19/04/2014 The Football League Show

Evening. Hope you're enjoying the Easter break. At this time of year

though, there's no letting up in the Skybet Football League. With less

than five games left, we're at the now or never stage of the season.

But one team already celebrating this week are Luton Town, who are

back in the League after five years away. Joining Steve tonight, the man

hoping to mastermind Bournemouth's highest ever league finish, a warm

welcome to Eddie Howe. There's plenty to get through tonight, and

here's what's coming up. Hitting form at just the right time, could

Ipswich be this season's promotion dark horses? Our feature match comes

from Vicarage Road as the Tractorboys looked to break into the

play-off places against in-form Watford. Burnley had another chance

of clinching promotion to the Premier League on Friday. We'll see

how the only team who could realistically still catch them,

Derby, got on against another team in the relegation mix, Doncaster.

And, the best of today's game at already promoted Leicester, who

welcomed Harry Redknapp's QPR looking to seal their place in the

play-offs. First to today's game at Vicarage Road between two sides

eyeing a late surge for the play-offs. Unbeaten in eight at

home, Watford began the weekend seven-points off the top six with a

game in hand, while Ipswich were just outside the play-offs on goal

difference, thanks to a run of four wins in six. Martin Fisher describes

the action. difference, thanks to a run of four

wins in six. Martin Opportunity knocks for Ipswich Town today. A win

would see them climb into the final play-off spot. Watford haven't given

up all hope themselves. Theirs is a longer shot and probably requires

five wins out of five games. Ranegie is drafted in alongside Troy Deeney

who has hit the 20 goal tally for the second d successive season.

Recalls for words wow and Nouble. -- Wordsworth.

It might drop here for Williams. Good save by Almunia. It was pretty

straight. It was travelling. Murphy for Nouble. Good work from

the young. He needs to find a pass. He has. McGuan. Riera curls it in

beautifully. Riera, with his first Watford goal. The former Liverpool

and Manchester City player, curls in a beauty. So much credit here should

go for Tommy Hoban for winning the initial challenge. He stepped inside

two Ipswich defenders and bent it in beautifully beyond Dean Gerken.

Wordsworth tries his luck for a third time today, he is wayward

again. It sums up Ipswich in the final third this afternoon so far.

Watford in the yellow shirts and black shorts who get us underway,

attacking away to the right hand side. Their home form has been very

impressive of late. Unbeaten here since Reading came here in January

and picked up three points with a 1-0 win. Since then, they have won

six and drawn two. Here is Williams picking up Nouble. What a bright

start that could have been for Ipswich Town. Love work to feed

Nouble. Nouble, Williams, no foul. McGugan. Releasing Deeney. Deeney

might go himself, and does. He finds the grateful hands of Dean Gerken.

Deeney usually scores here. He scored in each of his last seven

appearances at Vicarage Road. Nouble. Attacked by-words worth.

There's the equaliser -- by Wordsworth. Fourth time lucky for

him. Ipswich are level. His first goal for over a year. Brought into

the starting line-up by Mick McCarthy today. The Nouble whips it

in. He got away from his marker and beats Almunia at his near-post.

Williams throw. Williams cross. Good one, two. Against the bar. Murphy

tries to squeeze it in. I feel Almunia helped it onto the bar.

Ipswich inches away from going in front. Good delivery from Williams.

Excellent header from Hyam. Terrific save from Almunia. Angella nods

home. Watford, back in front. Angella, with his eighth of the

season. Well, they haven't threatened that strongly since

half-time, but Watford are back in front. Nobody went back with

Angella. He read the flight of the ball perfectly. Nods beyond Dean

Gerken. It's McGugan. 3-1, Watford. Ipswich

Town dreams of making the top six are disappearing. Tozser with a

committed run. Ipswich players scared to talk to him. McGuan first

to respond to the bounce ball and sweeps it in -- McGugan. Mick

McCarthy will be furious. Up goes Green. Hunt. Good effort! He

caught that really well, Hunt. It was dropping, but not quickly

enough. Almunia was beaten. Ipswich, backing off. The making space for

the shot. In the way was Smith. Murray! The goalkeeper never moved.

Ipswich stood tall to block the first effort.

A big three points for you? Yeah. That is right. It keeps us in the

hunt to win today. It knocks Ipswich back a little bit as well. Yeah, we

did what we can. Now we look forward to Monday. We played really well

today. We let them off the hook personally and let the other teams

off the hook by conceded goals we don't normally do. All we can do is

try and beat Bournemouth on Monday. Boost to their play-off hopes. He

said he let them off the hook, do you agree? I'm not sure about off

the hook. There were elements of the game where it looked like they could

turn the game on the head. Missed opportunity. Hit the game. It would

have put them 2-1 up and put given the game a different complexion. Did

you make of the game Ipswich started both halfs well. Once Watford scored

the second goal the crowd got with them. The second-half provided the

major turning point? They go a goal up, Watford. A big game for both

clubs. You waited for a response from Ipswich. When the second-half

kicked off we got it. That was the turning point of the game.

Marvellous save. Decent header, as you can see. Great save. They looked

in good nick. That would have put them 2-1 up. Watford, down the other

end, wonderful free-kick. Good finish, no doubt about that.

Unmarked. Good finish. The game suddenly just is turned the other

way. This is within five minutes. Not the best little bit of defending

we have seen from Ipswich's season. 3-1, the game effectively is over.

That is the bit that Mick was eluding to. The moment after

half-time. Watford breached that backline easily. It's quite unlike

Mick McCarthy side? They had a solid back four all season, Ipswich,

consistent selection, goalkeeper, unlike them. They will be looking to

bounce back. If we look at the table. Five points off the top six

with a game in hand, how do you see he it? Hair home form has been

fantastic. Unlike early on in the season when it cost Zola the job.

