get into our own

passing game in the early part. Once we settled down we bossed the

Once we settled down we bossed the game from that period onwards.

result that for Leicester. Could Leeds fans look at the last few

days as being a significant one as far as their club is concerned. The

new buyout and the deadline loans and those players were pivotal in

ending an incredible run by crystal Palace, 14 games? Maybe it is the

catalyst to better things to come. The players came in on-loan and had

to work hard to get that three points against a Palace side that

have been flying. Well done for digging in. Warnock will want to

keep in touch in January to get more players in. Fortune for Leeds

more players in. Fortune for Leeds more players in. Fortune for Leeds

goals. Only six points off the top six, not a million miles away?

kept the ball alive. That is what it is about. They kept the pressure

on. This free-kick is knocked into the danger zone. A great finish. He

keeps the ball down. It takes a deflection. He means to score. You

can't take that away from him. Good performance by Leeds. Neil will be

delighted. Everything will settle down. They have stag mate naited a

little. They can now move forward. little. They can now move forward.

It ends Palace's run. Bristol City, their first win in 12. The way the

luck has gone against the Robins with injuries, the City fans see

the weather, they must have feared the weather, they must have feared

the game wouldn't have seen it the game wouldn't have seen it

through. Pearson got the second to get their noses in front. Davies

finished this off in the last- minute. Not only did the fog lift,

but the gloom lifted at Bristol City. It came last week. They got a

City. It came last week. They got a fantastic result.

As a player, he won almost everything worth winning.

As a manager, he certainly knows what it takes to reach the top

flight. Steve Bruce twice guided Birmingham

to the Premier League and with the Tigers riding high in fourth in the

title race, Clem took the road to With 14 trophies as a player, Steve

Bruce's personal silverware tally is bigger than most Championship

clubs. Congratulations grandad, by the way. How does that feel. Now in

his eighth managerial role, his traumatic exit from Sunderland 12

months ago is another chapter in a 35-year football career. His new

club are on course to repeat their club are on course to repeat their

club are on course to repeat their achievements of five years ago..

That's a fantastic strike! Yes, we are aware of the fact we show that

goal every time we come to Hull City. It is the grand old man of

City. It is the grand old man of football. He is 39. Did I have

still the enthusiasm to drop down a level and meet the challenge?

Obviously, where the club wants to be. You did question that, did you?

Of course I did. To be fair to the people who were trying to employ me,

which was the club here now. Did I still have the enthusiasm after

being 10 years in the big league, could I drop down a league and show

them the respect that it needs? Let me tell you, it's hard work, as it

has ever been. I've enjoyed every minute of it. I love the dynamic

when you have dad as manager and son as player. It's tough. In any

line of work you are, if you are the manager's son it's tough. It's

something I had to get used to. You have to have confidence in your own

ability. On the pitch it's what you do out there counts. How are you,

congratulations? I can see nut flesh. Am I better looking in the

flesh? You are a lot better looking. I hope I am as good as you when I'm

100! There are pit falls, 35 years is a long time in the game. Is

there the pain when you leave a club like Sunderland? Yes.

Disappointed how it finished. The previous season we finished tenth.

Get off to a bad start, as we have seen this week, get off to a bad

start in the Premier League you cannot stop, you know... You can't

stop the bandwagon and the intensity of what it surrounds. You

can only do that by winning a few games. Unfortunately, that didn't

quite happen for me. Since I was a kid it's all I wanted to, do play

football. I tried to join in yesterday even though I'm two stone

too heavy and can't kick the thing like I used to. You want to get out

there and play be and be part of it quaranteed to put noses out of join

at Hull it's Burnley. They have won straight six meetings with the

Tigers. They came back last year to win 3-2 in the last nine minutes.

