11/01/2014 The Football League Show

Evening, the frantic festive fixtures may now be a distant memory

but January's transfer window means there's no let up in the Skybet

Football League. And that makes for a busy start for two new managers.

Having recharged his batteries, Ian Holloway is back in the fold - this

time as the new manager of Millwall. While in League Two, Chris

Hargreaves has landed the top job at Torquay United. Steve's with me

tonight - and here's how we line up. Just one defeat in 12 has lifted

Ipswich into the play-off places. Today the promotion chasing Tractor

Boys welcomed pre-season title favourites QPR to Portman Road -

it's one not to be missed. We've extended highlights of Friday's East

Midlands derby as league leaders Leicester went head to head with

fourth placed Derby. Sheffield Wednesday were showing

signs of recovery going into Saturday's early kick off against

Leeds - we've the best of the action from a dramatic high scoring

Yorkshire derby and as ever we've plenty of talking points and goals

to enjoy including one or two well worth staying up for.

Well, having been unbeaten since November, Ipswich are building a

convincing case for grabbing a place in the play-offs. And what better

test of their promotion credentials than the visit of Harry Redknapp's

QPR? The Hoops own title ambitions have received something of a dent

over the Christmas period with just one win in four.

Keep your were given a lesson at Everton last week, another

examination comes up this week. -- QPR. QPR are ten points better off

than Ipswich but have won just one of their last five matches. Mick

McCarthy makes several changes. Harry Redknapp makes five changes to

the side that lost 4-0 at Goodison week ago.

Chambers balloons it over. It is the closest we have come. Chambers

started it, got the run of the ball, Rob Green came up with a very good

save. It was an important touch from Joey Barton. Here is the second

phase of play. Chambers balloons it over.

It needed a touch. It went for a corner. The glimmer for QPR.

Kranjcar and Austin involved. The ball was begging to be touched home.

Great save! What a stop! That have goal written all over it. Rob Green

was the hero down the other end but this may have eclipsed him. What a

save that is. It was wide. Ipswich just need to be

more positive in those areas. It all came from a QPR corner. Tunnicliffe,

getting Taylor away. We have seen a few runs like this from different

Ipswich players, but when it reaches that vital moment, based don't seem

sure enough. -- they don't seem sure enough.

The referee wants a word with Chambers here.

Kranjcar! 1-0 Queens Park Rangers! Kranjcar breaks the deadlock, six

minutes into the second half. It is his second goal for Queens Park

Rangers. From Assou-Ekotto's throw, Kranjcar made it and finished it

himself. He gets away from three Ipswich defenders and finds the

bottom corner, powers past the three of them and picks out the part of

the net the keeper couldn't reach. Austin! Gary O'Neil! Surely he has

settled it for Queens Park Rangers. Gerken was the hero of the first

half but has been beaten twice. Austin started it, Gerken couldn't

hold it, and Gary O'Neil simply couldn't miss. O'Neill's first

Queens Park Rangers goal. He practically walks it in.

It will be interesting to see what Harry does in the transfer market, I

know he is looking for a striker. At times Charlie Austin has a thankless

task. And it is three! Ahmed Traore wraps

it up for Queens Park Rangers! Traore, on from the bench. He

secures three break points. It was Tommy Smith's mistake. Traore

pounced on it and surely now there is no way back for Ipswich Town.

Ipswich get sheet! What a goal! Tommy Smith! That is the goal of the

game. It won't change the outcome. But what a treat. Stephen Hunt with

the corner, what a goal that is from Tommy Smith!

It's a big result today, this is a difficult place to come, they are a

good team. Not many teams will come here and win this year, it's a tough

place to come. I thought we were excellent in the first half. Didn't

take the opportunities when they came along that we created for

ourselves, then in the second half, we let them off the hook, because we

were the better team. We let Kranjcar wriggle out of the corner,

he should never have got out of it. He will say it's great play but it

shouldn't happen. It's a great finish, but of Premier League

quality, that is the difference. So they're great run comes to an end,

for a team who has found goals hard to come by, three in 23 minutes was

exactly what Harry Redknapp would have wanted. It was, at a vital time

of the game. What I liked about them today was the way they got away is

not just in support of Austin, has at times they have left the front

players a bit isolated, but passed him as well. Lots of third man runs,

midfielders breaking past him. But makes his job easier, a bit of

consternation for the defence as well. More positive display. A lot

more energy than we have seen before. The three wide players they

have gotten feature, but they are able to support different player.

Kranjcar had a great game. The player who gets the ball, six

yards outside the box, on the angle, facing away from goal, three players

around him and still mansion to get himself in a situation where he can

score a goal would be disappointed. A lot is made when people are on the

ball. What you do on the ball. If you are going to be a successful

side you have to do the nasty jobs and the bits where you haven't the

ball. With three players around him Ipswich haven't done that

particularly well. Ipswich scored the goal of the game. Not a bad

finish from the second-half? No, a great finish. How many times have we

seen you do something wrong at one end and rectify it at the other.

Wasn't able to atone for the mistake as they lost the game. Make it is

bearable. QPR hadle only won once away from home since September.

