19/10/2013 The Football League Show

Evening. The Skybet Football League was back to its full complement

today, with each team aiming to maintain the feel-good factor from

the recent internationals. And today saw three new faces in the dug-out

after Kevin Blackwell, David Weir and Martin Allen all paid the price

for their club's poor starts to the season. Leroy's with me this evening

to see how the likes of Bury, Sheffield United and Gillingham

kicked off a new era. And here's a taster of what's coming up. Watford

have so far shown that reaching last season's Play-Off final was no flash

in the pan. Earlier today the Championship's top scorers welcomed

Steve McClaren's reinvigorated Derby to Vicarage Road. Without a win in

five, Blackpool's early charge has petered out in recent weeks. Wigan

were the visitors at Bloomfield road for the day's early kick off. It's

ten years now since they took their first tentative steps on the road to

becoming MK Dons. ten years now since they took their

first I'm with League One's perennial promotion challengers for

the visit of another club with Championship ambitions, Rotherham.

And, as usual, we've plenty of talking points and all the goals

from from another busy weekend of football.

Right, to Vicarage Road then where despite having already scored 21

goals in 11 games, Gianfranco Zola believes the division's top scorers

aren't as ruthless as last season. So how would the Hornets respond

against Steve McClaren's Derby, with the former England boss getting his

tenure off to a flier last time out with a 3-1 win over Leeds?

Commentary comes from John Roder. And should be challenging for

promotion places at the end of the season. -- two teams who should be

challenging. Derby have a better were echoed that Pride Park. Ten of

their 15 points this season have come on the road. Watford's top

scorer is out because of a calf problem. Diego Parini replaces him

as one of four changes. Derby are without Johnny Russell, so Mason

Bennett makes his first Championship start of the season. Steve

McClaren's signed another striker, Dawkins, but he is on the bench.

Two in the middle! What a goal! Steve McClaren's team are in front.

First blood to Derby. Bryson is fully involved. That ball looked to

be too high. But he had other ideas. Look at the height. He is at full

stretch to meet it. Nicely floated free kick. It might

have just come off Eustis, rather than Whitbread. A glimpse of a smile

from the new manager. Watford take the chance for an equaliser. What a

start at vicarage Road. McEachran with the initial ball forward but

McGugan takes a forward to Forestieri, who takes it to

perfection. A fine finish from Fernando Forestieri.

Fabbrini goes recall! He was not far away from taking that one. --

Fabbrini goes for goal. It looks like he only had one thing on his

mind, cracking a goal. Into the last five minutes of the opening half. A

player goes down in the area under a challenge. Watford felt that there

should have been a penalty here. Well, there was certainly a pull on

the shirt of Cossack T. Well, just above Watford in the table before

kick-off were Nottingham Forest, who've started this season in the

same way they finished the last, with a ten game unbeaten run. Steve

McClaren mixes were down. -- makes his way down. A second goal for

Jamie Ward. Derby, in front just before half-time. And it all stemmed

from a calamitous Watford error. McEachran's pass, and suddenly Derby

were away. Martin played it through and the final touch was applied by

Jamie Ward. A shot from distance, only just

wide. It was fired in there by Craig Benson. Watford, guilty yet again

conceding possession. -- yet again of needlessly conceding possession.

It is getting a little fiery out there. A challenge on Martin.

Good save. Smith takes the header to safety. Pressure building from the

Hornets. McGugan finds the top corner! When

you need a goal, Lewis McGugan is the man to provide it. And this is

an exquisite goal. A little luck, just assessing the

position of a goalkeeper. And any curls it, into the top corner. -- a

little luck. It is absolutely brilliant.

Adam Smith, he has already been booked in this match. Is this

another card? Derby County are going to go down to ten men here because

by my reckoning Adam Smith has already been booked. Maybe he had

not been booked already. I thought he had been. There is some confusion

as to whether he had been booked earlier in the match. That was the

challenge from Smith. Actually, it was useless who was booked. Well,

just above Watford in the table before kick-off were Nottingham

Forest, who've started this season in the same way they finished the

last, with -- Eustace. Derby County, home to Birmingham in

their next fixture but they will be keen to go to that with three

points. Connor Sammon scores! And Derby County are in front for the

third time this afternoon. Time is very much against Watford. If they

are to level for a third time. Hughes with the pass forward. And

Connor Sammon, just able to put it past Armenia. Almunia four. The

first goal, you could do nothing. It was a great goal. The second and

third, it was different. Otherwise, we would have spoiled the good work.

We felt that we were in front and we should have extended the lead after

half-time. I think both teams could be satisfied with the football but

disappointed with the goals. The character in the end won the game.

disappointed with the goals. The character in the end won It was a

great game. Ten goals scored under the leadership of Stephen town. He

was not in charge of the game against a switch. Lots to look

forward to for Derby fans. What have you seen from them? Positive mental

attitude. They have gone to Watford, going toe to toe. It was a fantastic

game of football. Both sides put in good performances. It could have

gone either way. Sometimes, it can be dull as dishwater when you're

watching a passing side, but they were great and incisive. Lots of

strong, positive running. It was a great cross from Bryson who made it

here. The pace means that the defender cannot get off the ground.