All will depend on how they can pick up points away from home. It hasn't

gone maybe according to plan as they would have liked. . The Ipswich are

one point adrift and a wounded animal, as you take them Onuoha

Monday It will be an interesting game between us and Ipswich. Set up

to be a classic encounter. We are on a back of defeat and they are on the

back of a defeat. It will be interesting to see how both teams

respond. Now, despite being many people's choice to finish in the top

two, QPR had the chance to seal their play-off place today away at

already promoted Leicester City. Nigel Pearson made two changes, Andy

King and Anthony Knockaert coming in. Harry Redknapp made seven

alterations in all, including only a second start for loanee Modibo Maiga

up front. Dan O Hagan was watching this one.

Maiga. Yun with a shot. He has yet to score in the English game.

Maiga, Kranjcar has gone again here. Good tip over. Strong hand from

Schmeichel. They had to be to keep this out from Kranjcar. QPR have

forced the only saves. In from Yun. Maiga, the near-post. There is

Krancjar. Schmeichel blocks Krancjar. Somehow the Foxes'

survive, one, two, three chances in there. None were taken. Corner hoard

for Leicester. In it goes. Hughes meets it. It drops to Hammond and to

Drinkwater. Hammond again nor Knockaert. Clipped in cross. Nugent

header down for King here, King shot. Denied their best chance of

the first half. A good chance. He goes in very strong a Assou-Ekotto.

He is called across by Scott Duncan. The what colour the card here? Is

Yellow card. Here is Andy King. King is in here. Around the goalkeeper.

Hooked off the line there by Onuoha. Here's Mahrez!

Onuoha covers well. Krancjar has gone on here. It's Niko Krancjar. He

pulls back. Maiga could only just... Niko Krancjar, steps inside here.

Krancjar. Modibo Maiga. Maiga, waited too long to get his shot

away, suely. It took an age there to finally make his mind up to shoot.

-- surely. Nugent. Mahrez. Drinkwater, Nugent,

it is Nugent! Another step towards the title for Leicester. And their

goal-scorer in chief, David Nugent, gets his 19th league goal this

season. As they get three more points on the road to being Football

League champions. There is no flag, Yun Suk-Young got

their first as well. Schmeichel comes, Yun Suk-Young goes in and the

ball drops the wrong side of the post. He was booked in the first

half, don't forget, he could be in real trouble here, Assou-Ekotto. It

will be a second caution and he is off.

Scott Duncan with the red card for Assou-Ekotto. Rangers down to ten.

Drinkwater, Nugent, back to Mahrez. Twists and turns and Green saves

well at the near post. That has been our problem this year,

scoring goals. Our general play is good. We make one mistake and get

punished and don't score. I am really pleased with how the players

have approached the season, never mind the situation that we are in

now. I think we have done ourselves justice.

We have had a bit of criticism throughout the course of this

season, but the last two years or so, and it is nice to be able to

produce a season in which we can actually say that we have fulfilled

our potential. Leicester need three more points from their last three

games to get blue ribbons round the middle Trophy and claim the

Championship title. There is no doubt Leicester have lost some of

their fluency since winning promotion to the Premier League, but

that is their 28th win and nothing to be sniffed at. It is a

coincidence that shall we say just a little bit of dipping tempo. Is it

inevitable? It is no coincidence that has come at the time when they

want to achieve and they want to win the Championship but ultimately

first and foremost the brief is to get out of the division. That is

what they have done. Subconsciously you take a step down. As for the

all-important goal from damage and -- for David Nugent, 19 goals have

contributed to 28 points for Leicester this season. He has had an

excellent season, himself and Bardi have been a threat up front. A great

finish, round the box. The way they played today, 4-2-3-1, that move

encapsulated where the midfielders have joined in with the front player

and got him in behind to the central areas. That is how you use that

system. Nigel Pearson admitted afterwards he has turned it round

with an eye to play in the Premier League next season because a lot of

the teams are playing that way. 4-4- two will struggle, so that is a good

tactical is which. Many people thought that QPR would be going

forward to automatic promotion and Leicester may be the play-offs, but

the difference between the two sides, in stark contrast, 25 goals.

Again, they had their chances. Their 12th blank of the season. That is an

area they have struggled with this season, the loss of Charlie Austin

was a huge blow. He was missing again today. He needs to be fit for

QPR to be at their best. There will be a threat to anybody, no doubt

about that, when you take into consideration who did not play.

Zamora, Dann, Morrison, to name but a few. Hoilett, another one. They

have depth and quality. On their day, if you can get players fit and

get them in a formation of the system that suits everybody, they

will be a threat. For the second successive week Burnley had the

chance to clinch promotion if they could win at Blackpool. And Derby

failed to win at Doncaster. Let's see how both got on yesterday,

starting with Burnley's game at Bloomfield Road. Kevin Keatings was

watching this one. Kightly is in here. A big save from

Gilks. Look at this from Blackpool. Robinson's backpass carrying no

weight at all for the goalkeeper. Bishop, trying to find Goodwillie. A

slip from Cathcart. This is Ings. Certainly plenty of power in that

shot. Disappointed with the direction of it, straight down the

throat of a grateful Matt Gilks. One win in four for Burnley. Surely

they are not going to let this advantage slip. Not like that!

Because it is brilliant from Kightly! Spurned that glorious

chance in the first half. There was no saving that. Burnley with that

upward feeling, surely the Premier League beckons. All the work from

the right flank here, a 1-2 with Marney, could not close him down

quickly enough. He rendered the goalkeeper Gilks a mere spectator.

12-macro missiles thrown onto the pitch. More than one or two. The

banner on the far side, all the anger from the Blackpool supporters.

McMahon with the corner. A little over a minute to go.

Halliday, a brilliant clearance, it looks like it was heading in from

Halliday. That is a quite brilliant clearance from Trippier. A wonderful

volley from holiday, -- Halliday, definitely going in. We got over a

few markers this season and this is another one, we haven't done well at

Blackpool, Barnsley or Ipswich away, but we have now. That is important,

the mentality of the players was on show. Fantastic. That win for

Burnley meant promotion would be sealed if Derby failed to beat

Doncaster. Jon Champion was watching this one.

