21/12/2013 The Football League Show

best of the SkyBet Football League. And on the shortest day of the year,

no better time for clubs to put some daylight between themselves and

their closest rivals. For one manager, the journey ended today as

Aidy Boothroyd paid the price for Northampton's poor season.

Meanwhile, a welcome to the managerial ranks this week to Danny

Wilson and Guiseppe Sannino. Steve's here to find out how they got on.

And on our final offering before Christmas, here's what's coming up

tonight. A convincing win at Blackpool last

week lifted QPR back to the top of the Championship. Earlier today, it

was first versus third, as Harry Redknapp's title chasers welcomed

Leicester City to Loftus Road. With only one win in five,

Nottingham Forest have gone off the boil in recent weeks. On Saturday,

Billy Davies' side were at a steadily improving Birmingham.

It's been a baptism of fire for new Boro boss Aitor Karanka. We've

highlights from this evening's late kick off at Millwall, with both

clubs desperate to avoid being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

And as Barnsley arrive at let Elland Road for a Yorkshire derby, we catch

up with the first player in English football and a quarter of a century

to come out, as former Leeds striker Robbie Rogers returns to launches

anti-discrimination campaign. Well, thanks mainly to their

Scrooge-like defence, it's been a case of so far, so good for Harry

Redknapp's QPR as they bid for a swift return to the top flight at

the first time of asking. Back on top of the table, they faced another

of their promotion rivals - third-placed Leicester City - with

Nigel Pearson's side failing to win their last three.

There was one change for the hosts, with Niko Kranjcar in for Jermaine

Jenas. New signing Yossi Benayoun started on the bench. While for

Leicester, they began with the same team that started in last week's

draw with Burnley, including striker Jamie Vardy.

started on the bench. While for Commentary from Jon Champion.

It was steered goalwards without power by Gary O'Neil, it wasn't

struck with total confidence. The build-up was neat, as we have come

to expect from QPR. Kranjcar. Pounced upon by Charlie

Austin. A comfortable stop for Kasper Schmeichel.

We have a visitor. It represents an unusual problem for the referee.

Squirrel stopped play. The fourth official, with the gloves on, and

David Nugent off in hot pursuit. And at last, we can resume.

He went in there with studs showing. That is just the sort of challenge

that referees are being encouraged to clamp down on. We have seen red

cards issued in such circumstances. Phillips denied by the plunging

Schmeichel. Charlie Austin with the first incursion. O'Neill from

distance. More helping out his goalkeeper and then the goalkeeper

doing the rest. That is a great finish! A super goal

by Jamie Vardy. He is only the third visiting player to score at Loftus

Road all season and he has done so with Leicester City's first effort

on target. Just allowed a yard of space and didn't he take full

advantage. Tony Hernandez, the owner of Queens Park Rangers, alongside

Philip Beard, the chief executive. It was a bad touch by Philips, and

it made the attempted finish all the more tricky, but as incisive as the

home side have produced so far. Charlie Austin couldn't do as much

with it as he liked. Not impressed with the delivery. And then their

physical disagreement as well. The clearance only as far as David

Nugent. And that was a big chance to make its two. It would have but a

very different complexion on matters. Green's poor clearance,

Leicester worked it well, all bar the finish by Lloyd Dyer, which he

dragged. Rather ambitious but a looping

deflection took it just wide. Joey Barton nearly got very lucky. It was

unlikely it was going to fly in the top corner and aided from that

distance. -- unaided. Then goes Phillips, the referee not

interested. -- down goes Phillips. Leon Moore thinks that Phillips took

a dive. He largely lost his own footing.

The referee takes exception to James' tackle. He lost control of

the ball and was seeking it again in slightly dangerous fashion. And he

is booked. Not dissimilar to Gary O'Neil in the first half.

James, a deflection, and it clipped the bar. Still to score this season.

It looped off the outstretched leg of Richard Dunne.

The left arm of Barton making contact with Gary Taylor Fletcher.

The yellow card is coming out from the referee. Barton arguing, and

kicking the ball against Taylor Fletcher. That could be another

yellow. It is. He is off. Another unsavoury chapter in the career of

Joey Barton. And with him may go QPR's hopes of salvaging this game.

Just about the first thing that John Porter has done wrong.

Was that when I'm in the face? -- was bad and I'm in the face. Then a

unit is the player -- Yossi Benayoun was the player. Vasilevksy certainly

came across the player. Schmeichel gathers it, it should be

enough. It is, and QPR's unbeaten home league record has gone.

We knew it would be a difficult game, they are a good team.

Leicester are one of the teams in this division with a big chance of

going up automatically, so it was a tight game and it could have gone

either way. We had a couple of good opportunities first half that we

could not convert and then the lad scored a great goal for them, and

that was the difference between the two teams. Evenly matched, I

thought. For all the good football in the first half, it was a direct

goal. Great flick, great finish. I am pleased for him, because he puts

in so much hard work for the side and he got his reward is today. Joey

has been great for us, great in the dressing room, on the training

ground and in the games, so it is a shame to lose him, for sure, but I

will have a chat with him and have a look at it. I cannot fault his

attitude since I have been here, he has been top-class, so it is a

shame. It is the first time he has been sent off since I have been here

and I hope it is the last. We will look at the Joey Barton incident

shortly but Leicester are the first team to come away from Loftus Road

with all three points. Is that because they were the most resilient

and organised of the two? I think it was a game that suited Leicester

because of the way they play, they sit back, two banks of the four and

hit sides on the counterattack with players who are quick. They are

always a threat, not just sitting back and defending the 90 minutes.