Leicester went into the latest round of games with a four-point lead at

the top of the Championship, thanks to their 3-1 win at Millwall on New

Year's Day. On Friday night, Nigel Pearson's side faced local rivals

Derby, with the Ram's fortunes transformed since the arrival of

Steve McClaren in September. The hosts made five changes from the

Milwall win, with returns for De Laet and Jamie Vardy. For Derby,

there were two changes. Jeff Hendrick was in for John Eustace,

while Simon Dawkins replaced Johnny Russell. Jon Champion was watching

this one. Dyer again, and gaping net is

missed. Matty James had the most glorious chance to steer the home

side in front. Grant could own Parry and then should have been left

helpless. Konchesky, Dyer, Vardy. Matty James, shoots! To some effect.

He has some making up to do after that awful miss. That wasn't so very

far away. Nugent! Literally, a fox, in the

box. Always with an eye for the half chance, David Nugent.

The joint best home record along with QPR in. What a fine goal from

de Laet. He is just about the last player you would expect to score

with such aplomb. Any striker would have been proud of that penetrating

run, exchanged passes with David Nugent, and then let rip! Konchesky.

Lloyd Dyer goes again for Leicester. He brings a good save from Lee

Grant. Lovely backheel, Nugent! Fine save,

comes to Vardy. Leicester so close to a second. The combination between

the front two flumaxing Derby. Knockaert, he was waiting for it.

Buxton didn't hang about. There's Moore. Again, the crossbar. A

thumping header from the centre-back Moore. For the second time in as

many minutes Derby survive by the width of a post or a bar.

It's Vardy. At the second attempt, via a ricochet, it's David Nugent.

He has scored plenty of goals this season, 15 now, but none more gra

actualious than that one. Back against the Leicester striker.

Without him knowing anything about it, Leicester go 2-0 up. Towards

Martin. It was glanced on and in. Derby have a life line. Derby's

first ever on target. It comes short of the hour mark. It did take a

deflection on its way in. Vardy. Vardy goes over. A penalty is given.

Vardy wasn't going anywhere directly. No Championship team have

been awarded more penalties this season than Leicester City, this is

their 11th. David Nugent converts it. His eighth successful spot-kick

of the season. Leicester 3-1 to the good.

Nugent, seizing upon it, and feeding Vardy. Vardy makes it 4-1. Three

goals in this game, in the space of five minutes now. Leicester are

enjoying arguably their best day of the season. Against local and much

fancied rivals. Today was a reality check for us. Good in a way that

expectations now won't be so great on this team. It's a young team. I

think you saw that tonight. The experience of Leicester against a

young team of ours. We haven't let people down too many times, but we

did tonight. Now we have to get back to work. I enjoyed watching the game

because we performed exceptionally well throughout almost all of the

game and against a good side. For us to take advantage of playing early,

and to go seven points clear at the end of the game was always the

incentive for us to do well, it's nice to play with the high standards

that we've hit tonight because it means we've got something else to

aim for. Leicester celebrate their fifth straight win in some style.

Derby the best team away from home. How big a statement was that from

the Foxes, your old club? Huge. They were brilliant from start to finish.

10 minutes they allowed Derby o to have m possession. They tend to do

that and then dominated from start to finish. Marvellous performance.

As you rightly say, in the context of the opposition as well, that was

a huge statement. The biggest giveaway, Nigel Pearson smiling. It

says everything. Certainly does. It a case of them being battle

hardened? They have more experienced. They know what it

takes. Look at their squad, right the way down down there are people

on the bench who can change the game and come in when others have had

over the Christmas period. A changed side at Millwall, very fluent. As if

they knew exactly what they were doing. Well drilled. Well-organised.

With players who can win you a game of football. It looks very, very

good for them. We should mention the game between Charlton and Barnsley

was called off today due to a waterlogged pitch, which meant no

action at the Valley for the second time in a week despite the sunshine

in London today. Clearly, the Addicks new owners need to look at

overhauling the clubs facilities. As for the games that did take place

earlier, two goals from Danny Ings against Huddersfield on New Year's

Day helped lift Burnley into the automatic promotion places. Boosted

by the addition of Brighton's Ashley Barnes, Sean Dyche's side made the

trip to relegation-threatened Yeovil. Last weekends 4-3 defeat

suggested Burnley had what it takes to mix it in the Premier League.

Yeovil away was a match to test their professionalism. The Glovers

were in generous mood. 19minutes in, Ayling's poor touch let in Ings gave

the Premier League scouts something to think about. You think that would

have been lesson learned for Yeovil. They invited more trouble in the

second-half. A poor throw had the home side stretched. Burnley nearly

took full advantage. Vokes a whisker away from goal number two. Yeovil's

chance of avoiding a fourth straight defeat came and went on the hour

mark. From Ayling's perfect cross, Grant missed their best chance of

the match. To make matters worse for the Glovers, they were two behind

moments later. It was another self-inflicted wound. Duffy was

caught in possession by Marney. His response was slick, putting it on a

plate for Vokes, who put the game beyond the strugglers. Yeovil pulled

one back through Moore. It wasn't enough to deny Burnley their first

away win since October keeps them in the hunt for automatic promotion. I

thought we had a number of chances throughout the game we created good

chances with great football I felt on an awkward pitch, to say the

least. But that's football. It's a test of Bolton resolve facing Forest

fresh from their 5-0 thumping of Premier League West Ham. The

Trotters began brightly despite two home wins in 12. Danns failed to hit

the target. Coming up contender for save of the day, from Bolton's Andy

Lonergan. Lascelles could hardly have done much more on his pass.