Jamie Ward, he gets off the ground. When Derby won the ball, they have

plenty of players running forward. They end up attacking. Many teams

have gone to Watford and taken a height advantage but they have not

done anything with that advantage. Jamie Ward, two great goals. But

Steve McClaren, and we have already mentioned this, during his early

days at Derby, he shown a knack with the substitutions. Certainly. Jamie

Ward went off after seven minutes and you thought, why? He had already

scored two and he was on for a hat-trick, and then Connor Sammon

took his place and won the ball. It was a lovely ball. Connor Sammon

just poke that in. Watford, no wonder Gianfranco Zola was

disappointed. just poke that in. Watford, no

wonder They have a lot to do, but they did brilliantly. They did not

do a lot in the game, Hughes, but that was a key moment. -- he did not

do it a lot. that was a key moment. -- he did not

do Well, just above Watford in the table before kick-off were

Nottingham Forest, who've started this season in the same way they

finished the last, with a ten game unbeaten run. Earlier today,

Bournemouth were hoping to become the first team to take three points

from the City Ground. A terrible backpass. But the

goalkeeper comes and does the job. Ramsey should have scored. And the

man from South Africa is cursing the fact that he has not got his first

goal in English football. They are almost over doing it at the

moment. To elaborate. And you will not seem any better goals than that

this weekend! Spectacular. Can bore find an equaliser before

the interval? -- can Bournemouth. It hits the post. Grabbing at it. --

Graden hit it. Defending better in this half.

Henderson is onside. He has got to score! No, he hasn't. How did

Henderson not make it 2-0? He will look back on that one at the end of

his career as one of the biggest openings he has ever missed. It will

be Reid who resumes responsibility for the corner kicks. Right onto the

head of the goal-scorer, no, he hasn't, it is disallowed. Henderson

is disappointed. Anderson came racing in. Maybe he was climbing all

over the opponent, that is why it was ruled out. It is five minutes to

go. Five minutes. But it is not over yet. It is Ramsey. Here is the shot,

it has gone in, it is Marc Pugh. Bournemouth have got the level, on

the 90 minute mark. It is Marc Pugh who has steered the ball inside the

right-hand upright. It is Forest one, Bournemouth one. I have to

laugh, to be honest. It is a rough old game, sometimes. We had a host

of chances, we probably should have won the game. It was not our best

half, we are below the standards we set recently but the second half we

came good. This will give us more belief, hopefully quick.

Burnley's bid for a fifth successive win took them to Portman Road, where

Ipswich have won four of their five games so far, which is making Mick

McCarthy a popular tip for a second spell in charge of Ireland. The

Clarets' miserly defence back on the line in numbers to give Cole Skuse

no space to shoot at. McCarthy was delighted with his side's showing

but there was no easy way past their determined opponents, though Cole

Skuse in particular was trying his best. In 19 visits to Ipswich,

Burnley have won just once, in 1970, yet this is no ordinary season. One

more victory would make it the club's best start since 1897. Danny

Ings and Sam Vokes had no joy but with so much focus on them, Scott

Arfield slipped in unnoticed. It was enough for Burnley. It meant Ireland

was the last thing on Mick's mind when it came to the post-match

assessment. There is nothing I can do about it. I have never been

anywhere near the job when it has come up so I am not interested,

genuinely, in a speculation. I really concentrated on Burnley today

and we have lost. I am annoyed about it. Perhaps just take that before

you think about asking me another question. We had a chat at

half-time, we were just below the performance level we have been

giving lately and we upped it but there was not a lot in it and it was

looking like it was going to be a moment of quality. I am pleased we

provided that. Harry Redknapp, all smiles upon

arrival at the Den. His mood was to change dramatically. Things started

well enough for QPR. They took the lead through a player Harry has

signed three times, this trademark strike from Niko Kranjcar was his

first courageous. 16 years ago Millwall manager Steve Lomas was

once an inspired Redknapp signing. After his stirring half-time team

talk alliance fought back. After good work from Liam Trotter, Scott

McDonald scored the first goal that QPR had conceded in nine

Championship matches. They soon retook the lead, just over 20

minutes ago Kranjcar threaded a perfect pass through to Charlie

Austin, who scored his fifth goal in four games. That looked like winning

but there was one in the eye for Harry and QPR in injury time.

Redknapp says he and coach Joe Jordan were struck by the ball so

they did not even see this seconds later Jermaine Easter grabbed an

equaliser which sees Rangers lose ground for the Championship leaders.

