29/09/2012 The Football League Show

Good evening. Great to have you with us, as we reflect on the final

round of League games in September. And as the days get shorter, so too

the shelf-life of managers. This week saw John Ward leave Colchester.

While after simmering for almost two years, the pressure finally

told for Steve Kean who resigned at Blackburn, less than 24 hours

before their game at Charlton. So plenty for Leroy to talk about

then. And here's what else we've got for you tonight.

Wolves are adjusting to life in the npower Championship under new

manager, Staal Solbaaken. On Saturday they were at home to

struggling Sheffield Wednesday. After joining the Football League

just three years ago there in the hunt for the third promotion in

just three seasons. Stevenage are in the hunt for their third

promotion in four seasons. And we have the game of the day in League

One as Sheffield United met Notts County.

And Gillingham were chasing their eighth win in nine against Rochdale.

We start this week at walls were their new manager is making his

mark on the old goal. The Norwegian has found his feet in the league.

Sheffield Wednesday had lost their last four it's so what better time

last four it's so what better time for Wolves to get it out of their

system? Wolves asked battling well under

their new manager and enjoying their best start to a new season in

four years. Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to avoid the 5th successive

league defeat. Both sides made numerous changes midweek but have a

goes down inside the area. The referee has a look, it is not

interested. He is not happy that he did not get a spot kick. Stephen

Kevin Doyle. Sheffield Wednesday great chance! Should have made more

of it. Just could not make contact. Wolves survive. Bothroyd stayed

down. And a good effort! My word, did he get hold of that! And a

terrific save! Wolves beginning to get into this one. Kevin Doyle,

mightily close again. Stoke defenders backed off and

Kevin Doyle went for glory. Doyle picks up the pieces. A nudge

from Jermaine Johnson. He is walking a bit of a tightrope.

Looking disjointed at the moment. The referee reaching for his pocket

again. A yellow card for taking the free

kick too quickly, by the looks of It is in it! The breakthrough for

Wolves! They are on course for a 4th successive league win. The wall

just spits. Dave Jones will be furious with

that one. Wolves on top. A lot of play in the middle third right now.

Ebanks-Blake fancied a shot but could not hit the target.

He was waiting for the pass but when he got it he could not hit the

mark. Sako, we know he can hit them.

Foley keeps it moving. Wolves fans show their appreciation for the

Polish international. Foley again. Doyle and Ebanks-Blake waiting for

Jones. Unless something very dramatic happens here but that

looks unlikely. Henry, from distance. He was a long way off

from getting one there. And there goes the weasel. -- the

whistle. What a start for the new manager.

Sako clinches the points for Wolves. I think we have been out done by a

decisions from the referee, to be honest. How he says that is not a

penalty, I have not got a clue. And then they take a quick free-kick.

We have got the video and we do not see it.

The penalty, I really cannot see. I cannot agree with him on that. The

referee awarded yellow and, as he should. In that case he did the

right thing because that is the rule. If you have to blow the

whistle before, you should Sako did not listen. So they get their 4th

not listen. So they get their 4th win in a row. The managers had

opposing views. I think they deserve the three points. But I

understand why they feel a little bit hard done by. They wanted that

clean sheet that they have not had this season. I think that they

really worked hard and it was tough on them. Let us deal with the

contentious decisions. Should Sheffield Wednesday have had a

penalty earlier on? I think they should. He tries to stay on his

feet, you cannot blame him for that. That is difficult for the referee,

it is not obvious. But I thought it was a penalty. What about the

build-up to the all-important goal in the first half of?

He says do not take this free-kick until I blow the whistle. And he

takes it. If that went in, it would be a good decision but it goes in a

second time. But the referee is doing his job. Unfortunately for

Sheffield Wednesday then it went into the second time.

Wolves have had real difficulties, I think they have lost their best

players. They have brought in players that

nobody knew. But he has made it solid and they have got their home

form back. Having endured incessant criticism for almost two years the

Steve Kean's rain finally came to an end on Friday night. The timing

came as some surprise. Rovers were sitting comfortably after a solid

start to new season. For the fans, the news was long overdue.

He came out, he had to go sooner or later.

It is a feeling of relief. I have been let down by my club for 18

months. I am upset about it but we move on now.