Paterson hadn't scored for the club before last week's 14 minute FA Cup

hat-trick before Cox played him in. His goal was a formality. With nine

cleansheets, Forest don't give much away, not least from set plays. A

rare lapse saw them go level. Bolton's hard work was nearly undone

when Henderson hit the post. Lonergan saved brilliantly from Andy

Reid. The men in red are eight League games without defeat. I feel

a little bit if we had taken opportunities we could have won that

game. Cracking game in very pleased for my players to be involved with

it. The early signs in 2014 look promising for Brighton, progress in

the FA Cup are moving in the right direction in the League. Birmingham,

enjoying their best run of the season, promised a stern test.

Robinson's header needed clearing. The longer the game went on, the

more the visitors relied on the other hand Randolph. Lopez gave

notice of what lay in store. LuaLua seemed to fancy his chances from all

angles and ranges. Randolph had them covered, whether it was a solo

effort, as in this occasion, or whether it was team work. LuaLua

went for goal, but still Birmingham stayed in the game. Until early in

the second-half that is. Randolph still did his best to beat the

barrage. Lopez teed up Crofts. Lopez showed how to do it with the

sweetest of Spanish strikes. One goal was all Randolph was letting

in. Despite Crofts' best efforts late on. Brighton are into the

play-offs for the first time this season. Birmingham's unbeaten run is

over. We started slowly, but we started playing really welled --

well after 10, 20 minutes and we deserved to win. According to

Watford's play their manager is a passionate person on the training

ground. They suffered another set back against Reading who led through

Gorkss goal. Nigel at s' side have lost four of their previous five.

Watford have been poor, but atactical reshuffle brought about a

marked improvement in the second-half. Deeney's finished had

to be tipped away by Alex McCarthy. Watford created chances, but

couldn't take them. The second-half also saw Forestieri make his return

from injury. He was yet to rediscover his scoring touch.

Elsewhere, the Hornets had given a debut to Merkel in midfield. He is

on-loan. This was a debut to forget. In injury-time his challenge on Nick

Blackman got him a second yellow card. Watford, they like Reading,

are way off the promotion pace. I thought we did really well in the

first half and the second half, we have the resilience you need

whenever you go away from home and we have come away with a

well-deserved victory. A good afternoon trading. But for

Burnley, a good win for them against Yeovil. Danny Ings, now passed the

20 goal mark, 21 now. Sean Dyche says he is not going anywhere this

January. I suppose if any club is going to keep him, it will be

Burnley? Yes, they will not want to lose another one. This would be

having a massive negative effect on everybody at the club if they were

to lose somebody of that stature, so absolutely not. I don't think you

will be going from there. Watergate -- what about the goal? A fantastic

finish. It shows what a player in form can do, he never gets his head

up and yet, bang, he knows exactly where the goal is and where the

corner of the goalies. He a player in form. To know where ever he is on

the pitch, where the goal is, a fantastic finish. If you were in

Danny Ings' shoes, or Sam Vokes', and you see a player come to the

club, how do you feel? As a whole, as a group, we knew they needed a

few reinforcements. They have got that. You can't have too many

quality players. It will reinforce the notion they can go all the way

so it will have a positive effect, no doubt. Ashley has left Brighton,

who got a very good result against Birmingham, ending their undefeated

run. Brighton as a result up to six now, in the play-off positions for

the first time this season. The question is, can they stay there? I

think they can. They have fantastic quality, a good squad. He has

inherited a marvellous squad, a successful squad, one that went very

close last year. They know what it takes at this level. I don't see any

reason why they can't get the play-off spot again this season.

That is without key players around. Absolutely, that is where the

strength in their squad comes into its own. Fantastic support as well.

It is looking good down there, a good end to the season I think. A

good goal from David Lopez. The Yorkshire derby between Sheffield

Wednesday's side who have been rejuvenated since Stuart Gray took

over and Leeds United, who came unstuck against Rochdale last week.

There was one enforced change, Llera coming in for Johnson, web -- and

there was a debut for the Kebe and Cameron Stewart. Kevin Keatings

describes the action. A foul, cheap to give away by

Wickham. He has decided not to take the shot.

A transfer Johnson! Sheffield Wednesday in front and it is their

captain. Two goals in two games for Johnson. No one offside there. No

one offside here. Definitely on Johnson, who tucked it past a

helpless Paddy Kenny. Sheffield Wednesday lead in the Yorkshire

derby by 1-0 and it is their captain, Johnson. You just wonder

about the fragility of the all-round confidence of this Leeds United

squad, after their terrible performance that Rochdale in the FA

Cup. A lovely pass, stretched again, it is league and a goal! It is

further Atdhe Nuhiu. Leeds United slice wide open again. Austin was

closed down but they should not have got exposed as easily as they did

here. Nobody tracking the run here off Kieran Lee. He could have taken

it on himself but was unselfish and in the end he laid it on for a

simple tax and -- a simple tap in for Atdhe Nuhiu. This is Kieran Lee,

they are through again. Parma. I huge save from Paddy Kenny. I think

the goalkeeper might get a hand in this, maybe off the outside of the

post. Ross McCormack will welcome the arrival of Smith. Very good in

the air. A tall, gangly striker. He has attempted a challenge. Now then,

Lee Probert might have a decision to make here. Smith went in. Is he

going to reach for a card? This could be quite dramatic for Matt

Smith. He only came on at half-time. He is off! That has to be one of the

quickest sendings off in history. Here is the challenge. I am afraid

Lee Probert had no other option. Brian McDermott will be apoplectic.