I did not see the goal. The ball hit Joe Jordan in the face, it cut his

glasses into his face. We were looking around to see the idiot who

threw the ball and suddenly the ball was in the back of our net. We

brought in strikers and went for it and thoroughly designed the point at

the very least. I am sure that is the hardest team QPR has played

against this season. A trip to Leicester would not

exactly have been Huddersfield's venue of choice. Their previous five

league visits there had all ended in defeat, including a 6-1 thrashing on

New Year's Day. Another open contest promised yet more goals. Town

stitching together a flowing move that put Paul Dixon in the clear,

only for James Vaughan to be denied by Kasper Schmeichel. The Foxes are

deadly on the counter and with the Yorkshire club retreating Dave

Nugent found room to slip into it -- Jamie Vardy. The striker's explosive

finish, his first in nine games pop, put Leicester on course for a

sixth straight home win. Mark Robins, who won promotion to the

Premier League and League Cup with Leicester watched his side go

further behind as Anthony Gerrard sundered the ball past his own

keeper. Huddersfield now were two down at the break but back in it

just past the hour. Just minutes after coming on from the bench, Sean

Scannell took matters into his own hands. Not many have found a way

past Wes Morgan this season and when he did, Paul Konchesky diverted his

effort into his own net. That raised hopes of a recovery. But late on

their chances of grabbing that equaliser all but disappeared when

James Vaughan was dismissed exception to the challenge which

caught him on the elbow. Off-camera he pushed the pole to the deck and

will be sorely missed in the weeks ahead. The positive performance from

both sides and I think for us the three points is very important. It

is belief, we are lacking a touch of belief against the top teams of the

division. Once that comes through they will be a lot better for it but

we created a number of chances today and I was pleased with the

performance overall. After the draw at Barnsley defeat at

Burnley which cost Reading their top six berth, a return to the Madejski

Stadium offered a chance to get back on track and Danny Guthrie the

opportunity to continue his unexpected scoring burst. The man

who netted both against Birmingham in the last home game got the bad --

got the ball rolling. His fourth of the campaign, more than he managed

in the last three seasons combined. Doncaster had an inspired

substitution, Theo Robinson pouncing after Mark Duffy's free kick was

parried. Rovers went to the break behind courtesy of Reading's wily

fox in the box, Adam Le Fondre, his fifth of the campaign in which he

has started only seven games. Doncaster's problems began after the

75th minute when they lost their skipper with arm injury. The ten men

picked off, Garath McCleary adding his goal to his two assists. Rob

Redknapp drilled home a fourth. Reading returned to the play-off

places -- Pavel Pogrebnyak drilled home a fourth.

We scored an excellent goal, the first one. A good team, team play.

What a great finish from Danny Guthrie. It was a good goal and we

scored some really good goals. It is hard to be positive when you have

been beaten 4-1 but the players have been fantastic, their attitude and

work rate. If we keep getting it, more games will come our way.

Millwall did not get a win on Saturday but it was a creditable --

creditable draw against QPR. A real test of character for Steve Lomas'

side. To bridge that defence twice takes some doing. When QPR went

ahead nobody expected Millwall to come back. They expected another

cleans sheet for QPR but they showed determination. It has been a

difficult place for QPR to go to and it did not change. Things like this

will not only annoy Harry but Steve Lomas as well. It deflects from

Millwall's performance. Little things, that is what people will

talk about instead of the great equaliser that secured them the

void. In the end good day for Millwall. We have to talk about

Burnley, records continue to tumble. 1-0 winners at Ipswich, their best

start in a ways -- years. It is all pointing towards a fabulous season

for Sean Dyche' men. It is a fabulous season. The Ipswich side

have been impressive at home, Scott Arthur gets the winner with ten

minutes to go. Their away form is incredible. They've have 14-macro of

their five games away from home and continue to go from strength to

strength. A great spirit in the squad. Mick McCarthy, you see him

leaving for the Ireland job? Managing your national side is a

great honour but he is great in the day-to-day running of football

clubs. I think you will see the job through with Ipswich. Saturday's

early kick-off in the Championship was a Lancashire derby between

Blackpool and Wigan. The Tangerines had had four consecutive draws. The

hosts had to do without manager Paul Ince, who began a five match stadium

band. One change for Blackpool as Dan Gosling made his first start for

the club, a couple of changes for Wigan as Callum McManaman and

Emmerson Boyce started. Jon Champion was watching this one.

That is a free kick. Against MacKenzie. Awarded by the referee,

Mark Hayward. Leon Barnett is amongst those to have gone forward.

Wigan's tallest player is no slouch in the area either and it is well

delivered but headed wide by Nick Powell. A good routine.

He set up Nick Powell for what should have been a simple, headed

finish. On the far post was Thomas Ince,

somewhere. His father will be cursing into a mobile phone while

watching the television pictures of this game.

Dan Gosling tries to go round the keeper and goes over and Mark

Hayward has awarded a penalty. Dan Gosling going around the keeper

surely had he kept his footing it would have a goal-scoring

opportunity. His father may be a controversial absentee, what can his

son Tom do? Tom Ince scores and Blackpool have the lead. Ince

driving in his fifth goal of the season.

Jack Robinson slicing it high into the stand. It is one thing you will

get from Grant Holt, chuntering at the referee.

It is cleared off the line. Wigan, twice unfortunate. The initial

header beat everyone, but not the bar. Then the follow-up by Emmerson

Boyce denied by Dan Gosling there. And as header and once more it hits

the bar. -- another good header. Excellent centre forward play by

Grant Holt to bully his way in front of the defender.

Wigan have thrown an awful lot at Blackpool late in the second period.

But it is the home side who break with Robinson.

Ince is trying to seal it. Tom Ince, deflected wide. What a good game

this has become. It was an admirable stop.

Surely on the line, but no. Blackpool can't seal victory. It was

Broadfoot who seemingly only had to make some contact to score.

