18/01/2014 The Football League Show

Evening, welcome to the best from the Sky Bet Football League. The big

news this week was that there was no news in terms of managerial changes.

For the first time in four months, none of the 72 clubs opted for a

change in the dug-out. And no change for us this week either. Steve is

with me tonight to see which set of fans are celebrating, and who might

still be drowning their sorrows. Here's what we've got for you this

evening. Derby admitted to a reality check to

their promotion ambitions last week, losing 4-1 at leaders Leicester.

Today, Steve McClaren's men went head-to-head with another side

harbouring play-off aspirations, Brighton.

Leeds' manager Brian McDermott called last week's 6-0 defeat at

Sheffield Wednesday the worst moment of his career. We'll see how his

side got on today against League leaders Leicester.

We've the best of the action from Nottingham Forest's meeting with an

improving Blackburn Rovers. And it's all change on Teeside.

After a slow start, Aitor Karanka is beginning to make his presence felt

at Middlesbrough. I'm with their new manager, as his side prepare to meet

Charlton. First, to Elland Road where, after

two humiliating defeats in both League and Cup, Leeds' manager Brian

McDermott was looking for a response from his side. The afternoon began

with Leeds honouring club legend Bobby Collins, before they took on

the League leaders Leicester City, with the Foxes aiming to make it six

wins out of six. The hosts made four changes. And also named top scorer

Ross McCormack as their new captain. Leicester, unsurprisingly, were

unchanged, with 40-year-old new signing Kevin Phillips on the bench.

Jon Champion was watching this one. Luke Varney. A good cross. Denied by

the upper right. Mo Cormack was the unlucky man. -- McCormack. Leeds are

denied the early goal which would have made a world of difference to

them. Still, they have got the crowd on their side early. A matter of

inches away from making it 1-0 in the first five minutes.

A chance for Fadi. This time, it is Leicester disappointed by the

woodwork. Leeds were caught square at the back. Both sides have struck

an upright in the space of the first seven minutes here. Warnock.

MacCormack with the lob. A clever, inventive attempt. Another chance.

Deflected and saved. A vibrant start to this game. Plenty of chances at

either end. Straight to MacCormack. Then, the

follow up header by Vardy. Konchesky and Leicester have got away with it.

A real let off for Leicester. Konchesky owes a vote of thanks to

his goalkeeper Schmeichel. MacCormack. Cabaye is in. Delayed

puts the ball over his own crossbar. It is not often this season that

Leicester have been made to look as uncomfortable as that.

So many opportunities carved out by the home side. He was put off by the

flailing arm of Schmeichel in front of him.

Nugent. Vardy. A better first touch and it would have been in. Brown is

still down for Leeds. Brown is limping.

James. A fair effort. A good piece of refereeing as well. With Brown

down, apparently injured. Maybe that was a ploy to get play stopped by

the Leeds veteran. James nearly took full advantage.

A solid centre back in his playing days. Middlesbrough, Sheffield

Wednesday. One of his new recruits, Kevin Phillips.

Stuart. Only his second appearance for Leeds united. Made his debut

against Hillsborough. Vardy is the player coming off. Kevin Phillips

makes his debut for his ninth League club, at the age of 40. He last

played at Elland Road seven years ago with a West Brom win. He helped

Sunderland to a Premier League victory in 2002. His only goal at

Elland Road was in the last millennium, 1999, a defeat, whilst

playing for Sunderland. Phillips. And it was King. Took a

deflection. The two substitutes. Combining tellingly.

Knockaert. Morgan. And Phillips had a shot.

Nugent. And Nugent may well have won it for Leicester.

There is an element of smash and grab to it. Because Leeds have had

the majority of the better chances in this game. But David Nugent

scored his 13th goal in his last 13 Championship appearances. It is a

goal that, for the time being, could send Leicester seven points clear. A

goal snaffled by Lester's top scorer.

-- Leicester's. That is probably their final chance.

There is the whistle. It doesn't matter how you win games in the

Championship. On occasion, you just have to win. That is what Leicester

have done, second-best for much of the first half. A much improved

Leeds united. Nugent was the matchwinner with a goal three

minutes from the end, his 17th of the season. All smiles for the

leaders who are now seven points clear.

Very tough, we didn't deserve that. It should have been three up in the

first half. We did get the first goal. Leicester, top of the League.

Probably a bit hard on leads. We expected them to show a response

after recent results. It was a tough game for us. Not one of our most

polished displays but an important three points.

Leicester far from their best. But they pick up the three points.

Leeds, it was all about restoring pride after what went on recently.

Did they do that? A case of redemption day for them.

There is a right way to lose and a wrong way. Last week was the wrong

way. Today was the right way. Leicester at home wasn't a bad game.

The crowd came with low expectations. Immediately they

lifted. A high-energy start. A lot of the chances fell to the new

captain at Leeds, Ross McCormack. Should he have done better? That was

a difficult chance. Facing away from goal. A good connection. I don't see

how he can do any more. Bringing it down. Lifts it with his left foot. A

good save. I wouldn't criticise him. This one, he will look back. He

should have done better. He looks to see where the defender is. Almost a

signal to the keeper, I will put it that side. A great save however. We

have seen him do that in recent weeks. A wonderful save. McCormack

six weeks ago would have got on to that and finished it. Leeds almost

tied in this -- tired in the second half. Leicester picked up the

valuable goal three minutes before the end. How important was Kevin

Phillips? This was a run which wasn't to him but David Nugent.