QPR had a moment where they had lots of position. They lacked a little

bit of width down the left, but one or two fantastic moves and a couple

of good chances at the end that they didn't make the most of. So what

about the main talking point? Joey Barton has tweeted tonight and said

it is two of the softest yellows you are ever likely to get. What do you

think? In isolation, he is unlucky on both occasions. It is a silly

thing to do, you shouldn't kick the ball at a player when you know the

referee is going to book you, because you're giving the referee

the chance to send you off, which is crazy, and he does it right in front

of the rest. It is hard, no doubt, but he has to take responsibility

for his own actions and it is absolutely no good doing that when

you are in the position where the referee is going to book you and

send you off. A bit of irony, Leicester dominated the first half

against Burnley last week and didn't have much to show for it. This

time, under the cosh for most of the game, they only had two chances on

goal and put one of them away. As we said, there were some decent moves

in this game but this is Route one. A great understanding between the

front players. Nugent is excellent in the air as someone who is not the

archetypal target man. And a yard of pace gets him away from Richard

Duncan made fantastic finish. He is looking a really good player. QPR, I

am surprised Harry didn't mention that they just need somebody to come

on and give Charlie Austin a little bit of help in games like this. He

was the only forward player, it is something they need to address.

Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson, they need one of them back. All in all,

an eventful day for foxes and a squirrel.

Well, at St Andrews today, it was a case of the haves against the

have-nots, as Birmingham City took on Nottingham Forest. Lee Clark's

Blues had recently defied their lack of finances to string together a

six-match unbeaten run, while their promotion chasing opponents had

stuttered lately with just two wins in nine. Paul Walker watched this

one. Applied for festive points start

here. In the blue corner, Birmingham City, currently on their best run of

the season -- the fight for festive points. But they do not have a

victory on home soil since the start of October. In the red corner,

Nottingham Forest, still in promotion contention despite this

run. Last week's draw with Ipswich saw them slip out of the play-off

positions. Birmingham go with the same side that won at Bournemouth

last week, so Nicola Zigic continues to lead the front line. Right back

Paul Caddis has been a useful supplier of goals. The Forest side

shows one change from the draw with it should. -- Ipswich. David Vaughan

is back. The lone striker Simon Cox has scored four in his last six.

That is a great strike. What a save. They are looking for a

corner, and quite rightly. That was a terrific save. But Bobby madly has

given a goalkick. It is a great save from the Forest goalkeeper.

One from the training ground. Headed goalwards, just over the top. It was

added -- lofted back in. Bartley's header down. Darlow with a

good save. Was there a hand in there as well, against Hobbs. A couple of

appeals there. Burn was appealing certainly. A good stop actually from

Darlow. Well read. Birmingham looking

dangerous every time they come forward. Here's Burke. Good save

again, Darlow. Forest keeper to the rescue once more. Terrific effort

from Chris Burke. That's heading top corner. Darlow, flicks it away.

Chasing back towards his own-goal here. He has given that away. Burke

against Harding. Burke, clips one. Zigic miss it is completely. That is

the kind of miss that drives supporters nuts here at Saint

Andrews. Big money, big miss. Should have done better.

Reid. A corner, I suspect it has. Andy Reid with this Forest corner.

Short for Lansbury. Nicely done. Reid. They are queueing up in the

middle. Cleared off the line! Really well worked corner, heading

goal wards and cleared off the line. Great performance from the

supporters in here. Comfortable for Randolph. Oh, what

happened there? The ball has been turned in by Lansbury. It won't

stand. Lansbury will complain that should be a goal. Randolph has the

ball taken out of his hands by Lansbury. That would have been

bizarre if that goal would have stood. Henderson though will chase

it down. Still Henderson. Burn got just enough on it. Then Henderson

colliding here. This is with Robinson. Robinson didn't take too

kindly to the challenge. It will be interesting to see that one back.

Mrit mitt Henderson didn't get any of the

ball, but certainly got some of Robinson. It's a red card for Darius

Henderson. He has not been on the pitch that long. What will he do

with Paul Robinson? It's yellow for Paul Robinson. Lee

Clark, the message is quite clear, isn't it, calm down. Mackie. Rise to

the challenge from Lee. He goes down. This is getting ugly again.

Mackie took exception to it. It will be another yellow card. Another

yellow. Oh, he took his legs completely.

I liked the way we passed the ball, certainly in the first half. We

created some good opportunities. The keeper made one or two terrific

saves. My goalie hasn't had a lot of saves to do. He had a couple of

punches. We have restricted them. They are a top quality team. They

pass it around really well in the middle of the pitch. We had one or

two of the opportunities towards the end. It wasn't to be. I can't fault

my players today. I thought they were absolutely terrific. A sour end

to that one. What was your reading of the Henderson dismissal? I

thought it was a great point it was a dog fight, as you know you are

going to get here. I thought the first half it certainly was a dog

fight. Second-half I thought Forest were by far the better side. All in

all we have to be pleased with an excellent cleansheet and another

very good point. He didn't quite answer the question there. We will

get Steve's take on the red in a second. Fourth draw in a row for

Birmingham. Will they feel unlucky not to take all three points from

that? First half Darlow was fantastic. Really good saves. One

point-blank. I think they will think on their first-half performance they

should have edged this one. What about the Darius Hernedson red card

with eight minutes to go. How did you read that? It's a strange one

depending on what angle you look at that. Pal Robinson's reputation

might proceed him. He does like to tackle. There it looks like Robbo

tries to go in two-footed. He doesn't. From another angle, he

turns his body and tries to pull out of the tackle. He catches Hernedson

on the way through. That is why you can see why Darrylies is furious, he

think he tried to top him that is why you get the reaction. There is a

little bit of confusion. He thinks he has gone over the top. When you

look at, it he hasn't. As a result Birmingham unbeaten now in seven

despite their limit ited -- limited resources. Billy is after a strieshg

in January? Both sides in the final third, they lacked maybe that bit of

quality that little bit of an Tony Blairing their game to win the games

that we saw today which were tight. Elsewhere in the Championship,

despite drawing five of their last seven, Burnley went into their

Lancashire derby against Blackpool second place, while at the same time

looking to extend their unbeaten home record.