Blackpool can feel it here. Scott Carson rescues Wigan. Tom Ince knows

that that was the moment when he should have laid claim to all three

points for his team. On the line, Davis, the whistle has

gone. It is not going to count. Before he turned the ball over the

line, the officials had intervened. Two players squaring up to each

other, James McClean who has a short fuse. This is the reason for it. You

can see the boot on McClean's leg and there was a flailing arm in the

initial challenge by MacKenzie. Mark Jones certainly had a better view

than the referee. The card is out and McClean is sent

off. With him may well go Wigan's last hope.

I'm astounded at the decision. The Blackpool lad, he is a lucky lad. He

stood on McClean's knee as the lad is lying on the ground, which I

think is in poor taste. Everything seems to be conspiring against us in

that respect. Not happy. You have sympathy with him, haven't you? I

agreed with what Owen Coyle said. There he has been lenient with Gary

McKenzie. The first challenge there is so much intent when they go up

for the first header he is stamped on. McClean is remonstrating with

the assistant referee and referee, he gets sent off. Look at the arm as

it comes across McClean. That is easily a booking. Then the stamp on

his knee. I've seen it on many occasions. He is frustrated, in

extra-time, his side is losing he is overly aggressive in the challenge.

McClean gets sent off for absolutely nothing. The referee got it

absolutely wrong. What about the defining moment in the first half

when Carson committed the offence really which led to the penalty?

Should he have at least been cautioned? No action was taken on

him by the referee at the time? He is given a penalty. He feels it is a

goalscoring opportunity. I mean, Gosling goes through here. It is

certainly a foul. I would have expected a booking. He is not in

control of the ball. It would have been harsh to send Scott off. He had

a poor day. Wigan haven't scored away from home? They had injuries

and the Europa League. The last few minutes of that game show what had

they are capable of. Our final look at the Championship

starts with struggling Charlton, who began the day just above the

relegation zone, not helped by injuries to key players in recent

weeks. The Addicks went in search of only

their second win of the season at nineth placed Blackburn.

The one moment of real class in this game won it for Charlton. After a

perfect past from Stevens, Church's first touch and finish is worthy of

winning any game. The Addicks only did so thanks to Blackburn's lack of

guile upfront. This was one of the best moments. Otherwise, Blackburn

experienced what was called "one of those days" after Hamer's weak

punch, Best should have done better. Charlton defended stoutly and

deserved their first away win of the season. Lowe came closest to denying

them a morale boosting three points. We have had it tough so far, our

fans have kept with us, which I know they will. More importantingly, the

players gave them a performance that they deserve. Not only the

supporters, my playerses have worked ever so hard. I always celebrate and

acknowledge our fans, they have been through a lot. There is no hiding

place in football, surely Tony Mowbray know that is by now, by

half-time at Oakwell his Middlesbrough side must have wished

there was as Barnsley ran riot. McCourt waltzed his way through half

of the team to give them the breakthrough. Having opened his

account for the South Yorkshire side, injury meant that was his

final contribution replaced by O'Brien. His shot went in off

O'Grady that increased their advantage. They had won only two of

their previous games in league and Cup. Gibson sent Pedersen sprawling.

O'Grady did the business from the spot. Barnsley were pinching

themselves. It would appear a lost cause for Mowbray's men, they gave

it a real go in the second-half. It wasn't until the final 10 minutes

that he they got on the scoresheet, Adomah was little more of a

consolation. Richardson found space on the right and swung over the

perfect cross for Adomah to get his second. Barnsley held on for the

final six minutes to clinched a win that moves them off the bottom. Once

they got the first goal, Middlesbrough the second goal, it

was tight. I expected it to be at times it is difficult when they

throw caution to the wind. They had two centre halves the rest was

attacking, eight players attacking you. I was disappointed with the

quality and level of goals we conceded. People can get side

tracked by goals and the scoreline. It didn't necessarily reflect the

balance of play, I didn't think. Second-half we scored two goals,

first half we could have scored more than two. Ultimately, at the end of

the day, we lost a football match which left us disappointed. Another

opportunity for three points gone. We have to move on to next week,

next game. On the day Gus Poyet moved into the prepariership

management he grieved his successor grappled with a long injury list.

Ashley Barnes tested Hennessey. It was a drab first half and

encouraging for Yeovil who lost all five of their previous home games.