Luckily enough, Nugent works of it. The defender will clear that bored

easily. If he is not there and doesn't threaten to take the ball.

He dummied it. Nugent reacts. A great finish. A quick understanding.

A good sign not being at their best but picking up three points. Elland

Road is on the usual place. -- isn't the easiest place.

Nottingham Forest went into their match against Blackburn today,

unbeaten in eight, and lying comfortably in the play-off

positions. Billy Davies made four changes to his Forest side, with

Collins, Vaughan, Mackie and Cox coming in. Amongst Blackburn's two

changes, top scorer Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench. John Helm

watched this one. Vaughan, trying. Diving left. Taken

by surprise that the shot came in from Vaughan.

Ja, a lovely ball in. Paterson puts it across. Out for a goal kick. That

was very lively stuff. He held it up well. From a distance,

and a fine save. Fine football from Forest again. The sort of football

that was far too good for West Ham not too long ago.

The referee is going to award a penalty kick to Blackburn Rovers.

The referee say that is is a penalty kick. It Grant Hanley the defender.

Lansbury without a goal since 19th October. He has to beat Simon

Eastwood. And he does beat Simon Eastwood. He got a touch on the

ball. The strength of the shot meant meant he couldn't keep it out.

Forest one, Blackburn nil. They've got another penalty. Just

over half an hour played, Nottingham for rest awarded a second penalty,

this time there is no doubt about it. It Adam Henley who is the

culprit. He went to the goalkeeper's right with the first one. He goes

straight down the middle now. Two for Lansbury, two for Forest. It

could be three points on the way for Nottingham Forest.

Williamson, to chip it back across here. Marshall, Blackburn Rovers are

back in it. It's Ben Marshall, curled it beyond the goalkeeper

Darlow having been set up with a short little pass to him from

Cairney. Marshall has come back to haunt Nottingham with a goal. Good

football. Lovely football here. Mackie, he has to do it all himself.

He does. It's a thrilling stop from Eastwood.

Cairney it is who hangs it up for Dann's header. Away brilliantly by

Darlow. When he needs to save, he makes it.

It's Lansbury, he's on a hat-trick. It's still Lansbury. Well saved

Eastwood. He has made three outstanding stops today. It's still

in there. The header takes it wide. Cox steers it wide. Forest close to

goal number three. A clever little pass up here to

Paterson. Who wriggles around. He is absolutely on fire at the moment.

Jamie Paterson, his fifth goal in three games, takes Forest 3-1 clear.

This is Paterson. Still probing and teasing. Reid with the shot. Super

goal. You knew from the second it left his toe it was destined for the

net. The most important thing now is to get some key players back into

this team that are injured. Very important we get one or two of them

back. It's going to be a dog fight between now and the end of the

season, we know. That we are ready for the dog fight we are keep doing

the best we can. That good result for Nottingham Forest means they are

unbeaten in nine games. How impressed were you with that

performance from Forest? I have been impress for the last three times

I've watched them in the last six. Each occasion they played that well.

No more than I expected. Lovely balance. Real nice mix, they play

four at the back. Good four, strong four. They are well-organised. The

three have a really nice mix of a player getting forward in Lansbury,

sitter in Vaughan. You have a playmaker in Reid. You have to two

wide players and the player upfront. There were changes today, it made

absolutely no difference to the way they played. If we look at the two

penalty decisions for the first two goals. The first one was soft, the

second one wasn't, do you agree? Yes. If Lansbury is anywhere else on

the pitch he will probably not fall. He has got in front of Grant Henley.

For me, no, not a penalty. This one, absolutely no doubt about. That you

can see by the reaction of the young lad that he knows it's a clumsy

challenge. He is absolutely nowhere near the ball. Deserved penalty. The

first one, I know the manager won't be happy about that. The manager has

a right to feel slightly aggrieved. Billy Davies is doing well with the

players he has out. Andy Reid, brilliant form this season. Topped a

great performance today with a great goal. Don't give him this space and

time to shot, . He has lost weight, getting about the pitch. I have

never seen him work so hard as I have in games. He is getting better

and better. We have 15 goals from midfield which is really important.

They only play with one upfront. You have to have the balance of

midfielders getting into the box and making up the numbers. That is why

they are going to way, they have balance all over the pitch.

Derby had been looking a side transformed since the arrival of

Steve McClaren, but after three successive defeats in League and

Cup, the Rams were in need of a change in fortune today against

promotion-chasing Brighton. Alistair Mann saw this one. How much of

Derby's self belief would have been drained by successive Championship

defeats. If it's fragile in anyway, it's surely to be exploited by a

Brighton side who also reside in the play-off picture. Steve McClaren's

options were boosted by the return to fitness of the skipper. He goes

straight back into the side today. The experience of Eustace returns to

the field. Teenage Forster-Caskey is added to. He is one of the four

players in the starting 11 to have scored for Brighton this season.

Floating ball. Nod down. Certainly not a miskick from Andrews, who put

it beyond the right hand upright. Struck it cleanly enough, after the

air shot from Ince. It was always going beyond the post. Pretty

forgettable opening quarter of an hour, I'm sure he would admit.