The pre-match team talk was scripted by the QPR defeat, win and you are

back on top. A huge incentive for Burnley. Ings took advantage of a

corner that seemed to be straight from the training ground to put them

on track. At the other end a Blackpool set-piece put the

Seasiders back on terms. Cathcart's first goal for more than a year

lifting a side who lost three in a row and their play-off spot. Gosling

took aim. Heaton pulled out all the stops to keep the scores level. A

draw wouldn't be SATs factory in need of maximum points. There

appeared to be no escape for Jones. Mee offered a simple solution before

Arfield attempted something more complex. A magnificent goal from the

Scotsman reestablishing the lead that one of the Championships

defence wouldn't surrender. The manager was pleased they continued

to find different ways to win. If Arfield claimed this was deliberate

he would have been pushing his luck. The Clarets are top of the tree. The

man who made them sparkle can hardly wait for the new year to begin. We

are approaching the half way stage. We are in good shape and delivering

good performances it bodes well. Is If Derby keep winning they will wave

the flag before the end of the Championship season. They can't stop

scoring and Doncaster can't stop conceding. Martin worked the

opening. Jamie Ward had his second goal in a week. Martin was enjoying

himself, as you would expect from a man among the goals. He threatened

to do it on his own before being brought down. No thought of allowing

any other takers of course. Number 14 of the season beckoned. Turnbull

kept Rovers in touch with the help of last-ditch defending. Early in

the second-half Steve McClaren's side turned on the style. Within

three passes and got this fantastic shot. Rovers were back in the game

from an unlikely source. Derby defend Buxton headed into his own

net. That only inspired the home side to close out a seventh

consecutive win. Martin, who else, was again involved. Craig Bryson

curled in his fourth goal in five games. Derby are three points off

the top. We have a good balance at the present moment. This team has

been capable of scoring. We have to get the balance right. Generally, we

have been doing that. At times we didn't have it today. All I want for

Christmas is (inaudible) the Wigan boss has made an impact his 100%

record continued at Reading. His side were 2-0 up inside 12 minutes.

McCann got the opener. This was his first goal for the club. Two minutes

later a tremendous clanger from Pearce gave Wigan their second. Nick

Powell nipped in to net his second goal in as many games. Reading goal

thread is such that only one side has taken a cleansheet away from

here this season. Pogrebnyak was a menace. He forced a good save out of

Al Habsi before half-time. Pogrebnyak also started the move

that won Rheading a penalty early in the second-half. Danny Williams

threw ball forced McCann to haul back Gunter. It was a perfect

opportunity to put pressure on the visitors. Billy Sharp blew it, big

time! Reading did eventually get their goal, the returning Danny

Guthrie picked out Pogrebnyak. He headed the Royals back into the

match with well over 20 minutes to go. Having started the season with

nine unbeaten home games, Reading have now suffered back-to-back

defeats. Wigan survived a Royals onslaught with Pogrebnyak entitled

to wonder how he ended up on the losing side. 90 minutes very

dangerous. That was the difference to the Bolton game. In the Bolton

game in the second-half we couldn't threaten the opposition enough.

Today we should have put the game to bed. Inform Brighton had the

opportunity to break into the top six, new territory under Oscar

Garcia. His players drew a blank on home turf. Ashley Barnes is

wondering how, unable to convert the rebound. The striker has done a fine

job leading the line. This wasn't going to be his day. From this

cross, Barnes planted his next clear chance wide of the post.

Huddersfield who lost two on the trot were dogged opponents. James

Vaughan reminded the home side there was no room to relax. No lasting

affect for either player from the collision with the goalkeeper

Brezovan. Town keeper had nothing but praise for his team's display.

This goal was a good one, stalling Albion's upward progress. I think we

played much better than the other team. We de to win. We did

everything but score. One defeat in 10 for Brighton. His team are doing

pretty well at the moment. What about Derby County. Magnificent

seven for the Rams. The last time they did that was 18 years ago when

Steve McClaren was at Derby under Jim Smith? Yes. What it shows is

that your previous (alliance with the club stands you in good stead.

When he at for st he wasn't given a start. Everyone is pulling in the

same direction. They are playing wonderful stuff. The movement. Way

that the midfield players link and go past the front players,

particularly Bryson has been fantastic. 10 goals and seven

assists for him. He has been a model of consistency? He played well over

the years for them. Some lads have come there and found at other clubs

it was a difficult situation, it wouldn't quite see the best of them.

They have gone to Derby and everyone is clicking. He has the balance and

shape of the team right. Everyone is flourishing in the environment he

put them in. Wigan got a terrific win away to Reading. After what

happened in midweek they could have felt thoroughly deflated? If the

game finished the way when it was abandoned they would have been level

on points with fifth and sixth in the league. Could you have looked at

that and said - we will never finish playing our game in hand. A good

win. A tough place to go. Excellent finishes. Hanging on at the end.

They were put under a fair bit of pressure at the end. They did the

job early. A wonderful early finish. That is a player who is developing.

A huge talent. Burnley, top at Christmas. The last five sides to

have done that over the last five Christmases have all gone up.

Burnley fans must be loving this campaign? Why not? People keep

saying, they wouldn't have expected it. They are expecting it now,

aren't they? They certainly are. A wonderful half season for them.

On the first anniversary of their takeover things are looking

promising for Leeds United, who started the day in the play-off

positions. Clem was at Elland Road for the visit of Barnsley and caught

up with former Leeds United striker Robbie Rogers. The first player in a

generation, with experience of the English game, to come out.

Find any reference to Robbie Rogers in the lead United trophy cabinet.