The Glovers grew in of can dense after the break. Had this effort

gone in it would have doubled Yeovil's goal tally on their own

turf for the entire season so far. Duffy went closest to breaking the

deadlock. His header clipped the post. All the same, Yeovil were on

course for their first ever Championship point, spared again by

Buckley towards the end. I have watched them six times, no side

comes here and turns you over and over. We felt we did enough to win

the game. Little bit disappointed at the end, if we are honest. They are

one or two games away from the Premiership last year, we mustn't be

disappointed with a 0-0 result. We may be bottom of the league, we are

gaining experience, the lads are gaining experience against these

types of teams that can keep the ball, they are clever, strong and

fit. They have been there and done it. Is Bolton's goalkeeper Bogdan

had a hard time in international week, conceding eight against the

Netherlands. He had a better day. He denied Wednesday several times early

on. Wanderers took the lead against the run of play. Beckford got the

goal. An own-goal got Wednesday back on terms. Baptiste beat his own-goal

keeper. Both teams had cause to crumble. The Owls found fault with

the officials. They thought they had taken the lead through Jermaine

Johnson. Massey raised the offside flag against a player who didn't

touch the ball but tried to. Wednesday finished the game with

10-men. Dave Jones was adamant his player had been hard done by. Semedo

was upset. The red card left him in tears. There could be more if these

two sides fail to turn draws into wins. It's not offside. They have

people on the line. They got it wrong, there is nothing I can do

about it. They got the challenge wrong. It's a perfectly good

challenge. If he are sending him off for that, the boy down-the-line has

to go as well. Both his feets are on the ground. I feel for the kid you

can't take tackling out of the game. That is a perfectly good tackle. Let

us talk on Charlton. Their first away win of the season.

Frustratingly for their manager nine of their ten points have come

against Leicester, Blackburn, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn?

That is impressive. Fantastic goal from Simon Church. They have their

noses in front. When they get their noses in front they will get the

points. Haven't done it often enough. Good afternoon for Barnsley.

First time they have hit three goals and been on the winning side for

eight months. That is what David Flitcroft needed? They needed three

goals in the end they made it a very nervous end to the game. Great start

with McCourt getting the opener. Lovely finish. He will be upset with

10 minutes to go they are 3-0 up, cruising, after cleansheet they

concede two late goals and make it very nervous. Would have been

furious for Mowbray he had Paddy McCourt with him at Celtic.

Sheffield Wednesday continue to play catchup without a win this season.

The uncertainty off the pitch with the owner trying to sell the club,

does that make the manager's job harder? It doesn't help. When you

are asking for commitment from the players it's hard when you are not

getting the commitment from the owner. He has his own reasons why he

wants to sell the club. You need full commitment from the club, he

isn't getting that. When the loans go back, what will they be left with

at the club? Absolutely. It's... At the moment you would think the loans

are coming in to sort out the situation to get the first win, get

over the line. They are coming to the end, he needs to go for plan B.

They need their luck to change. They were unlucky on Saturday.

To League One next and Leyton Orient kept their phenomenal title charge

on track last week with a 2-1 win against MK Dons thanks to Kevin

Lisbie's ninth goal of the season. Earlier today Russell Slade's

invincibles were at Tranmere. The football league's team set up

Lisbie. They are the league's top-scorers. That doesn't mean every

goal is a masterpiece. This miscue created a second for Lisbie.

Orient's passage to victory was assisted by Tranmere in discipline.

Lisbie was cleaned out by a whiled challenge from Goodison th took all

in it is path. Raised hands followed and the Jamaican was sent off. This

penalty was struck post. Referee was more aware of the rules than the

player, goal disallowed. A third wasn't long delayed. This run

provided a platform Cox to get his fifth goal of the season. You have a

very valuable player. To please manager Slade further, two of his

substitutes combined to make it 4-0. Batt's finished owed something to a

deflection. Peterborough went in search of a

sixth straight win and made their intentions clear from the out-Sid.

Taylor hit the post as Shrewsbury faced early pressure. Having

survived the onslaught they made life difficult. Mendez-Laing bagged

them another for their haul, that is 10 wins out of 12 now. After

successive relegations at last Wolves fans are smiling. Their best

league start for 64 years has helped as has the free-scoring form of

Griffiths. It was the number nine's eighth of the season. The Sky Blues

it felt a score once in the league so far, when the leveller came late

the one surprise was the source, Phillips' first for the club and the

first in the football league. No, I think it would have been a

travelalsy today if we hadn't got something from the game much we

played well, controlled and mature for a young team. I had to applaud

my players and the way they went about things today. Bradford started

brightly enough suggesting a third consecutive away win was a real

possibility. They created the better openings. Thompson wasn't alone in

failing to make them count. The last time the side met there were five

red cards. This was tame by comparison. Adams felt that Bates

knocked this shot with his arm. Crawley scored in every game this

season. Sinclair made the most of his place in the starting line-up

with this goal. A break down in communications gifted the home side

an opportunity to double their lead. Proctor is waiting for his third of

the season. This effort bounced off the bar. Crawley extended their

unbeaten league run to seven. Gillingham under Peter Taylor were

caught out by Preston at the Priestfield. The cameraman nearlied

lost Kean's goal. Brownhill marked his debut with a goal. Kedwell

introduced an element of doubt, Preston held firm to stop the rot. I

asked them to be a little bit unpredictable when we have the ball,

don't play the same way all the time. Pass the ball, pass it short,

pass it long or whatever. I think at times they done that. They passed

with a little bit of patience. At times I felt they could have gone

forward a little bit quicker. Again, as you say, we have had three days

putting certain things into them, in that respect I thought they had done

great. Preston, back to winning ways.