Richard Keogh with a dreadful backpass, which was inches away from

gifting the opening goal to Doncaster. Great pressure on him. He

just didn't look. George Thorne, perfect timing. A

lovely strike, and in the final minute of the first half Derby take

the lead. Just the second senior goal of George Thorne's career.

Derby have scored with their first shot on target.

Here is Bryson. Ward battling to get up with him and put Bryson goes

alone and Johnson stands at one enough to make the save. Johnson,

his goal tally of 15. Nice bawling, a super finish, that

should seal it for Derby. -- a nice bawling. Chris Martin, with his 22nd

goal of the season. An excellent ball in from Ward. Chris Martin was

invited to stretch, which he did, and to meet it on the half volley.

Chris Martin, ushering Jamie Ward forward. Ward goes for the chip. Got

a touch from Johnstone. That denies Jamie Ward what would have been a

delicate third goal. The team can score. You have seen

that tonight. When it gets on fire and when we can play we have got

pace and power, finishes. It bodes well. We can go into any game and

know that we can find a way to win it. That was -- that result for

Derby means they are secure as far as the play-offs are concerned which

meet unbelievable turnaround. We saw Burnley grind a result out against

the Lancashire rivals Blackpool. It doesn't matter whether they are

stuttering across the finish line, but they are getting there. Two

points needed now. What a job Sean Dyche has done there. The job at

Watford, a great job there, so we should not be too surprised. In a

game of this magnitude and what was riding on it, it is hardly

surprising. It was one of those where effort went above skill and

quality, shall we say, but it is all about the result. Forget the

performance at this stage of the season. We got the right one. We

have eulogised about Sean Dyke and Burnley. What is it about him that

has done well? His squad management has been impressive. They played the

Saintees null season. To do that takes great organisation and

individually the core of their team has played really well. Goalkeeper

has had an excellent season. Shackell, Dean Marney and the front

two have had a great season. That defeat for Blackpool means they are

into the relegation zone for the first time this season on the back

of two wins in 27 games. It was a toxic atmosphere at Bloomfield Road

on Friday. It certainly doesn't reflect well on the club, does it?

This was an opportunity by a lot of fans to make a public demonstration,

shall we say, on how unhappy they are with the way the club has been

run. It is funny because when the club was getting promoted to the

Premiership, it was the same people running it and it was not seem like

that, but things have changed a bit and people's opinions have changed

and an emphasis on the way the football club is run has come to the

fore. Have you ever seen anything like this? Know, and at times like

this Blackpool need everyone together, the players, staff and the

crowd and fingers crossed they can do that. How does it affect morale

in the dressing room? It can be difficult. You need the harmony

within the dressing room, to be pointing the same way. That is key

for their remaining games. An incredible decline in the football

club, since it was in the Premier League two years ago? You could not

put your sling -- finger on one thing, there is a culmination of

things that have gone wrong from top to bottom unfortunately. Look at the

playing side this year, Phillips went early in the season, Tom Ince

with his dad leaving, there was a funny period for the football club

and Ricardo has come in and looked as though he would score and keep

them up and has got injured. Everything that could have gone

wrong has gone wrong from the playing perspective. Burnley against

Wigan is our featured game on the Football League Show on Monday

night. Although they can consider themselves unlucky to be knocked out

of the FA Cup by Arsenal last week, Wigan can return to concentrating on

a return to the Premier League. The Latics work at home to Wigan side

three points behind them in the table.

Latics work at home to Wigan side three points behind them Wigan are

targeting yet another trip to Wembley against fellow play-off

hopefuls Reading. The Latics showed no signs of a hangover from their

semifinal defeat to Arsenal. Far from it. Jordi Gomez' -- Jordi

Gomez's opener was an indicator of the superb stuff played by Uwe

Rosler's side here. Wigan made very like work of their promotion rivals.

Displaying the type of attacking football that is very quickly

becoming their trademark. Callum McManaman's strong running merited

the second goal. Although he did not get it, Waghorn did. For a side that

have already played 56 games this season, the Latics still looked

remarkably light on their feet. Reading appeared to be wearing the

lead lined boots here. They were powerless to prevent McManaman

getting goal number three. Clear your diaries for May the 24th, Wigan

fans. On this evidence of this trip to Wembley could be on the cards.

The first 40 minutes was perfection. The only things we did

not score more goals. The second half was important, a good tempo

through the 90 minutes. Oscar Garcia's Brighton side have

rallied since three damaging defeats in March but suffered an early

setback at Huddersfield. Norwood fingered a free kick past Tomasz

Kuszczak. Quite a tonic for the team who had not won in nine and were

starting to fret about their Championship future. Norwood tried

his best to repeat the trick in the second half. This time, the Pole won

the battle of the wits. Back in the Albion goal after illness, Kuszczak

tends to offer a reassuring presence. It may make a difference

in sixth-place hinges on goal difference. He looked less certain

when trying to parry Nahki Wells' effort. There was a casual looking

back pass. Mark Robins targeted four points from the Easter games which

means they need the maximum return at Yeovil on Monday, after Bruno

doubled up his first goal of the season. That stretches the

play-off's contenders -- the play-off contender's results. It has

taken us back into the play-off places and leads us nicely into the

Monday fixture. We knew if we had pressed high that they would have

picked as off. With the players they have, I was pleased with the point.

It is important to get something from the game today and it gives us

a foothold in terms of the game coming up on Monday.

Eddie Howe was voted Bournemouth's greatest ever manager by their fans

this week. His reputation would go even higher if he could guide them

into the top six. But Sheffield Wednesday had a surprise in store,

and it was Atdhe Nuhiu who put them into the lead. But the home team had

surged out of nowhere into play-off contention, with five wins out of

six. Lewis Grabban made a - the byline to set up Marc Pugh. Belief

was restored for the anxious hope support. -- Mayday dash for the

byline. Sam Hutchinson, the Chelsea Loney, had Wednesday on top by

half-time. Kermorgant then got his seventh goal in five appearances at

home. When the Frenchman was sent tumbling by Hutchinson soon after,

the game appeared to have swung in Bournemouth's favour. Already

booked, the Wednesday midfielder was dismissed for the second time since

his February switch from Stamford Bridge. Surely now the game was

there for the taking. But Stuart Gray's men refused to back down.