It is very much for - 4-1 after Smith saw that straight red car. --

after Smith saw that straight red card. Here is Wickham. It got

through Paddy Kenny! Connor Wickham has taken Sheffield Wednesday surely

well beyond the range of Leeds United now! Once more, Leeds

challenges are rather pitiful. They don't get any sort of clearance away

and Paddy Kenny will certainly be disappointed, the Leeds goalkeeper,

to be beaten at his near post. Sheffield Wednesday three, Leeds

United nil. Wednesday on the march. A great couple of sidesteps from

Maghoma. Look at this for a change of body direction. Not once, but

twice. McGuire's shot, deflected and in and

it just gets better and better and better for Sheffield Wednesday and

their caretaker manager, Stuart Gray.

Paddy Kenny deceived by the deflection and it was a cruel one.

As far as Leeds were concerned. It came off the captain, Austin. They

must feel the job is his. -- he must feel the job is his.

Lavery! Five up for Sheffield Wednesday! Back from the loan spell

at Plymouth and Stuart Gray surely on the way to the full-time job at

Wednesday. Look at the defending here. Inexplicable. Lavery took it

on, thought he would feed Johnson nor Wickham but all they did was

open up the space for the delighted substitute. The Northern Irish man

makes it Sheffield Wednesday five, Leeds nil. I memorable day, one that

Leeds United fans will find difficult to forget.

Jermaine Johnson, oh, he was hunting a sixth there, and so will his boss.

Great play from Connor Wickham. Jermaine Johnson unable to fully

control the volley, but it was close. It hit the stanchion.

Lavery! Six! Two for the substitute. Once again what can you

say about that Leeds United defending other than atrocious? What

is he doing here? Simple defending and the shooting opportunity grabbed

by Lavery. Sheffield Wednesday's biggest ever win over Leeds United.

If ever a caretaker manager wanted a result like this, it is Stuart Gray.

What a day for Sheffield Wednesday, record-breaking. Every individual

has put in a nine out of ten performers, getting six games at

home -- six goals at home in front of home fans. A clean sheet. I

enjoyed the performance and the attitude was spotted. It was

humiliating today. I, you know, what can I say after last week, when we

said everything about the Rochdale game? That is worse. We have to get

this right. That is what we were doing, starting tomorrow morning.

Much for Brian McDermott to ponder but Sheffield Wednesday are

celebrating tonight. Wednesday at their most clinical best? Not just

clinical, I thought they were magnificent all over the pitch. They

completely dominated. There wasn't an area where they were second best.

They were quicker, stronger, they wanted it more. There was an

intensity about their play. There was a doggedness. They were better

with the ball, they were better without the ball. It was just a

really, really good all-round performance. Brian McDermott asked

talking about appealing the Matt Smith sending-off. What do you

think? I think you will struggle here. I think Matt Smith, he is

going to make the connection, he jumps into him, he knows he is going

to connect with his shoulder, the upper arm. I don't really think he

can have too many complaints. He knows what he is doing and can see

what will happen, he has time to pull out of it and doesn't. The

second half, the ball has been headed away, it is one of those

things, you run the risk of getting sent off. I suppose a memorable day

for so many reasons as far as Wednesday fans are concerned

including Ford Lavery, the youngster who came on. Five and five. he took

advantage of poor defending. Particularly Zaliukas. Really good

confidence, keeps the ball, they are screaming for him to give the ball

but he doesn't and it is a great finish. Really poor defending again

and a fantastic turn. Different from the first one, doesn't need all

those touches, opens up his body and knows exactly where he is. Really

good side foot and finishes and the bottom corner. A player who is in

good form of late. Let's look at our final look at the Championship and

it starts at Ewood Park as Blackburn looked to build on that New Year

victory at Leeds, this time at home against Doncaster.

Blackburn have been quick to get Gestede tied down to a permanent

deal at Ewood Park. Once again he made the difference. There was a

mistake and Jordan Rhodes' cross, Gestede climbed above Abdoulaye

Meite right on time. Blackburn's new friend is gelling well, roads denied

a 17th league goal of the season by Ross Turnbull's sharp goalkeeping --

Rhodes. But there were two Rovers involved in this one and Doncaster

posed a real threat through Mark Duffy. It is great to see Paul

Robinson back in the Ewood goal after a year out with serious

illness and a match-winning saves from Alex Peterson. We definitely

deserved something from the game because we took the game to them and

Paul Robinson has pulled off probably two top-class saves at the

end and probably shown everyone why he has represented his country. The

win was massive after last week playing against Manchester City,

People's expectations go through the roof a bit. It was important we kept

level this week and it is a huge win for us.

Whisper it quietly but Wigan under new manager Uwe Rosler aren't

gathering momentum. They have yet to lose since Uwe Rosler replaced Owen

Coyle and five minutes into his seventh game Wigan were onto the

biggest victory with the German in charge. McCann and Powell proved a

winning competition -- combination for Fortune's second goal of the

season. Lee Camp, on his first appearance since joining Bournemouth

permanently, had to look lively to deal with this free kicks but it

wasn't until the second half that this home side moved two goals

cleared. A horrible slice from Elliott Ward and Camp was beaten

again. The final goal summed up the afternoon, a special from the Jordi

Gomez collection just before the whistle. Wigan climbed to 10th,

three points outside the play-offs with a game in hand. Week at

half-time, we sorted one or two things out, the gaffer made the

substitutions and it made it better. We started the game poorly by our

standards, they were the better team for the majority of the first half,

we weren't at our best today. Blackpool are struggling for numbers

and suffered a seventh defeat out of eight at the hands of Middlesbrough.