40 minutes in the Hull keeper could do nothing when Wallis crafted this

pass to Dean Marney to make it 1-0 against his former club. After the

re-start, Hull did enjoy more possession. Even though Burnley did

their best to help, the home side couldn't draw level. With a

succession of misses, some spectacular. Seven straight defeats

to Burnley. Glad to see the back of to Burnley. Glad to see the back of

them. It has a beauty about it, it's an even race. Ones who can get

a run together and stay with who can be successful. We all have a

chance. When we get ourselves there or there abouts. We have come up

with a poor performance. We will go again. We will go again tomorrow

and get ready for Tuesday. As always, they come thick and fast at

this level. We get ready to go again. Minor blip as far as Steve

Bruce is concerned. Obviously, you get an insight into the club with

Liam being there. Have you been impressed with what you have heard

or seen? I have been impressed with what Steve brought to the club.

Impressed with the way they played. They play with three at the back

mainly, they pass the ball well. They have been more consistent.

They came away with nothing today. The performance wasn't right. They

need a run of results where they win more than they draw. That is

the problem with Hull, they have drawn too many games. Are winning

more. There is a belief in the way they are playing. They play three

at the back, not a lot of teams are customed to facing that, does that

put the opposition out? They play that because it suits the players

they have. Liam is playing left and then they play on the right. They

can turn and attack defences. It suits their players. That is

perfect. When a manager goes into the club it's not about having his

own system, it's about having a system that suits the players.

haven't concentrated on Burnley. A good result for their manager.

Resilience shown there from his side? Yeah. It was all about

resilience. I knew Sean at Bristol City. He used to defend all the way

back to the line. That is what he wanted his boys to do. Great result

for them. Great start. A couple of poor results. They are back on the

road again. They could be there or there abouts if they get that

consistency as well. Nigel Clough recently rejected

rumours that Derby are looking to sell their star players in the

January transfer window, but the Rams are in need of a lift having

lost three of their last five. Birmingham were the visitors to

Pride Park for Saturday's late to his Derby side as top scorer

Theo Robinson came in for Jeff Hendrick, who dropped to the bench.

Lee Clark also made the solitary change with Curtis Davies in for

David Murphy who misses the rest of the season through injury.

Martin Fisher was at Pride Park for us. Sidenetting from Wade Elliott.

First glimpse of goal here for Birmingham City. Derby trying to

push out here. Elliott clearly onside. Great save. The rebound is

in. Derby in front. Derby's dominance translated into the

opening goal. Terrific drive. Wonderful save, on to the post. The

flag on this near side by Peter Wright stayed down. Derby in front.

Sammon there is offside. The goal shouldn't have counted. A lucky

break for the home side. In steps Hughes. Hughes with the shot.

Hughes initially anticipated well. Then drove bravely towards the edge

of the penalty area before letting fly. Rob Hal, who is going for it

here. Brought down. It's a penalty. Rob Hall has been a nuisance ever

since he came on. Direct and purseful. Keogh, the Derby captain,

brings him down in the box. Marlon King has a chance to make it four

in four for him and bring Birmingham level. The referee

carefully gets everything ready. Derby pay the price for not taking

that chance early in this second- half to put some breathing space

between themselves and Birmingham. Marlon King's first chance of the

game is put away with great confidence. We are all square at

2-1, Derby. No doubt about that one. There it went, one by Buxton. The

good one, it is 2-2! Derby's lead Buxton. A great response from

Birmingham. And Derby off shattered on coming from both ends. Two

substitutes have scored, Derby are back in front again. A patient

build-up, a lovely ball across by Yacob, begging to be prodded home,

and had Tyson not got there, Sammon surely would. Tyson stretching out

come back twice, and equalise. And to win at the end, a brilliant

Championship game of football. They are a good side with a lot of

experience in there. They had to work hard to get the three points.

We had to go for it, the substitutes we made were very

offensive minded. We are disappointed to lose. We have been

on the wrong side of two decisions involved in the first goals. Very

unfortunate. That maintains their solid home form. Let us talk about

those contentious decisions. Did you have any sympathy with it?

certainly did. That came off the post, a yard and a half of side.

The assistant referee made a poor decision.