It's just a feeling among the supporters of restlessness, isn't

there, if you can listen to the audible groans. They want something

more dynamic and positive. Maybe it's going to arrive here. A

terrific effort, just beyond the post. Ward with the first genuine

attempt on goal. That's a little more encouraging for the home

supporters. Indeed, for the manager. Ward really a manufacturering this

all by himself. Then easing it beyond that far-post.

Ward bursting forward and it's a corner. That is the game's first. It

arrives just into the 26th minute of the contest.

A terrific effort, a super save to deny Upson. Grant, pushing it over

the bar. The nearest we've come to the goal by some margin. Upson up

the highest. Straight down the barrel.

Now it might reach Lopez, good tackle. Well played by Forsyth.

Long-ranger from Andrews. Why not, on a day of so few opportunities.

Put your foot through it, and see what happens. Good tackle by Forsyth

to deny David Lopez. Andrews, well...

It is Bamford. Oh, dear, dear... His side are the Championship's most

prolific team with 49 goals. I think Steve McClaren is just about to

request one. Is there a foul there? Oh, the shot

goes in! Bamford. Out of nothing. It's only his second appearance for

Derby. As a few players on the field were looking for a free-kick,

Bamford tapped the ball into the net, there. Fantastic finish from

Bamford. Clearly, got a really good left foot on him.

Suddenly, we have a game. Suddenly, we have a goal. Martin again. On

target. Easily gathered by Kuszczak. Here's Bruno. Ince. And, again.

March hits it, strikes his own man. Good save! Low to his right, Lee

Grant. Again, one or two players stopped thinking there was a foul.

Again, play went on. This time, Grant stops it. The lads are

delighted. They are on their last legs. Worked so hard for that,

fought so hard for it. To win it for a with a quality goal for someone

coming off the bench is doubly pleasing. We played very well. And,

I'm proud of the performance of my players, not about result, but I

think it is the way we have to keep playing like this and we will win a

lot of games. A bit like Leeds in many respects, on the back of a

couple of forgettable results, Derby certainly pulled one out of the bag,

didn't they, they had to grind this one out? It wasn't the most fluent

of games. I personally thought Brighton were pretty negative in

this game. I didn't think at any stage they could win this game. I

think they went there for a draw. Got 10-men behind the goal. I

couldn't see them win this game. You look at the stats. They are tight,

it's a tough game to play when they come to your batch, they have only

scored 11 away from home and conceded 10. The lowest goals for

and the lowest against. For me, I just didn't feel at any stage they

could go on and win that game. They scored an effort on behalf of Steve

McClaren, his three subs played a key role? He had four upfront. They

were going for. It that is why they deserved to win the game. They were

the more positive side. OK. Our first Championship round-up starts

with an extraordinary game at the Madejski where Reading were looking

to improve on their meagre goal return of just three goals in their

last five games Level Fondre got the opener here.

This was the first time that Reading had scored more than one goal in a

game since November The Royals got a third. It arrived five minutes

later. Le Fondre getting a first half hat-trick. Worse was to come.

They were 4-0 down by half-time. The referee spotted a handball by Alex

Baptiste and knocking him with a spot of low quality mime. --

mocking. Pogrebnyak scored from the spot.

The Trotters resolve lasted 15 minutes before chaotic defended

proceeded a goal by Gorkss, his second in as many matches. That made

it 5-0. Goal number six was just around the corner. This one smashed

in by Akpan. Bolton just hopeless. 1982 was the the time wander led in

seven. Blackman made a little bit of history, with 12 minutes to go.

Bolton pulled one back in the 89th minute. Ngog will be credited with

this one. Look, he grabs the ball, eager to kick-start the Bolton

comeback. Come on, lads, we can win this.

Really disappointed, embarrassed for the football club and embarrassed

for the fans that travelled down. We have to make sure we double our

efforts and face it on the chin and move forward. Players have been

working extremely hard on the training ground. We are looking

forward to where we want to get to an great credit to the players.

Everyone is together and everyone is working hard and it was a great

victory today. You have to wonder what Stuart Gray has to do to get

the Wednesday job. Despite beating Leeds by six last week, he remains

caretaker. The Clarets had seen last stretch their lead at the top

earlier, so needed to take maximum points. Sam Vokes put them on the

right track with his 13th of the season. Wednesday responded soon

after. Chris Maguire was the forgotten man under the previous

manager but he levelled matters. Wednesday were second best for most

of this but showed plenty of spirit. Kieran Landry went close to

announcing his reputation. Sam Vokes teed up David Jones who had the

goalkeeper beaten. The home side's frustration were growing and were

cursing their luck as they hit the woodwork. Not only were they in

danger of losing ground, their place in the top two was at stake. They

got another chance late on, but the goalkeeper was equal to it.

Free-flowing, great energy to the performance. We just could not score

the winning goal because we were dominant from start to finish.

Credit to the players, they put their bodies on the line. We coped

with the pressure. There could hardly have been a tougher

assignment for the Huddersfield manager than a trip to Loftus Road

where his even more experienced counterpart was hunting down a

return to the top two. Danny Ward nearly punished them. Next it was

nor would's turn. Then a glimpse of the promotion chasers attacking

threat. They rattle the woodwork in rapid succession. Huddersfield felt

they deserved the good Fortune. Robbins described his players

display as brilliant before the break. But Robbins would not be

denied his 13th goal of the season. Huddersfield's new signing

celebrated his debut with the equaliser. Now Rangers came back.