He only played for the team four times. He is more known for his

courage off the field. Quitting Elland Road and the game in

February, he made his sexuality public via Twitter a few weeks

later, but such has been the level of support he has received that he

is back in business with LA Galaxy and back at his former club for the

first time today, to launch his own anti-discrimination campaign. Was

there any point in that you contemplated coming out while you

were still playing football? No, I was too afraid. I learned afterwards

that I could've done it but I was so afraid, I wanted to take some time

to myself. I was afraid of dressing room reaction, wood attitudes with

the same as they were before? Afraid of the fans, especially away fans

and the kind of reaction I would get. A footballer coming out as gay

is fantastic, there are plenty of fans here who are delighted you came

out. Thank you very much. This year has been about progression, moving

things forward, bringing people back in from the community. Robbie is one

of our old players, we support old and new players. He was very brave a

year ago and we want to encourage that. It is crazy that there are not

any other out footballers. It shows there is a huge problem. For someone

to come out, it is a very personal thing, so one part of me wanted to

say, who's business is it, and another part of it said, it is a

huge problem and I need to do something about it. I wonder how

long it is going to take. It is a great question. Again, I thought

some guys might come out in the United States, but it will change. I

have confidence it will change. Danny Wilson couldn't have picked a

more intimidating stage to launch his Barnsley comeback and if Matt

Smith had been his usual self, it could have been thoroughly

uncomfortable. Jack button pulled up the first two excellent early

saves. Paddy Kenny also had to look lively, Marcus toured gay testing

him. -- markers to J. The same player could have a change the

game. Having beaten the defence, he couldn't beat the goalkeeper. The

such a form team against the bottom club, Leeds must have hoped for a

handful but local pride plus a new manager proved a combination that

could not be beaten. Even Leeds's trump card, Ross McCormack, with 17

goals this season, could find a way through. Jack button again stood

firm. -- could not find a way through. Wilson could not have asked

more from his players. Whatever Leeds United tried, Barnsley have

the answer and when they didn't, the ball would not go in. Matt Smith did

everything but score. Late on, Barnsley made a rare. Move which

could prove costly over Christmas. Tudgay's ugly challenge at the

referee reaching for the red card immediately. For the first time in

30 years, a derby between Leeds and Barnsley finished goalless.

Do you not, a little bit, want to be pulling your boots on as you are

watching? Definitely. When I sit there watching, I think for any

player when you are watching, you always think, it should have done

this, look at the space here... I remember the fear I had when I was

playing football, so it is kind of cool to be able to be playing and

come back to Leeds and the part of the support. Thanks very much. Merry

Christmas. A good point that the new Barnsley boss, or the old Barnsley

boss, Danny Wilson. Let's talk about Robbie Rogers, it has always been a

thorny issue, gay footballers, but if a player in rugby can come out, a

high-profile player, white... What is it going to take for a

high-profile footballer to do the same? It will take a bit of courage,

I would say. To equate one sport with the other is difficult, because

we are talking about a different sets of fans going to the games.

People who go to rugby Rob different backgrounds, they behave

differently, it is looked upon differently -- from. They are

probably a little more forgiving, not as cynical as football fans.

They come from a harder background, shall we say? They are very much

black or white. Which makes it harder than someone to come out

while they are playing. It will take longer in football. It is not to say

they are better or worse, it is just a little bit harder than rugby or

cricket fans in general. Will it happen, do you think? Undoubtedly it

will happen and in the end, it will become a normal part of the game.

But it is just going to take someone with a bit of courage to come out

and do it and you will see, it will gather momentum and it will be an

accepted part of football, no doubt. Our last look at the Championship

starts with Saturday's late kick-off at the Den between Millwall and

Middlesbrough. Both teams are in danger of being dragged into a

relegation scrap. Steve Lomas made one change to his Millwall side,

with Scott McDonald coming in for Martin Waghorn as the Lions looked

to extend their seven-match unbeaten home league run. Aitor Karanka made

five changes for Boro, as they aimed to end their nine-match winless away

form. home league run. Aitor Karanka made

Dan O'Hagan describes this one. The shot is in the end taken by Shay

given, the first shot of the half comes on 42 minutes. This has not

been, so far, a sizzler. It has been a stinker, in truth.

Ledesma goes on, fabulous goal! The game comes to life. It has two.

Ledesma has done it, it is a beauty. The Argentine twists and

turns and brings a wretched game to some kind of life. Emmanuelle

Ledesma with a beauty in a game which has been a beast.

Morrison with a header, pushed away by Shay given.

That header was clawed away by Shay Given. Albert Adomah is through. And

that is the points, signed and sealed, Millwall pierced again, the

most leaky defence in the division breached again. Albert Perdomo,

on-site, cool head, calm finish, job done is Mac Albert Adomah. And the

shared held up for Stuart Parnaby, who with his wife, lost a baby

recently. -- the shirt. A game, there is jeering. The fans

here are absolutely livid at how their team has not performed today.

They have been awful. Millwall fans not happy. Not happy one bit. There

is one beleaguered manager of Millwall. I can understand the

frustration, they want to come and win games of football and recently,

we haven't been doing that. The reason we are in the relegation area

is because the away form is not good. We now have the opportunity to

put that right. A first game in charge of Watford

forger said this in charge of Watford for Giuseppe sa Nino, who

does not speak a word of English and has never managed in England. Lesson

one, David McGoldrick has a magical right foot. Lesson number two,

missed opportunities change games. Lesson three, referees do not always

get it right. The handball looked harsh but resulted in an Ipswich

penalty. McGoldrick gave Town a 73rd minute lead. Lesson four, Troy

Deeney is your best player. With nine minutes to go, the top scorer

rescued a point in typical circumstances. His 10th goal of the

season preventing a defeat for the new man. And lesson five, it is

great to play well but it is better to be lucky. And finally, if you

don't feel like doing the post-match interview, you can ask the

goalkeeping coach. We had to defend at times and that will be a pleasing

aspect for the manager, backs to the wall at times but everybody stuck

together and we came through and got a well earned point. I thought the

second half performance was excellent, we did really well

against a team that played soccer Park last year.