The second one, it went into the box. Looking at the bottom right-

hand corner. Tugging him back. It didn't influence the game. He

missed kicks that into the corner. Complaining there about the

decision. It is still a foul. on the pitch, it is in play.

Something Nigel Clough has been working on, a young, energetic,

high-tempo team. Derby were all over them, the way they pressed on

the pitch. Didn't let Birmingham get on to the ball. That is what

really lost then the game. Not good enough, from a Birmingham

side which has a lot of experienced players. There are some good

players in there. Some good players in there. They need a little bit of

pace to change the tempo of the game. Well, let's round off the

Npower Championship, starting with Blackburn, as Henning Berg looked

to follow up his maiden win as Rovers boss, with a home game

against one of the League's form sides, Millwall.

Eight weeks ago, Millwall were in the bottom three, now they are in

form. It took them until the second half to prove why, it wasn't for a

lack of trying. The defence looked to have been caught out but on both

occasions offside was ruled. That was the first after seven minutes,

the second after 20. Rovers had been warned. They also went close

themselves chasing their first home win under their new manager. This

But when you score six in your last six games, going up was always on

the cards. Millwall have not won here in six years. They made it 2-0

later on. Unbeaten now been 11, the team have climbed into the play-off

places. It was a tough day, we had to work

hard and we didn't. And concentrate hard at the right times, with a

little bit of luck. Overall, I am very pleased and proud of the

players who put on a fantastic performance.

They scored two fantastic goals which was difficult to defend

against. But we can do better than this. We are looking to do better.

The first meeting of these are too macro sides in 20 years, this clash

brought chances and -- galore. Brighton seemed set to go ahead

after they were ordered a penalty. But the keeper saved twice before

the bird chance was deflected wide. Undaunted, the Seagulls continued

to rain have look. Here, yet another chance, but more

frustration. This time Hammond it afforded time and space but unable

to provide accuracy. Or panic was to follow. This time, the header

finding the frame of the goal. The second half saw things finally go

Brighton's way. There had been a flag for hand ball which had been

ignored in the build up. With the last kick of the game, the most

unexpected of equalisers by Ngog. I thought they played some

fantastic football. I have never seen them play as good at that --

as that. But when you have the captors we have in our team, they

will keep on going. A year ago, Charlton were at

Huddersfield and saw their unbeaten league run crashing to a halt.

Clayton made their intentions clear. Jackson had the decisive block.

Clark failing to make the most of the rebound. Huddersfield headed

back to the dressing room one man light. The referee's decision to

show the red card appeared harsh. The ten men had to battle on for

the best part of one hour with no them on the brink of success. But

with two minutes less, this high challenge on the skipper Clark gave

a lifeline. No real complaints from the Charlton defenders. And the

scores were levelled. In the circumstances, a pleasurable trip

home for the travelling fans but not before the stoppage time with

his possible winner. They had barely made the

introductions on the pitch and in the technical errors before the

visitors what would took the lead. The fastest goal of the day arrived

after barely four minutes. Anya is making a name for himself in

England. Watford are enjoying their best run under their new manager. A

third goal in successive games, after 21 minutes. Blackpool nearly

found a bizarre way back when this attempt at a pass hit Phillips, but

he has headed the rebound cleared the empty net. A hint of what was

coming. The home fans will point to a total of 17 chances but it wasn't

until the second half they had their reward. Phillips was the man

to set the ball rolling. The blackballed boss produced all three

substitutes. Osbourne made his mark in the best possible way.

I asked the players at half-time to go and win the game in the second

half. We completely dominated the second half.

The Peterborough who collect losing streaks, it's which fresh from a

defeat at Leicester, a battle director at Portman Road. You might

think the Tractor Boys would know about Tomlin who had grabbed a hat-

trick recently. Ipswich didn't manage a single shot on goal in the

opening 45 minutes. The second half got under way and they got back

into the game, thanks to Tomlin. This saw the referee. To the spot,

and this equaliser. It switched should then have taken the lead

after this extraordinary ball. But it was Peterborough almost had the

last word through these substitute of on his debut. But he couldn't

find that extra inch. We had a good response. It was a penalty.

