12/04/2014 The Football League Show

For most teams, today began the countdown for the final five

fixtures of what has been a marathon season. It was also a day of emotion

up and down the country, 25 years after the worst disaster in our

sporting history. The Football League joined the Premier League and

the Conference to commemorate the tragic loss of 96 Liverpool fans at

an FA Cup semifinal at Hillsborough. A warm welcome tonight for Neil

Warnock, who is MySpace August. Here is what is coming up. The 11 points

clear of the pack, the champagne was nice for Burnley. -- who is my

special guest. Middlesbrough were aiming to finish a disappointing

season strongly. In the early kick-off, it was QPR taking on a

stuttering Nottingham Forest. After their demolition of newly promoted

Leicester on Tuesday, Brighton had the chance to break into the

play-off places. They welcomed Charlton.

And it is Derby day at Huish Park, as two of last season's promoted

teams went head to head, Yeovil Town against Bournemouth.

Well, Burnley's midweek victory against Barnsley meant Sean Dyche's

side would be promoted if they won today, and results elsewhere went

for them. The hosts made one change, with the return of keirin

Trippier. Middlesbrough made five changes.

Arfield, charged down by Woodgate. Kightly at the far post! It looked

as though the opening goal was beckoning.

This is an area where you would expect to see them taking on the

full-back. Good chance. Middlesbrough's best, by some

margin. The visitors, as close as they have been to taking the lead.

Butterfield. Graham. Brings in Leadbetter. On towards Tomlin. It by

Graham, and turned aside by the goalkeeper! That is the second time

that Burnley have been tested by the man on loan from Sunderland, Danny

Graham. Header on by Adomah. Picked up by

Tomlin. Butterfield on target, and tipped over the bar by goalkeeper he

turned again. No wonder the Burnley supporters were looking on

anxiously. Back to Woodgate, under pressure

from Barnes. Adomah under pressure. Here is Arfield. Still going.

Tackled by Woodgate. Trippier, onside! Still not cleared! In the

end, it goes out for a corner. Ings and Barnes both have a look at goal,

but none of them could convert. In the end, it's deflected off Ings,

and then off Adomah, and out for a corner.

Another poor corner, thumped away by Whitehead.

Tomlin, still going, and turned into the back of the net by Butterfield!

And Middlesbrough are in front, from one end of the field to the other!

The script has been torn apart by the visitors! And it is their

supporters behind the goal who are celebrating. Tomlin just kept on

going. He lost Arfield, and Butterfield put it in.

Well taken by Graham. Tomlin. Still Tomlin! Inches away. He puts his

hands to his head, and Middlesbrough almost doubling their grip on this

game. Tomlin, for a second, was beginning to celebrate.

Terrific ball, brings in Trippier. Trippier! Well, his run was timed to

perfection, but on his slightly less powerful left foot...

Out for a throw. Another wonderful opportunity for Burnley, and Ings

got in front of the 'keeper, but got his angles wrong.

The header is a good one from Barnes, and the save was equally

good. Constant top list with his first genuine save of the afternoon.

Free kick. Jonathan Woodgate is not happy. Can Trippier find the

equaliser? Punched away by the goalkeeper. That looked a little bit

too close to the goalkeeper, but the goalkeeper took no chances. It is

not what they came to see, the Burnley supporters, their side

trailing at home. Arfield, deflected off the boot of Danny Ayala, out for

a corner. Firmly believe it was a penalty. Surely that is a pull, but

no, says the referee. Stanislas! Barns across the face of

the goal, and Ings cannot get to it. Wallace, is skipping past the

defender, and going for gold. To refix shot, saved once again by

Konstantopoulos, on a greasy, wet surface.

Burnley as wretch here, in their pursuit of an equaliser. Would save

by Tom Heaton. -- Burnley are stretched here.

Plenty in the middle for Burnley. Was that a push Britain Mark no,

says the referee. Away come Middlesbrough. Now, the

Middlesbrough players are getting angry. A yellow card is coming out

for the Middlesbrough centre half Danny Ayala. I think it is for the

reaction, more than a thing else. The Middlesbrough manager is

asking, where is this extra minute coming from? One more chance for

Burnley. They have a free kick. The card is coming out, and this time it

is red. It is a second yellow for Ayala, who had just been booked,

seconds earlier. This was him kicking the ball away, which led to

his yellow card. And he had already been booked.

The referee had spoken to their players about pulling shirts in the

box, and then does not give it. I said to him, what is the point about

speaking to them about it, then? There are goalkeeper was Man of the

Match, outstanding from him. Big decisions go against us, it is not

the first time this season. We have had problems away, but we are much

better now. We are more confident, and when you have the confidence, it

is easier. Middlesbrough have now won four in a

row, they are the first team to have done the double over Burnley. 68%

possession from Burnley, how did they not win it? They are just

lacking a little bit of confidence. They have had a great run, with one

or two injuries. They just needed something to go for them, they could

have had a couple of penalties today. You believe that one

particularly should have been a penalty? Oh, yes. That is one thing

I do not miss about this league, referees. Sometimes you do not get

the penalties, I am afraid. They have got to limp over the line now.

The Middlesbrough goalkeeper, Konstantopoulos, had a key part to

play. He has kept five clean sheets out of nine. Shay Given did well as

well when he was there, so they have had good goalkeepers this year. They

were nice ones, ones which goalkeepers can make look

spectacular, but he still had a good afternoon. I think the last one was

the best. What kind of job has Sean Dyche done? A miracle. When you look

at the teams like QPR and Leicester, massively more expensive squads, he

has worked a miracle. Now, he has got to limp over the line and they

have got to try quality players for next season. They are stuttering

of late, one win in four. Each of their last four opponents have got

something to play for. But will they see it through? You would hope so.