Antonio used his pace to outstrip the Bournemouth defence. But the

reprieve was short lived. Leon Best was first to react to put Wednesday

in front for a third time. There would be no Bournemouth recovery.

With numbers pushed forward, Wednesday exploited the space in

behind. This time, Best spotted the run of Chris Maguire, who rounded

off an impressive victory, which leaves the host is with a lot to do

if they are to extend their season. I cannot give my players enough

credit. To roll their sleeves up and come here and win 4-2 with ten men

is a fantastic result. Blackburn were defending an 8- game unbeaten

run in the Championship and they have not ruled out the prospect of

making the play-offs. But time is running out for the basement club

Yeovil. They were fortunate to survive at Ewood Park when Jason

Newell struck the post in the opening minutes. The introduction of

Joel Grant from the bench almost paid dividends for Yeovil. He was

sent through on goal by James Hayter, but his effort was diverted

behind by Paul Robinson. With Blackburn's play-off rivals failing

to win, Blackburn will view this as two points stopped. Yeovil secured a

rare clean sheet, but it is victories which Gary Johnson needs

to keep them up. The home fans, however, seemed less than impressed

with the stalemate. I do not understand the fans booing,

after three years of fighting relegation and getting the ligated,

to be that far off the play-offs, I do not understand that. I do

understand the frustration. -- wetting relegated. I wanted to pick

them up and say, if you complain like that, with that ability and

quality in the next three games, then this season is not dead for us

yet. then this season is not dead for us

As Gary Johnson said, they have not Wigan have got the momentum at the

moment, talking about despatching other play-off contenders, Reading,

at the same time. But what a performance this was, following

disappointment in the FA Cup? Yes, they made six or seven changes for

this game. Concentrating now on the league, out of the cups, Europe is

done, the FA Cup is done, just one thing to concentrate on, and they

were very good. They are probably up there with QPR, with regard to

strength in depth of their squad. It is almost as if no team wants to

grab sixth place by the neck. And I have got to include Bournemouth,

sorry to bring it up, but that defeat at home against the ten men

of Sheffield Wednesday, was it slightly flattering for Wednesday?

Yes, at 2-2, we made a conscious decision to try and go for the win.

We really pushed men, perhaps too much at times. We got done on the

counter-ruck at the end. But on reflection, our players have done so

well over a sustained period of time, this is just hopefully a

little disappointment. Knowing what you now know, the way the results

have gone, would you have taken the draw? Yes, knowing now, we probably

would have, but we have no way of knowing that Ipswich would not win.

Have to prepare as though those teams will win. The other way

around, we would have regretted it. You are still only three points away

from the play-offs, and looking at your running, how do you look at

it? Each one of those teams has still got something to play for? I

think it is a great running, every game will have something on it, as

you say. The Ipswich game I think will be crucial for both teams, and

of course, Forest are Millwall have their own troubles. It will be

exciting. Every game will have a huge amount on it. And you will

probably get sell-out crowds as well. It will be fantastic, which is

what it is all about. Our last look at the Championship starts at the

city ground, where, despite two wins in four, Birmingham are in danger of

being sucked into the relegation dogfight. Hosts Nottingham Forest

were without a win in 12. Despite having a caretaker manager,

a lengthy injury list and 13 games without a victory, Forest were still

in with a shout of the play-offs, and only if they ended that losing

streak. At Derbyshire's early goal gave them confidence early on. --

Matt Derbyshire. The row was instantly restored and Forest went

on to dominate much of the game. But they could not quite put Birmingham

away. These misses could have cost the home side, because Birmingham

also had chances. From the corner, Karl Darlow denied Paul Robinson. I

am sure could not get an equaliser, however, and so sink further into

relegation trouble. Darius Henderson might have added to their agony, but

was just wide with this effort. The question is, will Birmingham survive

in the end to the season? I have got a group of players who stood up,

they were meant to day. It was a thoroughly deserved three points. It

is in our hands, we have got three home games coming up, and we have

got to change what has been happening in terms of our home form

since October. If we can do that, we can get everything sorted out, but

it is up to us. We cannot start games like we did today. Millwall

have mustered a spirit which suggests they could clamber to

safety. Their last two away trips brought victories, but

Middlesbrough's form was not to be sniffed at, with Danny Graham nearly

gave Boro the perfect start. But then Ian Holloway's side got into

their stride. Lee Martin was looking for the man mountain, Stefan

Maierhofer, in the centre. The last scored in English but all four and a

half years ago, for Wolves. -- in English football. He had joined the

Lions a free agent from Cologne in March. Ten minutes from the end,

Ledesma's superb free kick put Millwall on edge, but they had

already done enough. To emphasise their confidence, they almost made

their win more emphatic, but offside rule this one out.

You cannot understand why we are not playing now for the play-off

positions. We need to be stronger, we need to have a better mentality

and win the games. Charlton's mission was to make the valley a sea

of red for the visit of Alton. Despite blowing one of their games

in hand against Barnsley, their fate at least was in their own hands.

They carved out plenty of chances but ultimately came up short. Simon

Church did not make the right connection with this cross. Matt

Mills's header was cleared off the line by Diego Poyet. Then came the

game's big talking point, as Mills made a routine backpass to Adam

Bogdan, whose first touch gave Simon Church a sniff at goal. He then

claimed the 'keeper kicked him, rather than the ball. The referee

was not interested. Then there came a surging run from Jermaine

Beckford, before he fed Neil Danns, who eventually blazed over. In the

final reckoning, this could prove to be a useful point for the ethics.

-- for the Addicks. We had to be very resilient in our performance.