Gillingham, starting life after Martin Allen. What if you think when

he left? Was surprised he did not get more of an opportunity after

what he achieved. It was a good Saturday for Leyton Orient and

Peterborough. For Leyton Orient, we're running out of superlatives,

with the run they are on. For male winners at Tranmere on Saturday. Is

continuity the heart of what is happening? -- for male. Yes. It is a

team that seemed to have grown together. They take that spirit out

onto the pitch. Last year, they missed out on the play-offs by three

points. They missed out on the final, and that seemed to galvanise

them. They are a steam roller at the moment. Gareth Peterson thinks that

his team do not get enough credit. Don't know what programme he is

watching. What a goal this was. Outstanding. And we have seen plenty

of these all season. But three of them in one game? And was just

impressed with that clean sheet. It was a resolute site. That was

impressive. And they so got the three points.

was a resolute site. That was impressive. And they so got the And

they continue without Lee Tomlin. Having consistently knocked on the

door of the Championship in recent seasons, MK Dons are once again in a

mix for a promotion challenge. In the week manager Karl Robinson was

strongly linked with the Sheffield United job, Clem went to stadium MK

as Rotherham came to town. Rightly or wrongly, the way in which

football team to Milton Keynes has been debated endlessly. A decade on,

maybe now is the time to assess whether the dream matches the

reality. How do you feel, standing here looking at this? This is the

first game when every single area of concrete has been covered with a

seat. It sounds crass to say that I'm proud, but I am pleased. I am

amazed. It is magnificent and ready for a much bigger stage. The only

fly in the ointment, I'm going to say, 13,500 capacity and you are

averaging about 8000 at the moment. I will take that on the chin. We are

in the news City. We have to start off as second favourites. It is

generational. It will take some time. But we will be full in two

years time. It has to be for the long-term, sustainable. As well as

putting more bums on seats, the chairman may soon inspire a new one

in the technical area with more rumours linking his current manager

with a move away. The must be some smoke to have some fire like that?

There is a lot of work to be done here. What you see on the pitch is a

by-product of our loan system and the use of the club. It did not seem

right. So why took myself out on Thursday. Think the reason why you

get linked is because people see the loyalty that I have shown. We are

definitely building for the future. We are 18 months away from the

finish. And then we will have a budget to go and compete.

11 goals in 15 games. Have you had your agent on the phone? Not yet.

Hopefully, ever score a few more, and might. -- Fite score a few more,

I'm might. You optimistic that you could be in

the first team soon? He is the lawn watch now,

penalty was given and O'Connor was dismissed. Sean Williams did the

honours from the spot, squeezing the ball under Scott Shearer's body. The

Millers lost 4-0 last week, and were two down midway through the second

half. Reams tapped in his first for the club. But the ten men from South

Yorkshire battled back bravely. Within minutes, they were back in

contention with this header. The panic began to set in for the home

side. From Shearer's and kick, Tom Flanagan made a mess at an attempt

for clearance and watched in horror as the ball sailed past the keeper.

Against the odds, Steve Evans' sides appear to have saved the day. But

not quite. Patrick Bamford showed all his Premier League quality to

put it back in the dons' favour. We will talk This is not the time or

the place to go through this. You all know the things that we will

work on. Get back into it. Fantastic. See you on Monday. Well

done. Better you what, forget the mistakes. It showed the quality, the

determination. -- I tell you what. All of the components are there.

Patrick Bamford, it is a job well done for him. More results like that

and every club in the league will start rolling out the red carpet for

clamp. -- Clem. Bamford is a really good finisher. We heard from Karel

there. He is building for the long-term, interestingly. He has

been so close to getting promotion. As his star lost its shine? I don't

think so. People understand that he took the job on a reduced budget.

Paul Hutcheon left the club cossie felt it was an unrealistic budget. I

think he has done really well. They will be frustrated that he has not

got them over the line. The risen doubt about it, if he's going to go,

he has to go to a club that has a long-term plan and shares his

vision. Interestingly, this season, his top scorer is not around. And he

has not played his strongest 11 this calendar year. It shows that he can

come up with a plan against adversity and get results. And they

play a certain type of football, which develops players as well. Our

last look at League 1 now starts with Friday night's game at the

County Ground with in-form Swindon went looking for their third win on

the bounce against Notts County. Could Nile Ranger have found a place

to thrive at Swindon? This is his third goal for the Robins.

Not scanty's defence did what they could desperately. The backline was

pushed beyond breaking point. There was no legal answer to this surge

from Nathan Byrne. From the spot, Ngessen was precise. In the second

half, the referee gave a second penalty. Naseem, on Callum

MacGregor. Haynes went for power and straight, but too much of the

latter. Swindon could have had more. A third successive league win for

the Robins. Walsall struggled on home turf so an

early goal was the ideal antidote to settle anxieties around the stadium.

Sawyers delivered it, making the most of his recall to the starting

line-up. Weston made two changes at the break but James Baxendale's

superb pass gave them the opportunity to double the

advantage. Stevenage came from behind to win against Brentford last

weekend. Which of O'Donnell failed to deal with a long ball and the

opportunity was snapped up. If another comeback seemed a

possibility, it disappeared when Lucas Akins took a swing at Paul

Denning. Akins, just back after injury, is now set for an enforced

lay-off. Defeats Stevenage drop into the bottom four. Late on, Julian

Bray could have made of three. The keeper did well but maximum points

capped the Saddlers in touch. -- capped.