He deserves it. Blackpool away is a derby as well. But I think he would

like to finish it at Blackpool. The others are all tricky. But that is

the Championship, that is what makes it so good. They only need five

points, and that is even if the other teams win all of their games.

It makes you wonder why Derby, and last week QPR losing, they must be

kicking themselves, because they could have had a real go at Burnley.

Finally, it was a touching moment at half-time when Gary Parkinson came

onto the pitch, formerly of both clubs, suffering from locked-in

syndrome. He got a great reception. He did, it was very moving, it makes

you realise, you have got to live for today. He was a brilliant lad,

one of the players liked him. You do not know what is around the corner

in this world, so you have to live your life every day.

Let's see how the other promotion contenders got on today.

Derby's play-off place is all but confirmed, now it is about

maintaining momentum and holding their collective nerve. They

overcame a couple of setbacks against Huddersfield. Richard Keogh

Skyride this effort. Soon after, they found themselves chasing the

game with only 40 minutes gone. The Terriers, winless in their previous

eight games, took the lead with Nahki Wells's 21st of the season

overall. But having come from behind to beat Blackpool on Tuesday,

derby's competence was not dented. How about that for a pass from

George Thorne? The finish wasn't bad either, Russell levelling the score.

Indefatigability is a crucial component of promotion chasers.

Needless red for Huddersfield for a second yellow. Derby's second came

five minutes into the second half. Alex Smithies palming the cross into

his own net. Huddersfield's self-destructive streak continued.

Six minutes later, Peter Clarke fluffed clearance and then clattered

into Will Hughes. Another simple decision for the referee, who waved

a second yellow card in Peter Clarke's direction. From the spot,

Chris Martin confirmed derby's third win out of four. Momentum

maintained, but the opposition won't always be as generous as

Huddersfield well. I think we were forcing ourselves forward and

causing the errors, really. The first was a definite second booking

on Patrick Bamford, he nearly sliced his leg off. And obviously with the

penalty, it was a second booking as well. Huddersfield are a little

unlucky, but it was the pressure we exerted and we kept playing our

football and got the result. Whilst Brighton are desperate to

extend their season, Charlton are surely wishing Burswood finish now,

having climbed out of the drop zone. But every time they have won since

Jose Rieger took charge, they have lost the following game. So having

beaten Yeovil in the week, they were surely fearing the worst. Jesse

Lingard opened the scoring. The Manchester United loanee was also on

target against Leicester, which has reignited their promotion challenge.

Jesse Lingard hugged the touchline before showing a change of pace to

find a Odjowa, who despite our side protests, finished emphatically. --

offside. Strangely, only the bottom six had scored fewer goals than

Oscar Garcia's men but their weary opponents gave them the chance to

increase that goal difference in the second half. Gordon Greer's pass

went straight through the heart of Charlton and Jesse Lingard was in

the clear. Despite the mess, Brighton could be safe in the

knowledge that a third straight defeat on their own patch could be

avoided. Caskey added further gloss to the store line right at the

death. -- scoreline. Brighton back in the promotion path, Charlton with

their heads above water, just. We knew we had to come out of the

blocks early and we did, we got an early goal and we are satisfied with

the performance and especially the three points. I prefer to be in

Charlton man in Millwall, there is still one point difference and we

have the opportunity on Tuesday to have a good result.

Ipswich are in no mood to give up on a play-off place. A midweek triumph

over Huddersfield had taken them to within two points off the top six

and with so much at stake, there was no shortage of attacking intent.

Only a smart save from Sam Johnstone stopped the tractor boys getting the

initiative. At the other end, an unmarked Tamas headed goalwards but

kept out by fine goalkeeping. The Doncaster defence didn't pick out

Tommy Smith. His header caused confusion and his team-mates were

only too aware of how close he had come. Daryl Murphy sent town on the

way to their latest victory. He has enjoyed a productive season, second

in their goal-scoring charts, 13th of the season. Then a penalty, a

spot kick giving them a vital lift. The prospect of a point from Portman

Road. But within minutes, Doncaster conceded a second, as Luke Chambers

scored what proved to be the winner. They are only out of the play-off

places on goal difference and remain very much in the mix. I always get a

response. They have been great all season but the points keep us out of

the top six on goal difference, so we will rest up. We just had a real

bonkers week, Blackpool -- Blackburn away, Doncaster here, so we will

rest up and get ready for Monday. My players have done well to get back

on again, we have equalised and their second goal, it is a blatant

foul on Tamas. I don't want cards thrown about but it is a red card.

There are stud marks from knee all the way down his leg.