All in all, I felt we edged the game on opportunities. I will go home

happy with a point. We are always looking to win, of course. In our

situation, three points is the best thing that we can have, but anyway,

at this point, it is a good sign for the future. Danny Wilson and Brian

McDermott faced each other in a Yorkshire derby, and Oakwell has not

been a happy hunting ground for Leeds down the years. 1997 was the

last time they won there, when George Graham was manager. Luke

Steele kept this one out. Barnsley went into the Game Two points from

safety, and three wins in six games have given them hope. But in Ross

McCormack, Leeds have a striker closing in on 30 for the season. The

club's leading marksman was once again a threat after the interval,

but he was unable to add to his tally. Barnsley failed to find an

equaliser, with Dale Jennings frustrated. Last season they

survived on the final day. This time, it could prove to be just as

tense. There are lots of twists and turns in football and I expect it to

go to the last game. It was a tough game, we are delighted. It was a

quality finish by Ross McCormack. His first touch was sublime, and it

was a fabulous finish. So, a huge setback for Barnsley, and goals are

now a problem for them, as well as for Birmingham. But one team which

is bucking the trend and bottom are Millwall. Stefan Maierhofer has

picked the right time to score his first goals for the club. He has,

three magnificent away victories. This lad is extremely tall, and he

gets his head on it. This is the one, he sneaks in around the back.

He must be the only person who is 6ft 7 who sneaks in around the back!

You might have thought they would have one eye on a centre forward who

is that strong in the air. And this, against a team who have been in

great form lately. Yes, it is a great result for Millwall. Like you

say, Middlesbrough have been in really good form, and they have been

really good at the back as well. As far as they're running is concerned,

Doncaster at home, QPR away, and Bournemouth at home, they have got

enough in them, I suppose, on recent Schilling, that they have got what

it takes to stay up? Like we said, we were fearing for them, but they

have got ten out of 12 points, which is a fantastic return. They are

probably the side that both of us think have now got every opportunity

of staying up. They have got a little bit about them. Let's have a

look at the bottom of the table, with all to play for. Obviously,

Yeovil, it is going to be difficult for them. Barnsley anything today,

at home to Leeds, that could have been make or break for them. And

Blackpool, two in 27, that does not augur well. How do you assess the

bottom half of the table, Eddie? It is very tight. One win can make all

of the difference at this stage. All of those teams will be looking for

one victory to ignite their season. And out the top, only one thing has

been decided, but there are teams battling to get into the top six,

and you cannot rule out any of those sides down to 12th. No, again, it is

very tight, very similar to the bottom. You are going to sit on the

fence, I know, Eddie, but Steve, who do you think will get into the

play-offs? Good grief! That is a really difficult one. It is so

difficult, I would probably go as they are, but I would not want to do

more -- not want to... . Brentford had chance to clinch

promotion if they beat their promotion contenders on Friday

night. Leyton Orient started bright enough

but fell behind when Edwards was on target for the second game running.

The O's who ended a five-match winless streak went in level at the

break. Dagnall, who scored in that 5-1 success was bang on the money.

The home side could have regained the lead. Edward flicked his header

on target. Odubajo kept Leyton Orient on terms. Not for long. Drury

had the simplest of headers to clinch the win. Orient in desperate

need of momentum ahead of play-offs. They have been an incredible bunch

to work with. I'm fortunate to have this group of players. That was very

much in evidence today in the performance. This was Wolves'

promotion homecoming party, they put on a show. They proved hosts when

Agard nudged them ahead. In front of 31,000 fans, their biggest gate

since 1981, the home side weren't upstayed. Dicko responded

seven-minutes later. Kenny Jackett was to impressed with him that they

outbid the Millers for his services in January. He then put them 2-1 up.

Four minutes later, Golbourne set up Edwards for his third in as many

games. This looked like it would be a routine win for the

champions-elect. Agard poked in his second of the match. It was a decent

contest, it turned into an. Ic with -- epic with five goals. Dicko met

Edwards cross. You can always put your shirt on him, but perhaps not

him. Skarz made it 4-3 with six minutes of time to go. He convert a

near's cross. A near was instrumental moments later his shot

was turned in by Agard who got his first senior hat-trick. The debate

about who got the goal of the Daewoo start and end with Sam Ricketts who

made it 5-4 in added time. It was too much for many fans to take.

After a lengthy delay for a pitch invangs. Dicko turned provider for

McDonald to smash in the game's tenth goal and Wolves' six. S Wolves

now need just four points to seal the League One title after this

fantastic advert for the Football League. By our own high standards we

can play better than that. Goalscoring is such a key element in

the game. Today we had that scoring three in each half. We have come

here, I think for 30 minutes in the second-half we have absolutely

played some super football and given Wolves a right game. They go to the

Championship. They do with our best wishes. Fantastic football club.

Good luck to everybody at Wolves. After what happened at the end of

last season you could understand why the Brentford fans weren't taking

anything for granted. It was a classic case of poetic justice, they

sealed promotion from the penalty spot. Saville impeded by Wright.

Judge eased the nerves inside the park. Brentford had en massed 87

points, a club record, despite Donaldson wasting a chance at the

far-post, they were on their way to a new club first, 27 wins in a

season. Magnificent achievement. Believe it or not. After Wright was

harshly penalised again, they squandered a late penalty kick at

the precise end they had missed one in the final game last season.

Replace Trotta with Judge. The it didn't matter. The points were

Brentfords. With Preston also in the play-offs everyone inside the park

had cause to celebrate. They are not fools. We knew what had to happen

and what didn't happen. To start the game in that manner and continue for

90 minutes, magnificent all season. One goal proved enough for Bradford

City whose League One future looks safe. Reach had a wonderfulfully

struck - wonderfully struck free-kick. Brisley's second caution

meant the Posh had to play half the game with ten men. They couldn't

find a way back. That defeat for Peterborough can be good news for

Swindon. They are coming on strong for the race for the fal play-off

spot. Pritchard put Swindon in front eight minutes in. The Sky Blues were

looking nervously over their shoulders. One more win will

probably see them safe. A moment of brilliance from Fleck, before the

break, gave them a platform for the second-half. His first of the season

would count for nothing. In stoppage-time Smith scored. With

only three games the Coventry boss needs his players to stand up and be

counted. The truth, is we have a number of players at this football

club that have experienced relegation. They have experienced it

from the Championship down to League One. I think that they need to prove

to this football club, to our supporters, to everybody connected

that they have the mental capacity to deal with these situations. It's

been a traumatic week for Port Vale. With their skip er ruled out for the

season following a nasty training ground incident, they needed to

compose themselves. They got lucky against MK Dons. McLoud and Kenny

both struck the crossbar. The Dons were above their opponents before

kick-off. After Vale Dickinson became the third player to strike

the bar they conceded the goal that would end their play-off chances.