The fans will be returning back to the grounds now. So hopefully it

will be a packed stadium in two weeks' time. Blackburn began life

without Steve Kean. Eric Black took charge of team affairs at Charlton.

charge of team affairs at Charlton. And watched his team take the lead.

It was not long before Charlton responded. But it took two bites of

the cherry. The first opportunity to level came from the penalty spot.

Jackson stepped up and it was saved by Paul Robinson. But then he got

the chance to atone. Charlton had the better of the

contest after that. But Danny Green cleverly created space but it

struck the woodwork. So the new year begins with a draw.

Both managers happy with the points and both reflecting on matters of

the pitch. I know exactly how this business is. You have to get

results and do well. I thought he was doing an adequate job but he

had to go. When the manager leaves there can be difficult times but

there was a good response from the players today and I'm happy to have

taken a point away. Barring Stephen Gill be's early

efforts of the Championship leaders were subdued against Birmingham.

This match was an evening kick-off thanks to the presence of the

students. Another delayed was in store. The

lights went out thanks to a 20 minute power cut in the second half.

Gus Poyet held an impromptu seminar. Birmingham held on for a first away

win of the season. A big result for the Blues and their under fire

Thankfully, they got it sorted. Huddersfield had the chance to move

to the top of the Championship with a win over Watford, who had picked

up a single point from their last four games. Oliver Norwood opened

the scoring with a well struck kick. Watford struck back midway through

the second-half. It was a fine goal, Fernando Forestieri. Mark Yeates

carried and Fitz Hal scored. Huddersfield went straight up the

other end. Alan Lee met this cross with a thumping header. A

remarkable finish was made the more memorable by the circumstances

surrounding Watford's late winner. When Forestieri was brought down,

Troy Deeney took responsibility. Two weeks from being released from

prison it was a fine individual display. Quite entertaining, five

goals, I suppose. It was probably a game we probably didn't deserve to

win. We were off it today. Here's a stat for you. Since first first

wearing red Cardiff's record is six wins and one draw. They made like

work of Blackpool. They took the lead after 17 minutes. From this

deflected cross, Matthew Connolly collected a rare goal, his first

for Cardiff. Peter Whittingham got the second. Suspect positioning by

a player saw them double their lead before the half time mark. Kevin

Phillips lacked the finishing touch. Not so Matthew Connolly, who loves

playing against Blackpool, it seems. He has only scored four goals in

well over two-and-a-half years, three of them have come against

Blackpool. For them, Stephen Crainey hit the bar, as very little

went right for Blackpool. The start of the game we were moving the ball

around nicely. In fact so much that their crowd was getting on at their

players. I can remember. That I don't know if you krks you know.

It's about putting the ball in the net. It went in rather too easily,

for my liking. We executed the game plan today in decision making. The

decision making was important. Went to go into certain areas and when

to press them, Wen to set off and get into the final third and make

the right options. Hull were chasing a seventh straight home win

against the only club in England who are yet to register a point

this season. Peterborough took on the role of could you �busters.

Hull were on top when Sinclair first made his presence felt,

showing plenty of commitment, he was as well composed to open the

scoring. Hull were hit soon after. This ball set up Sinclair who

produced another measured finish. It wasn't until the hour mark that

Steve Bruce's men mustered a response. This cross wasn't perfect,

but Jay Simpson smashed home his third in four games. Leading a game

has been unfamiliar territory for Peterborough, the Hull onslaught

never materialise. The form book was torn to pieces when Hull gave

it away in the middle of the Park. Chester backed off allowed Sinclair

to get a treble and Peterborough are off the mark for the season.

made elementary mistakes for the three goals, individual error. When

an individual error is concerned, it's a difficult - it make it is a

difficult afternoon. Credit to my players. We played as a team,

battled away. We came to a tough place sthrerks won every game at

home. What they worked on we did well. We counter attacked on the

well. We counter attacked on the day. Amazing victory for

Peterborough. At the start of the day they were seven points from

safety. They would have been mindful of that. Sinclair had a

point to prove? He did. He has been in and out of the side. When he

side I -- signed I thought he was perfect, he would ad pace and power.

Peterborough haven't won a game. To go away from home with him up front.

