10/08/2013 The Football League Show

Evening. After all the kite. Of the midweek League Cup games our focus

switches back to the Skybet league and we saw a real feel good story to

hearten every player after Rickie Lambert was named in the latest

England squad having played isof his is a years across the three

divisions. It got Leroy smile morgue than usual. Here is what is on the

menu. It has taken Yeovil Town only ten to reach the Championship. Our

feature match says is Glovers going head-to-head with Birmingham City.

Preseason favourites to win promotion from League Two

Portsmouth's bubble was burst after Oxford inflicted a 4-1 defeat.

Pompey were at Accrington in the early kick off.

After a five year exile in the Conference they are celebrating a

return to the Football League. And as ever there will be plenty of

goals to enjoy from the 33 games that took place across the three

divisions. First, to a bit of history in the

south-west where Huish Park hosted its first Championship fixture a.

The Glovers got off to a flyer with a win at Millwall. Could they follow

it up with another three point haul For the first time in 118 years

Championship football has arrived in this small town, and Huish Park is

packed for a moment even the most ardent Yeovil fan must have doubted

would ever happen. For big city clubs like Birmingham, these

surroundings will not be something they experience very often and could

be crucial to Yeovil's hopes of surviveful the vast majority of

players have been given an opportunity at the high level by

Gary Johnson, he maked -- picked the same 11 that made a winning start at

Millwall. Seaborne and Tate made their home debuts.

Lee Clark attempts to overhaul his squad and trim the wage bill. There

is one change at the side which lost to Watford with Mullins replacing

That is lovely control by hater. -- haiter

Ferguson's high ball into the area. With a better contact there

Birmingham would have had an excellent chance to take the lead

and he knows it. Timed the run perfectly but got

Timed the run perfectly but got nowhere near the ball, really.

Header back into the penalty area was not cleared and a brilliant save

and again, the first shot came from Webster and the second header from

madden. And from the moment that ball was

headed back into the area from Dawson, Birmingham were in trouble

there. Not clear conclusively. Webster shot through the crowd. That

is an excellent save and Randolph up to his feet to keep out Madden.

That will be a yell -- low card. Eardley was in oared his was in

trouble from the moment -- Eardley was in trouble from the moment it

First save for Stewart. That will help his confidence.

And again, it is Shinnie, the furthest player forward for

Birmingham. The angle was tight. He has players in support. He forced

the save from the Yeovil keeper. Novak with a header forward.

Appeals from a penalty from Birmingham. It was Shinnie again

with a late charge into the area. A throw inhas been given and Shinnie

is complaining to the referee. He didn't get too much support from his

team-mates in fairness. Now a free-kick has been given to

Yeovil. In Eardley again. A nasty challenge

for a player on a yellow card. Gashy Johnson is furious. He believes

Birmingham should be down to ten men.

Addly seemed to go over the -- Eardley seemed to go over the ball

on Foley. Eardley again with a cross. Novak

with a volley, that is a very important block from Webster, and a

goal kick has been given. Well, barring Webster -- Byron

Webster knows he got final touch. The referee has had an interesting

five minutes here. Novak with the volley. It took a

touch off poo Byron Webster. -- touch off Byron Webster.

Challenge by Burn. No free-kick given.

Shinnie. It breaks to Hay terse. He hits the

woodwork. -- Hayter. Yeovil inches away, from their opening goal at

Huish Park in the Championship. It was a loose ball from Birmingham

Strong start to the second half from Birmingham. Ferguson's corner.

And actually the ball bobbles into the net and it may have been an

overgoal, Dan Burn the former Yeovil player is being given the

congratulations. But Lee Clark's team take the lead.

Gareth Stewart the keeper just didn't get there. One Yeovil

defender headed the ball on to another. Webster, on to Seaborne,

and it is the most unlucky of own The shot is deflected and here is

Burn. That is an excellent block from Tait. Inches away from a goal

Upson is over the free-kick for Yeovil. In a set piece looks to be

their best way back in to the game at the moment.

Upson takes it. Brilliant save from Randolph, a header from Webster, on

the the woodwork. Tait again and a corner is given. The home crowd

appeal for a penalty. And here was the initial chance.

Webster with the Herd and what a save that is from Randolph.

-- header. Sea born's header away only find Novak.

Support rushing forward, there is Shinnie with a shot. Shinnie was

there again. The challenge got the ball.

Birmingham closing in on what would be a very welcome away victory. They

lost the opening game but here is Ngoo. The challenge comes in from

Elliott on the area. Elliott has received a yellow card.

What does the referee do here? Again, Gary whereon son may believe

his team have a case for seaing their opponents go down to ten men.

Hoskins went flying. Elliott convinced he never touched

him. This could be Yeovil's final chance.

It is Upson. Just wide. Another if only moment in this game.

Upson wrapped the right foot round that and flailing Randolph happy to

see it go the wrong side of the post.

Lee points very hard-earned We knew it was going to be tough. Party

atmosphere first time at this level. They deserve to be here by the way.

I watched their game against Millwall. They gave us a tough game.

So talented players but to come away from home and get three points you

have to be very happy. For me it was a fantastic day for us. It was a

full house, we are proud of that. My players didn't quite play up to that

level, and the level that we could play at or should play at. We wasn't

good enough on the day. We weren't quite a threat, then when we were we

weren't able to stick the ball in the back of the net. That is what

this level is about. It is taking your opportunities at the right

your opportunities at the right times.