And we soy good save at the end. Overall, in the second half, we

played better. You get the impression Ipswich will

be happier after last week. Having gone one goal down, they will be

pleased they have got a point. Millwall, unbeaten in 11. I think

they have won five of their last six, an incredible run, for a team

that couldn't score to begin with. The manager seems to go under the

radar, he has done a magnificent job at Millwall, got them promoted.

Now, they are hitting shots from all over the place, there is a real

confidence. Two a cracking goals from a man in form. And from Henry.

His 7th goal in seven games. He is a good player, only 20. And Henry,

signed from Reading, an excellent strike. They are flying now. It is

refreshing to see, particularly after recent days, winning

Champions League doesn't make you immune to getting the sack. They

have a manager who really cares about the club and does it on a

budget, he is doing a magnificent job. He has only been in the job

for five games, Friedman. That draw secured in the 96th minute.

Brighton is a tough place to go. He has gone in there, he needs to

build from the bottom up. Been To League One now where leaders

Tranmere were hoping to improve on their disappointing goalless draw

with Walsall on Tuesday. Their latest challenge was a tough

Their latest challenge was a tough Their latest challenge was a tough

trip to fifth placed Stevenage. COMMENTATOR: Tranmere found the

outcome of this game to take. Jake Cassidy's goal looked like enough

for a first win in three. Stevenage didn't threaten until late in the

game. Rovers got lucky. The question is, did Stevenage get

lucky? Greg Tansey's injury-time equalliser was a fluke. It seems

harsh on the midfielder. His third goal in four games earned the point.

We were fantastic today. We have not given them anything, to be fair.

They had a break five minutes to go when they hit the post. I thought

would be our day. The lad not meant that. It has gone over our keeper's

head and into the top corner. looked like he was stumbling a

little bit. He practices an awful lot. Its with a free-kick type shot.

He gets good pace and dip on the ball. I'm not surprised he is

either curling it or swerving it, in some way shape or form not

hitting it in a straight line. Outstanding strike. You weren't

happy on Tuesday night when some of the fans booed auch your players,

did that provide extra motivation for them today? I think it did. We

are top of the league. The budget we are on and get booed off at home.

Hold on a minute, take a reality check. We have come here today and

shown everybody what a good side we rfplt we deserved to win the game.

No doubt about that. Football can be unkind to you. They got lucky.

Brentford were full value for their win against Sheffield United.

Clayton Donaldson got the opener after three minutes. Shaun Miller

kept at bay by the finger tips of the of Simon Moore. The Bees looked

to make themselves more comfortable by half-time. A belter by Harry

Forrester doubled their lead. Blackman's run deserved so much

more. We will dust ourselves down and go again. We have to defend

better than we did in the first half in certain situations. We have

to make sure both ends of the pitch are sorted. You can't have that

many chances in the game and not at least have a couple of goals on the

scoreline. MK Dons had taken 20 points from 27 on home soil prior

to meeting Colchester. They had struggled for goals. They put that

to rights here. Luke Chadwick set them on their way. They took a two-

goal lead into the break after Tom Eastman fouled Patrick Bamford.

Shaun Williams tucked home the penalty. The game was as good as

won when Jon Otsemobor headed in his first goal in over three years

to make it 3-0. Ian Henderson soon pulled one back for Colchester. It

was a scrappy build-up, but a fine finish from Henderson. Any

lingering hopes of a fight back from the visitors were ended when

Chadwick got his second and the Dons fourth within 60 seconds after

untidy defending from Colchester. Their day went from bad to worse

when substitute Massey saw red for this challenge. That left time for

Ryan Lowe, who almost left on-loan for Tranmere to make it 5-1. It was

a real beauty. The Dons are now up the leaders. They were helped along

the way. Midway through the first hatch Cotterill's cross went into

his own net, denying Woods. Seconds after the re-start they left Iain

Hume in space he passed to Cotterill. Rob Jones has been on

target. You sense he enjoyed this one against his own club. Billy

Paynter rounded things off for Rovers. They have had nine wins out

of 12. Victory over Oldham on Tuesday will take them into second

place. Most of the talk pre-match centred around the future of

County's Lee Hughes whose deadline loan failed at the last-minute. He

was banned for this one. The keeper was called upon as the visitors

continued to dominate. Another fine save kept the scores level. The

ball was flicked into the path of Alan Judge, who had one thing on

his mind. That strike threatened to end the run of three successive

draws. It had the locals dreaming of a first home win since September.