The value of well chosen loan signings were on show at Gryphon

park. Two of them were close to providing an early breakthrough. But

it was Colchester who struck first. This corner was met by an emphatic

header. Consistent form has proved elusive for both. Sample, on loan

from Chelsea, should have equalised. -- Saville.

For minutes later, Brentford hit the front for the first time. The fact

that saddle goodness from sniffing distance but score from a taxi ride

away provide a lure to -- provides a clue to the lure of the game. Logic

does not apply. Harris had only had a day with the club, signed on loan

from Cardiff. Donaldson may not yet have learned the name of his new

colleagues but he knew how to locate him. The first goal of Harris's

senior career. Sheffield United's search for a

sixth manager in three years continues meaning that Chris Morgan

took Taher take -- caretaker charge. Micky Adams watched his old boss

started the scoring. They'll have only ever won once in the league.

The prospects of improving on that records took a hit when Ryan Flynn

was taken out. The former Sheffield Wednesday man was soon on his way

back to the dressing room, which was happier at half-time thanks to a

level from Adam Yates. But United's captain came to the rescue. Michael

Doyle, another new signing, secured the home side their first win since

the opening weekend. I know they are working hard to get

a manager in and they know that all we can do is make it an easier

transition for the manager. For him to come in on the back of a couple

of good results is better. Oldham had taken just two points

from the last 18 on personal help was welcome. Sean O'Hanlon drop-down

Adam Rooney. Rooney took it and scored it. Graham Kavanagh has a

tough job on his hands. The sarcastic handclap, quite rare

offence for a sending-off. The referee was not amused. It finished

1-0 to Oldham. With two home games in four days,

crude sense an opportunity to climb the table. -- Crewe. A point was

within the visitors' grass but a penalty was given an City went to

the bottom of the league. More pressure on Sean O'Brien all. --

O'Driscoll. They started both of those games

without a recognised writer. Bristol City, run without a win continues,

not only this season but last season. 20 games in all! Long can

this go on? It is getting very uncomfortable. We all recognise that

Bristol City are in a transition phase. Managers and coaches use that

word a lot. But even in a transition stage, you should be operating

mid-table. A lot of fans expect them to bounce back. To be bottom of the

table without having won a game, not even looking like they can, they got

close last week, but they made a ridiculous mistake and that cost

them the three points. And today, you could see, to concede the

penalty in the 90th minute, it means that the belief has been sucked out.

City go bottom because Sheffield United one on Saturday. It will come

as a relief for Blades fans. They are looking for the six full-time

manager in three years. I mean, if they are going to achieve anything

this season, there is no doubt they have to get this appointment right.

They have got to. They got rid of some decent managers. They have made

some interesting appointments. But now they are floundering, it has to

be said. A club like that, to be where the art is unacceptable. They

need to get this appointment spot on. Such a contrast to last season

when they started at 16. Sven Goran Eriksson has been linked. You see

this happening? As good a manager as he was for England, his experience

in the lower leagues has not been great.

In League Two, the latest round of games started at Toots Hall on

Friday night as struggling Southend hosted second place Fleetwood Town.

After 12 games without a goal he forced himself to the front of the

queue. Fleetwood a lot of the first half play. Nine minutes from time

Hughes was ajumped judged to have clipped the heals of this player.

Despite the margin of their defeat, Fleetwood left Essex feeling

aggrieved. The first goal was poor. We could have defended it better. We

spoke about that. The players will know that. The second goal was not a

penalty. I didn't think it was. I have seen it on DVD. My player said

he got the ball. It's not a penalty. The warning signs had been there for

leaders Chesterfield. In their previous two games they let their

position slip. McGurk finished this shot superbly. Four minutes later

Albion were two clear, McGurk with his head this time. That takes his

tally to five league goals for the season. This was an off day for the

leaders, take nothing away from Burton Albion. Weir went close to a

third. The home team's best moment came from Gnanduillet. To today to

play like that, with a discipline that we showed, with the creativity,

first 15 minutes we had two or three other chances. I think I spoke to

Paul at the end. He said you could have had four or five. Especially a

against a terrific side that Paul has here in Chesterfield. Wasn't

good enough today. I don't believe in having hiding places and positive

this and positive that. That's a million miles from where we want to

be. Oxford had high hopes at Accrington, the only League Two side

yet to win this season. Clarke had to be sharp to be sure that Naismith

didn't give them the lead. This shot was saved well by the keeper.

Morecambe's unbeaten league run stretches back to August. While

Wimbledon had picked up four points on their travels. When Ellison cut

inside Fenlon, the dye appeared to be have been cast. Michael Smith's

sixth of the season secured the draw. Having breathed life into

their season with two wins out of three, Cheltenham were hopeful of

more of the same against Rochdale. This cut back was knocked in

unwittingly by Brown. The Robins had every reason to believe their luck

had turned. The conditions may have helped Henderson squeeze an

equaliser past Scott Brown. Although the rain had stopped by injury-time,

Cheltenham's dodgy defending hadn't. A seventh win out of eighth for Dale

whether they deserved it or not. We deserved to win. There is no

question about that. No-one can offer any other opinion other than

we deserved to win that game. We had positive possession. Not enough

penetration in the first half. We went behind to set play. We

responded again from the bench, I suppose, by making the changes. How

we conceded two goals, I don't know. Poor goals. The timing of it was

cruel. I thought we'd given... We know they are a decent side, we had

kept them quiet. We made the odd mistake, but we've just switched off

twice and got beat. Tough for the boys, but shouldn't have happened.