So Birmingham acting the party poopers in what was a special

occasion at Huish Park. What what would have pleased Lee Clark the way

they ground out the result. They showed resill -- resilience, Yeovil

set the tempo but you felt Birmingham were confident if they

could keep Yeovil at bay they could create something and it proved to be

the point. Gary Johnson's gripe was he felt Birmingham should have been

down to ten men, what do you think? I thought it would have been harsh.

The first booking, Eardley brings him down and he can have no

arguments about that. He brings him down from behind. The referee acts

on it. The second one, it is more of a coming together. There is no

malice there, I have seen them given, if he was sent off I think it

would have been harsh, I can see where Gary is coming from. At home

he feels if Yeovil are to pick up points on a regular basis he needs

to get the decision, today he didn't. I am glad we didn't get on

the wrong side of Gary Johnson last week. As for Yeovil, as Gary said,

they had the chance, they didn't take them. He told us that last week

this the wake of the Millwall game, they had their chance, they could

have won the game by two goals. chances and they did everything

right but Randolph has a good game and Webster hits that well. Maybe

too well and it is a great save to his right. It is one the keeper

practises in training. It is hit hard at him and gets up and I think

this is a better save. Technically got as good but just as effective.

Just sticks out the big left boot and deflects its on to the cross

bar, I think this is an outstanding save. That was decisive in the game.

You talk about the keeper, you should talk about Stech who went off

for Yeovil. He fractured his hand. He is out for between three and four

months so Gary will be scouting for a new keeper. What about Birmingham?

It is their first win of the season, they have been up for sale for

almost two years, uncertainty off the pitch and he has had to wheel

and deal has Lee Clark, you have to feel for the fans. Lee Clark is just

getting on with it, like the player, he hasn't spent a Penny. Bush has

come in on loan. Randolph is a free transfer from Motherwell. He Hazard

money in as well, six million for two players, you can't argue with

what he is doing. The players are trying to get result, they could

have got one at Watford easily. have something to build on.

Blackburn got a well deserved first point last week, next up, Nottingham

point last week, next up, Nottingham Forest.

No wonder Billy Davies has time to smile. He couldn't have wished for a

better start. His side arrived aiming for a third straight win

against the Blackburn side smarting from their shoot out defeat at

Carlisle in the week. Patterson tried his luck, putting Jake Kean at

full stretch. Rovers were matching them in a hard

fought contest. Wilson's perfectly timed tackle on Best showed why

Forest were keen to brick him back from Celtic. It wasn't long until

Rhodes popped where where you would want him. The referee had another

decision to make, just a corner that time, leaving the game destined for

a draw. But in stoppage time a long ball forward had Rovers rocking.

Darius Henderson smashed in to keep Forest's 100% record in tax. The big

man firmly in the boss's good books. You get what you deserve in this

business. Henderson popped up, a wonderful performance, a wonderful

goal and I am delighted for him and the substitute that came on and made

a difference. With Santon's suspension adding to a

lengthy injury list Paul Ince was forced to select every fit player he

had for the visit of Barnsley and a disjointed player was -- and a

disjointed display was to be expected. Heaven knows what

Barnsley's excuse was. Jason Scotland went close for them but the

Tykes have yet to score a goal this season. At the right end, anyway.

Barnsley deserved the point but were undone in injury time when Scott

Wiseman helped Jack Robinson's throw into his own net. I am resigned to

the fact that we take a point and everybody else in the stadium did

but when you have someone like Jack who has that amazing long throw and

the aerial power we have got, you hope for that bit of luck and it

will drop down or something will happen and you get a goal. When you

come up against such a direct team in a land of giants you have to be

able to withstand not nearly everyone, you have to withstand

everyone. The last time the Royals rolled up

at the Reebok was for a Premier league fixture five years ago and a

return to that level is a viable ambition for both clubs this

season. 14 minutes in, Darren Pratley's header was made to look

easy by the sheer quality of the cross. Silly -- the Sierra Leone

international had a drive of genuine power before six minutes into the

second half the referee spotted a hand ball offence by David Wheater

as he jumped with Alex Pearce. Bolton's protestations were

predictably futile. Nick Blackman, January signing from Sheffield,

scored his first Reading goal from the penalty spot to level matters.

Thereafter it was Bolton's Hungarian goalkeeper Adam Bogdan who

distinguished himself with contrasting saves denying several

players Reading finished the contrast strongly. -- the contest

strongly. The first 45 minutes we were outstanding. It was 2-0

upcoming thing you have won the game but credit Reading, they came out as

in the second half and it was a team who looked like they had come down

from the Premiership and wanted to get back up. We looked strong in the

second half, the goalkeeper made several good saves and the signs are

promising for the future of the One - zero Brighton. For the second

week in a row, Jose Ulloa on target. Calderon's Cross, a pinpoint

Brighton felt so, the protests continued. The referee is not

interested. But should Brighton have had a penalty here? Brighton

certainly think so. Paul Coutts afternoon he is having! Freeman with

the ball in and Martin made no will not go in. I lick of paint away

from an equaliser things just not going Oscar Garcia's wait at the

moment. We did not deserve to be behind in the first place because we

started excellent and it was buying's first meaningful attack

which led to the goals that we are disappointed with that. We showed

character to come back and win the game. We thought it was brilliant

today. For a team without an away win in

2013, Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough made surprisingly light work of

child. -- light work of Charlton. Middlesbrough ran the show early on.