After Hugill took advantage of defensive mayhem, they play rivals

Peterborough on the final day. The play-off picture far from sealed in

League One. Well done to Brentford and Wolves who will play

Championship football last season. With all the heartache of the last

12 months. What bright times ahead in the second tier and a new stadium

around the corner? Fantastic. Is this the second time in 60 years

they will be playing at the level they will be at. Lost manager along

the way. What I like about what Mark has done, so many times we see it

where somebody comes in and they try and fix something that isn't broken.

They are frightened the previous manager will get all the credit. He

kept it going. They have played entertaining football throughout?

Consistent. No-one can begrudge them their success, after last year. The

they have righted a wrong. They don't make it easy for their fans

with Alan Judge slipping on that second penalty? As for Wolves,

biggest home crowd for 33 years. 10 goals and two hat tricks? Incredible

game. You don't usually see two hat tricks in the same game, 10 goals.

Great entertainment. Wolves have had a great season. Kenny did a great

job getting them back up on the first time of asking. How big is the

Gulfing class between what Wolves and Brentford will experience? They

will be following the likes of you from League One to Championship,

what about the class of football, or the gap in the class of football?

It's a big jump between the levels. Wolves and Brentford will have the

squads to cope with that gap. The I'm sure Wolves will be fine. You

don't expect them to make wholesale changes to their squads? Generally,

managers tend to give the players who served them well the previous

year the opportunity. You get to around October/November that sorts

the weak from. We know the potential that Wolves have. They are prepared

to spend money. The expectations may be more realistic than the previous

years they have been in it. They will go in with a strong hand, no

doubt about that. Well, we could be in for a nail-biting end to the

season for the fight for League One survival. With just one win in ten,

Carlisle had dropped back into the relegation zone, going into their

crucial home match against Walsall. Carlisle had dropped back into

Carlisle need a change of fortune or League Two beckons. Noble's shot

went in via the post. The home side also looked the more likely in the

first half. He they were a lick of paint away from extending that lead.

Potts was denied by the crossbar. The Walsall improved after

half-time. After this shot was The Walsall improved after

blocked. This effort was just off target. If Noble's goal was

unfortunate, he was unlucky not to get a second, you know what got in

the way. Ngoo got his first goal for the Saddlers. They are two points

from safety, with four to go. Stevenage needed a maximum return

from their trip to Bramall Lane. They contributed to their own

downfall as Murphy's cross was turned into his own net by Mousinho.

A mistake led freeman in on goal. He couldn't take advantage. Jones saw

his header cleared off the line as the Blades held on to that slender

lead. Stevenage are seven points from safety with three games left.

For their opponents there is an outside chance of the play-offs. The

only way to deal with the disappointment is getting back to

winning ways. Another three points. It keeps us a little bit of a

glimmer of hope for that spot. Will not have done enough this year to

stay up. The we won't concede that. We will keep trying to win the next

game. That is the only thing you can do. The only way to approach it.

Football can be cruel. Relegation-threatened Notts County

were dominant but were made to pay for lapses in con krens ration.

Baldock scored to give Bristol City the lead against the run of play.

Derry's team weren't short of confidence. Hollis continued his

scoring streak to send them to the break all square. They almost got

the break that teams down the bottom don't get. Spencer had Moore in all

kinds of trouble. The keeper avoided any lasting embarrassment. Hollis'

header was too short. Baldock got his 25th goal of the season in all

competitions. I don't know if it was a game we deserved to win today. I

don't think we did deserve to win the game today. We will not make

apologies for it. There is many a game since I have been here that we

really deserved to win, we haven't. A good three points for the football

club. And, hopefully that nudges us further up the table. Gillingham's

heavy defeat at Leyton Orient last weeking had their fans worrying

about possible relegation. After Dack celebrated his new contract

with a magnificent volley, they went on to a record a hugely important

win over Tranmere. Rovers committed their keeper Williams in search of

an equaliser. They conceded in stoppage-time. McDonald using Weston

as the decoy before finding the empty net. Tranmere are two points

above the bottom four. The Gills are probably safe. We needed a very

important win. We needed a much better performance than last

Saturday. So, you know, I'm very happy with the day. Colchester

remain close to the drop-zone after a fifth defeat in six matches.

Gilbey had their best chance. Oldham are on the up and getting the luck

Colchester aren't. The brown got the goal aided by a deflection from

Eastman to extend their unbeaten run to six matches. This game lacked

style, unlike the celebration. Crewe were missing their top-scorer for

this hugely significant basement battle at Shrewsbury. Pogba headed

them in front. He was back to his best after injury. Ikpeazu gave them

a two goal cushion. Their third was the best of the lot. Scored by

Antony Grant. He ran from inside his own half to put the game out of

Shrewsbury's reach. No sign of a side struggling for survival. Their

recent displays on the road are cause for optimism. Tom Bradshaw

scored for Shrewsbury. They remain in trouble. Crewe are out of the

bottom four. It is a big win, looking at the other results as

well, the good thing is in we are in control of you are own destiny in

the end. I feel sorry for everyone involved in the club, to be honest,

especially the faens. They stuck with us. No turn on the players.

A massive win. As far as Shrewsbury Town concerned they are in the

relegation zone. Their manager talks about the fear factor as far as his

players are concerned. How different is that pressure? You have been at

both ends of the table not that long ago. There is a big difference, the

pressure at the top and the bottom. The pressure at the bottom, it is

huge. If you achieve your objective it is pure relief at the end. As for

the other big result we saw, Sheffield United's win, just like

Wigan, no FA Cup hangover for them. To think they are only points away

from the play-offs, but you have Stevenage. It is not looking good

for them now, is it? No. When you look at the State of play for

Sheffield United, it is probably too much to get. Eight points. It augurs

well for next year and Stevenage, it has been an uphill struggle for --

from day one and I think they have succumbed. Looking at the bottom of

the table will confirm Stevenage fans' worst fears. Seven points from

safety. You talk about getting nine points, it puts you two outside what

is the bottom four. There is all to play for for a lot of the clubs.