They are lacking confidence in the way they want to play. When you

know Sinclair will chase things it make it is easier. They got their

noses in front. They haven't done that too often this season. Emile

scored twice there last August. Steve Kean leaving at Blackburn,

inevitable? Now, talk about a big decision, for the owners to make in

terms of his successor. It doesn't get much bigger? No, it doesn't.

Steve Kean said his position was untenable. It has been so for 18

months. The fans have wanted the owners out. It's a time for them to

get the appointment spot on and get on side with the supporters. They

have to get a manager who knows the league, let him get on with it.

It's massive turning point. If they don't get it right it will be

difficult for them. What an incredible result at Brighton.

First home defeat at the hands of a team in Birmingham who got humped

last week by Barnsley? They did. It was interesting to see the signing

of Paul Robinson. 33 years old. I bet he has not trained too much or

played too much. He can talk. That was lacking against Barnsley.

leadership? Leadership by talking and helping others. They showed

that today. I'm pleased for Lee Clark. No-one expected that.

Brighton hampered by Smith being out as well. Great result for

Birmingham. Let's hope they can move forward from it.

Now, David Nugent's first hat-trick for Leicester last Sunday helped

see-off Hull, and in the process went some way to lift the pressure

building on manager Nigel Pearson. Well, just to show how quickly

things can change, could the Foxes' boss register a third straight win

by opening their away account at by opening their away account at

Middlesbrough? Pearson admitted this week he was surprised to hear

his job was upbt understood threat. Leicester began this game four

points off top spot. The Foxes had the best of the opening exchanges.

Nugent close to adding to the four goals he has added this season no.

Goals before the break, that soon changed in the second-half. Nicky

Bailey with this strike to open Boro's account. Leicester

reportedly handed over �1 million for the services of Jamie vardy

after scoring 30 goals in the Conference. He hasn't looked phased

by this step newspaper class. He brought the Foxes level with his

fourth of the season. Buoyed by that goal, Leicester pressed for

another. They were rewarped twod minutes from time. Lloyd Dyer's

effort took a deflection off a player for the winner. This was

time for the Frenchman, but he ran out of puff when it mattered. First

away win for Pearson against his former club. He can enjoy a week

without speculation about his Everton, Diouf got the opener here.

Bristol City have a great strike rate, 11 goals in three matches

prior to Adomah's equalisiser. The Robins don't defend as well as they

go forward. Diouf restored their advantage. He is well on the way to

becoming a cult hero with the Leeds fans. The Whites grabbed a third.

Michael Tonge tong, a longer term associate of the manager gave them

breathing space. Austin couldn't take off the shine with his score.

-- goal. Their two goals were too easy. I can't be any prouder than

this week. Wh a week for us, Everton and Bristol City. A great

week for us. Ipswich went in fronge from Aaron Cresswell, with more --

front from Aaron Cresswell. Ipswich weren't comfortable with their lead.

Foster felt he had headed them level but only after fouling Scott

Loach. Dawson got the next goal with this sensational shot. Dawson

came close to a second individual goal, but Loach kept him at bay.

They exceed expectations, leaving Paul Jewell relieved with a point.

The confidence in our team when you lose matches back-to-back. It ebbs

away. We didn't have the quality to get the second goal. It's a point

gained rather than two lost. These two sides began the day viing for

position in mid-table. Glenn Murray scored a hat-trick last week, he

would have to wait for his chance to shine. Zaha caused panic after

the break. Bogdan equal to everything that came his way, much

to the winger's disbelief. When Palace's goal came it was from the

penalty spot. Murray was on hand to fire home from the penalty spot.

His fourth goal in two games and third from 12 yards Palace have

found their man of steel. After a slow start to the season, the

Eagles are flying. 13 points from a possible 15. Bolton's manager

pointing a finger at the officials. He went driving into the box. He

went to step across. He hasn't kicked the lad. He has come into

the back of his leg. Biggest scalp of the season for us. The way we

defended. I felt on the break we always had our opportunities. I

thought it was a good result for us. Well earned one as well.

handshakes disguised a game packed with incident and a moment of real

controversial. They were looking for back-to-back win this year, The

equalliser wasn't long in coming. They did hit the front in

spectacular fashion before the break. The ball was guided home by

the head of Charlie Austin. Then came the game changing moment.