Albert Perdomo looked a handful. This would not have counted,

Jonathan Woodgate penalised for a push. Charlton's chances were in

short supply. Callum Harriott's pace created a sight of goal for Danny

Green but Jason Steele was quickly off his line. By contrast Ben Hamer

would have been better off staying put here. In fairness, the ball was

surely had to deal with but Yann Kermorgant got in the way and

presented Lukas Jutkiewicz with the match-winning opportunity. A lucky

goal but Middlesbrough earned their good fortune. I think we deserved

it, we controlled the game and asked questions of them. We have to push

on. It is a 44 game season and we have to look at it that way. Plenty

of points, a long way to go, but of course you breathe easier when you

defeats out of Tuva Charlton, will the club or Chris Powell be slightly

wary of second season syndrome after exceeding expectations by finishing

ninth last season? Ninth was a fantastic finish for Charlton

considering they were not challenging towards the top half of

the table during the season so they did extremely well. There is no need

to panic. The goal they conceded today could easily have been avoided

and Chris has a good foundation to move forward. We saw Nottingham

Forest leaving it late to claim their win against Blackburn. They

have won all three of their games in all competitions. Further

strengthened this week with Kevin Wilson coming in, reported feed 2.5

million, Billy Davies backed by his owner. Not many Championship side

can boast that. They can't, it was a stipulation of Billy going back to

the club. Calvin Wilson sylphlike and -- seems like an ideal signing,

he can slip into centre half position and do the job from the

off. Chris Martin double helped Derby win on Saturday. Brighton have

now lost all three of their games in all competitions, in contrast of

Forest. Is there a danger that the Gus Poyet saga leaving the club

prepared for the season? It is still going on, he is threatening legal

action. He was that the four years and put in a way of winning matches

soak for Oscar Garcia to be passed -- parachuted in was going to be

difficult and they are still struggling with the Gus Poyet

incident at the end of the season and they need to get over that. It

will take time. 26,000 at the MX, a great turnout, but the fans will not

want to see the team playing catch up so early on -- at the Amex

Stadium. Thus did an outstanding job, there is a sour taste at all

happened. But with the 26,000, great support but great pressure on the

players to step up and take responsibility because there is a

few things they need to put right. Oscar has come in, learning the

language as well, so a few things they need to put right but they will

get it right in time. There are good players. Our last look at the

Championship and after a less than convincing opening-day victory at

home to Sheffield Wednesday last week, QPR ran out at comfortable

winners against Exeter on Tuesday. The season's promotion favourites

were at Huddersfield Town. Harry Redknapp's recovery from a

knee operation is ongoing but his Queens Park Rangers team have hit

the ground running with wins in Lee Grant Cup. James Bourne is all too

well acquainted with the perils and painted off knee trouble but his

reinvention as a Yorkshire terrier has seen him fit and firing and his

35th minute goal was a third of the Huddersfield suffered last season

from drawing home fixtures. Their lead lasted three minutes. Yun

Suk-Young setting up Hoilett for a deserved equaliser. Rangers began

their last season at this level with a 19 game unbeaten run. They are

favourites for promotion and a new signing in Charlie Austin, they have

proven Championship goal-scorer. Huddersfield have nowhere near as

lavish squad but what they lack in expenditure they make up for an

effort. The industrious Sean Scannell came perilously close to

restoring the lead. The visitors had three Internet -- England

international is on the bench and Shaun Wright-Phillips nearly turned

one point into three in added time. It was two points lost rather than

one gained. We had a number of chances and it did not really happen

for us. A good save from the keeper, our finishing, it was a game we have

come in and felt we should have won. Sean Scannell made a difference, he

is lively and it is unfortunate it did not work for us but we will take

the point and move on. We have one on the board now.

Legend remembered at Portman Road. Sir Bobby Robson's national football

they greeted with warm applause, part of the 150th anniversary

celebrations of the FA. After successive defeats on the road,

Ipswich hoped to make a positive impression. David McGoldrick got

lucky despite a suspicion of hand ball. By water coming to Millwall's

rescue. Steve Lomas's side held on until the travellers were in

trouble. Shane Lowry steering the ball into his own net to put the

home side on course for maximum points. Millwall never recovered.

Just seven minutes later they were caught cold. Tommy Smith's thumping

header putting the game out of reach, sentencing their opponents to

successive defeats at the start of the league campaign for the first

time in 31 years. To make matters worse, another own goal inflicted

further damage. Paul Anderson's effort going in off Beevers.