Paul Dickov clearly not happy and after the game, incidentally, Mick

McCarthy did say they were lucky, particularly with the build-up for

that winning goal. You can understand why Paul was the way he

was afterwards. Absolutely. When I watched it, I initially thought,

this is a red card, let alone a yellow card. He just went over the

top. Maker says he is not the kind of player to do it on purpose. Yes,

but we all say that. He has done a brilliant job make, with the squad

they have got. Look where they are. Six wins out of ten. He is an

excellent manager at this level and I think he is doing a great job down

there. And he will be looking forward to being the underdogs,

trying to get into the play-offs. They are the feature game next

Saturday when they go to Watford. Derby got themselves a great result

but making for a thoroughly miserable afternoon for

Huddersfield, no win in nine and down to nine men. Scoring goals for

fun at Derby but helped by the goalkeeper. He is a good goalie,

Alex Smithies, it is a nightmare for it. Huddersfield will be glad when

the season ends. They have had a bad run but they will be OK. And

Brighton, like Ipswich, making the most of Reading not playing and

almost getting into those play-off positions. Oscar Garcia talks about

not having a squad to last the season but we look at Burnley and

see what can be achieved. It is a bigger squad than Ipswich or

Burnley, so that cannot complain too much. They have Craig Mikel sweat

coming back, like Charlie Austin and QPR, so they are getting players fit

at the right time. Speed got the early kick-off involved one of

Neil's former sites and another he nearly manage. QPR took on

Nottingham Forest. QPR have already had their automatic promotion

chances dashed. Harry Redknapp gave the first to Charlie Austin since

January. Forrest had top scorer Jamie Paterson missing through

illness, centre half Wilson making his first start since September.

There is no question that injuries, in particular to QPR's leading

scorer Charlie Austin, back in a tin today, have been a real problem for

them. Saved by Darlow, turned in by Benayoun! A wonderful start, and

Queens Park Rangers take the lead through Yossi Benayoun. The initial

shot, Darlow didn't deal with it effectively enough and Benayoun

stooped to conquer. Wonderful start for Queens Park Rangers.

Richard Dunne not getting anywhere near the direction he wanted on his

header back to the goalkeeper. They shake of the head from the QPR

captain, a gift of a corner. And the header is in! Superb goal

from Lascelles. Grant -- and Forest do strike back. A firm header from

the centre back beats Rob Green. That has come at a very opportune

time. Lob junior high lead. Benayoun. Junior toilet is in there!

Goal! -- hoy Hoilett. He has had a couple of sites of the goal and this

time he delivers. Benayoun got a touch, but the vital one fell here

for Junior Hoilett. Cleared from just short of the line

by Simpson. That is the benefit of having a fallback close to the

goal-line, Danny Simpson in the right place to deny Halford.

And the header in. A goal for Matt Derbyshire. And Forest A-level. --

are level. La Celeste in the first half, Derbyshire in the second. Who

is marking him? They are all looking and the answer is no one. 2-2 at

Loftus Road. Just off the post by Bobby Zamora.

And how close does Zamora come? Yes, off the outside of the post.

It is kept alive here. Concerted pressure. Wonderful goal! Scored by

Nedum Onuoha! It is a quite brilliant finish that any striker

would have been proud of. Fed by Ravel Morrison, one look at the goal

and bang. No nonsense. And QPR lead for the third time today.

In goes the header and a fine save by Rob Green. Derbyshire denied. But

once more, they are winning those first headers. He gets down really

smartly and he had to, Rob Green. Zamora too strong for Wilson. Sets

up the chance for Morrison. He can kill it now! Yes! Queens Park

Rangers are home for all three points. It is a little bit cruel on

Nottingham Forest, but Zamora's fresh legs were too much for

Wilson. Morrison kept his composure and drilled in the Queens Park

Rangers' four. It is turning out to be a very entertaining game. --

forth. There may yet be more pickings for

Rangers. It is Zamora! It is five! What a finish from Queens Park

Rangers. Benayoun with the pass initially, Morrison on it ahead of

Lascelles, a lovely pass around the corner and Zamora did the rest. The

final score at Loftus Road, 5-2. It was a decent game. They came back

into the game twice from two corners, we have conceded a few

goals lately from corners and we have to put that right as best as we

can, but in the end, to get five goals was good for us. A run of 12

games, there is something not right and we need to get the bottom of it

this season, make sure it is cleared up and we have a real positive vibe

inside the changing room and around the football club before Stewart

arrives. We will talk about chut appear shortly, but as far as QPR

were concerned, the first time they have scored five goals since 2009.

Harsh on forest? Yes, at 2-2, they could have gone in front. Good to

get Lansbury back fit. He played the best part of an hour. And they have

got a good squad. But it is a great result. It all but secures a

play-off position for QPR. It could have gone either way, as we have

mentioned, but what about Nedum Onuoha, keeping the ball alive, like

did? He did really well, fighting to keep it in play, then he does not

just stop and watch it, his first touch here, straight in the back of

the net. Probably a good job he has not got time to think. It find few

days for him, he became a father again just a few days ago, hence the

celebration. Yes, when I was there, I tried to sign him. I met him and

his mother up in Manchester. He is a good lad. Bobby Zamora was on the

pitch, and Charlie Austin was back as well, and Kevin Doyle is not too

far away. Austin is so vital. I spoke to Harry couple of weeks ago.

He needs a couple of games, but once he has got back, he is just coming

right for the play-offs. What about Nottingham Forest, their season is

now fizzling out, with no win in 12? Stuart Pearce is attending the

games, but it is a bit strange, why is he not in the dugout? Only Stuart

Pearce knows that. It is a little bit strange. I know what Gary says

about looking forward to next season, but I think it is such a

waste. For me, they have got a great squad. They have got Lansbury coming

back fit, they have got Vaughan and we, not far away, and I think it is

a wasted season. I think they have missed out on an opportunity. It had

all the makings of a real battle at Huish Park this afternoon, Yeovil

and Bournemouth facing each other with contrasting objectives. For

Yeovil, survival, for Bournemouth, the play-offs.

Only 55 miles separate them, and they have both risen through the

Football League ranks using managers who have returned to their clubs for

a second spell. But in a few weeks' time, could there are parts be going

in different directions? It is 11 seasons since Gary Johnson Lady

Yeovil into the Football League. He has since guided them to two further

promotions. But they are running out of games to survive this year. I

think everybody has enjoyed this season, would love us to stay in it.