It should have been sealed early in the second-half. Notts are up to

sixth. Crewe were looking to build on their fine 3-3 draw at Sheffield

United. It was a stirring second- half performance wip which earnt

them victory here. Two goals in four minutes from Lauri Dalla Valle

secured the win. He is current on- loan from Fulham. He wrapped things

up with this finish. The mysteries of the Orient. How do you go from

two league wins out of 10 to five victories? Mathieu Baudry got his

first goal since the opening day of the season. You don't have to be a

genius to work out the key man, when Kevin Lisbie was injured they

lost four out of five. His return coincides exactly with those five

wins. Five his five goals in that spell didn't hurt either. How did

Preston not score in this game? Sodje showing it wasn't their day.

Much has been made of the impact of the manager's return to born mouth.

Troy Hewitt scored the first, he got the winner at Scunthorpe during

the week. Keeping the Cherries at bay was a difficult task. Tranmere

had scored more goals prior to this. No real surprise when they drew

level. Lewis Grabban's fourth in three matches had them on terms in

the hour mark. With 12 minutes left, David Worrall took aim and got

lucky. Regardless, Bury were on track for an impressive victory.

Bournemouth had plenty of fire power to call on. Pitman rejoined

the club on-loan from Bristol City this week, two years after leaving

the South Coast club, he marked his return with a last-minute leveller.

The final outcome would have been even more pleasing had this shot

been an inch or two lower. The bar came to the rescue for Bury. This

was a great advert fofr League One football. Carlisle made the long

trip to Yeovil having lost three on the trot. The few who made the

journey weren't disappointed. Mark Beck got the first goal midway

through the first half. A minute after the re-start, Beck scored

again. The Yeovil defence had chances to clear a long free-kick,

after a spell of head tennis, Beck let fly, and it flew into the net.

Yeovil, who had enjoyed a midweek win at Crawley were given hope when

Reuben Reid converted after the keeper could only Parry this shot.

There was 25 minutes left at that stage. Marsh-Brown could have

levelled, but he was denied by a save. Moments later, Joe Garner,

who extended his loan spell from Watford, nodded home his eighth

goal of the season. The points headed 300 miles north to Cumbria.

Gary McSheffrey's first goal since April put Coventry ahead. Should

the striker have seen red after this challenge? William Edjenguele

had the shot, but denied due to this clearance. They avoided their

eighth straight defeat. It felt like victory to Pompey. Two teams

out of form. Walsall were without a win in 10. Hartlepool were 103079

points from safety. Evan Horwood was left licking his lips. The

travellers continued their quest for the their first win on the road

since March. Walsall controlled this game for long spells. Four

minutes into the second-half Dean Holden squared the scores. By the

finish Hartlepool's had luck on their side. It does little for

their survival prospects. It's all smiles at Oldham after two wins in

five days. They were disrupted by suspension. Jonathon Grounds who

made his presence pay, he was just back from a ban. They enjoyed

possession, but struggled to create much. Mark Wright had a half chance.

much. Mark Wright had a half chance. Shrewsbury are in the bottom four.

Oldham with back-to-back wins at a They seem to have the perfect

formula winning home games and picking up points away from home.

They have a real resilience and consistency about them. You feel it

will take them a long way this year. One of their goals against

One of their goals against Sheffield United was special?