Ipswich, up and running. The disappointment from my point of

view is the other two goals, you can concede one but you still keep it at

1-0 for as long as you can and nick one on the counter. The two goals

after that was pretty poor from our point of view. Delighted with the

win, even happier still it is 3-0. Without a win on -- and on the wrong

side of the giant-killing in midweek, Wednesday were hoping for

better things against Burnley but the Clarets were in vintage form,

particularly going forward. Far from missing Charlie Austin, Burnley are

demonstrating a surprising potent goal threat. Sam Vokes had this

early chance. At the other end, Wednesday lack a cutting edge. This

save denied Jacques Maghoma his first Wednesday goal. Danny Ings has

serious goal-scoring form including preseason, he has scored in each of

his last seven matches, notching eight in total. His latest was the

first of two Burnley goals in five first-half minutes. Sam Vokes got

the second, the striker the fifth different player to score for the

Clarets this season. Wednesday coup would do with that kind of

firepower. -- Wednesday could do with that kind of firepower and tore

into them in the second half but found them hard to be. David Prutton

pulled one back but Burnley held the Owls at bay, the home side suffering

a third defeat out of three. struggle a bit, we are at full

stretch. We have brought some in the kids in and we need to get senior

players back and steady the ship and go on from there. There is so many

ways to win games but the first is to be competitive on every occasion

and we have done that so far. Something had to give at Vicarage

Road. Two teams with 100% starts in opposition. The newly promoted

Bournemouth, a day when the harsh realities of life in the

Championship were graphically spelt out. Sizeable Italian centre back

Gabrielli and Jell-o set the mood with a goal inside quarter of an

hour. -- Gabrielle and Jell-o. -- Angella. Early in the second half,

there was a second for Angella, the former U21s a national has made a

favourable impression. That seemed to break Bournemouth's resistance.

Three minutes later Troy Deeney made it 3-1 with a finish that suggested

innate confidence. Seven seasons at Nottingham Forest left no one in any

doubt over Lewis McGugan's talent. Maybe a first Watford goal on his

home debut is a pointer towards a more consistent future. Gianfranco

Zola's team was the most politically the Championship last season. It

became five - one through explosive finish ming. -- finishing. In

stoppage time a foul on Diego Fabry knee gave Deeney the chance to

compete his first career trouble, not since Michael chopper in 2003

had a hornet hit a hat-trick. This one completed the heaviest

managerial defeat of Eddie Howe and left Deeney looking for a room on

his mantelpiece. My first hat-trick, I am happy, the first took a

deflection. The boys gave me stick, but there was no doubt about the

other two. We conceded and we did not respond well and lost our shape

a bit. The rest of the game was a a bit. The rest of the game was a

blur. It was like a belated reality check.

Well done to Deeney on his hat-trick, you have Angella with

three in three, the giant centre back, eye-catching last season they

were, and add to the mix they are all one season more experienced.

They will be a team the look out for Eye-catching from October on wards

last season, he brought in a lot of lone player, took sign -- loan

players. They are better preteared. Losing out on the play-off final,

that might have created a sprirt to go that one step better, so I feel

they are a side who very totally sure about what Zola wants for them

and they started off the season in a great form. We saw a comfortable win

for McCarthy. With the background of Steve Lomas, losing the first two in

the league ist last thing needed. There has been an element of doubt

from the sections of the fan. is understated. They were

demonstrating before he walked in the door. He needs a chance to

settle in and bed in his idea, when you take no from Kenny Jackett who

has had a really good way of doing things at Millwall, settled squad.

Brought in loans like Henderson and Chris Wood who give them extra

quality, he has moved on and Steve Hazard gone in there and brought in

his own player, McDonald, Bailey, Chaplow, Marshall, that is a team in

itself. They need time to bed in and get his ideas, and he needs an

opportunity do that. It is great to see Danny Ings playing well, he has

seven in seven if you count preseason as well, for this time

round, they beat Sheffield Wednesday, who have lost three games

now, in all for them, is it hangover from last season? No, I think it is

a better start for them than last, I know they have lost three games but

last season, Dave Jones was in the market looking for players to

supplement the squad because he didn't think they were good enough.

He does think this season they are good enough. They have some out

injures but get them back and they will be OK. To League One and

Bradford who are looking to bill on their draw at Bristol City last

week. The Bantams were unable to repeat last season's cup run when

they came unstuck to Huddersfield. Their opponents were Carlisle, fresh

from a giant killing act of their own after knocking Blackburn out of

own after knocking Blackburn out of the cup.

Phil Parkinson said the draw shows Bradford can compete in League One.

He is not wrong. Mark Yeates proves the boss has recruited quality. The

ban Toms, who were three up at Wembley in half an hour repeated the

feat here. Wells scored against his former club from the tightest of

angles. Then another of City's Wembley

heroes Hansen opened Hizb ut-Tahrir account after profiting from

Livesey's untimely slip. United hand a debut to Patrick

Brough. Teenage Kicks may have seen them through against Blackburn but

there are no positive undertones here, City's Gary Jones scored a

fourth. Carlisle Hazard a tough game during

the week. We were able to rest players and the freshness in our

players an team was there for everybody to see. We are not getting

carried away with it. Carlisle are a better side that than they have

shown in their first two result r and we have to work on the things we

need to improve on, but take all the positives from this game as well.

A match up between two fancied sides which could offer an early

indication of promotion credentials this time round. Forshaw's goal had

them on top. Neill Collins was left unmarked. A minor setback for the

Bees whose attacking football continued to cause problem, this

time George Saville getting the better of Steven McGinn to tee up

Grigg. That strike getting the former wall solve man off the mark.

He is one of ten new signings recruited this summer and despite

the big turn round they are gelling nicely, with 14 minutes left the

contest was over. Forshaw doing the donkey work with Grigg waiting to

pounce. He should have been leaving the ground with a match ball. The

referee took a dim view of Maguire's challenge. His route to goal was

blocked. That gave him the chance to complete his hat-trick.

But Long prevented any further damage, however on this showing

Brent formed could be in for a good season.

-- Brentford. The 50th meeting between these clubs

but Port Vale's first visit to the stadium sears signalled his

intention with an angled drive that hit the cross bar, Colchester were

looking to make it six out of six. In the second half it was the keeper

who kept his side in the match. Dickinson backed to clear his lines.