We have still got a chance and we need to do all we can to be a

Championship club next year, even though it is looking longer odds

than it was. I think we have competed well enough to know that we

were not the shrinking violets of the league. And the opposition are

no slouches when it comes to remarkable transformations. Under

Eddie Howe, Bournemouth have gone from administration and points

deductions through two productions and, of the back of five consecutive

wins, to within two points of the play-offs. Our aim was to stay in

the division, no debate about it. We set clear targets, we had a clear

plan. We have surpassed that and we are now in a good position with five

games to go. I do not think there is too much pressure on us. We are very

proud to be members of the Football League. We have come out of the

non-league after 105 years, as I keep reminding people. We respect

the clubs, the big clubs, we are playing against, who we never ever

thought we would compete against. We thought we would be mid-table, we

wanted to stay up. Halfway through we were looking at the points and

thinking, we will be all right. Now, it is, wow! We are seeing the best

football we have ever seen. Me and my lad have planned Man City away,

Chelsea away, all sorts of things for next season. There has been an

incredible transformation of the football club, financially and

everything. It has been an incredible few years. You were a bit

more subdued than I have been used to? A little bit. I suppose we know

that each game which comes up is a massive game for our football club,

because we do want to stay in the Championship. The importance of it

is that if we can win this one, and then you have got two on the trot,

all of a sudden, you have got as good a chance as anyone else. So

much at stake for both teams, staying up was always going to be

the target for Yeovil. For Bournemouth, the promotion push is a

late surprise. Lewis Grabban missed the first great chance for

Bournemouth. It was a let-off for Yeovil. But this list in shop from

Kieffer Moore put Yeovil ahead. -- this blistering shot. Then, the

unlucky Byron Webster's clearance lofted over his own goalkeeper. But

Yeovil do not like fighting spirit. They looked for that elusive winner.

James Hayter was a whisker away from the decisive, match-winning

contribution. I suppose it is so tight for that final play-off place

that you do not know how valuable that point could be? As you say, it

could be a valuable point for us. We are pleased that we got something.

Yeovil have not given up, they kept fighting. It could have gone either

way. While we are still in it, as the games get less and less, they

become more important to win. My boys tried to go out and win the

game today. We looked a Championship side today. I was proud of them. So,

nothing to separate the two on the day. It has been a very steep

learning curve for Yeovil summer hasn't it? Yes, it is so difficult

for a club with the income and the wage bill etc. They are always

pushing against the wind, really. They have had a lot of opportunities

to win games. 31 points they have lost from winning positions. I

know, they have had their opportunities, but it always seems

to catch up on you, when you cannot afford to just bring people in.

Bournemouth however do have that financial back-up, and 62 points

matches their best ever in the second tier of English football.

What about Eddie Howe? When you are happy as a manager, you can work

better. He was not happy at Burnley. He has gone back there, and the

chairman has supported him financially. He is a very

intelligent young man. They might have run out of steam a little bit,

but five wins out of six, after beating QPR and Reading in four days

last weekend, that must have taken something out of them. Let's have a

look at how things are panning out in the top half. How do you see it

going? It is toss a coin time. Brighton have had a nightmare time.

They have scored ten in the last four, and the previous ten in 14.

But look at Ipswich. Nobody gives them a chance. Mick McCarthy will be

set at home having a beer, thinking, do not talk about us. Reading should

be favourites, if they can win against Leicester. Our last look at

the Championship starts with Blackburn, who kept their outside

chances of a play-off place alive on Tuesday. That was when they beat QPR

at home. Well, earlier today, they were at Sheffield Wednesday.

Of all the tributes this weekend, none will be more poignant than

those at Hillsborough, the ground where those tragic events unfolded.

Managers Stuart Gray and Gary Bowyer both laid wreaths. Blackburn were

gifted the lead just 15 minutes in. Jordan Rhodes took advantage. Until

recently, Lewis Buxton had not scored in 2.5 years. But this was

his third in less than a month, to level the scores. But Blackburn are

on their longest unbeaten run in more than five years. Craig Conway

brought up his fifth of the campaign. They were seemingly out of

sight as Manchester United lonely Michael Keane chord at the end of a

crazy first half. -- loanee. Adi knew who did the rest. And he

then put away a dramatic equaliser. -- Atdhe Nuhiu. We should have been

going away with all three points. It is disappointing when you score

three goals. We have done it once too often this season now. Today, we

have thrown it away. Half-time, 3-1 down, would I take a draw? Just

disappointed we do not get all three in the end. Going into this one, Ian

Holloway said Millwall had a mountain to climb in order to avoid

relegation. Lewis McGugan got the opener. But back-to-back wins have

restored belief to the Millwall camp. Substitute Steve Morison got

them a foothold in the match shortly after the hour mark. Despite the

best efforts of the home side, they were back on the slippery slope with

only four minutes remaining in normal time, with a goal from Abdi.

But check out David Forde in the box here. Maybe his presence unnerved

Watford. Manuel Almunia lost his grip on the shot, and Millwall had

earned themselves another precious point. It looked like it might not

be higher day, but we forced it to be our day. We got at least a point,

which we deserved. -- be our day. A couple of games ago, it looked all

over. Dead and buried. And it certainly isn't, we have given

ourselves a chance, and that is all that matters. Barnsley's problems

are continuing. They had not scored in two games, and they drew a blank

again away at Bolton, where one goal settled the contest. Luke still

prevented Jermaine Beckford from making the breakthrough here, but

Beckford had the final say. -- Lucas de Jong. He went around Steele, to

extend Bolton's unbeaten run to six matches. He then came very close to

getting his second. Barnsley were presented with a wonderful

opportunity to level matters, when Alex Baptiste bought down Ryan

McLoughlin inside the area. Chris O'Grady accepted responsibility, but

hit the post. I felt we had enough chances to put the game away early

in the match. But they were fighting for their lives, they never gave up.