Stanislav got a third goal for Burnley. After the celebrations

were complete, the officials consulted. An offside decision

ruled it out to keep the Lion's in the hunt. With time running out

they pounced. Henderson equallised and ended the run of three defeats.

It took them a little white while. They got the right decision. He was

coming back from an offside position. As soon his partner

flicked the ball to him and he controlled it he became active.

have never seen a goal given, no flag gone up, and everyone getting

back to restart play, crowds celebrating, players celebrating

and the goal was struck out. It was and the goal was struck out. It was

a mental blow to recover from that. We saw two teams putting a run

together now. Maybe just the right time. Leicester, they have managed

to get that mental block of that first away win under their belts.

Middlesbrough, I suppose when luck has not been with them, Nigel

Pearson admitted they got the rub of the green this time? They

certainly did. They have had it against them from what I have seen

from their away performance. They haven't won an away game. This is

Lloyd Dyer coming in. Horrible deflection. We have seen that

happen so many times. It goes over the keeper. They have been playing

opening and atacting football. I have been impressed with them. They

It has been a great week originated, three victories in seven days. If

Neil Warnock can keep him ticking over until January when the new

owners are in place they can launch an all-out assault for promotion.

They that is what he will do, keep driving them forward. He feels they

have not got enough quality, but they a strong, Pavel outer. El-

Hadji Diouf is getting close to full fitness. -- a strong powerful

out there. -- outfit. And good luck to George Elokobi as she recovers

from that terrible ankle injury. What a resort for Crystal Palace at

Bolton. Crystal Palace get another penalty, that is their 5th penalty,

but it is not surprising when you think about it, with Wilfried Zaha

there, always running at people, and they get their reward.

League One now - and one of the success stories of recent years.

Only in existence since 1975, Stevenage are threatening to

achieve Championship status after only three years as a Football

League club. Unbeaten this season, the managerial transition from

Graham Westley to Gary Smith appears seamless. Clem went to

Broadhall Way as the Boro prepared to meet bottom club Bury now under

new manager Kevin Blackwell. An exciting arrival as the Stevenage

chairman described the arrival of Gary Smith in January. He had

already ones over where in the M Ellis, with the Colorado rapids --

MLS with Colorado Rapids. He earned his stripes by steaming Stevenage

into the play-offs. Could he go one better? They were tight-knit bunch

under Graham Westley. Did you have to win their respect? All the

previous regime? He had done a fantastic job. It was part of my

remit to keep that going. We did not want to get too excited because

it is early in this season, but Brown -- there are some good signs.

He was aware that we worked hard, we work for each other. And that

was included in the new regime. gives me a little reminder having

things like Billy Ray Cyrus on my report. --iPod. When you are trying

to put together a team, character and personality is a massive part

of it. When they crossed the line they might get the job done. It has

been very enjoyable, and that the moment, it is all going pretty well.

He has nicked your spot Mac. Would Are you all right with this? It is

a raspberry pink. The kids like it! Gary Smith is not the only man to

have spent time in the US. So, too, with Kevin Blackwell. He has been

to Brazil, Nigeria and Spain. season starts today. It is always

great to be back out on that track with the players. I am looking

Given their perilous position, Kevin Blackwell said bury mac might

have to start thinking about playing like Bognor, before

Barcelona. Young Tom Hopper will love this. This is the teenager's

first goal in senior football. That gave bury mac the lead, but

Stevenage are always a good bet for a goal. They only need one side to

score in every match this season and Marcus Haber give them the lead

on 60 minutes. Stevenage have the ability to turn matches on the net.

Greg Tansey made it 2-1, the comeback kings of League 1. They

had to settle for a point. With five minutes to go, Tom Hopper

assisted, and Mark Cullen recorded his first goal, to secured a

morale-boosting draw under the new boss. It might have been even

better. Martin Hopper was at the far post to meet a cross from

Marcus Marshall, the 18-year-old, I am going to remind them they are

unbeaten and in the League 1 play- offs positions, and this is

Stevenage we are talking about. us, true, but it was disappointing

getting back into again. That we started poorly in, but we should

have had all three points. Many teams in this leader when to drop

points when least expected and probably gain points were not

expected, and hopefully, we can get a couple of points in midweek to

get over this. That Stevenage record is not to be sniffed at, and

he has lost key players of the side who made the play-offs. He has

stamped his mark on this team and they are doing very well. Yes,

slowly but surely, he is putting his stamp on it, as you said. He

will be disappointed. If they turn rose victories -- straws into

victories, they might well be right up there. -- draws. Kevin Blackwell

back in football and an encouraging start to his career at Bury. He was

all over the world, in Nigeria, all over the place. He loves coaching.