It wasn't for the want of trying, they looked full of energy earlier

on. Middlesbrough looked increasingly dangerous as time wore

on. The difference here, the options on the bench. Blackpool's problems

are such that two of the substitutes have played a youth team game

earlier in the morning, and Middlesbrough were able to bring on

Carayol, and make your real character come on form, this is what

he is capable of. -- a mercurial character. That goal demoralised

Blackpool. They conceded a second in injury time. Carayol was on target

again. Very important, because the team continued in a good line, we

lost the last game against Hull city, in the FA Cup, and in the lead

the team is very good and I'm happy today. After 14 League One goals for

Bradford, many teams have been watching Nahki Wells. This was the

first match for Ian Holloway in charge of Millwall. Holloway has a

tough job. Beaten by Southend in the FA Cup, the new boss will have seen

much to encourage in this match, not least this shot coming back off the

post. But the question of whether Nahki Wells can score at this level

was answered in the final minute. A debut goal, the winning goal. A

great start for him. What I asked for, they gave me, and I think that

is cruel, I think Mark will tell you that we at least deserved a point,

in fairness, how to bid. We knew they would come at us, and they did

that. They created problems, but we had a lot of possession, we just

didn't create a lot in front of goal, and that was a real poachers

finish. Doesn't get better than that, does

it? No, that is what he was brought to do. I think he has been a really

good acquisition. Ian Holloway's first match in charge into defeat,

what about his appointment, is it a good fit? He has had some good days

in the championship, some bad days, what he hasn't had is any dull days.

He is a nice fellow, decent lad, and they will have fun. We have to talk

about Blackpool's form, three wins in 19 at the minute. No wins in

eight, five blanks. What about the need to put to youth players who

played earlier in the day, that's unheard-of? That's a statement from

the manager, emphasising that he needs some reinforcements. It is the

transfer window, just so happens! I need some reinforcements, please! A

good win for Wigan against Bournemouth. 3-0 on the day, a good

goal, this, from Gomez. They have kept in touch with the play-off

race, considering their horrendous injury list. And the fixtures they

have had to contend with, in the Roper league. -- Europa League. If

you add the other goals on, they would be set in seventh, they will

not want to go back to Sheffield Wednesday now, after what has

happened! But it shows that the margins are quite small, they are

not far away. To League One now and Brentford's seventh successive

victory at promotion rivals Peterboro on New Year's day

consolidated the Bees position at the summit. Could they keep maintain

their staggering form at home to Port Vale?

In his own worst, Trotter is -- has unfinished business, and he put them

onto the road to victory. On the final day, his penalty miss cost --

cost them promotion, but he was determined to make amends. It was

all Brentford, as they chased an eighth successive league win. This

time, the keeper was at full stretch to keep that the lively Donaldson.

You sensed it was a matter of time before Brentford secured the win

that would keep them at the head of the league. Top stuff, this time

they will be hard to keep out of the top two. We have a few players

missing through injury, it's a squad game, I think the guys who came in

did tremendously well. I am proud of their character and attitude and

determination. Kenny Jackett said Wolves needed a

killer instinct after just two points and two goals from their last

three games. After David Woods didn't get enough on this one, he

was more clinical before the half-hour mark. Kevin McDonald,

playing him through with the aid of a deflection. Chasing a fourth

straight win, Preston brought their biggest travelling support for a

good few years, and the 3500 in the away end will almost celebrating a

level not long after. But Wolves were well on their way to only their

second win in eight games, when Henry's hit was parried into the

path of 19-year-old Lee Evans. He bagged his first goal since August.

I thought we played very well, we have been playing like that without

getting the results in the last few games, chilling and Tranmere and

Leyton Orient. It's nice to put the chances away. They are a good team,

they took their chances when they came along, we are disappointed, but

courage to with certain aspects as well. Leyton Orient must simply love

playing Carlisle. For the third meeting in a row, they had them for

four. It took them a while to get past an inspired Fleming in the

visitors's goal. They got further reward just after the break when

this stunning effort proved untouchable. Russell Slade believes

these are special times from Leyton Orient and one of the reasons that

has been the Indian summer enjoyed by veteran Kevin Lusby. History to

just had a fourth goal was coming, it finally arrived in stoppage

time. Persistence pays dividends. Leaders Brentford have one more home

games in the league then Swindon, it was Nile Ranger who got them off a

splendid start. But Peter Brett always look well cared for of

turning the match around -- Peter always look well capable. I really

tidy goal gave Swindon some breathing space in a tight contest.

The young midfielder's second crucial goal in successive games.

But the best goal was still to come. Peterboro, blazed back into

contention. Swindon were definitely on the back foot, but the eagerness

to drive their side forward saw a second yellow here for a push. The

dismissal led to some unsavoury scenes by the dugout. The net result

was another red card for the away side. Goalkeeping coach Jimmy

Walker, signalled out by the referee as the main culprit. All in all, a

bad day for Peterboro, after a fourth league feet on the spin.

Crewe Alexandra came into this one as the joint lowest scorers in the

division, and the Rotherham defence appeared to take pity on them.