Sheffield United was special? special. Lovely turn. He drives

forward. Takes the touch. That is as good as strike as you see. It

hit the net before the keeper moves. Fantastic result. Four goals for

Doncaster. Pre-season favourites, Saunders is showing his metal as a

Saunders is showing his metal as a manager. He built the club up with

very few players. Last year it was loans and short-term contracts. He

was able to do it properly. The players he has in there long-term

are good players. That is why he is doing well. David Cotterill is a

good signing? I think he has real good signing? I think he has real

good signing? I think he has real ability. He found a place where he

is really appreciated. He doesn't score enough goals regularly. If he

adds that to his game he will be a adds that to his game he will be a

real force. What do you think about the comments about the Tranmere

fans who booed the club? Typical Ronnie. The fans are expecting

Tranmere to win every game. That is because they have been winning.

made the situation himself by being so successful? They are top of the

league. They are doing well. Fans expect them to drive on and say,

sorry, you will have to put up with it. Notts County, the great result

against Swindon and the performance for MK Dons against Colchester.

As for League Two, Port Vale were aiming to top off a hectic week

with a win. Micky Adams' men finally secured

new owners on Thursday to take them out of administration.

As they closed the gap on leaders Gillingham in midweek, how would

the Gills respond in their game at Accrington. But seconds after

stepping off the bench, this challenge from Nelsen. The keeper

had to go which meant an unforeseen appearance by Forecast who had to

face Beattie who slotted in the penalty. So, a blip, or something

more serious? It certainly could have been worse for Gillingham.

Time was running out. Third bottom against second top

looked an unequal contest. Especially with Port Vale have in

the league top scorers. They could have been well clear had they taken

home side, minutes into the second half, Burgess restored advantage.

Two soon became 3. Williamson went down in the area. The midfielder

took the kick himself, his 5th success from the spot this season.

Aldershot drop back into the bottom two.

More problems with Bonet. -- Barnet. A penalty for handball, but the

keeper saved. 10 minutes from time, the home side's efforts paid off.

With the winner calmly lifted over Stack. The visitors had a late

chance to grab a point. But it bounced back.

Back-to-back defeats have seen fleet would lose ground in the top

three. Hitting the post here. Dagenham are no respecters of

reputations. There were no here came from the spot. Williams

knocked it hint himself -- it in herself, an injury-time winner.

They almost made a When's -- amends here.

If you want goals, followed Bristol Rovers, cent in nine seconds into

his debut, Branston on loan from Aldershot, announced himself with a

header. Standby for five more, just before half an hour. Back came

Rovers minutes later, eves macro took all the credit for that. The

visitors were soon level again, in the second half, after this corner.

Still, Rovers were not done. Smith, and a 3-2 lead. Bradford had never

won at Bristol Rovers but they were not going to be beaten this time.

Hansen macro provided a number three. The action didn't end there

in this crazy, breathless contest which boiled over into stoppage

time. And a challenge by Brown. Tried to make sense was the referee,

the man in yellow. Eventually he decided it was a straight red card

for Doyle for his part. And then, Brown followed with a second yellow.

Some match. Two sides on a promotion push

meeting, as Southend welcomed Rochdale, just one point above them

in the table. Gornell headed his first goal home for Rochdale. Then,

the Long powered in the equaliser, his 12th of the season. Southend

gilded the same line-up in a series of matches. Tomlin grabbed his 5th

goal in three games. 10 minutes from time, along macro sweeping a

path -- the Long sweeping this into the path of Laird.

You never know what you are going losing at home the next. This first

half goal defeated Exeter. In injury time, Rose saw red. The

resulting free kick allowed City 1 more spin of the wheel. But the

shot was saved. Rotherham climb into the top seven at Exeter's

expense. Four games without a win had left

Oxford a tick in the table but it took an early lead against

Northampton, the visitors's defence failing. Oxford dominated in turns

of chances but there would work denied both Rigg and Forster-Caskey

-- the woodwork. Substitute Platt macro scored. Then, Pitman scored

for the first time in 10 months. Be disappointing day for the visitors

was compounded by the dismissal of Carlisle, the veteran was sent off

for a second bookable offence in the dying moments.