-- of the park. After their best run of the season, Yeovil have shown

they can cope with the Championship standard. The second season is bound

to be a long haul and it took acrobatics to stop Blackburn in the

first half. After the break, a different story, with the home side

much improved. Simon is to add -- Simon Eastwood at full stretch,

before Ishmael Miller called him into action again. It looked like a

matter of time before Gary Johnson's men would make the

breakthrough. Miller's next effort was more dangerous. But Blackburn

boast a specialist finisher, Jordan Rhodes, said to be the target of

many Premier League clubs, made the difference. His finish making it a

worthwhile trip for the travelling fans, although they were kept on

tenterhooks. Blackburn's soap did his best to ease the tension with

the most extravagant effort of the afternoon. The striker who has

scored more the goals than the rest of the squad put together could not

quite add a second. We had to see a stormy period at it from Yeovil,

which we expected, unfortunately, we carried on in the same manner and

created several chances, it fell to the right man and he does what he

does best. Both Dougie Freedman and Chris

Powell though they will be a hard road ahead if they don't start

climbing the table, -- know there will be. It was the South London

team who made the early running. Yan commode and matching the run with

the sweet finish. -- Chris Eagles was in one of those irresistible

moods. Kevin McNaughton feeling the benefit, his first goal in five

years. The full-back, on loan from Cardiff, may have forgotten how to

celebrate but he knows how to cross the ball. Charlton could have

snatched a rare win, Kermogant making great contact, but so did the

goalkeeper. I'm disappointed with the result but not the performance.

We created enough opportunities to win the game, with a golden spell

just before the end of the first half, we created some very good

chances. If you don't take them, you won't win the game.

Caretaker manager Stuart Gray has the festive fixtures to prove his

suitability for the Sheffield Wednesday job. For him, this was the

nightmare before Christmas. Matt Ritchie got Bournemouth's opener

with only ten minutes on the clock. Stuart Gray blamed Wednesday's

sloppy defending their defeat. In party season, Andrew Surman led the

Wednesday players a merry dance before Martinez made the save. But

it wasn't long before Bournemouth broke through a game. Lewis Grabb

and put the cherries on their way to a second consecutive away win --

Luis Grabow. A waterlogged pitch letter Wednesday after the hook in

midweek. There was no reprieve here. They did pull one back when Maghoma

scored his first for the club, but Bournemouth clung on. Wednesday

still occupied the drop zone. I think you always expect a hard game

at Sheffield Wednesday, a club of huge tradition. They are going

through a transitional period, without a full-time manager, so we

are delighted with the wind and it gives us a good platform for

Christmas. We started reasonably well, but if you can't defend, and

they are poor goals that we conceded, we are very disappointed

with the manner of the goals, it is individual errors that have cost us.

Record back-to-back away wins the Bournemouth, we will talk about them

in a second, but first, that game at the Den, the loser between Millwall

and Astra will always face a tough Christmas, but are rarer away win

for Middlesbrough. It was a toxic atmosphere afterwards, 300 fans

protesting, not happy with the way things are going. Can you

sympathise? They are four points above

relegation. It's the manner in which they play. There is a particular

ethos of the way that Millwall, what the fans expect down there. I have

been at the football club, the club have been in the bottom three and

they have been singing their manage 's name. It is a different football

club in many facets and aspects. I think that a performance like that

means that as a player, maybe manager, you don't get what is

required to get them on your side. We need to see something different

to turn that around. Talk about Bournemouth. You know, not quite

sure where they were heading come the half way point of the season. It

has been bit an up-and-down ride? Has been. The last two away

performances will give them great heart. Grabban and Matt Ritchie?

They started the season well. A fun rollercoaster ride, first time back

in. Everybody has enjoyed what is going on. There is obviously a

learning process, no doubt about that. I think as well that Eddie

wants them to play. There will be times when you are not going to be

able to play and you might have to get results when you have to grind

out a little bichlt they are learning to do that as well. The

last two results, as you say, have been fantastic results. When things

started to maybe looking over their shoulder at what was below them.

They have given themselves breathing space and shown they have character

and fight to turn things around. To League One now and a draw last week

at Bradford was enough for Leyton Orient to regain top spot. Could

John Gregory keep Slade off of number one for Christmas?

Leyton Orient away. There have been few tougher assignments this season.

The League One pacesetters were first to strike, 14 minutes elapsed

when they went in front by Odubajo. Mitt crawedy had gone nine games

without a win. That would be to reckon without the influence of the

new manager John Gregory. This cross located Alexander and the law of the

ex-unfolded. Alexander scored a half century of goals during a

four-and-a-half stint with the O's. Connolly's shot was handled by Lloyd

James. The orient did his best to convince the world that the ball hit

him in the face. The referee wasn't born yesterday. Crawley enjoyed a

2-1 lead at the break. A narrow advantage became a winning one when

Adams displayed a delicate touch to end a run of 21 matches without a

goal. He once had a loan spell at Brisbane Road. There was late

anxiety created by the scrappest goal of orient's season so far.

Bartley's in finish couldn't denied them a win. It's not often Slade is

eclipsed at Christmas. We hope it's a minor setback. We don't like

losing football matches. Not something we want to get into the

habit of doing it. We go in on Boxing Day top of the league and in

good position. We could have been winning the game four, five, one

with the opportunities we created. They are the side that set this

division alight this season, Leyton Orient. Full credit to the players.