Nothing stops the follow-up. The Millers have struggled on their own

patch but the relegation battling railwaymen are holding a better home

record them them. Rotherham's hopes of a king of a fourth home win of

the season were hit once again when their failures to clear from a

corner work punished. Tom Hitchcock was always going to be in the

spotlight after turning down a move to Crewe Alexandra in favour of the

Millers, and he was centre stage at just six minutes after coming off

the bench. He was clipped to earn his side a penalty midway through

the second half. New signings Miles Addison bundled over Smith, and

Harry Davies scored a penalty in the six goal thriller between the

sides, but he couldn't this time. Shortly after missing the chance to

go ahead, Crewe Alexandra fell behind. Perhaps showing why they

have the leak is different in the division. The Millers made sure of

only their second win in nine home league games when Hitchcock said the

swell up. -- set this one up. Probably to open for a manager's

liking, it was end to end, and of course they missed a penalty, we go

to the other end, we have gone back in front for the first time. From

that point of view, it was exciting. Walsall boss Dean is the celebrated

the three-year anniversary of the ground where it all started. Now

it's about staying in the play-off hunt. They may have a chance, but

Tranmere for back and with 12 minutes of time remaining, the

spoils were deservedly shared -- fought back.

A good day all the Northern for the leading lights of the division.

Outside the pack, you have the likes of Swindon town, who got themselves

a good victory, inflicting further misery on Peterboro. It looked like

Nile Ranger would get his contract cancelled, the players want him back

in. That will only be up to a point, off field antics, that will be put

up with to a certain amount as long as you are doing the business on the

pitch. But if he continues in that vein, he has apologised, which is a

start, we move on from here, but he won't be able to continue. Four

defeats in a row for Peterboro. A bit fragmented there, one or two

goals, you look at the second one, could have been avoided. Maybe

slipping back into the old bad defensive habits we thought they had

eradicated. Four goals for Oldham on Saturday. Their manager says they

haven't been getting enough credit, they are up to fifth. They have done

publicly well although their home form hasn't been great. They have

moved to a new ground, fantastic stadium, maybe a bit like Crawley,

having a bit of a go financially. I think the club is in rude health, it

really is. He is a proven manager at this level. They are prepared to

back him, there is an element of trust between him and the chairman,

and they probably have gone under the radar a bit. OK, more from

League One now and heroics from Colchester's on loan goalkeeper Sam

Walker prevented Patrick Bamford from signing off his time at MK Dons

with a league goal. Earlier today Karl Robinson's side were at home to

Shrewsbury. More than a match for the FA Cup

holders last weekend in a six goal extravaganza, Karl Robinson's team

set the pace. 17 the old Delle Alli showed his feet could do the

business as well. But if they were counting on a goal -fest, they were

stunned when Woods's timely slide levelled. No worries, just as they

had done against Wigan, came MK Dons, passing and probing. Delle

Alli's attempt was blocked, the goalkeeper had other ideas, but

Chris Long read his mind, on his debut.

Bowditch had been on the pitch five minutes before he scored his first

goal of the season in his first game since last summer. 3-1, the victory

looked complete. Defender Jacobson would have put many forwards to

shame, 3-2. After the exit of top-scorer Wells

Bradford fans may have been wondering where the goals would come

from, they had to wait 49 seconds for Hanson to bundle home. They were

chasing a first home win since September. Their lead lasted for 10

minutes. Wagstaff scored in the meeting on the opening weekend.

Bradford keep McLaughlan must think he should have stopped him finding

the net this time round. Both teams were a whisker away from scoring in

spectacular style. . Etihad came close as did this long-range shut.

Colchester manager Joe Dunne had worried the state of the pitch would

ham per their chances. It took until the second-half for the host to

blunder a scoreline their overall dominance deserved as Wilson found

Watt. Gillingham were a shadow side that overturned Wolves last time

owl. Eastman's effort was parried by Nelson. Colchester have a knack of

surrender leads, any fears of a late twist in the tail were ended when

Morrison scored with three minutes to go. The gloss was added in

stoppage-time as Sears, back after a long injury layoff, added a third to

seal a second consecutive home win. Sheffield United were magnificent in

knocking Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last Saturday. When Coady put

them in front within two minutes they would have been strong

favourites to keep their run of form going. County are an improving side.

Showumni got on the end of this Campbell rise cross to level the

match. With his first goal in his last 10 appearances. Now it was

anybody's game. After an even better delivery from she'll Hann,

Fotheringham put away his first Magpie's goal. Baxter went close to

getting an equaliser. This fourth win in seven matches meant Notts

County are now just a point from safety. That is the best win we have

had since we came in. The way we responded after let ing ourselves

down in the first five minutes and stuck to it in the last 10 minutes

when it was back against the walls. It really pleases me. Plenty of

goal-mouth action early on in this one. Eight minutes on the clock when

John Ashton headed against the post for the lowest scorers in League

One. Shortly after that Wesolowski nodded in only Oldham's 11th league

goal at Boundary Park this season. Rock bottom k Boro had chorpy sent

off for with this challenge. It was easy he wasn't best pleased with the

decision from the assist bsant referee -- assistant referee. Big

win for that for Oldham against Stevenage their bad season

continues. Notts County, back-to-back wins of course. When

seven of your relegation rivals failed to pick up maximum points,

good time to do it? It is. They have given themselves a real chance,

haven't they? Get a feeling one or two hiccups along the way since he

took over. They have dug in. All of a sudden they seem to have found

their way. Got behind them in this game. Went behind after a couple of

minutes. They kept going. They got their just desserts. You would give

them a chance of getting out of the problems he inherited. It's been an

up-and-down first management job for Joe Dunne at Colchester. He is

almost in the same position as he was this time last season. I suppose

with the restrictions he had to work with and the young players there are

signs of progress. To call that 3-1 win over Gillingham the Best of his

managerial career that is going somewhere? No disrespect, their

first brief would be to stay in this division as comfortably as they can.