A smart save and still stalemate. One goal decided it. Scored by

Massey. Massey was perfectly positioned to take maximum

advantage. Veil still searching -- temperature vale stick searching for

victory. Horn yet are the early pacesetters for the top scorers this

season, having scored five last week, they landed three more to see

off Shrewsbury. Mooney opening the scoring. Stooping to convert a

cross. They were in control and almost

added a second but Lisbie's industry was thwarted on the line and Dean

County Councils's radar was off it. The second crucial goal was just

moments away, Cuthbert's long throw was flicked on by Lisbie and

Mooneyed was on hand to do the rest. The game was won and with time to

fin wish a flourish. The 20-year-old had bigger idea

toser the finale, as in stoppage time he rounded things off with this

eye-catching solo effort. The Orient Express is now gathering

pace. With Crewe shipping an average of

three goals a game this season, the points were there to be plundered by

the Don, and it was Jason ban tan who went on the rampage. Before

hetting up Bamford for a cheeky finish.

Consecutive clean sheets suggests the defence is a robust rampart and

this was epitomise epitomised. So an encouraging start after two league

gapes from the Dons. A big seen for Carl Robben so. There is a couple of

Carl Robben so. There is a couple of attacking units. Brentford in a good

result against Sheffield United. They are a mouthwatering force up

front. They are. In League One, let us not beat about the bush, with

finances as they are, relying on one or two players to come up with the

goods, but Brentford, you look at the players they have got. They

started with Donaldson and Grigg, and in reserve they have Paul Hay,

and some who are back from injury. They have a lot of good play players

they can call on. A great start along similar vains forlornient. 11

goals in their three opening victory -- Leyton Orient. It's a great

start. They have missed Lisbie when whizz injured, they have more

players. Mooney came up with two today. Only got five in the league

last season, sorry 13 in total. He needs to keep doing that if Lisbie

has a dry spell. But nay have people like cox and Batt. Bartley as well.

So Russell is buzzing because they are top of the table and they have

so many attacking options in that team. The last look at League One

starts with Peterborough who are tipped for an immediate return to

the Championship and the Posh were looking to follow up on their start

to the season with three points at Notts County.

The last thing you need is a defensive crisis. Especially when

free scoring Peterborough are in free scoring Peterborough are in

town. Ironic that the only available centre half had them in front at

Meadow Lane. Leacock thumping in a cross.

Not they enjoyed being in front for long. Tommy Rowe flicking Posh four

minutes later. All square at the break. Then the floodgates opened.

Rowe had the presence of mind to roll in Barnett.

After smashing five past Colchester in the week, Peterborough were

firmly in the groove and that makeshift knots defence was

struggling to cope. -- Notts defence.

They had the game wrapped up by the hour mark.

If that wasn't bad enough, they conspired to make matters worse.

Tempest misplace head header fell. 4-1 with 19 minutes to play.

Notts were penalised for a block with a play ears arm. The Frenchman

did the honours from the spot at the death. But Peterborough's fine start

to the season continues. Walsall maintain main tharn 100%

record. They were one of the surprise panels last season and they

continue to impress. James Baxendale who scored in the Cup success at

Port Vale repeated the feat. It was enough to settle the contest at

Boundary Park. The Dutchman who joined in the

summer, made a mess of this and the Latices had only themselves to

This was the first ever competitive goalless draw at the New York

Stadium. Alex revel tamely headed wide. Simon Gray son's Preston had

the best opportunity, as Bailey Wright's Herd rattled the cross bar.

It is played two, drawn two for these two.

Spurs loanee was returned to face borough and the Australian was

unplayable and intel gravel to the move that saw Arnold deny Williams

Stevenage were better in the second half but could not match their

heroics against Ipswich. All toe they were close to earning a point.

-- although. There is never a dull moment when Crawley are round. Their

first two games produced 12 goals. 13 was brilliantly taken by Joe

Walsh. Tranmere were keen to show they were made of sterner stuff.

They equalised soon after, as Joe Thompson drilled past Paul Jones.

Nothing the keeper could have done about that one, but he have

nightmares about the clearance that gave Thompson the opportunity to put

Rovers 2-1 up by half-time. He notched his second of the campaign.

But they hit back to level at 2-2. Hurst doing all the hard work,

leaving Billy Clarke with a simple tap in.

The drama continued. Late on wall managed the squeeze a shot for his

second of the match and Crawley sensed a second League One of the

season was on the cards. But the Sussex club are developing a

habit of squandering Leeds. Lowe in the right spot to grab his first of

the campaign and Tranmere have their first point on the board.

This was a day when everything went right for Wolves. Kenny Jackett

fielded a young side. Goals aplenty, Griffiths showed his potential with

a terrific opener, to set the tone. Gillingham hadn't tasted success in

the last seven away games, that was to continue. Griffiths shot fell for

Evans and Wolves were in the ascendancy. The Gills were swept

aside. Sack Quo a third and all had come before half-time.