Outstanding performance. When have you lost your last two legal games

you will take goals from any source. Dicko continued his sparkling form

after Pringle bent the ball in from the right. Nine minutes before the

break the home side went in front. Seven goals in 11 games for the

former Everton youngster. Wolves appeared to be heading for a third

consecutive defeat when Dicko put away a sixth goal in his last five

Rotherham appearances. It came from another Pringle delivery. You sensed

Wolves needed to strike back. After Sako hammered home the penalty they

completed a superb comeback. James Henry latched on to a sweet little

pass from Edwards. Only goal difference now separates Kenny

Jackett's Wolves from leaders Leyton Orient. Both sides attacked from

start to finish. You could see a capacity crowd here at Rotherham. It

was a big day for them. Rotherham are a good side, with good players.

We did well to turn that round in the second-half. They went 3-1 up

with tremendous response from my players. I was pleased with that.

Two long unbeaten runs were on the line at Deepdale. Donaldson saw Rudd

mistime his challenge. Forshaw made Rudd pay for his error. The Bees new

manager began with a win last week. Within three minutes of the opener

here, he was on his way to his first triumph on the road. Rudd managed to

push away Forshaw's shot, he clipped the ball back for Trotter. Preston's

unbeaten run which stretched back 11 games in all competitions was in

jeopardy. They were given a life line when Clarke hit the deck. The

referee pointed to the spot for a second time. Joe Garner was unable

to mark his return from suspension with a goal. Keeper David Button was

Brentford's man of the moment. A poor afternoon for the Lillywhites

was sealed when Forshaw led another Bees raid. They were closing in on a

ninth win in ten league outings. Saville found Saunders, who added a

top-class finish they could celebrate all the way to London. I

thought the boys were tremendous today, their character and

commitment. They worked hard on the training pitch and brought it into

the game on Saturday. Which is what you want to see. Pleased with the

performance. The Builders watched on from the recently bull dosed end of

London Road, Clay had a pot-shot. The construction men were save,

Bradford weren't. Is Assombalonga got his 17th of the season. League

One may not be his pinnacle, signed from Watford in the summer her

scored from his debut and has barely stopped since. Got a clatering and

sympathy, but no goal. Even with half-time a prospect rather than a

memory, Peterborough were looking good value for only a second win in

nine league outings. For all their application and inspiration, Porsche

loud Bradford back into the game. Andy Grey supplied Yorkshire hope

with a quarter of an hour to go. A match of cut and thirst ended with

Darren Ferguson's team coming close to a third. Assombalonga display

fallibility rather than ruthlessness, just for a change.

Leon Clarke fell out big time with di Canio's Swindon after he made

four appearances. His low header to give Coventry the lead would have

been a special moment for him, his 15 of the season in all

competitions. Clarke was clearly in the mood. Turning creator

afterwards, before Baker forced Foderingham to hit this shot against

the upright. That was a turning point. In the next attack Kazim

fired a shot through a crowded box for the Swindon equaliser. The

22-year-old with his first goal in league football. Coventry had scored

ten goals in their previous four away games. This shot shot came from

35 yards. They have won eight at home this season. More than any

other side in League One. Dean Smith was able to field the 11 which

started in Walsall's victory last week. The prospect of back-to-back

successes looked batter when this pass led to Sawyers winning his dual

with Amos. His charges were presented with an

golden opportunity to level as Taylor used his hand to stop David

Amoo. The shot was skied upwards. Chelsea loanee (inaudible) Miller

had another pop, it wasn't his day. The Slovakian grabbed the winner

last week and security the points here with a peach of the finish. The

visitors landed a man light. Bond produced the red card to compound a

miserable afternoon for the Cumbrians. That result for Walsall

keeps them in touch with the top six which is a fabulous achievement. A

few sides score three in a come back. Crawley at the home of the

league lead, Leyton Orient. We are looking above us. I think we have a

really good chance of getting in the play-offs. He is positive from the

start. There is no doubt that will filter through to the players. They

have taken that on board. The two great results so far. That goal gets

better every time we see it from Nicky Adams. The first time that

Leyton Orient have conceded three at home in over a year. What a

statement from Brentford to score three at the home of your

promotional rifles, Preston, and -- rivals Preston and keep a

cleansheet. Absolutely. They are a good side, good players, good budget

and a good manager. Sometimes the soft softies don't travel. They

travelled today. They showed a statement of fact of their intention

to grab a top two spot. Mark Waugh Burton settling in well. Let us see

how the rest of League One panned out starting with Friday night's

game between two sides flirting with the relegation zone, Tranmere and

Gillingham. Tranmere's pre-Christmas offer of football for ?5 attracted a

crowd of over 6,000. Gillingham marked the occasion by wearing

shocking pink. Taylor's team took the lead through Akinfenwa.

Gillingham's McDonald nearly made them pay for their misapprehension

he tempted McNulty into a challenge. The referee took little time to

dispense justice, leaving Rovers man down, as well as a goal down with

more than half an hour to play. Gillingham were without Kedwell, his

absence was offset by the goalscoring form of Akinfenwa. His

second of the night effectively sealed the contest. There was time

for Ryan Lowe to remind those watching of his poise in front of

goal. 14th of the season for the striker. MK Dons win last weekend

put them in tremendous heart. Gleeson's first goal since April

arrived inside four minutes against Port Vale. Ben Reeves had doubled

the lead. Sam Johnson was left with no chance. The ball flew past him

through a crowded penalty area. The Dons are on their way to another

impressive victory. The outstanding Reeves laid on the third for stop

scorer Bamford. Successive league wins for the first time this season.

They are seven points behind the play-off places, with a game in

hand. The influence of the London clubs was apparent in Crewe's

opener. Tom Hitchcock celebrated his second goal in as many games.