Maybe one in five, maybe one in six seasons they might actually have a

flirt with the play-offs. A go. Things might come together in one

and he they might have an opportunity, like Yeovil, of getting

out of it. That is the sort of side. If they are where they are,

mid-table, which is fantastic, nice and comfortable. Certainly not going

to get relegated this year. A chance to maybe have the good season next

year. There is talent there. Look at the three goalscorers. They will get

you goals. Absolutely. Young players who have a bit to prove. One who has

proven absolutely everything. Nice blend. Certainly is. Let's see how

League Two unfolded on Saturday, which had new leaders going in the

afternoon's games as Scunthorpe climbed to the summit on New Year's

Day with a resounding 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Rochdale. On

Saturday the Iron were at Mansfield. Mansfield were left to the regret

missed chances against Scunthorpe, mat Reid might have given them the

lead after five minutes. The Stags started well but were caught cold by

a moment of brilliance by Paul Hayes. Despite a lack of game time

this srngs soon rediscovered his goalscoring touch. This was a

seventh win out of nine for Scunny. Terrific debut from Paul, his first

one, you know, fantastic strike from distance. His second one is more of

a striker's goal. McGurk carried the threat. That was

the first of many stops by Scott Brown. Cheltenham should have taken

the lead before half-time. McGlashan won't enjoy seeing that again. Jason

Taylor did the hard work soon after the retart. Harrison was celebrating

his ninth goal of the season. Burton must have feared their unbeaten run

was over when Key hit not one post but both. The game turned when

Ismail was unleashed. His pace set up Knowles for his first goal in

senior football within minutes of coming on. The pair repeated their

double act before the whistle. No wonder Burton were so keen to sign

him. Burton are second, now unbeaten in 11. We haven't had a like that

since McGoma left us. He changed the game in the way he got the left back

and the way he gave us a little bit of extra impetuous going forward.

Chesterfield kept the pressure on the top two with an infatic victory

over a Bury side who had won their last two games. Roberts arrived at

the far-post for the opener, on quarter hour. The Shakers were right

in the game until Danny Meyer picked up a straight red in first half

stoppage-time for a challenge on Matt Brown. Chesterfield strode

clear after the break. O'Shea doubled the lead from 25 years. An

own-goal from Soares that put the game beyond Bury's reach. Under

pressure from Marc Richards, Soares could only help the ball into his

own net. The ref clearing the goal after a discussion with his

assistant. All that remaineds with a debut goal for Gardner to complete

the rot. Both managers felt the sending off was absolutely crucial.

It was always going to be a difficult game. The sending off in

the first half is a big talking point in football. It enhanced our

chances of winning the game. We took advantage of that. If it is a bad

tackle get the players off, you have to do. Not when I had a lad who

dangled his foot, 5 foot 7 lightweight midfield player going up

a 6 foot giant. When the referee doesn't give himself thinking time

is in danger of making the wrong decision. The divisions third lowest

scorers Plymouth hope the answer lies in their new signing. Argyle's

McCormack did his best dipping over this free-kick. The first goal came

half way through the second-half. Blizzard's first for Argyle owing

much to this deflection. The lead ng tact to three minutes. Hurst got the

decisive touch. His ninth goal of the season. Argyle went closest to a

winner through Nelson. Both teams now are unbeaten in six. It a really

tough game against a well-organised team who are going well and are one

of the favourites to get out of the league. We matched them in all

departments. Full credit to our players. I thought we were excellent

and we should have won the game. I was disappointed compared to the

Millwall performance. The level performance we reached against

Championship we need to motivate ourselves against the League Two

division. Rochdale keeper came to the rescue when James Pull met

Monkhouse's ball in. Donnelly who scored in Dale's win over Poole

finding the net. Kavanagh's strike helped them. Dale

replicated the score like line they had at home to Hartlepool in August.

Cummins presented with a goal on a plate. There was time for Cummins to

come close to grabbing another in stoppage-time with the frame of that

particular goal rattled once again. Oxford side who can't win at home

and a Portsmouth side who can't win away met today. It lived up to the

billing. Rose wasted the home side's best chance, Pompey almost created a

chance for Devera. It wasn't one of the purest. It wasn't the most

attractive. I said to the players there, at times it's not our job to

come away and be attractive and entertain other people's fans. It

was a game where there was not a lot in it. Plus we may be shaded it in

terms of control and possession and a few half chances. You are hoping

one of those goes in. It's a frustrating period for us. 2014

started well for Fleetwood whose pro -- promotion bid is right on track.

Daggers best moments came after the break. They lacked a cutting-edge.