That made it difficult. You need luck in games at times and it is

deserting us at the moment. But if we work as hard as we have been

doing, it will come back again. Off the field, a new era at Leeds, with

the takeover finally confirmed. On the pitch, the team has been going

through its worst run for a decade. The opening goal came on 21 minutes,

however. The relegation zone is looming large for Blackpool, after

three wins in 27. Neal Bishop's effort was the best they could

muster in the first half. Murphy had waited eight months for a goal, but

this was too horrific finish, to clinch the victory for Leeds. --

this was a tremendous finish. It was an eighth defeat in 11 for

Blackpool. We just want another calm week. We

have got the new owners coming in and the club has been sorted out,

basically. So, a winning start to the regime of

Massimo Cellino. It has been a bonkers few days at Elland Road,

hasn't it? You had spying equipment getting found, resignations at

boardroom level, they just need stability? I think he has come in at

the right time, there is nothing to lose. I have Paladdini at QPR,

another fiery Italian and they need something like that, Leeds. The fans

have been led them for awhile, and the result, they probably couldn't

have wished for a better team to play against, Blackpool. Barry

Ferguson played himself in midfield, very much the last role of the dice.

It is desperate, he has not played for 27 games. It shows you what he

thinks about his team at the moment and I don't think it is going to get

any easier. Their last four fixtures? I know, you look at them

there, Burnley at home, Brighton away, we can and then Charlton at

home. They have -- Wigan. They have got to do something. They would love

to put something over their neighbours, Burnley, desperate to

the point, but there will be some nervous people in the seaside town.

Millwall got themselves what could be a huge point of them on Saturday.

If I was Ollie, I would get the groundsman a bottle of champagne.

They are all up there, it is the 90th minute was an average shot,

good old groundsman. That might just be the goal that keeps them up, that

is how tight it is. Let's have a look, see exactly how tight it is at

the bottom of the Championship. Millwall are enjoying their longest

run of form. They will be looking at Blackpool, Doncaster and Birmingham,

who can't win at home. Huddersfield will be glad to get another three or

four points. You think the 50 mark get you safety? I don't think it

will have to be that but you have to get there. With the fixtures coming

up, Blackpool will be desperate for as many points as they can. League

One on Friday night's match at the New York Stadium was rather hoping

to delay Wolves's promotion party. On Tuesday, the Millers took on

Bradford City. Defeat in the week effectively

killed off their hopes of the top two, Sir Rotherham were looking to

get back in the group ahead of the play-offs. Michael O'Connor's wicked

set piece at Bradford rocking. But for all of their attacking intent,

the bantams were holding firm against a side that had turned them

over in their previous six meetings. And in stoppage time, Ben Pringle's

corner picked out an unmarked player, but like his boss, left with

his head in his hands. It reasons to be positive. I was pretty down on

Tuesday after the performance, but I am a bit tonight. We played

terrific. If we play like that in the play-offs, they have got to be

good to beat us. Rather's meant as raw for -- a draw

for Kenny Jackett's men would confirm promotion. Wolves were

chasing a record 24th clean sheet. Wolves haven't had to rely on too

many lucky breaks this season but they got one here, the shot

deflecting in. Before half-time, Crewe were down to ten players.

Anike has 14 league goals on his loan spell from Arsenal, but also

his red card after an elbow. One or two survived the coal of the Wolves

squad. One of them, Dave Edwards. His fourth goal in six, mission

accomplished. Delighted, great to get promotion with four games left.

Credit to the players, they negotiated a difficult day and a

difficult pitch. Excellent clean sheet and eight very good win.

Having already secured a club record 87 points, Brentford remain strong

favourites to join Wolves in the Championship, but they failed to

gain inspiration from David Button's penalty saved following a

foul by Alan McCormack on Alex Prichard. But it was Button's pass

that but Douglas in trouble just before the break and Thomson nipped

in to put away the only goal of the match. A tidy finish from the

teenager. Swindon, who still have an outside chance of making the

play-offs, had to work hard to hang on to the lead. George Savill denied

by the keeper. But a dismissal at five minutes past the hour made the

task a little easier. A second yellow for a challenge on Branko.

Brentford haven't won all scored in their previous three away games, and

despite good well going close late on, they still need to win is to be

absolutely certain of promotion. The boys wanted to get into the lead,

had the mindset they read desperate to hold onto it didn't take risks.

-- they were desperate. Having seen their automatic

promotion push falter in recent weeks, Leyton Orient had to regain

momentum. That is what they did, David Mooney got the ball rolling.