21-year-old Hitchcock has a taste for the goals Steve Davies's side

badly need. They are prone to conceding. Taylor beat Ben Garrett.

A point a piece and an early Christmas card for Taylor.

Oldham have booked themselves in for their annual FA Cup date with

Liverpool in two weeks' time, but in the interim, then the position will

-- their league position will concern them. Ellis Plummer giving

them a lead with an own goal. Jabo Ibehre turning in the second. By

contrast, Oldham hadn't lost at home in four months and a half time

talking to stir them into belated action. After daylight had given way

to darkness on the shortest day of the year, substitute John Pritchard

went close to providing some consolation for the boundary Park

brethren. Oldham's day it was not, Colchester move above them in the

table. Sheffield United extended their

unbeaten run to six matches, but they will be disappointed not to

have one, after White and Baxter struck the woodwork against

Stevenage. This time last year, the blades were top of League One and if

they are to push up the table after Christmas, they will need to book up

in front of goal. No side has scored fewer league goals.

This dustup at the bottom revolved around to big decisions by the

referee. He upset the Meadow Lane faithful by penalising Dean Leacock

for impeding aid and fleet. -- aid in Flint. The visitors held the lead

until another intervention by the referee. This time he adjudged Dean

Leacock to be the victim, being held by Marvin Elliott. Responsibility of

the spot kick fell to Alan Sheehan. A confident finish by the Irishman.

Co sensed a third successive win and the substitute nearly clinched it

against a former club. A point of these, leaving City bottom at

Christmas. -- a point apiece. It has been a

tough first top of the season the Notts County and Bristol City. A

couple of very good wins, particularly MK Dons. They have had

a nightmare period, we talked about them last week when they got turned

over at walls. 3-1 winners against Port Vale, and players coming back

from fitness, which has been undermining Karl Robinson so far.

Undoubtedly. At this level, if you have five or six out, it can make a

huge difference. It is massively important that the chairman and

chief executive have responsibility to weigh up everything that is

happening, not just of the results. When you get players out,

happening, not just of the results. When you get you can't replace them,

sometimes you have to be patient and wait for them to come back. It means

there might be a slight dip in results, that has to be taken into

consideration. Stephen Gleeson came back to score, he has been out for

awhile, but he is still missing several players. The same goes the

Colchester. What a result last week against bottom club County, when

they shipped in four, but players coming back and they win at Oldham.

It is a good result, they had a good result of a club the other day, and

even more so than MK Dons, if they lost players at this level, they

cannot replace them. It is not a club who can play good wages for

loan players. So they very much have two work within a rebate, which can

make things tight when you do miss players. There are some tough jobs

out there. I think he offered his resignation. Speaker at this time

last year. But he is doing a really good job at this stage.

Right, time for League Two and Oxford maintained their title charge

thanks to another late winner last week against Dagenham Redbridge.

Next up for Chris Wilder's side, a trip to struggling York City.

Oxford came into this match is the only side in the country still

unbeaten on the road, but York's Josh Karsh -- Josh Carson missed a

great chance before the break, and Jarvis: Convert a one-on-one after

the break. It was Oxford's Dave Kitson who was frustrated late on.

The save denying Oxford the chance to go top of the Christmas. We have

had to work hard. York were excellent, they really pushed us,

especially the first top. I thought we picked the place up better in the

second-half -- especially the first half. We their keeper work more.

-- we made their keeper work more. Chesterfield had an early

opportunity to go back to the top. You can ill afford to give Mark

Richards a sight of goal. Three minutes after the restart, the

goalkeeper was beaten, Ollie Banks with the breakthrough. And 20

minutes from time, victory was assured. Richards, who scored last

week, made it two in two games against Devon clubs. Conditions made

it very, very difficult and it was about the result and winning, a very

valuable three points in the quest for what we want.

Two players vying to take this corner, but Matt Richards won out

over the mascot, and laid on a goal for Troy Brown with only 34 seconds

on the clock. It has been a bad week for Fleetwood, out of the FA Cup and

now a first home defeat since October. Cheltenham had their

goalkeeper to thank. It was the same story in the second half, another

spectacular stop, this time from John Parkin's volley. Town survived

the onslaught and made sure of the points late on, their fourth win

from six away games. It was always on the cards. If the Robins cannot

make the most of Christmas, who can? Russ Wilcox still does not know

whether he will be in charge at Scunthorpe beyond January, but there

is surely not much more he can do to clinch the job. Dion Burton capped a

flowing move after they had weathered an early onslaught, then

conjured up an eye-catching second to put the promotion chasers more

firmly in control. The veteran striker also scored a two Witton

last week, only to see is cancelled out by stoppage time equaliser.

Scunthorpe were fired up to make sure that did not happen again.

Burton was denied a hat-trick by a goal-line clearance, but the bigger

picture was rosy. A fourth win in an unbeaten five under their very

successful stand-in boss to move Scunthorpe into the automatic

promotion places for the first time this season. We have moved into the

top three, that is important psychologically, the next two games

are away and are both tough games, so to win today was very important.

Two teams in form. Few would have predicted the first goal arriving

from the Burton full-back Phil Edwards after 80 minutes. -- 18

minutes. He became one of the game's key players, fulfilling his

regular role, defending the Burton net from Andy Monkhouse. Monkhouse

was proving a handful, but it wasn't his day. Instead, it fell to

18-year-old substitute Brad Walker to find the equaliser. He had barely

been on the pitch for two minutes before he was celebrating his first

senior goal. Burton go fifth. No side in the top half of League 2

had scored fewer goals on the road than Rochdale before the weekend,

but inside the quarter hour, 18-year-old Jamie Allen brilliantly

put them in front. They would have had breathing space if it wasn't for

a superb double goal-line clearance from Luke Prosser. First he kept

that Scott Hogan and then denied Iain Henderson, with the Rochdale

player is appealing for a possible handball. -- kept out. Only goal

difference separated the sides before kick-off and Kevin Hurst

equalised with his eighth of the season in all competitions. Now

Southend were the favourites, but the crossbar was to frustrate them.