Staying with League One, Tranmere's unlikely run at the top of the

table was consolidated last week with a a 5-2 victory at promotion

chasing Crawley. Could Ronnie Moore's side extend their unbeaten

run to nine matches at home to the club its best ever start to the

season, but Brentford were determined not to respect history,

as Harry Forrester brought the best out of Owen Vaughan Williams. Rory

ma has blended the side with one of the lowest bodies in that the

Football League. Akpa Akro cost nothing when he moved from Rochdale,

but he showed muscle and a tidy finish up to put the leaders in

front. Six minutes into injury time, some improvisation from Jonathan

Douglas brought Tranmere back down to earth, and within sight of the

by manager Danny Wilson this game we pose a stern test, so he was

happy to welcome back Ryan Flynn from suspension and give Dave

Kitson, the striker, has first home start. After Bialkovski saved,

Flynn nodded in his first for the blaze. Sheffield United were trying

to avoid their 6th draw of the season. A deflected cross was

headed goalwards by Francois Zoko, only for Mark Howard to parry the

ball to safety. But the Blades failed to deal with a poorly taken

corner, and substitute Lee Hughes was on hand to score, with Notts

County now unbeaten away from home all season. The lads gave

everything. As soon as it kicked off they were on all the second

balls. They took the game to Notts County and never give them time to

settle. In the end, a little bit disappointed with the result, the

draw, rather than the victory. is not an easy place to come. You

have to come here and try to silence the crowd. Their goalkeeper

made two great saves in the first half, but overall, it was pleasing.

We needed a little bit more, but it is coming. It is a critical period

for MK Dons and their promotion prospects. Three matches against

struggling sides have given them a chance to cement a place in the top

two. Charlie McDonald won this for them, his 8th minute finish been

the only goal of the game. Crewe have won only one game in eight

matches and could have fallen further behind Ann the first half,

but this effort from MacDonald hit the post. It was strange to see

them hanging on for the win, but Crewe looked a different side in

the second half, and with some better finishing they might have

season. Swindon look better equipped to go further. James

Collins will not have wanted to do this against the club he left in

the summer. Swindon eventually got the victory they deserved Fax to

Simon Berry, to keep Paolo di Canio's men tucked in behind that

of two. -- the top two. I am very happy because we did not lose this

game. We came out with a few points. I am very happy. I do not think we

played near our capabilities. They and a sigh to work hard against us,

but we have better players. At times we had the ball and we had

time on the ball and we made silly mistakes. This was David James's

debut, joining up with Harry Redknapp and Paul Groves at

Bournemouth. The 42 a old is he hoping to help Bournemouth avoid

back-to-back League defeats. But Andy Buttner powered home a cross

to preserve an unbeaten home record. Bournemouth's thought they had

issued a point. Charlie Daniels was played in, who put in car buyer,

for the equaliser. Walsall boss Dean Smith said his team are

playing with smiles on their faces. They were beaming when George

Bowman took their winner with his Walsall have made a good start.

very strong, away from home, as well. They have got to give honest,

they can go away from home with confidence that they can come away

with the points. They have not lost back-to-back away games since last

season. Eddie Mitchell confronted some of the fans, all is not well

at that Football Club, at Bournemouth. The spoke about the

money and investment in the club which seems to have gone against

them. David James now assigning. They have got to focus on the job

in hand, and get a home victory and one card, and that is what

Bournemouth has been about as a club. Disappointment for Tranmere

Rovers. Losing that one goal lead to Brentford. But, you get the

feeling that point out of the League Cup and the Johnstone's

Paint Trophy in the first round might have gone in their favour.