Matt Phillips had been pivotal in waking them up and wanted his name

on the scoresheet. A smart stop from the goalkeeper, but 11 minutes from

time, Austin lifted QPR into the automatic promotion places. Every

week has been tight, one down to the wire. You hope you hang on with five

or ten minutes to go. It is a fortress this year. They have not

conceded a goal in the second half before today. The only downside is,

we did not take at least a point. Millwall manager 's old, and new

head to head as Ian Holloway took his place in the dugout at the Den

for the first time. After losing his opening game at Huddersfield last

week, Ryan Fredericks conjured up a debut goal to go to the break

smiling. Lee Martin cleared Tommy Smith's header off the line. Make no

mistake, Millwall were the better side, playing with enthusiasm and

commitment. Martin should have put his old club in deeper trouble.

Pitch which have not won a game since Boxing Day. -- Ipswich.

Millwall can finally celebrate. The fans have been telling me we don't

do things together. They have had lots of excuses, but hope the Lee no

more. It feels like the atmosphere has transformed in south London.

Ryan Fredericks, did he mean it, that is the question? No, he didn't.

But does it matter? Well done to him. Of course, every week there is

a random results that gets thrown into the mix. Seven goals from a

Reading side that have not been prolific against Bolton Wanderers.

What a performance from Adam Le Fondre? Yes, all of a sudden seven

shots on target and seven goals in this game. Clinical and incredible.

Talking about a clinical, that is what you would say about this man.

Get him in front of goal in these situations, you would not want

anybody else there, you would bet your life on him. Of course, there

will be some poor defending thrown in. It takes a while now for any

defender to show up. It does, but they were not expecting that.

Another good finish. He is under the heading of a goal-scorer, and that

is what he was today. You look at Bolton, ?160 million losses in

total, two wins in ten in the league and four points off the relegation

zone -- zone. These are tricky times? When you have that debt, the

only way to get out of that is to get into the Premier League. The way

they are playing, they will not do that. It has been an unmitigated

disaster. At the start of the season they showed a bit of form. Now we

are seeing the Bolton we thought we would see. It has not materialised.

They have to think about staying in this division and then regroup and

go on next year. Ok, four more games from the Championship now, starting

at the Keepmoat, as relegation-threatened Doncaster

welcomed a Wigan side just three points off the play-off places with

a game in hand. Now Grant Holt has gone to Aston

Villa on loan, Nicky Maynard is looking to rekindle his career with

Wigan. This would be an uphill battle when they seemed mesmerised

by Rovers' approach play and forgot to mark Chris Brown. Enough to spark

The Latics into light. Maynard keeping Ross Turnbull on his toes.

Doncaster's desire to escape the bottom three drove them forward.

Leon Barnett's sliced clearance dropped to Richie Wellens. But James

Copp injure completed the job. When James husband toppled, Brown had the

chance to match that. He kept his nerve to make this Doncaster's most

convincing win of the season. Good for the gold distance which is all

that is keeping Rovers in the relegation zone. We said to the

players, we know we have good players and we can play football,

sometimes you have got to win the battle first. We lacked at both

ends, but the players really wanted to do well. Today, their legs did

not allow them. This week, Paul Ince denied his son is on his way to

Monaco. After the game, the Blackpool boss did not speak to the

media. Could he explain this? Another defeat, this time against

the side in equally wretched form. Barnsley went close early on before

the Tykes made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time. The

goalkeeper charged off his line to meet Stephen Dawson but only

succeeded in bringing down the Barnsley man. Chris O'Grady was on

penalty duty. Still their top scorer, this was his first goal

since October. He was on target again just the other side of the

interval. Barnsley notched their first win since Wilson returned as

manager. O'Brien was Given an age to measure up the chip and O'Grady at

the game beyond Blackpool. The tangerines are in freefall and have

lost nine out of ten and have not scored in fourth. There was more to

grumble about when this penalty went unrewarded. I thought it was a solid

performance. We had a couple of moments where we had to defend very

well. The goalkeeper did very well. But I thought we looked very much in

control at times. It was a very good and deserved results.

A pre-match boost for Bournemouth with the news Lewis Grabb and had

signed a new contract. He held talks with Brighton early in the week. But

he played his part against Watford who started the day on the same

points just below mid table. They struck a telling blow on the stroke

of half-time. But the Italian who scored twice in Watford's 6-1 win

between the teams in August was the victim of mistaken identity. After

seeking advice from his assistant, he was singled out as the guilty

party. That left the visitors and man light for the final half an

hour. A perfect way to celebrate the new Deal. They should have been on

their way to maximum points soon after when Mark Pugh was put

through. But the referee at the centre of more controversy following

Paul's sliding tackle. Watford's protests fell on deaf ears. But the

goalkeeper came up with an incredible triple save. His side

have got their seventh consecutive draw on the road. I thought it was a

clear view penalty. I thought the linesman made a good decision. It

was the correct one. I have no view of the second one.