McClure celebrated his return. The 21-year-old with his third of the

week. The strikers looked lively. The manager of reckoned three

matches in six days contributed to Burton's midweek defeat. The

referee produced a red card, the 7th of Diamond's career, and Grant

added to the punishment. McClure smashed home his second two Galt

salvo of the week. -- goal. If Plymouth could only score, they

would have won this comfortably. Chesterfield made a key change in

the second half with Boa Morte coming on. His third goal in five

matches. Eight years ago in their last meeting, Plymouth beat

Chesterfield 7-0. This time, McDonald's couldn't even score a

late equaliser. Plymouth are fit bottom.

-- fifth. Be two inconsistent mid-table sides

met. Year-old man came close to an equaliser but it was kept out by

his splendid save. This was the turning point. Within five minutes,

their leading scorer helped Oastler travels, Morecambe must have been

relieved to be back home. They were off to an ideal start, Ellison here,

beating Sullivan in goal. His celebrations were far from over. He

put his severed of the season beyond the keeper. -- seventh. The

visitors improved after the break. The referee awarded a penalty which

Midson dispatched himself. His 5th of the season. Just as Wimbledon

were threatening a comeback, McNaughton slept. -- slilpped. The

teenager signed on loan, McCallum, was sent off. Morecambe extend

their unbeaten home run. And Ellison had his prize.

What a week it has been for Port Vale. In many weeks, the perfect

week. The takeover has gone through, they have had a couple of fantastic

results. His daughter has got married. Will it take a shift in

mentality, with finances tight, does he now have to operate under

some pressure? There are these new owners in situ. He can operate more

cannily. I think he can do it better. In turns of the spirit, he

will five players who can add to what is already there, he won't

want to change too much. Paul Stark is doing well at Southend --

Sturrock. This is what he loves doing, building clubs from scratch.

As when he went in with no players. Tomlin, it is good to see him doing

well. I brought him into League football several years ago. You're

not taking the credit! He has grown, he has become a good player.

Well, as for the tables: Cardiff move back to the top of the Npower

Championship, as they won their third consecutive game. They

replace Crystal Palace, who suffered their first defeat in 15.

Leicester move up to third. Middlesbrough and Hull both lost.

And it's getting very tight now, with just three points separating

Millwall in sixth, down to 13th. Peterborough stay bottom, after

only managing to draw at Ipswich. Sheffield Wednesday slip back into

the bottom three, after losing for the fourth consecutive game. While

Bristol City were the only team in the bottom eight to pick up all

three points. Wolves and Bolton continue to struggle after

relegation. Tranmere are still the leaders of

Npower League 1, three points clear of MK Dons, who thrashed Colchester.

Doncaster are level on points with the Dons, but have a game in hand

over the teams around them, which is on Tuesday night, at home to

Oldham. A win there will move them level on points at the top.

Sheffield United drop to fourth, while the team that beat them,

Brentford, move up into fifth. At the other end, Hartlepool picked up

a point at Walsall, which halted their run of four straight defeats.

But are still 10 points adrift of safety. Scunthorpe's second

consecutive defeat sees them stay in 23rd. While Shrewsbury drop into

the bottom three. Bury's draw moves them up one place. Carlisle in 18th

were the only team in the bottom eight to pick up all three points.

Gillingham's lead at the top of Npower League 2 has been reduced to

two points, as they drew at Accrington, and Port Vale won.

Cheltenham stay third, while Southend's hat-trick of wins moves

them up four places, to a season high of fourth, with only four

points separating them and 13th. Barnet stay bottom, after a late

defeat at Cheltenham. Aldershot drop back to 23rd. In fact, all of

the bottom four in League 2 lost. Wycombe in 19th continue their

revival, as they win back-to-back games.

Right. Before we go, don't forget there's more football on Sunday

night on Match Of The Day 2, at 10.25pm on BBC One.

Midweek Match of the Day, Wednesday, 10.45pm, on BBC One. Match of the

Day returns next Saturday at 10.30pm.

Which, of course, will be followed by the best from the Championship.