Shrewsbury Town a massive result today, a huge minus under negative

for them. Notts County have shown form. Carlisle, a game in hand, I'll

they have three away and one at home. Tranmere, Colchester, teams

that the sides in the bottom form will be thinking are on poor runs of

form, can we catch them. Crewe versus Colchester on Monday. A huge

game for both clubs. Joe Dunn has done a good job at Colchester and

they play good football. As do Crewe. They have to be admired for

their philosophy that they stick with through thick and thin. The top

end. The top four or five has been done for some time. It is all about

sixth-place, isn't it? That has been the one spot that has been up for

grabs. The top five have disappeared long into the mist. That is a big

result, Swindon winning and Peterborough losing. There was a

7-point gap, there is a four point gap now. That is a little bit of

pressure. I am not saying that is going to be the difference. But

there is a bit of pressure from Swindon all of a sudden. League Two

and Scunthorpe had the chance to seal the division's first promotion

place on Friday, if they were to beat Morecambe and flee the Wood

lost at Cheltenham. -- and Fleetwood lost at Cheltenham.

The half-time news from Whaddon Road was good for the leaders. As well as

Cheltenham's Deb -- curate. He is disappointed with his goal return

this season but the veteran goal poacher looked as sharp as ever.

Jamie Cureton's ninth of the campaign a fair reflection of the

first half in which Fleetwood failed to hit top form. They battled back

on terms with Richards pulling back Hume, allowing Sarcevic to dispatch

a penalty no goalkeeper could have saved. Town are on course to go five

unbeaten but it is wins they require to haul themselves into the top

three. Ten minutes later, Morris was in the middle and his first

Fleetwood Gold put Graham Alexander's men hot on the heels of

the automatic promotion pack. They could not coast to the finish line.

The free kick clawed away by Maxwell, who distinguished himself

again with a fabulous save that frustrated Elliott. Fleetwood

shaping up nicely for the play-offs at worst. A very good three points

for others, the first half we were disappointed in the way we played

and approached the game but we deservedly were 1-0 down at

half-time but in the second half the players responded and it was

fantastic and we challenged and got the two goals that got us three

points and we are really pleased. Scunthorpe was soon into their

stride against struggling Morecambe. When all's -- Winnall's header was

just out of reach of Mark Hughes. The home side battled back in the

second half and got their reward with only seconds remaining in the

game. Sampson's 95th minute equaliser takes the Shrimps to the

50 point mark and ensures that both of these clubs' destinies are yet to

be determined. They got fantastic desire. They take

more points from losing positions this year than today, which is a big

point for us. There were evident mistakes from

layers in all three goals said the Rochdale boss quote Post match and

he could point the finger at Matt Done. Corr rolled home Southend's

first after 12 minutes. When Henderson ripped a terrific effort

against the bar, you felt they could possibly turn this around. But just

before half-time, Southend strengthened their play-off chances

when they hit their hosts on the counter. On loan Norwich teenager

Jacob Murphy putting away his first senior goal and seconds after the

break those defensive frailties that were referred to surfaced again.

Timlin tapping home, following splendid work from Kevin Hurst.

Later on the bar was rattled as Rochdale's confidence began to ebb

away and they will need to buck up fast if they are to keep their place

in the top three. Believe it or not, Matt Grimes had

never scored a senior goal. So this is not a bad way to open your

account, albeit with a little help against promotion chasing

Chesterfield. Several wasted chances later, tensions were growing for the

Spireites and in particular midfielder Morsy, who got a

premature end to his day. It could have got worse for the home side

moments later but Tom Nichols' header hit the post. This frantic

three-minute spell ended with the match all square. The visitors

defender Butterfield was match all square. The visitors

have fouled Doyle and after the protests were waved a day -- Way,

Doyle took the penalty to become Chesterfield's leading scorer with

12, securing the point that put them in second but they have to survive a

late scare. Scott Bennett brought the best out of Tommy Lee and this

result keeps Paul Tisdale's side in trouble. We were dead honest, we

worked hard and tried our best but we lacked quality today. We normally

open teams up and we did not. Sometimes we change formations to

have a more direct style of play. Today, we gave up good areas of the

pitch where they had a man or two more than us and at times it showed.

Burton aim to stay in the mix for automatic promotion by exploiting

Hartlepool's slump and Billy Kee got the ball rolling just before the

half-hour. Exactly what Albion wanted after their setback at

Northampton last time. Another result which did Hartlepool no

favours. Players were urged to show no fear but there was no way back

after Phillips found the corner. Hartlepool heading for a sixth

successive defeat, two points above the drop zone. Bell topped off the

success. Still in the hunt for even better. The most dominant

performance we have had all season, I would say, and we controlled the

game from the first minute. Maybe we should have had more. We restricted

Hartlepool to very few chances. It is nice to see the goals go in. We

have been missing those this season. It took a disputed penalty to

separate these two play-off contenders. Dave Kitson's hand ball

was missed by the referee, but awarded upon the advice of his

assistant. Coulson needed no such help from the spot. Could that be

the moment that ends Oxford's promotion hopes? Your leapfrog them

into seventh as a result of this win. This near miss was as close as

United came to endangering your's unbeaten run. It was a good game. A

fantastic three points for us. Despite losing three of their

previous four, Plymouth came into this game just for micro points

outside the play-off slots but after Tutte's first goal for Bury they

were always fighting a losing battle. Mind you, they did have a

gilt-edged chance to equalise. Firing over the bar, when the shot

came back off Yen-Hsun Lu in the whole globe -- in the home goal.