Birmingham's midweek FA Cup success was their first home win in more

than three months. But Mullins dashed the idea it would be a new

beginning. Yeovil got the lead. With city still reeling, the keeper

thwarted that. When this cake was collected by the goalkeeper, he was

supported and then they got an acrobatic second goal. Only 19

minutes gone and Yeovil Town's hosts were in trouble. The course of the

afternoon might have changed if Novak had found the net instead of

the bar. After five home league draws, Birmingham were forced to

stomach a defeat this time. Brian Howard was prevented on making an

impact on his home debut. We were very good in both penalty areas. We

got to a couple of balls first in their penalty area and then we got

to everything first, near enough in our penalty area. They are a good

side, we believe it is a good result for us. Tactically I thought we

played the game we wanted to play. It was nice to come away winners.

Huge win for Yeovil, only their fifth of the season and a clean

sheet. What a time to get it, because all

of the teams below them and around them also picked up three points?

All of a sudden we have made no ground because everyone else has

one. If they win one more game, all of a sudden if they win the next

one, they could be out of the bottom three. They just need to close the

gap. Contentious issue in that game between Bournemouth and Watford. The

referee had the choice of maybe two places sent off but sent off a

player who wasn't even involved. He did not cover himself in glory. The

number four is not involved in either. He is walking away. He is

not giving the penalty. It is his linesman who signals. They sent the

wrong player. No wonder he is walking away asking what he has

done. One of the standout results in the championship has to be Doncaster

against Wigan. Doncaster have lost seven out of the last eight in all

competitions. Wigan have been unbeaten? We talked about a stranger

results at Reding, and this was up there with that. Paul Dick has been

saying although the results have not been great, performances have belied

that at times. Fully deserved. The performance along with it as well.

Huge win as well, Barnsley against black hole. Barnsley needed that.

One point in nine Paul Ince? Everyone was thinking, what a good

season they would have. They were a surprise package. That seems an

awful long time ago. They have to be careful they don't get sucked into a

regulation battle. Our last look at the Championship, and despite a run

of four wins in their last five league games, Middlesbrough head

coach, Aitor Karanka, isn't getting carried away just yet. Clem caught

up with Boro's level-headed new boss ahead of Charlton's visit to the

Riverside. I think this must be the continental approach, six hours

before kick-off, already Jose Mourinho's former assistant at Real

Madrid has started his pre-match preparations. Not at the Riverside

Stadium, but here at borough's training ground am I do hope he's

got the kettle on. This is very early, Aitor Karanka, this is

something that happens a lot in Spain. Everybody comes to the

training ground first? No, in Spain we used to go the day before and

spend the night together at hotel when we play at home. I said in my

first press conference football is like a family, all the people who

works in the club it's fantastic. Two months later my thoughts are the

same. Now, you've already played the old

pals act with your friend Jose Mourinho. Two signings, you are

talking to him regularly? Yes. We are friends. I'm... I want the best

for Middlesbrough. I'm... I was working in Spain with under-17 and

under-16 national team. I know the young players. I love to work with

them. I think it's good for me because I have the same philosophy.

I know two months Jose is the best in the world, the last 10 years,

obviously there are a lot of differences but Aitor Karanka

philosophy is the same. He wrote to my table and say, don't forget,

never this. This one coach can lose a lot of games, a lot of

Championship, a lot of things, but never can lose his dignity. That

stays us on your desk all the time? Oh, yeah. 2011. Always. That stays?

Yeah. Except people will think you don't know what year it is.

How big a decision was it to make such a radical change, in terms of

your head coach/manager? We just decided not to con strain our

thinking this time. He was the outstanding candidate and brings

everything that we are looking for to push the club forward. Steve

Gibson isn't here today, you are talking to him on a day-to-day

basis, is there any doubt in his mind that Boro will eventually be

restored to the top table? You know Steve as well as I do, Clem, he is

incredibly ambitious, positive guy, will continue to strive with all his

efforts to make sure we get back to where we believe we belong, which is

the highest shall long. -- hes long. Mourinho would approve of this. Boro

weren't at their best here, but won it ugly.

The goalkeeper's save wasn't any more orthodox, the Frenchman kept

this one out. The follow-up from the fit again Carayol. Charlton felt

that like deserted them at the Riverside. The key moments seemed to

go against them. A good opportunity fell to Wood a deflection took it

wide. Then came the big talking point, Simon Church with the ball

net, penalised for a foul on Given. The same could be said for

Charlton's Wiggins, his attempt to retrieve a lose ball saw him catch

Whitehead. The referee brandished a straight reds as he could see his

studs. Charlton created a late chance, even with 10-men. A

difficult finish for Church he couldn't prevent Boro's win. If

Mourinho is texting you tonight he will say, five wins out of six is

play-off form? Yes, but the way he is thinking in the next game, if we

lose one game or two games the players position on the table is not

good for us. We train tomorrow thinking on Saturday game.

Inevitably, it took Aitor Karanka time to get settled. He is turn

thing around at the Riverside. What has changed under him, do you think?

Defensively they have changed. Prior to him being there, it was two

cleansheets in 15. Now it's six in 11. You give yourself a chance in

games like you have today. Probably not at their best. If you keep

cleansheet and nick the game like that, that goes well. You mentioned

Mourinho, I think it's the subtle changes to his system, four, two,

three, one, which makes you tough and difficult to play against and

difficult to beat. That's replicated in what we are seeing in the games

they are playing. They are cutting out the mistakes at the back that

saw the end of Tony Mowbray and overshadowed him starting at the

Riverside? If you are going to make mistakes like that, it doesn't

matter how well you play, you set a mountain to climb in the match.