Roberts got a foot in. The away side took the lead, somewhat against the

run of play. 16 minutes to go, from this cross, Ball put away his second

goal in as many matches. That was enough for back-to-back wins for the

Cod Army. Rhys Murphy thought he equalised late on. Roberts got there

in the nick of time. The referee said, no goal, Daggers went down to

a fifth defeat in seven games. Blink and you'll miss a goal. First

Newport's Willmott crashed early free-kick through the Accrington

wall. Bettinelli wasn't impressed. Murphy gave a big contribution to

the equaliser. Before half-time he eved delivered the type of cross

that Naismith could feed off all day, goal number seven of the

season, 2-1. Back came Newport in the second-half. Washington's flick

fell perfectly for Burge. 2-2, all to play for.

Into the final minutes and Peter Murphy was in the thick of it again.

A header that looked every inch the winner for Accrington. 3-2. Into

stoppage time and one final fling for Newport, hoisted by Willmott,

and buried by Minshull. It cost Accrington valuable breathing space

at the bottom. Unite Wycombe's white man Paris Hall had not scored in his

previous ten games but he did not let his early miss worry him and

four minutes before the break he stuck his side in front with a

forceful header. Morecambe's veteran striker Ellison has also been short

of goals. The following -- but following a superb cross he buried

the equaliser 12 minutes from time. Josh Scowen had header scrambled off

the Morecambe line by Mark Hughes and Wycombe will be kicking

themselves they failed to take all three points.

Bristol Rovers began just two of the bottom. When they missed chances as

good as this one you can perhaps see White Elliott Richards was left with

egg on his face. That looked expensive when on 20 minutes Lee

Brown's attempted block on David Wheeler saw the ball loop up, over

and in for an own goal. But Rovers rallied and were given a hand by

Danny Butterfield's old school sliding down of Richards. With eight

goals, the form of John-Joe O'Toole has been a rare highlight of the

Pirates' season. His penalty was placed perfectly. And at the end oh

tool proved the matchwinner. His volley was acrobatic, the power just

sufficient to squirm away. The midfielder's tens of the season. --

10th. Three points and a clean sweep --

sheet for Chris Hargreaves in his first game in charge as talky box.

They went ahead when Christian Pearce pounced on the follow-up.

Stockley doubled their lead just before half-time, when he converted

Anthony O'Connor's cross, as Hargreaves guided the visitors to a

first win in five games. And -- I am not under any illusions as to how

hard this job is going to be. It will be tough. Today, the fight and

the desire and courage to get on the ball was there. When you have ten

players who do not turn up it is hard to win a game of football.

This was caretaker Andy King's first Sixfields audition to become this

new Northampton manager. The early signs were positive but in truth

they were second best in a lacklustre game. Your's Josh Carson

found Matt Duke and equally but good form before a moment to forget for

Matty Blair. This falls into the what were you thinking category.

York sealed victory with a quickfire double. Ryan Bowman landed the

first, getting one with 68 minutes gone before the clincher came from

the spot, two minutes later. The throw wasn't fully dealt with, and

inform Wes Fletcher did the rest as your win three in a row for the

first time this season. -- was York win three in a row.

York City enjoying a purple patch. In the transfer market, Paddy

Madden, one for the future but here is a name from the past, Paul Hayes

from his former days at Scunthorpe. At it again. We remember the Hooper

and Hayes days. Watched him earlier in the season, coming back from a at

Plymouth. He looked off the pace, but in between now and then I think

he's managed to get his sharpness and fitness back and by all accounts

watching those two goals he hasn't lost the knack of his eye for a

goal. It was a good afternoon for the leading lights in the division.

All of them winning, Scunthorpe, Burton, Chesterfield. At the other

end, for Torquay under the new in Chris Hargreaves, formerly of the

club, showing an early knack of the transfer market, he has bought on

James Stockley, set one up and scored one as well. Yes, he has the

advantage of working with the kids that Bournemouth and come to the

football club you are managing and a dramatic early effects, no doubt

about that. A big result for them because a few other clubs down there

who also have good results. Much-needed. Yes. I like Chris, a

good lad, I wish all the best. It is Torquay against Northampton next

week, a huge game, massive. No huge table -- no huge changes in the

tables. Brighton climbed into the play-off

places for the first time this season after ending Birmingham's

ten-match unbeaten run. Wigan move up a place to tenth after extending

their unbeaten run under Uwe Rosler to six matches. The bottom four

positions remain the same after defeats for Millwall, Doncaster and

Yeovil. Sheffield Wednesday's biggest league win since May 1987

saw them move up a place to 19th, four points clear of the relegation

zone. The top three in League One all gained maximum points so stay as

they were. Rotherham were the only other victors in the top seven as

they moved up to fifth whilst Peterborough drop to sixth after a

fourth successive defeat. It's their lowest position since the opening

weekend of the season. Despite their recent Cup heroics, Stevenage remain

bottom after defeat at Oldham. The Latics climb three places to 16th.

Notts County remain in the relegation zone but back-to-back

league wins leaves them just one point from safety. There was no

change either in the automatic promotion places in League Two with

Scunthorpe, Burton and Chesterfield all winning. Rochdale and Fleetwood

were the only other winners in the top half, both climbing one

position. Chris Hargreaves enjoyed a winning managerial debut for

Torquay, who remain in the bottom two but only on goal difference.

Northampton's home defeat to York leaves them four points adrift at

the bottom of the Football League. Before we go, the usual reminder to

join Mark Chapman on Sunday night for Match Of The Day 2 on at 10.25

on BBC One. And we'll be back next Saturday with all the best of the

action from the Football League straight after Match Of The Day at

11.45pm. Good to see you, Steve. Have a great week. See you next

Saturday. Goodnight.