Their final meaningful contribution came from Griffiths who scored the

fourth from a penalty. Evans won the spot kick, Leon Legge was booked for

their ill-timed challenge and Griffiths who has signed a two-year

deal rounded off an impressive afternoon's work, I could be a hard

season for Gillingham but Wolves are on the up Winning your first game of

the season, whether Barnett or Bury or Wolves is a big thing, the game

is about winning, but, it is a nice performance and a good result. We

hope now we can build on that. difficult is it to compete with a

team when you see the likes of Kevin Doyle, 6.5 million? Who is suggest

tar son. Who played for Wolves Tay Was he 2.5 million? Blimey. I don't

bother with all that, can you imagine me as a manager preparing

our Gillingham players with free transfers, me included, I was on the

scrapheap, being put together, can you imagine if I started getting an

evaluation of all those players that with a lot over the last few seasons

and it was long overdue. He will be pleased with a clean sheet, the four

goals was the start of the season that they would have wanted and

Leigh Griffiths, who got a couple of goals, he was the player they needed

last year. He is starting to live up to the preseason hype? He signed the

250000 and if they had gone along those lines they would not have had

the problems in recent weeks. He has scored goals, signed a contract, one

of two new signings. There has been 11 go out of the door and that has

been the key. They are settled squad. The hiccup in midweek but two

clean sheets, four points, solid stuff. A high-scoring win for

Peterborough, so much to enjoy after three games, three wins, ten goals,

four different goal-scorers. That is how it is with Peterborough United.

They play an open, attacking game and they say to opposition, you will

have to outplay us today. Notts County were never in the game. They

seem to be building a nice little partnership there. And for Walsall,

Dean Smith keeps doing it, he defies all the odds after losing his top

three goal-scorers last season and they have racked up their third

consecutive win in all competitions. They went out of the door and it is

nice to see Baxendale get on the scoresheet, 20 years old.

Academy product. Sell the best players and bring them through the

youth system, but they have to stick with the manager and they have to

back Dean Smith when they are not doing well. As fully two, after an

absence of five years, Mansfield are back in the Football League but it

has been a baptism of fire for Paul Cox's side. Defeat at Scunthorpe was

followed by an early exit in the League Cup at the hands of

Tranmere. Claim was with them and their first match of the season was

has lead to chairman waking up in a cold sweat. In Mansfield town's

case, 77 years in the Football League and after one dodgy season

they were out on their ear in the Conference. There has been more than

a touch of romance about their return. A self-made multimillionaire

saves his hometown club shocks the football world when he installed his

girlfriend and now wife as Chief Executive and then the manager gets

in on the act choosing the weekend of last January's FA Cup game with

Liverpool to tie the knot himself. Married life is obviously suiting

Paul Cox because after his wedding his team won 20 of their final 24

games to seal the title on the last Mansfield back up? It was tough, it

really was. It is a tough old lead and it is getting tougher and

tougher every year. I think it is going to be even harder this year.

pride. I mean, to take over your boyhood idols and have a day like

today, when football finally comes back in. Oh yes, I was devastated

when we went out of the league and to get back into it is fantastic. It

has been a wonderful summer, hasn't it? Planning what we are going to

do, hopefully get a chance of going up a lead. You never know.

getting married? Your form went through the season after that.

believe in the players that they have brought in to make them

successful and it is as simple as that. The system, the way we

played, the hunger, the desire. are still a few months away. You

knew about it the last game of the season, didn't you? It is like a

double win for us, you know. This is not just wedding territory, but baby

territory? Absolutely, we will have a Mansfield Juniors team soon, won't

we? I know the nature of the beast in this job. One minute you are a

hero, the next minute, everyone hates you. It is important to look

forward and to try to keep the momentum going and try to keep

winning, it is as simple as that. could not convert. It was a poignant

one as well. In the ninth minute Exeter fans pay their respects to

Adam Stansfield on the third anniversary of his death. The

Grecians had to withstand some considerable pressure but Craig

Woodman of losing the right place to deny Howell on the line. But while

they were solid at the back, the visitors chasing a first away league

win since debris were and attack full stop John O'Flynn knows he did

everything right but score. It was always going to take something

spectacular to separate these two and Jamie Maguire would have

provided it but from equally but you have got your first Football

League point? It is nice to have a point but I thought we had a few

chances where we should have capitalised. The lads have worked

hard and it has been a hard draw, so back to the drawing board. He is all

right, you. Obviously he would have liked to have got a win today but at

least we have got one point so the first of many, let's hope. How did

you see the opening weeks of the season panning out? I was hoping we

would have a few more points on the board by now but it is only the

first two games of the season, the first two league games, so I would

have liked more than one point but there is a long way to go yet and we

are waiting for our first goal. That is the thing I am waiting for, the

first goal in the league. At least Midlander it is good to see is Danns

Mansfield back. They have a point there. Readjusting to the league

after five seasons away is one thing, to do so without the man who

scored goals the last few seasons is something else. Matt Green scored 57

goals in the last two seasons. He went to Mansfield and fitted in

well. He has made his way to Birmingham now so for Paul Cox to

replace those goals is going to be difficult. Kelvin Andrews has come

in and needs time to bed in. The goals have to come in from

everywhere else, the rest of the team. They had chances but did not

take them. After that point, it is really important to get the first

finish in. No teams have come from the Conference to go straight back

out of it the following season so how will they do? I think they will

do well, they are all right. They have history behind them. I remember

them in the play-offs, a very good side and they will build up and they

have a solid foundation to go forward. More from League Two and in

front of a record crowd of 18,000 at Fratton Park, Portsmouth suffered a

4-1 drubbing at the hands of Oxford United so how would they respond at

Accrington? James Beattie's side pulling off one of the biggest Cup

upsets on Tuesday. There were two changes for Accrington as Danny

Webber and Kal Naismith started. Pompey made three changes as Phil

Smith, Danny East and Romain Padovani all came in. Dan O'Hagan

collection of this. It was off the scored on the opening day against

Oxford last week. It should be 1-0 to Portsmouth. Phil Smith, who

joined in December, has made his debut in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Agyemang, a good save by Dunbavin. He gets back to make sure it did not