Playing very well. One of those sides that all of a sudden from dark

horses, real contenders now. To League One now and there's no

stopping Brentford. The Bees' win against Port Vale last week was

their eighth in a row. In fact, Mark Warburton's sides last defeat came

away to Stevenage back in October. Today, they were at Walsall.

Brentford's recent form has been A1, in the shadow of the M6 they have

found awkward opponents lying in wait. It took the Bees half an hour

to break Walsall down. Donaldson got his 49th league goal for the club

and a demonstration that makes Brentford a tasty proposition for

promotion. The play-offs represent the Saddlers most likely route. They

are the lowest scorers in the top half of the table. Craig Westcarr

got this goal, five of his colleagues contributed. A ninth

consecutive legal league win would have equaled an 8 Brentford world

record. They had a chance to equalise it, This wasn't Trotter's

finest moment. Plenty more games and lots of points to be earnt. We are

in a good position right now, in good shape bgs look forward to our

game on Friday Friday night. Want to be in the top six come the end of

the season. We can only concentrate on our own performances. If we keep

repeat per performances like we had today, we won't be far away. Leyton

Orient continued to impress a tenth away league success came, but from a

goal behind. Moore threatened an upset with the game's opener. No

team in the division has scored more goals on the road than Leyton

Orient. Dagnall had a chance. The striker responded with the

equaliser. Dagnall, who has been short of first team football, has

signed an 18-month deal with the London club. On the early evidence,

it looks as shrewd investment. The player who started the game on the

substitutes bench had one more important contribution to make. He

claimed the O's winner. Two goals on debut, enough to send Leyton Orient

back to the top of the table. Deepdale in deepest Lancashire and

deep frustration for Preston in a game summed up as the tale of the

battering rime, the blunder and the blooter. Davies goal was testimony

to his touched and awareness. A challenge of no great malice, plenty

of recklessness, two minutes from time gave the referee a decision to

make. The official produced a red card. In so doing offered late hope

to Coventry, enhanced by a healthy chunk much stoppage-time. What about

that blooter. In the added minute, came the twist, a 14th and best goal

of the season for Moussa who set off on a tour of celebration which

embraced most of the route home to Coventry, or should it be

Northampton. Incredible strike from Mousaa, a better goal in his career

he is unlikely to score. A return of 12 goals from generally midfield. I

think today's goal will take a lot of beating. Frustrated to score 96

minutes plus into injury-time for them to score. It's disappointing

when only four minutes went up. You expect to see the game with maybe a

little bit of extra-time on top of the four, not six-and-a-half minutes

nearly. Worrying times for Shrewsbury who were two points above

the relegation zone. The bad home form has been their downfall. That

continued as hibg come profited from Rotherham's first attack. No end in

sight to that alarming form. Pringle got the second for the Millers with

an outstanding goal. Tavernier's return in Rotherham colours saw him

complete the scoring. They remain in play-off contention. Having conceded

10 goals in two previous meetings with Peterborough this season, the

last thing Tranmere wanted was a soft penalty against them. Taylor

thought to have aside Assombalonga before the powerful number nine

hammered his side in front from 12 yards. Lady Luck refused to smile on

Rovers again early in the second-half. This cross shot went

safely into the arms of Joe Day. Ajose, back from a loan spell at

Swindon, netted his first for Peterborough from close-range. Then

Ajose, having taken a pass from Swanson, set Assombalonga in for his

20th of the campaign. Ending the run of four consecutive league defeats.

Could this win kick-start Posh's season. My players showed character.

That was really demanded of them today. To show that we can have a

reaction to such a bad defeat. Also the run we have been on, it's been

horrendous. We are not getting a break at the moment. We can't be

sorry for yourselves. We have to roll our sleeves up and go again. We

have a massive game next week against Crewe.

A A cleansheet to boot, good reading, doesn't it? It does.

Slightly disappointing, the start of the season, the way they started I

thought, they look a really good side. There is a well balanced look

to what we are seeing. They haven't quite worked out. When you consider,

I expect them to be closer than they actually are. Inconsistency... A

really important result to turn around somewhat inconsistent

performances. Are back on top of the pile in League One after a good win

away to Crewe. Chris Dagnall, him and Kevin Lisbie they will get you

goals. Dagnall a good acquisitions? Someone I have talked about in

numerous times. This gentleman will get you goals. Reminds me of Le

Fondre, penalty box player. Small, always, always in the right spot

when the ball goes into the box. He has a great anticipation. Scored for

three clubs already this season, Barnsley, Coventry and Leyton

Orient. Walsall ended Brentford's eight-match winning run. It might

not have been a victory for Dean Smith's side, they have done well to

hang in there on the verge of the play-offs? On occasions you have to

make a judgment call on what you think the relevant budgets are for

these football clubs. You would say that Walsall, knowing what we know

wouldn't be near the clubs that are around them. You think, hold on a

minute, who has done the job there, Dean Smith did a wonderful job.

Three or four years there? Yes, three years. If they can, be there

an awful lot longer, he is doing a wonderful job. Brought back Brandy

who was good in his last spell at the stadium.