It is hard to believe this was a side with one win in six, as Dean

Cox doubled their advantage with his 14th goal of the season. Much worse

was to come for the visitors, who were to concede two goals in a

catastrophic 36th minute. Kevin Lisbie struck first as the

visitors' defence went absent without leave. The travelling

faithful had barely 30 seconds to collect their depressed thoughts

before then it was bulging again. Kevin Lisbie pouncing on defensive

hesitation to set up David Mooney for his second of the match and his

20th of the season. Jailing them will feel the second half

represented something of a moral victory -- Gillingham. I'm told

Bagnall made it five. There was a consolation as Craig Fagan finished

emphatically, but the damage had already been done. Gillingham still

have work to do to confirm safety but Russell slave can work for the

play-offs -- Russell Slade. Speaking I thought we were

excellent. Joe Garner missed out to be at the birth of his child, but at

least he will be there for the final push. In his absence, his team-mates

gave a devastating the plate. Stuart Bevan got the ball rolling. The home

side were in the mood. Lee Holmes deserved more after a terrific run

but youngster Alan Brown finished the job on his first-ever start.

Carlisle are now in big trouble with less than a quarter of the game

gone. But Gary Madine put them back into contention. It failed to spark

a comeback and instead, they were blown away in the second half. Three

minutes after the restart, Holmes added his name to the scoresheet.

But their opponents on the ropes, Preston showed no mercy. Craig

Davies made it 4-1 with less than an hour gone. Even if it did take two

attempts. By now, it was becoming target practice and Simon Grayson's

men went for more. Davies gobbling up his second. Carlisle's brief

spell outside the bottom four was over. Their misery compounded when

Davies' stylish finish secured a 26 minute hat-trick and the match ball.

I thought a few weeks ago that we were due a heavy victory against

somebody, because of the number chances we were creating, an

unfortunate if a Carlisle, they were on the end of a good, positive

result for us. In the race for the final play-off

position, Peter Borren began holding the cards. A thumping header set

them on their way after only six minutes. They began with a 6-point

buffer over MK Dons but they had to work for this against mid-table

Coventry. The keeper saving well from Nathan Ecclestone. Before the

Sky Blues' Mark Marshall told this effort over the crossbar. Josh

McCord ended a 14 month wait for a goal at Wembley two weeks ago. The

goals is still elusive. The play-offs isn't theirs yet but it is

mighty close. Yes, Peter Borren ticking over

nicely. Very well done to Kenny Jackett at Wolves, mighty relieved

they are back in the Championship after one season. It just goes to

highlight that fractured relationship between fans and

players has been re-established. It is a fantastic club. I think the

directors have finally got the manager of the best on they have had

since Mick McCarthy. A similar mould, Kenny Jackett, knows what he

is doing. Well organised. They will look back at the time between Mick

leaving and now and realise they won have made mistakes but they were on

their way back. Big win for Leyton orient and especially for Preston

North end. Well done to Craig Davies for his hat-trick. A good

performance for him. The first two pretty scrappy but nonetheless, he

has been in and out and made the most of his chances with Joel Garner

of. One has come off his bike, the other is a bit more of a scramble.

Speaking of that is what I love about the strikers. Just being in

the right place to get that touch. -- off his five. Off balance, it is

behind him. I think the third goal is his best golf. I'm not sure about

the celebration. What is under the shirt, you mean? I am not sure about

that. I suppose he just wants to show his tattoos off. Let's have a

look at the top of League One. Wolves only seven points away from

winning the title, it is all about jostling for position in the

play-offs. Russell Slade with the budget at Orient, Warburton has done

well since he took over. Seamless from Uwe Rosler. And Simon Grayson

has done a fabulous job. Darren has won the cup and is hanging in for

the play-offs. I can't see anybody like Swindon catching them. I think

it is too big a gap. More from League One, and six points off the

play-offs with matches running out, MK Dons were in dire need of a

result at home to freefalling crawly.

-- crawly. MK Dons haven't scored a goal in their own park insane hours

before kick-off, so when Crawley took an early lead, home fans will

have been fearing the worst. Israel Macleod would have lifted spirits

but put golden opportunity way over the crossbar, punished in injury

time in the first hour. Mike Jones in for the killer goal. And

following this fifth home defeat on the spin, MK Dons' play-off chances

are all but over. Notts County started the day peering

optimistically about the rest from 23rd spot. So when Curtis Thompson

put through his own goal on 13 minutes, it wasn't the best start.

Calamity became a crisis when Port Vale made it two. The home side

couldn't clear their lines and when the ball found Gavin Tomlin, he

found a way to bundle its over the line. But the magpies have won three

of their last four matches and the trickery of Jamal Campbell Rice and

the cool finishing of Jimmy Spencer started the comeback. Campbell Rice

was a man inspired as he tormented the visitors down the right. As Port

Vale retreated in panic, he picked out Spencer yet again for his third

goal in less than a week. The Notts County bandwagon was purring like a

Rolls-Royce three minutes after the break when 18-year-old Jack really

stand on the style. The Aston Villa loanee showing his quality over and

over again before teeing up Campbell Rice. The visitors tried to respond.

Tomlin was to hit the post before the rebound was fluffed. Another

dazzling run from Jack really should extinguished any hope of a Port Vale

comeback. Campbell Rice was again the beneficiary and four wins out of

five means that Notts County are out of the drop zone.