dribble across the line there. Agyemang's strike-out power and did

get away from the goalkeeper for a second but he was alert enough to

big man who was playing in the Premier League two years ago for

chip it and Murphy has scored a sensational goal! My word, that is

to a fantastic goal from Peter but still in the box. At this level

there are few better than David Connolly. That is savvy, streetwise

between Agyemang and Connolly with the perfect combination. So much

know-how between those two. They will score goals at this level all

a penalty. It is a penalty. Take your pick, one from two. Which one

was punished here, I wonder? Hunt's backpass was wretched, first off.

There is the first challenge, then Hunt and Connolly. A second yellow

card, surely? No action taken against the offender. David

Maybe the first green shoots of a is there again. Naismith here with a

devilish delivery. Back across by in there by Wallace, denied by a

sensational stuff -- stop from Dunbavin. What a game, what a

second-half this has been. Connolly, Barcham, it comes back of the post

and Wallace, back in and somehow the single goal and Saul Wycombe ended

with ten men. George Torfaen -- tormented the defence but could not

get his angles right. The visitors lost the services of their skipper

Stuart Lewis who respect -- who failed to live up to the

responsibilities of captaincy. He clashed and the referee was in no

doubt it warranted a red card. AFC Wimbledon's defensive deficiencies

have been highlighted in their cup loss at Millwall. This was an

altogether more solid display. Luke Moore recalled for the starting

line-up after his goal at the New Den justified his selection with a

winner. Moore headed home and they were in sight of their first home

triumph. The margin of victory could have been greater. Matt Ingram in

the Wycombe goal kept his side in it. Home pressure no one able to add

to their single goal lead. George Francome was another frustrated as

was jolly Sheringham, unmarked in the middle. Chris Arthur can

consider himself distinctly unfortunate not to have something to

show for his contribution but it is a win and a draw from their opening

At the start of every Football League season there are unknown

players who catch the eye. Terry hawk ridge is one. Another set piece

locate located Burton. Last season, 23-year-old Hawkridge was playing

for Gainsborough Trinity. Scunthorpe may have snaffled a bargain.

In fairness to Bristol rovers it should be pointed out they have been

compromised by an injury list, depriving them or nine first team

players. Scunthorpe had a second chance to win the game. Those were

the senses of disposition, look away now. Robbie Weir is the man on the

wrong end of the challenge. That earned the Rochdale man a straight

red card with only seven minutes played. As if that wasn't self

trucktive enough the visitor visitors took the lead. Despite

striker's thighs whereas tick celebration, it was Lancashire who

got the touch. Burton couldn't add to that lead,

Chris Husbandy put one on a plate for signs who should have done

better. The brueer ers are on tip for promotion. We need to move the

ball quicker, play with more tempo and urgency and times and more

control, but that will come, that will come as the season progresses.

The Spirits have to be promotion favourites if this quality of this

goal is anything to go by. It prompted this entry for the

Ministry of silly walks. Roberts didn't have a monopoly on

the magic. Harrison almost connured up an intricate goal only to be

fooled by Humphreys. Roberts remained tormentor in chief. O'Shea

was inches away from the second. Another Majestic move saw Chester go

close again. Doyle linked up with hum fews whose pass fell for O'Shea,

the Irishman whoa his way into the penalty area before being denied.

The sec goal set up Doyle. The teenager having scored his first

goal against Leeds made it two in two games with the help of a

deflection to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign.

Dagenham and Redbridge registered their first win of the season.

After riding the early storm, the home side took the lead when Rees

Murphy combined with wood haul before rounding the keeper Mike

Ingham. That is the first goal the Daggers

is have scored against York at Football League level. Woodall

struck his first goal of the season to ensure they didn't have an eighth

straight defeat. Reason to celebrate in style. So they are up and

in style. So they are up and running. We saw good performance

from Accrington. It has been a decent couple of days for them. They

had the come from behind to draw with Portsmouth. What about this

effort from Peter enoughy, the first goal? Shy of talking to the man

himself, what, did he mean it? the worse cross in the world or one

of the best finishes I have seen in a long time. If I was him I would

keep it to myself and say it was the best finish the world. If he meant

it it was outstanding. We have had arguments about it, I will go with

Peter. This goal was more important. 85th minute and he, he is the

Brayest man. He is desperate to get on the end of that. Knocked back

across goal and this secures a point for Accrington Stanley.

We saw Chesterfield beat Cheltenham 2-0 for their second win of the

league season. Goals from Gary Roberts, and I think he set up the

other one as well. He stood out as maybe one of the best acquisitions

in the summer I was impressed with the sign of Ian Everton and with

this one, at Huddersfield he used to run with the ball and commit

players, he has done the same here, he set it up for Doyle. The

defending could be better but I think after his release from

Swindon, think it will be the place for him to show what he can do.

have plenty of option, preseason favourites is? I think so. Paul Cook

has gone in there, transformed the club in a small space of time. They

have lost the talisman, but nay have got to move on from that, they have

to move on really well with some of the signings, they look not a bad

bet. Right, to our final round up and what a start Newport have made

to life back in the Football League. They had a cup shock at Brighton,

They had a cup shock at Brighton, they were misfiring Northampton. .