Tranmere Rovers have always had a small budget, a great community

club. He will have been disappointed not to get that

roller-coaster where you are winning games but if you're going

to lose any games, it might as well be in the cup, and not in the

league. As for the rest of League 1, Carlisle suffered defeat at home to

Spurs on Wednesday, but it was back to basics today with the visit of

Crawley. For the second time this week, Carlisle have paid for the

lack of firepower. The Cumbrians played well against Tottenham, but

that helped sink Carlisle. Nathan Byrne's first senior goal was

impressive. Crawley were on their way to a third away win out of four.

The Reds lost to Swansea in the last-minute of their League Cup tie

this week. Nicky Adams' deflected shot secured the points and a place

in the top six. Nothing less than a sustained promotion challenge will

do for Preston this season. The early signs didn't look good. A

penalty was given which convinced the assistant, if not the keeper,

Williams gave them a lead that he held for almost an hour. Monakana

took centre staining stage. He arrived from Arsenal. He started to

show what he had picked newspaper the Gunners Academy by scoring his

first league goal to bring Preston level. He provided the assist for

an own-goal by Dan Burn. Edward Upson felt that this challenge was

the only way of stopping him. A second yellow, a red card. Another

youngster had the final word. DanBurn arrived on-loan and scored

twice within 60 seconds. The first one was an own-goal. It might be

something to leave out when he tells the grandchildren about this

one, which kept Preston hanging on to the finish. Leyton Orient

manager said Doncaster played ugly in the first half. The visitor's

opening goal was a thing of beauty. Chris Browne held the ball up

before releasing it into the bath of of the deadly IainHume. This

cross fell nicely for Syers and the shot was edged home by Cotterill.

Every new signing dreams of making an instant impact. Leon Clarke has

certainly done that. He scored in each of his five games since coming

on-loan. It's essential that they hit the ground running. Gyepes got

his first Pompey goal. Wes Thomas is another new arrival. He signed

on-loan from Bournemouth. He was tripped and the referee pointed to

the spot. Howard stepped up, but the shot was saved. Without a home

win this season, Portsmouth fan woos have been fearing the worse.

For once, their luck held. This cross rattled the woodwork, but

stayed out. Thomas was to make the key intervention. His goals for

Portsmouth dried up, if he could get his mojo back. This shot by him

was the winner and gave them something to cheer about at last.

Coventry arrived here without a league win. As 90 minutes loomed,

Sky Blues fans were given a reason not to look away now this week

thanks to CodyMcDonald. The new manager now has something to build

on. A new manager in the dug-out and new faces on the pitch at

Colchester. There were several loanees on the side. Craig Lynch

sent Hartlepool into the lead. This header was cleared off the line and

into safety. Gavin Massey scored his first for the club. Minutes

later the match was turned on its head. Peter Hartley lost his head.

Ibehre got the second. Ibehre rounded off his debut by securing

Colchester's first win and dropping Pool into the deep end of the

Pool into the deep end of the division. Three debuts, three

points, three goals. Stunning afternoon's work for Ibehre.

three debuts came on the same day that Joe is appointed. They were in

the pipeline. I know John. Good man. It's a shame he went. They are in a

winning position for three minutes all season. He has done a fantastic

job behind the scene. Dunne is there to take it forward. Coventry

get their first league win of the get their first league win of the

season. It was an ugly win. When you are in a position, I suppose,

you don't really care. First win is always going to be ugly. It doesn't

matter how you get. It it came late on. That will be a massive boost

after getting thrashed midweek in the Cup. If you cast your mind back

to last season, Graham Westly endured all sorts of going --

goings on. Four wins out of six. This is what happens when you bring

in players who buy into what he is trying to do at the club? They know

his vision. He is getting his rewards. No scandals there.

Everyone is working in the same direction and working to grand

standards and getting the results. What is going on at Yeovil. After a

cracking start they have lost their last five? Gary is finding it

difficult dfplt was always going to happen. They 4 -- had a great start,

but they will have their run. He gets them to play positive football.

Finally to League Two, and going into their match with Rochdale,

Gillingham had opened up a six point lead at the top of the table.

Their impressive start has been so good, Martin Allen has been

spending time fending off questions about his future at what is his

seventh club in nine years. The Gills were at home to Rochdale.