This Friday night clash between promotion contenders ended all

square. We have got to understand that sometimes a point is a step

forward, as opposed to a negative point, and I thought tonight was a

positive point. Following their mid week wash-out in

the FA Cup at Crawley, Rovers' intent was soon clear. Clarkson

rattling the Pompey cage. The visitors were desperate for some

festive cheer, but Ryan the's tame effort was blocked. The incentive of

the hosts was that victory would lift them above their opponents. The

breakthrough was a moment Ollie Clarke will always saviour, --

saver, his first senior goal. The Pompey manager has warned his squad

that they are playing for their futures. Victory was confirmed when

Clarkson swept home. Pompey's misery continues.

Torquay were often on the back foot at Dagenham. Michael cloak was

forced into a number of saves early on. But Torquay experienced

something of a minor Christmas miracle. Despite starting the bottom

of the league, one goal was enough to lift them from the bottom.

Torquay holding on for their first back-to-back wins over campaign, six

points that may have kick-started their season.

What a turnaround in fortunes for Aidy Boothroyd. Only last May, he

led at Northampton to the play-off final. Today he took charge for what

turned out to be the final time. Within 14 seconds, he must have

sensed the unease of his chairman as joke of your fired the visitors in

front -- as Jo Kuffour. They were two to the good soon after, and

Northampton may have lacked quality of late but have always displayed

spirit. Ismail McLeod scoring. If that offered hope, it was only

fleeting. Skip a -- skipper Lewis and increasing the lead. By the time

Dean Morgan guided in a fourth, Aidy Boothroyd of the police suspected

his time was up. After the final whistle, the announcement of a

parting of the ways. Plymouth's major problem this season

has been finding the net, but then they rarely made defences as

obliging raspberry's. Allowed to run before tucking away his first senior

goal on his first start for the club. The young Northern Irishman on

loan from Sheffield Wednesday was a whisker away from a second. Berry

had one way on the road once all season. David Flitcroft hoped to

double that in his first away trip. But a different outcome thanks to

the Plymouth post. But an equaliser was on the way, courtesy of Chris

Sedgwick. A fine strike, but false dawn. Flitcroft says it will take

more than two matches to fix two years of doing things wrong. He

can't afford to wait too long. Reuben Reid's winner made

Plymouth's position more comfortable and dumped Bury into the bottom two.

Never mind a Christmas break, Mansfield need a break on their

slide down the table. Goal shy too often recently, the home side had

John McCombe to thank for the lead midway through the first half. Paul

Cox's side held the advantage until the second half, when Accrington's

former Rangers striker Kai Naismith stepped in with his fourth goal in

five games. His form is a key reason as to why the visitors have

improved, powers which are tested when the Coombe fired in his second.

-- when John McCombe. Four minutes into stoppage time, Naismith struck

again. 2-2. Then, incredibly, and minutes later, James Gray snatched

all three points for Accrington. John McCombe couldn't believe it,

but the reality is that Mansfield are now just two points above the

relegation places. Amazing turn around to overcome

Mansfield. The big talking about has to be Aidy Boothroyd leaving

Northampton Town. 4-1 home defeat to the Wycombe. First win in nine for

them. They have never reached the heights since going to Wembley last

season? It hasn't got started. Not at any stage has it looked like they

would replicate what they did lats season. When the bar is set that

high, it is expected you will go on from that.

The other stand outresult, Bristol Rovers who have had an up-and-down

season. Portsmouth, no win in seven. Barker is pulling no punches. He

says his players have 10 days to play for their futures? He is right.

Everybody has to put up or shut up. There are no more excuses. No more

free rides. People have come off the back of this is what is happening at

the club. Financial situation. Troubles and why the club is in the

situation. I didn't go with that, I have to say. Those around are now

dissipated. As I said, now is the time when these players have to show

what they are made of. If not, like he say, they will have to be moved

on and others brought in. The next two league games at home. A massive

period for Ritchie Barker at Fratton Park.

Let's see how all those games affect the league tables. Burnley will be

top of the SkyBet Championship this Christmas. However, just a point

separates the current top three after Leicester's win at QPR. Derby

are undoubtedly the form side of the division, a seventh consecutive win

leaves them just three points behind the leaders in fourth.

Middlesbrough's first away win since August moved them up two places to

17th. Barnsley remain bottom despite an impressive point at Elland Road

in Danny Wilson's managerial return. Orient remain top of League One

despite that shock home defeat to Crawley. The O's are now winless in

their last four. Wolves are level with the O's after their comeback

draw at Rotherham. It was a great day for third placed Brentford who

closed the gap on the top two to just a point after a fourth win on

the bounce. There was no change in the bottom four who all drew.

However, big away wins for both Gillingham and Colchester moves them

both up three places to ease their relegation fears. Chesterfield's win

at Exeter sent them back to the top of League Two as away specialists

Oxford could only draw at York. It was a good day for Scunthorpe who

moved into the automatic promotion places for the first time this

season and extended their five-match unbeaten run under Russ Wilcox.

Torquay moved off the bottom and out of the relegation zone after

recording their 1st back-to-back wins. They were replaced by

managerless Northampton at the foot of the table while new Bury manager

David Flitcroft has another relegation battle on his hands.

That's your lot from us, but don't forget we've got highlights from the

Premier League on Boxing Day for you courtesy of Match of the Day at

10.25pm on BBC One. The Football League Show is back next Sunday at

11.50pm, also on BBC One. Steve thank you for your company, have a

great Christmas, and to you as well, have a great Christmas and we will

see you next weekend. Goodbye.