Scunthorpe to Exeter is a journey long enough to be an endurance test

as a post script to failure. The referee took pity and gave a foul.

From there on Exeter didn't look back. This pass went into the path

of Sercombe. A fine team goal followed four minutes into the

second-half by a brilliant individual effort from Davis. A 3-0

home defeat by Hartlepool came as a rude shock last time out. Atonement

was in the air. The Sercombe got his second. He had taken 37 matches to

score his previous two goals. Parkin made it four in stoppage-time. That

journey home will have seem more palatable than usual. Torquay began

this game as the only team in League Two not to take a point in October.

It suggested a team short of luck. Pearce pulled back Clucas. A point

earned in adversity. I have to say it feels like a win. We know it's

not three points, we know it's only a point. It feels like a win.

Wycombe tend to travel way, they have won three of their lost four on

the road in all competition. Instead of the boost Bristol Rovers needed,

their afternoon took a turn for the worse after 25 minutes. Clarkson's

swinging arm caught Scowen in the face. The referee sought a second

opinion. The verdict wasn't what Rovers wanted, they hadn't won from

August, would see over a hour of this one a man light. Eight minutes

from the end another milestone for Kretzschmar clinched a victory that

puts wanderers in the play-off places. The patient way we played

today was a step forward for us instead of getting worried and

panicking we are not 2-3 -- 2-0 or 3-0 up against 10-men. This time,

chatman rattled out an early warning after last week's defeat, Newport

were intent on getting back on track. Jackson's deliver Wassmer --

was cut back and they went in front. As McGurk slipped, they had a

top-class finish to double the lead by half-time. York will have to pick

themselves up for a trip to Chesterfield. They were sunk here.

Although Washington's effort hit the post. Newport sealed a victory with

Crow making his mark three minutes after coming on. This free-kick is

symptomatic of Northampton's problems this season. The goals just

won't go in. Hines brought Daggers level with this stunner. His fourth

goal in as many games for the East Londoners. Northampton could have

restored their lead after more good work from Norris, Carter was denied

his first goal by Lewington. So it was Dagenham who took the lead into

the interval, Murphy put the spring back into the Daggers step. Ian

Morris ensured a share of the post with this equaliser. The cobblers

need more than draws to climb out of the relegation zone. 15,500 people

saw Pompey get off to a positive start. N'Gala's header was a

set-piece classic. The Shakers had the better of the second-half.

Wallace should have eked Portsmouth's nerves on a way to a

barely unwarranted win. It's one of those victories you don't want, but

you will take. There aren't many players who would say they had a

good game on the ball. We ultimately won the game. Hartlepool had won

three in a row all the way before Plymouth came north. The goalkeeper

did his bit to keep the run going. The red card came 26 minutes in. The

game's only goal went to the 10 men all the work of Luke James. Fine way

to seal a second home win of the season for Hartlepool. An amazing

turn around at Hartlepool. With the previous three having come away from

home. It was imperative that Cooper shows the home faithful the

improvements? Absolutely. Only won one home game before today. It's

amazing how one win gives a feel good factor. Incredible look to the

top of League testimony two. Three points are separating the top nine.

What a goal. A couple of special goals, what about this one? This was

a winner. A wonderful finish. Henderson with the strike. It's

inside the box. To chip the keeper from there, it's an amazing finish.

It secured the points for Rochdale. A great way to win the game. Six

wins out of seven. For Exeter, result of the day. I think it has to

be said in the football league, 4-0 winners in-form Scunthorpe. Goal of

the day, Aaron Davies? Absolutely. What is he doing shooting from

there? He is sticking it in the top corner. Outstanding strike. Second

of four. Fantastic win. Let us look at the tables before we go.

Burnley's win moves them two points clear of QPR at the top of the

Skybet Championship. Rangers though have played one less.

Leicester and Nottingham Forest maintain their positions, Blackpool

and Reading both move up a place at the expense of Watford.

Yeovil have dropped to the bottom for the first time this season.

Sheffield Wednesday are still without a win and drop a place.

In fact, none of that bottom five lost on Saturday, with Barnsley and

Charlton picking up all three points.

Leyton Orient and Peterborough both hit the 30 point mark as they

continue their brilliant starts in League One.

Bradford were the only side in the top nine to lose, while the four

teams below Phil Parkinson's men all won.

Bristol City are still winless and for the first time find themselves

bottom. Notts County, Tranmere and Stevenage

all lost. Sheffield United's win moves them up

four places. As I mentioned earlier, it's looking

incredibly tight at the top of League Two.

Chesterfield hanging on to that top spot on goal difference, with

Rochdale and Exeter also on 23 points.

With three points separating the top nine.

Accrington and Northampton both drew so stay as they were.

None of That is it from us. If you have

anything to say from today's games in the football league, if you use

the hashtag FLS, the best of them will be shown on Sunday's live text

commentary on the BBC football website. My thanks to Leroy as

always. My thanks to you for staying up with us. Good night.