Andrew Tutte scored from this deflected shot. Backman was given a

red for this challenge. Tutt made his third contribution. A fine ball

to pick out Bobby Grant. His fourth goal in four games. The hosts were

given a life line when Donnelly was adjudged to have pulled down a

player. Kedwell stroked hope home his sixth goal in as many games.

Gillingham threw bodies forward. No doubt about the miss of the season

so far from Grant, what a win for Rochdale. After more years in the

dull drums than they care to remember, Bradford started this

game with a 100% home record. Hanson hit the neting. He had a

lack of composure when it mattered. Port Vale hung in there. The home

side's Gary Jones picked out the division's form striker. Tom Pope

accepted the gift for his seventh goal in five games. Bradford didn't

give up their best start to a season since their manager was

there 17 years ago, without a fight. Wells tried with this shot. It's

Exeter's best start to a season since 05. It's 20 years since

Rovers made such a miserable beginning here. Clarkson got his

second goal of the campaign. They hoped of a win here since 84.

Cureton reacted to get his seventh of the campaign to level. Rovers

secured a first win, Richards came off the bench to haul his side out

of the relegation zone. Fleetwood have enjoyed an excellent start to

life as a football league club. They were behind within five

minutes to Barnet. Jake Hyde got the final touch here. David Ball's

drew Graham Stack into a challenge. As the last man, Stack had to go.

Barnet were nigh up against it with this shot. Baruizen slipped through

the keep every's fingers. Barnet are now five points from safety.

Wimbledon ended their losing streak after ending the manager's

association with the club. Accrington are benefiting from

having a striker who finds the right place at the right time.

Amond's anticipation showed why the Irishman is so popular in that part

of East Lancashire. Their second goal was more pleasing, Peter

Murphy showed neat control and a better finish to double the lead

with 12 minutes to go. Wimbledon have enlisted the help of Dave

Bassett to help them find a new one. A long ball set up Sammy Moore's

injury-time response. The keeper's butter fingers didn't cost

Accrington in the end. Two teams pushing for promotion produced a

six goal thriller. Burton brought in Rooney. Zola turned home after

his initial header hit the bar. This header from Diamond was tipped

on to the bar. Lanngmead got this goal. Burton surrendered a 2- --

two-goal lead. When this delivery wasn't dealt with another centre-

back forced the ball home, Artell got his fourth of the game. Burton

took the lead again. Diamond made no mistake this time with a leaping

header from this free-kick. How about this for a touch of class?

Nichols with his entry of Goal of the Season to equallise. They were

tired and exhausted at the end once again. After four wins in five,

Southend's dismal start to the season is a distance memory. Alex

MacDonald's touch didn't get the finish it deserved. Plymouth

finished the half strongly and threatened in the second. MacDonald

exposed the back four and they had the goal they deserved.