Newport County couldn't have asked for a better start to the season and

they showed promise at Northampton where home keeper Matt Duke saved

his team from early embarrassment. The league newcomers found him in

inspired form. And Northampton have survived the early scares went ahead

through Jacob Blyth on loan from Leicester City. Ian Morris must take

credit for the delightful delivery. County allowed Roy O'Donovan too

much space and from a tight angle, he curled in the Cobblers's second.

Northampton were playing with real confidence. Their manager questioned

the team's work ethic, no complaints here, Deegan gave them a three goal

cushion late in the game. There was a consolation for

substitute Washington, but after a highly impressive start, this was a

reality check for Newport County. You can't rely on one man to get you

all your goal, you want somebody to be knocking in 20 plus goals but

everybody has to contribute. And they did today. I was pleased with

that. That was one of the pleasing parts of the game.

There was a time when Freddie Eastwood was one of the most feared

strikers outside the top flight. A League Cup winner, his career high

light. These days the goals come less frequently. This just the

second in his last 24 appearances. Hartlepool scored fewer home goals

than any other league team en route to relegation. This brought the best

out of Southend's 20-year-old keeper.

Hartlepool were offered hope in first half stoppage time when a

relative relatively innocuous coming together between Barry Corr Corr and

Baldwin attracted the interest of the referee. The outcome, a sixth

career red car for Corr but his team-mates regrouped and held out.

-- red card. Having defeated Wolves in the week,

Morecambe were on a high. Ryan Williams scored the goal that took

the shrimps into round two. He was at it again, firing a trademark

screamer that gave them the lead midway through the first half.

But Morecambe were pegged back early in the second. They gave Hawley too

much space and he unleashed a thunder bolt of his own. His first

goal for the Gulls. Torquay has the better of the second

half but blew their chance when Tonge was sent off late on. His

challenge was clumsy rather than malicious, enough for a second

yellow card. Morecambe almost took advantage but

time nearly up the post denied McGee, both sides still await a

league win. Against a post relegation and

revamped burry it took something special for Oxford to unsettle them.

They thought they had done enough to earn a point when Wright was beaten

for Soares to level 20 minutes from time.

But the visitors Master Minded their own downfall by gifting the hosts a

set piece. A less direct approach paid off for them. David Hunt picked

out Mullins who thrashed home the second to send Oxford top while

Cameron received a second yellow. They only started playing once they

got back on level terms. We didn't start the second half the way we

should have done. We have talked about that, the players know that.

You never turn a win down, it is a win.

It is 325 miles between Fleetwood and Plymouth so imagine the mixed

emotions on the fans who missed both stunning goal, the first of which

came from the first attack. Fleetwood were chasing back-to-back

league wins for the first time since February and wasted little time in

getting their second from their second attack, summer signing Hughes

was instrumental in the build up allow allowing this contender for

goal of the season. At least the six hour journey back will be a good

one. It was a very good afternoon for David Ball at Plymouth. There

was a lot of preseason optimism round helm park, is there a danger

of that vanishing quickly with three defeats out of three? There should

still be optimism. Yes, it is deflating when you lose your first

three games of the season, but it has to be a bigger picture, are the

club moving forward, are they making progress, if they are they need to

stick with it and see it through. With Fleetwood there is a distinctly

different recruitment policy compared to this time 12 months ago

I feel Graham went in there in I feel Graham went in there in

December, didn't see a lot of movement. Only won seven out of the

26 games he was in charge. He wanted to do his homework on the division,

you look at the signings he has made. Mark Roberts. Schumacher,

highs, all players that have good age and they know this level of

football. I think he has done his homework re, recruited well and that

is reflected in the early season results. Hartlepool came unstuck. I

think they had an advantage over Southend for the whole of the second

half, so demoralising for Colin Cooper. Three defeats out of three

for the new manager. Is there a temptation for him to maybe change

things round? I am, there always is when you lose game, but I don't want

to be the person to be giving Colin advice, but as a young manager the

reason he got the job was the plan he put to the chairman, he put to

the fan, and they have to stick with it. Maintaining that belief

Maintaining that belief in what he is doing and the players are trying

to achieve. Once you start making changes because you know, you lose a

couple of games and when you make changes because you have won a

couple of games from your plan what you put down in place, in stone,

that is when you come into problems, he knows that and he is strong

enough. He was as a player to know ma is light and wrong and he will do

the right things and they will get results. Should men sun that

impressive start for Oxford. So far after two games in let us look at

the early league tables. Watford, Blackpool. Nottingham

Forest can reflect on 100% starts. Leicester host Leeds on Sunday. Win

will see them move up to six points, there are half a dozen at the bottom

still looking for their first point of the season, with Barnsley and

Millwall looking for their first goal, Leyton Orient Walsall and

Colchester have won their opening two game, Orient scoring eight goals

from their opening two fixtures. Coventry will look to move off minus

ten points as they begin life at their new home Northampton on Sunday

afternoon. Oxford, Fleetwood, Chesterfield have made 100% starts

at the top of League Two. Hartlepool, Plymouth and Bury are

looking for their first point of the season while Portsmouth picked up

their first point of the campaign, on Saturday.

That is it from us, but don't forget your double dose of football

highlights returns with match of day back for the start of the Premier