Craig Jones said at the opening that led to Curtis Nelson impeding

Nardiello inside the six yard box. The man who won the penalty got up

to convert it. Nardiello's tens league goal of the season. You

sensed any remaining Plymouth resolve had been broken. Three

minutes later, following some quality build-up down the Bury

left, Nardiello confirmed that impression when he nodded his second

and his side's third goal of the game. Now the Pilgrims were staring

at a rout. When they overplayed the ball on the edge of their own box,

Danny Mayor was unlucky not to extend the Bury lead. But soon it

was 4-0. Rose, Plymouth's shocking afternoon was well and truly

complete. Excellent stuff from Bury. Seven unbeaten for the first

time since 2011. There is the tale of the two

goalkeepers. First of all Accrington's Bettinelli was called

into action to stop this rangefinder. The efforts were

matched by Lewis Price, in the early stages of the second half, as he

thwarted Hatfield. The game needed something special to break the

deadlock. Rojas provided the industry and out witted the defence

before setting up Speight with a 75th minute opener. Mansfield were

desperately close to confirming what would have been a fifth straight

win, when the post came to the rescue after Speight's charged

down. After securing a late draw at York last time out, James Beattie's

side produced a late salvo will stop helped by the challenge on James

Gray. Leaving Naismith with a chance to smashing his tens of the season.

The stones need miracles if they are to be involved in the end of season

play-offs. -- the Stags. Torquay have vowed not to surrender their

league status meekly, but Lewington's double save prevented

Christian peers from rewarding the bottom club. More despair. Elito got

a penalty. He made it count. Torquay knew their relegation could be

sealed in the Devon derby at Exeter but the Daggers' defence parted to

give them a glimmer of hope. They spurned the chance to spark a

recovery. In the end they needed the keeper to make sure the away win was

not more comfortable. Chris Dickson denied. Dagenham hardly cared, just

delighted not be facing Torquay's freight.

With Wimbledon not quite safe this was not the start they wanted

against Newport. Zebroski's strike had them well beaten as the X-Files

outplayed their hosts early on. Neil Ardley was critical of the Dons'

first-half display. In the second, things got worse before they got

better. Barely a minute had been played when there was a penalty.

Flynn knocked it in and the Dons were destined to another home game

without victory. They were soon back in it. Two minutes later the imports

which offered a set piece and Kwesi Appiah higher halved the deficit. --

Kwesi Appiah. There was a valuable point for Wimbledon, his equaliser

leaves them six points clear of danger with three to play. The Dons

are clawing their way to safety, but only an inch at a time.

When Portsmouth lost to Rochdale three and a half weeks ago, they

were just one point above the drop zone. But Adam Webster's opener

against Bristol Rovers set them on the way to a fourth win on the spin.

But with a -- but with the Pirates in bigger trouble, this was never

going to be plain sailing and Matt Harrold, without a goal in 15 games,

levelled out midway through the first half with the aid of a

deflection. There was an element of good fortune about the goal that

would restore Pompey's lead. Holland -- Hollands' shot diverted home by

Ryan Taylor. But for so long without a goal, Matt Harrold was in the mood

and his brave header, under 30 seconds later, brought the scores

level for a second time. Bristol Rovers had come into the match point

above the drop zone. When Fogden scrambled Portsmouth ahead for a

third time, they couldn't respond. And with three games left to play,

then near 100 year league status is hanging by a thread. How much danger

are you in? The table does not lie, however, our destiny is in our

hands. We have got three cup finals to go, two of which are at home. We

need to get something down at Wycombe as well. Those four wins

have come at the right time. If you had offered me nine out of 12

points, I would have taken it, but 12 out of 12 is obviously massive

for us. Although we are not mathematically safe yet, we have

taken another giant leap to get to safety. I think we will be playing

Division 2 football next season, although it is not quite

mathematically done yet. We will go to Northampton on Monday and look

for another positive result. You when are trying to stay in the

Football League, the last thing you need is a goalkeeping howler against

your relegation rivals. Matt Ingram somehow managed to drop this one

into his own net. The error prompted a swift response from his

colleagues, and six minutes later, they equalised. They were buoyed by

the biggest attendance of the season at Adams Park. They pushed for a

winner in the second half, but they were unlucky to see this coming back

off the crossbar. Gareth Ainsworth's side thought they had

won it deep into stoppage time, but it was deemed offside.

A huge moment towards the end of that game, but it was a day in which

the top three all dropped points. Worryingly for Rochdale, the goals

have dried up? Yes, they had been free scoring before that. They had

won their previous four. The last four, they have not scored a single

goal, which is very strange, considering that going forward they

had been so free scoring. It will have Keith Hill tearing his hair

out, conceding goals like that, straight from the kick-off in the

second half. Hartlepool have now lost six in a row. But Burton, it

keeps them in with a shout of finishing in the top three. Since

Craig Hignett left, Hartlepool have gone all a horrible run. Yes, it is

the timing of that run which is hurting Hartlepool at this stage of

the season. They have got three games to get that victory to secure

safety. As far as the top of the table is concerned, Scunthorpe have

taken their unbeaten run to 26, and what an achievement that it is

incredible, I know him from his time at Bournemouth, and that is no mean

feat, I continue. He makes it look very easy, this management business.

And Graham Alexander at Fleetwood, they are now well placed, aren't

they? Yes, they have been on a really good run of form. They have

played really good football and he has stuck to that all season. At the

bottom, it is looking gloomy for Torquay, but tantalisingly, three

teams tied on 47 points. Looking at their running, who has got the more

favourable, Steve? I think there are pluses and minuses. For the point of

view of Bristol Rovers, two out of three are at home. If you want to

look at their home form, to say it is a contrast to the away form, that

is an understatement. They have won one game only away from home. That

is almost it. Before we leave you, a reminder that Match of the Day 2

will round up all of the Premier League action on Sunday night. And

we are back in less than 48 hours, we are back on Easter Monday, to

reflect on yet another busy afternoon in the Football League.

Eddie Howe, it has been a pleasure having you in. Good luck for the

rest of the season. Steve, always a pleasure. And we hope to see you on

Monday. Good night.