Assombalonga scored this fantastic shot. Barry Corr will spend another

day on the sidelines. 1-1 was the final score. Clelt nam have had

their problems on home turf this season. Carter put them in control

within 90 seconds with this moment of quality. Morecambe are another

side who have been let down by their home form. Ellison came close

to an equalliser before he was involved in the match's major

talking point. The swinging arm from Cheltenham's Steve Elliott

wasn't picked up by the referee. Ellison did something off the ball

which the officials did see. More come were forced to play the

remaining half an hour a man short. It took them until the final minute

for Cheltenham to make the game safe when Carter finished off with

would mark their worst run of form since 1991. Fans will have greeted

Sean Rigg's first goal for the club with some relief. Boss would have

not won at Rotherham and 5p. Then Pringle was denied by Damien backs

with a last-ditch block. Oxford must have thought it was the lucky

day, when Lionel Ainsworth up -- hit the woodwork, only for Odejayi

to be brought down for the Reagan. Michael O'Connor slotting home his

4th of the season from the penalty spot. The visitors got their noses

in front in the final quarter, after showing calmness from 12

yards, Michael O'Connor produce power from further out. James

Constable and the small went close to finding an equaliser, but such

is Oxford United's form that attack soon turn to the fence and Jason

Turner eventually rolled the ball home. Rotherham back to winning

ways, Oxford heading in the wrong direction. Torquay United was what

looking to record their first victory in 18 it League resisted

Chesterfield. Richard O'Donnell hit against his own bar and Matthews

missed the follow-up. The home side took the lead. Chesterfield's lead

lasted three minutes. Neil Trotman looked to be dealing comfortably

with a hope will tour key clearance until this costly slip let Powell

in to claim a point. -- Howe. Aldershot fans have had little to

shout about this season and their frustration continued. Craig Read's

follow-up was somehow kept out by the keeper and demanded agility on

the goal line. After scoring twice in a reserve friendly, Matthew

Blair was recalled to the starting line-up for York City at he swapped

passes with Jason Walker before calmly finishing. It was his first

League goal of the campaign. It did not take your long to double the

advantage. Sunny Bradley got himself in a tangle and then

attended Walker. Walker steadied himself and the finish was emphatic.

Your, sitting pretty and enjoying life in League 2. -- you're -- York.

Gareth Ainsworth says he wants the Wycombe Wanderers job on a full-

time basis. As a editions call this did not go to plan. Gayle's Finish

kick-started and a upturn in fortunes. Matt spring blocked on

the line. The assistant referee was waving a flag after spotting a

handball in the build-up, and Mickey Spillane made no mistake

from throw yards for his 4th of the season. With Wycombe Wanderers

chasing the game, Dagenham pick them off. Dagenham will be pleased

to have stopped the rot, whilst Gareth Ainsworth will be wondering

if Leven management is all that it is cracked up to be. -- if life in

management. Great success and failure bowled the same, you cannot

get carried away with either. Gareth is a great strong man with a

good attitude. He will know the way that he wants his team to play. But,

just go and do it. Don't worry about what people tell you.

have been said to be one of the best players - why did you got

yourself? I might have to get my boots back on again, soon. But the

lads know that on the pitch and off the pitch, I expect the same from

them. Rochdale, beating leaders, Gillingham, inflicting the first

defeat of the season which is incredible because again Jimmy Bell

gets the best out of Bobby Grant. He knows John Coleman really well

and every time he plays for him he seems to score goals. And the

signing of Addy Adebola has stepped up the pressure. And those two

together are scoring goals. He took responsibility for them going down

last year, and I did not think that was quite right. Port Vale, away to

Bradford. Interesting point, Micky Adams made his second change after

nine games, I suppose to show the consistency that has been behind

his team. Yes, I thought that would have been a difficult game at

Bradford, but the players are enjoying playing for him. They know

that if they get results they will stay in the side. It is like the

old days when you would have one side, you knew the team and it

would not change too much. John Still, and Mark McGhee, will sleep

a bit better. I am pleased for Mark McGhee, because it has been tough

for himcorner. John Still said that it has bottomed out, but it has not,

it has bottomed out, but it has not, Well as for the tables, Brighton

hold on to top spot in the Npower Championship despite losing on

Saturday. Cardiff & Wolves both won & are now level on points with the

Seagulls. Blackburn slip to fourth while Leicester's third straight

win sees them climb three places. Peterborough's suprise winat

Hullwhere they picked up their first points of the season not

enough to move them offthe bottom. None of the five teams above them

won on Saturday. Nottingham Forest host Derby on Sunday. Ronnie

Moore's Tranmere stay top of Npower League 1 despite only drawing on

Saturday & along with Stevenage & Sheffield United are the only teams

in League 1 yet to taste defeat. Notts County sit in second, while

Carlisle in 12th were the only side in the top-half of League 1 to lose.

Well Bury stay bottom in League 1 and now the only teamwithout awin

this season as Colchester and Coventry both picked up their first

wins. Hartlepool are now without a win in 5 and have slipped to 23rd.

Gillingham lost the only unbeaten record in Npower League 2, but are

still three points clear at the top. Port Vale keep up their terrific

start with a win at Bradford. Newly promoted Fleetwood sit in the top

three after beating Barnet. And Mark Robson's men stay bottom of

League 2 and are now the only team in the fourt tier yet to taste

victory as Dagenham and Bristol Rovers both got their maiden wins.

Wycombe's caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth lost in his first game

and are now sit second from bottom. Right, that's your lot for now. But

there's more football for you on Sunday night. Join Colin for Match

of the Day 2 at 10.25 on BBC1. While next week, Match Of The Day's