Two clubs wondering what could have been this season. Walsall fell away

when it mattered whilst Bristol City paid for a woeful start. But they

have made big strides under Steve Cotterell. Andy Taylor's foul on Sam

Baldock put the striker on the spot. His 23rd of the campaign sent

his sight at the brake on top, but just shy of the hour, Walsall handed

a glorious chance to equalise. Nigel Miller pointing to the spot for a

second time. But Simon Moore got down sharply, leaving the Robins on

course to meet the 50 point barrier, a significant achievement. Nicky

Featherstone tried his luck, but no joy. A draw would have been fair but

City managed to see it through. We have to win was Graham Weston's

take on this, pre-match. It would have taken Stevenage to within four

points at Colchester. The manager could have had few complaints about

the start. Michael Doughty with his first goal since October. With no

wins in seven, Stevenage began four points from safety, not beyond

saving but it might be soon if they leave strikers with the spray is

given here to Freddie Sears. That came right on half-time. Soon after

the break, Colchester in front. Chris des's concentration slipped. A

run of four successive losses had Colchester in trouble but worries

were eased when Freddie Sears gave the Essex side a 2-goal buffer. In

Luke Freeman, Stevenage have a player of real quality. The former

Arsenal junior's free kick meant a nervous finish for United. It was

rather less nervous, thanks to this late red card for throwing the ball

at another player. It was enough for a straight red card from the

referee. Games are running out fast for the bottom club. Despite winning

a crucial six pointer at Colchester last weekend, Tranmere were still

only above the drop zone on goal difference. But Max Power got them

off to a terrific start against Shrewsbury. Paul Parry equalised

with a powerful header. The home side had sacked their manager,

Ronnie Moore, in midweek after he admitted breaking the FA's betting

rules. But a delightful goal from Junior Brown would have been a major

boost for the caretaker boss. Shrewsbury are now just one place

off the bottom. It will impact on confidence, it will impact on other

teams. It bodes well for what we are trying to achieve. I think we have

got to win at least three. A good win for Tranmere, after a terrible

few days, but a hammer blow for Shrewsbury. We heard some yells from

Neil Wallis, for each of the goals scored by Notts County. They managed

by Shaun Derry, a player you have managed several times over the

years. I know you were impressed with the way Jack Grealish set up a

couple of the goals? He is so cool and collected. I love this little

bit. It was a great run by Campbell-Ryce. The lad has got so

much confidence. Not sure about his boots, but you cannot have

everything! Go and put this one in, he says, and he does. I felt for

Sean today. Because they needed to win. Come back like that, it must

give them a massive lift for the run-in. For personal reasons, I want

Notts County to stay up. Everybody is fighting with each other at the

bottom, it is an exciting time at the minute. Colchester throwing a

spanner in the works, as far as Stevenage are concerned, Graham

Westley called it a must win game. But it was a big win for Colchester.

And I was pleased to see Freddie Sears get on the scoresheet, one of

my old lads. A great lad. Colchester needed that. And it looks a bit

direful Graham Westley, really, at this moment. He will never give up.

But he did say, these are must win games. He has been talking about the

indiscipline at the club as well. Let's have a look at the bottom of

the table. 12 points still to play for. It could not get much tighter.

You can go Gillingham, with Peter Taylor, they will think they can

scrape home now. Colchester will be hanging in there. I just hope Notts

County get enough points. Carlisle, after that heavy defeat to Preston,

how much of a lift will the players need from Graham Kavanagh after

that? You cannot be happy when you have just what hit six. It is

disappointing for a young manager. But he will just try to get himself

going. I am sorry, I am biased, I just hope Notts County do it. Moving

into League Two, Rochdale started off leading the title race. They

were at Mansfield. With nerves frayed by actor backed

draws, the trip to Mansfield always looked hazardous for Rochdale. Had

this effort from Iain Henderson dropped in, things might have been

different. Instead, three Mansfield goals in the final 20 minutes

resulted in a damaging defeat for Rochdale. Martin Riley got the

first. Then it was the turn of James Jennings to deliver an inswinger,

and Matt Reid was on target. The hat-trick of set piece goals was

completed in injury time by Ryan Tafazolli.

It was always going to be a difficult, physical game. I thought

we withstood the pressure. But eventually, we did concede from set

plays. That is a big disappointment, having worked on it this week.

Scunthorpe have been breaking records. They were on a run of 25

games without defeat, but Sam Winnall was guilty of a glaring

miss. It was uncharacteristic for the top marksman in the division.

Bury have improved of late, and Hallam Hope has been a shrewd

investment on loan from Everton. Paddy Madden has struggled to

reproduce the scoring form he showed at Yeovil, since joining from the

Glovers in January. That will help his confidence. Every town have won

three in a row, with Tom Soares playing a big part in their revival.

He brought the Shakers back into the contest. But then, from the penalty

spot, The Iron went back in front. Danny Rose, another substitute,

struck in stoppage time, a dramatic conclusion to an eventful encounter.

Scunthorpe had been held again, but it was enough to see them onto the

top spot. I thought our performance in the second half warranted the

three points, but credit to Bury, they kept going to the death.

Relegation threatened Hartlepool must have thought their lucky stars

were shining at Victoria Park, as Dan Gardner's effort found the

crossbar, rather than the back of the net. The home side went in front

through Luke James, with his 16th goal of the season. But Liam Cooper

equalised for Chesterfield. Hartlepool are on a losing streak

which they cannot seem to shake off. The nightmare scenario of relegation

is looming large after a fifth successive defeat, confirmed by this

superb finish from Eoin Doyle. A play-off place is now guaranteed for

Chesterfield. I thought we created a lot of good chances today. I thought

the character of the team shone through.

Only Rochdale had netted more home goals in the league to them fleet

would. It's took Anthony Sarcevic just ten minutes to put them in

front. Mark Hughes drifted in at the far post to equalise midway through

the first half. 17 minutes from time, they took the lead, with

defender Nathan Pond diverging it past his own 'keeper. With just five

minutes remaining, Jon Parkin's shot find its way through to Iain Hume,

and the match was in the balance again. There was one final chance,

but after a splendid move from Morecambe, it needed a brilliant

goal-line clearance from Charlie Taylor to shut out Robbie Threlfall.