Our last look at League One now begins with Swindon, who missed the

chance to climb to within touching distance of the play- offs when they

lost to bottom club Stevenage on Tuesday

Kent's only foot baldly team owed their victory to an Essex born

player with a good left foot. Cody McDonald had the chance to double

gelling's lead only for his recent touch to desert him. After an hour

Harriman's incursion setup this cross. Harriman scored his first

senior goal and even a Peter Taylor's record since returning. We

did not look 18 good enough last Saturday against Colchester. But

today we looked a team in every way. The players deserve credit because

they worked so hard for each other. Port Vale were out to even their

defeat at boundary Park in August, and they did that. Jack Rimmer, the

matchwinner. Perfect way to mark his home debut. No way back for Oldham

who almost conceded a second when James traitor and gave away a

penalty. At the spot kick was superbly saved. Port Vale had done

enough and are now unbeaten at home in six. Bristol City, Sam Ball Doc

had scored in three of his previous four games. But he failed to get the

target with an early chance against his former club. Sean Williams put

the dons in front. Seven of his previous nine goals have come from

penalties. This one was superbly placed. With their tails up they

doubled the lead nine minutes beef audience. Ben Reeves, a revelation

in recent weeks, put away six in his last ten games. Carl Robinson stated

before the game, he tried to re-sign Ball Doc, and you can understand why

after the striker confidently cut the deficit. Now the home side were

bossing the game and they brought the scores level with 13 minutes

left. But there was to be no winner from either side. Parish getting

behind a Williams piledriver. Maybe Sheffield United's FA Cup

success is having a detrimental affect on their league form. Two

weeks on from their win at Villa, they were giving -- Given a flying

start by Jamie Murphy. The header hit the bar and requested penalty

was unlikely. Baxter's Corner, Harry Maguire's had and a first half lead.

It was up leak out look, but Aaron McClean and a hefty deflection

allowed Gary Jones to give them a foothold. It was the same model

professional whose free kick fatuity slay located James Hansen. It was

Sheffield United who came close to finding a decisive moment. They

called for a penalty against nascent oil. -- Nathan Doyle.

Colchester United have shown signs of improvement. Their latest triumph

came at Rampton Park. They have for clean sheets in five matches going

into this game, but there was no goal. Carlisle could not build on

that piece of Fortune. Instead they fell behind again. A third was to

follow. Marcus Bean make sure he had a significant say in the outcome.

His header gave Colchester a comfortable cushion. Carlisle were

left with too much to do after another own goal. Their opponents

had a commanding lead. The right end to help atone for his earlier error.

The effort came in the final moments, but the Cumbrians were well

beaten in the end. No side outside the top six are in

better form and Notts County. After this 25 yarder the Stevenage was

turned on to the post by the goalkeeper. They set out to win. The

only goal coming from Callum Ball, just over four minutes after he

replaced Jack Reale -ish. Their former striker had a header cleared

off the line. Luke Freeman was off target with the follow-up. But they

are out of the drop zone out. It is another good performance for

Notts County. They have won their last three and the last thing Shaun

Derry would have wanted was they beat arrival and then come unstuck

against the bottom club, Stevenage. They now believe in what they are

doing. Now all of a sudden, they have elevated themselves three

points above the relegation zone. It has been late, but a good

turnaround. It will seem as rough justice to the Stevenage goalkeeper.

Stevenage were looking to build on a good win in midweek against Swindon?

Graham Westley came onto the pitch and was clapping the crowd a Mac if

you some indication he was pleased and proud of his players. We saw

Bradford pick up a point against Sheffield United. They have won only

one of the last 16. Not a great run. But Aaron McClean, it is almost the

perfect mid-season pick me up. Wells has missed a couple of games, six or

seven before he left. It is a void that has been there for a while. You

turn a negative with a good player going, into a positive why replacing

him with someone improving at this level. We know he is going to be a

threat. That belief comes back into the side. Do you see a lot of

potential in that Aaron Maclean partnership? You don't get a

performance like that if people are feeling sorry for themselves. They

have two players who can get goals. To League Two now and Scunthorpe

maintained their lead at the top of the division with a win at Mansfield

last week. Earlier today, Russ Wilcox side were at home to

Wimbledon. Scunthorpe's recent spending is a

sign intent. They had to make do with a place on the bench. It turned

out to be a frustrating afternoon. The dog dons might have grabbed the

lead themselves, going close. Whilst they were resolute, the iron were

far from their fluent best. There's looping cross look dangerous, but

they failed to score. We are disappointed, playing at home on a

good run, we are looking for three points. We have not been good enough

in the final third. Credit to Wimbledon, they stuck to their game

plan and made it difficult. Burtonwood breeding -- breathing

down the neck of the leaders but they needed to beat Terry for the

first time. No easy task. The Albion striker was surrounded when he got a

second bite of the cherry. In the second half there was a clearer

sight of goal for their lowly opponents. Seven points from 12 is

an encouraging return for the Shakers.

Southend were the last team to beat Chesterfield in the FA Cup second

round. It was around then Kevin Hurst started to hit top form. He

scored against his old club in the cup and have them ahead here. Two

goals in as many second-half minutes settled this encounter. Just before

the hour mark, and moments later they netted the third. Southend have

leapt from their opponents into fourth place. Chesterfield's

afternoon did not get better, even when Roberts won a soft penalty.

Bensley saved the spot kick. Today, putting three a very good

team is a statement of intent and I am delighted for the players. They

have applied themselves and that performance is purely down to them.

No sign in League two of one more home games and Rochdale. George

Donnelly enhanced his growing reputation to put them in front

inside five minutes. Limits are also decent form. Early in the second

half, there was a straight red card for a strong aerial challenge on

Jack O'Connell. Once order had been restored and the player had

departed, Rochdale scored two more magnificent goals. Ian Henderson

taking a pass from Michael Rose. Stylishly doubled the advantage with

his seventh goal of the season. And a third to their tally to 41, the

most in the second league. It was nonchalantly put away by Michael

Rose. Rochdale are definitely automatic title contenders. Just

three minutes played at Highbury Stadium when Hartlepool lost the

services of Jordan Richards. The first red card of his career on

Jeff Hughes. His dangerous challenge mends his team-mates had to play the

game with ten men. They managed to hold out under pressure until the

67th minute when John Parkin found a way past Scott Flinders. Alex Marrow

in his second spell with Fleetwood in as many years and made an

immediate impact. Andy Monkhouse hit the crossbar for Hartlepool, but

Fleetwood enjoyed a first home clean sheet of the season.

A red card after just 90 minutes influence the outcome. Stephen Craig

received it for using an elbow on Johnny Mullins. The referee could

hardly have been better placed. From that point on, Wanderers were up

against it, but the ten men held out until three minutes from time when

Nicky Preston scored and was a playable for celebrating with

excessive zeal. Having conceded first in six of

their previous seven matches, James Beattie stressed the importance of a

good start. He was Given just what he was looking for. Cheltenham had

been caught cold. The best offering of faith poor first half display

came from Jamie Cureton. The 38-year-old showed a great first

touch only for the woodwork to rob him of the equaliser. Luke Joyce was

set up to score, who has not scored since the beginning of 2012. Apted

being booed off at the break, the home side gave it a break in the

second half. This time the bar did not keep him off the scoresheet.

They held firm and survived a few scares to sentence Cheltenham to a

third straight defeat. When you are on top in games, as we

have said many times this season, you need to score and give yourself

that advantage, and we did. We were lethargic and not good enough. We

have conceded too many sloppy goals. The second half, we had a go. But it

is not what we are about. The keeper was the hero here. Max Nickerson

saves like this one capped a rampant city at bay. The Pirates had a

couple of chances themselves. Harold had already hit the post and that

was disallowed for offside. But anything more than a pointer would

have been scandalous. Yorkshire did everything but score in this one. It

finished goalless. Portsmouth had taken seven points from their last

11 games. It looked like another grim Dean when Stevenson's over

over-head kick put Mansfield ahead. Connolly came on as a substitute and

galvanised pom bay. He hadn't found the net from August. He he brought

on this save, he started the move by Taylor. He stepped forward to get a

point for Portsmouth. Points shared between Portsmouth and Manfield.

Great over-head kick from Lee Stevenson. What a statement of a

result between Southend and Chesterfield. You know, I suppose

you consider the season that Southend are operated under a

transfer embarrow, they can only have a squad of 20 players. Three

goals against Chesterfield is no mean feat? No. When you think about

Chesterfield have kept six cleansheets in their last nine

games, you know you would have thought this would have been

tighter. I think it's only the second time this season that

Southend have got three goals. Another one of those funny games

that we have featured before in the programme. You probably couldn't see

that result coming. They are doing OK. They tend to fall away last

season, if I remember rightly. It will be interesting to see, I'm sure

they can maintain that sort of form. Away win for Accrington Stanley to

Cheltenham. Many people almost thought they were all but relegated

after the first couple of months when they got no win in the first 12

games. What a turn around, three defeats in 16 since then? Fantastic.

You think about Notts County took on an inexperienced manager. Accrington

have done the same in James Beattie. I'm sure there would have been

people doubting him at the start of the season. It's great they have

shown that loyalty. All of a sudden, he really has turned around things

brilliantly. As I say, we have never talked about clubs who can take in

whoever they want and bring in whoever they want. They would have

to have... We know the financial problems they have had, the

limitations they would have and have to work within. So, that would be a

really, really good achievement what he's done to turn that round in what

have been really limited resources. Fantastic. Let's have a look at the

tables after the weekend's games, shall we. Leicester's late winner

extended their lead at the top of the SkyBet Championship to five

points ahead of QPR. Reading's demolition of Bolton means they

climb a place to sixth, while Middlesbrough are up to ninth, their

highest position of the season. The bottom four sides at the start of

the day all won without conceding a goal between them, just six points

separate the bottom six. Leyton Orient are back on top of League

One, for the first time in 2014, after Walsall halted Brentford's

eight-match winning run. There is now a four-point gap between the

Bees and third placed Wolves after their match at Crawley was

postponed. Notts County were the big movers at the bottom, moving out of

the relegation zone and jumping five places to 16th. Tranmere replaced

them in the bottom four for the first time since mid- November. Only

four points separate the bottom six. Scunthorpe maintain their two-point

lead at the top of League Two despite being held at home by

Wimbledon. Rochdale move up to second following their fourth win in

five. The only side to win in the bottom half today was Accrington,

who jumped four places following their first win in five. Torquay's

match with Northampton was postponed, so there was no change in

the bottom two. Portsmouth drop to 21st after their home draw, their

lowest league position since the start of August.

That's all from us. Tomorrow Match of the Day two: We'll have all the

drama from the second legs of the League Cup semi-finals hope to see

you on Wednesday. Thanks Steve. Good night. .

If so, the BBC Trust would like to hear from you.