When you are in the bottom two, you will take any slice of luck. John

Marquis took aim, and it was utter fingers from Robert Lainton. The

'keeper went off injured at half-time as well. It was a wretched

day from him. Kelvin Langmead came back after 11 months out. That was a

massive boost for the team. They are the ones that deserve the credit.

They have been out and battled and shown a great work ethic. With

matches against three of the top five to come, this was a big game

for play-off hopefuls Southend. This was a story of two penalty appeals.

This challenge on Lee Barnard looked late but nothing was given.

Wimbledon WERE rewarded ace bot kick, however. -- awarded a spot

kick. This should secure safety for the Dons.

After two straight draws, York City needed to rediscover the winning

touch. They could not afford to drop any more points in their pursuit of

success. A penalty on the hour mark gave the home team the edge. Kayode

Odejayi was adjudged to have handled. Michael Coulson had the

beating of goalkeeper Bettinelli from the spot. Kelvin Andrew Verity

nearly made it to nil. They had not conceded in seven games, but that

all changed in the closing moments. The equaliser came in stoppage time.

One win in ten is hardly promotion form, but that is what Oxford took

to Plymouth, with the play-offs still beckoning for both. Lateef

Elford-Alliyu calmed Oxford nerves with this easy finish. He was then

involved in another pivotal moment just after half-time. Suddenly, a

mole hill had turned into a mountain for Plymouth come along with the

long walk of shame for Blanchard. Oxford almost made their advantage

count straightaway, through Nicky Wroe, but the crossbar came to the

rescue. This header was tipped soup per Billy onto the bar by goalkeeper

Ryan Clarke. -- superbly onto the bar. But this was a peach from James

Constable. It puts the Us back into the play-offs.

We were just so flat and lethargic in the first half. We actually

played better with ten men. Today was one game. We have got some

really important games coming up. We need to make sure this is done and

dusted and move on. Back-to-back league wins had taken Portsmouth

five points clear of danger, and Danny Holland for the opener after

just four minutes sent them on the way to another impressive

performance. Pompey doubled the lead just after 20 minutes. Jed Wallace

showed tenacity and touch delay on the chance for Michael Drennan. --

to lay on. Abu Ogogo launched on to the rebound, and across gaming, to

be thumped against the crossbar by Luke Wilkinson. But the second half

belonged to Portsmouth, and a really superb goal from Michael Drennan

opened up a 2-goal cushion. The on loan Villa youngster got his second

of the match. Near the finish, Wallace got the goal he deserved to

wrap up the victory. Three successive league wins for the first

time since 2011. To Exeter, Cheltenham are the ultimate bogey

side. In nine previous attempts, the Grecians have not even managed to

draw with Robins. Cheltenham drew level in this one within 15 first

half minutes. Byron Harrison made the most of some erratic Exeter

defending. 1-1 was the way it finished, so Exeter did break that

15 year in who do, but they should have taken all three points. This

miss X you wonder if they are destined never to beat the Robins.

-- makes you wonder. Exeter will hope they get another chance next

season. Click arrived at Rodney Parade three

points outside the bottom two. Now only goal difference keeps outside

the relegation zone. They had chances, but Kristian Jolly -- has

had little to celebrate, Christian Jolley. His barren run at the own.

Chris Zebroski did his former employer is no favours at all.

Whickham's meeting with Northampton no takes on greater significance.

Torquay hadn't scored in 422 minutes, so when they're longer goal

drought was ended by Shaquile Coulthirst, you could understand the

celebrations. The Mansell got a crucial deflected second. West

Country pride, three vital points and renewed hope heading back to the

English with the -- Riviera. Rovers got a consolation, but they are

wobbling precariously after one win in eight. A big win the Torquay, we

will talk about them shortly but it is not often we get a reported world

record but 26 games to the start of a ten year unbeaten is a world

record for Russ Wilcox at Scunthorpe. -- Russ Wilcox. I tried

to sign him many years ago, he has had a good grounding. You must think

it is a piece of cake, this management lark. And the bottom two

sides, Torquay live to fight another day but those put a spanner in the

works as works as far as Burton's top three and ambitions were

concerned. It is another one to look away. A bad night the goalkeepers.

You just get that feeling they will survive and it has put pressure on

people like Wycombe and Bristol Rovers and Exeter. So right the way

up to Hartlepool, I think they will all be looking over their

shoulders, I think they will get enough points. And what time to get

back-to-back wins for the second time season. Let's see what you are

talking about and cast our eyes of the top of the table. Rochdale, a

bit of a sticky patch, no win in three. Chesterfield as well, they

have only won two of the last five. Everybody seems to be slipping up.

They don't seem to have the same financial backing and Burton will be

happy to be in the play-offs. Oxford are backing it. Plymouth look like

they will just miss out, it is a bad result for them today. Some

transformation for Mansfield. I am pleased for Paul Cox, he has turned

it around. As for the bottom, how do you see this going? I figured

Northampton will get enough points. I think it would be between the next

two or three teams, Wycombe, Bristol, Hartlepool have plummeted

lately. I think they will be looking over their shoulders. Five defeats

in a row over them, it isn't that long ago we were talking about the

play-offs. They had a good start to the season. They are all hard in

England, the Football League has been spectacular. Before we go, a

quick reminder that Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night rounds of all of

the Premier League's games. And a day later on Monday night, Late

Kick-off will have all the Jews from the football teams in your region.

Neal, great to have you as always. Thank you Poko, have a great week.

We will see you next Saturday. -- thank you for your company.