22/02/2014 The Football League Show

Evening. We're into the final ten weeks of the Skybet Football League

season and the pressure levels are steadily rising. In the week that

saw Chesterfield and Peterborough book their places for a Wembley

final, today we saw a Football League first. Three family members

were all involved in one game. Well, our Steve is here to see which side

of the family went home the happier, on a busy afternoon across the three

divisions. After suffering a second successive defeat on Sunday, the

latest at the hands of Reading, QPR were looking to get their automatic

promotion charge back on track today in a London derby at the Valley.

Charlton v QPR is our featured match tonight. Winless and goalless in

their last five games, we'll find out whether Middlesborough could at

least find the net today at the Riverside. We've extended highlights

of their match against Leeds. As the battle for championship

play-off places intensifies, we will be with another team hoping to get

in the promotion shuffle, Wigan athletic. As always, we have plenty

of goals and incidents to enjoy our QPR heading for the play-offs? Well,

earlier today, Harry Redknapp's side were at The Valley to meet a

Charlton side struggling at the other end of the table - four points

off safety and desperate for a win. Your commentator is Paul Walker. To

London clubs that could be leaving the championship but in different

directions. Charlton 's form is as poor as their pitch. They have three

games in hand but they have not had a league win since Boxing Day. QPR

have won every league game in January but have lost two and drawn

one out of the last three. The new loan signing starts on the

bench having joined from Nottingham Forest late on Friday. Harry

Redknapp throws his latest recruit straight in.

Joey Barton serves the first of a two match ban.

Off the post! My word! How unlucky can you get! That sums up Charlton

's luck so far. A great hit. They managed to hit the other post.

Still going. And down he goes. No penalty. He is furious, absolutely

livid. How much contact was there? It was a great run. Was there

contact? It is difficult to tell. He certainly felt he was clipped in the

box. Morrison! His angles were all wrong.

He should really have hit the target from there. That was a good move.

Just wide of the target. Jackson 's header.

He could not get there but Johnnie Jackson did. Rob Green is normally

so commanding in those situations. He took a decision to come off his

line but did not get there. Thankfully, for him, Johnnie Jackson

could not make it count. 15 minutes left and still 0-0. It

will be a golfer QPR. He has run the ball out! A goal for QPR. That was a

great opportunity and almost a gift. I thought that had goal written all

over it. What a mistake by the Charlton goalkeeper. He managed to

run the ball out. Wow! He certainly had his chances to

open his Queen Park Rangers account. It came at him late but

those supporters behind the goal are very disappointed that did not hit

the net. It is a good ball. Maybe Charlton will make it.

He tried the overhead but there was no way through. A good challenge. A

great save by Rob Gruden. -- Rob Green. That was curling into the top

corner. An excellent hit. It was matched by an equally terrific save

by Rob Green. Johnnie Jackson has won it for

Charlton! Unbridled joy. He cannot contain himself. Incredible late

John at the Valley. Charlton have stolen it. How vital is this for

their survival prospects? Jackson got up high and planted the head of

family past Rob Green. Down and up into the QPR met. And a big fist

pump from his manager, Chris Powell. Still we play. There goes the

whistle. It is a huge win for Charlton. Absolutely massive. The

captain leading by example. Johnnie Jackson 's stoppage time header

giving Charlton and absolutely monumental win against a team trying

to challenge for promotion. Let's hope it is a turning point for

us. We have been on a poor run. I thought the players were immense,

against a really good side. We were playing against Harry and his team.

They were very good side. I thought we more than match them today. We

really needed a win. Everything has been focused on this game and

getting that first win. There are a lot of new boys through the door.

Get that win and galvanise the season. It could a big goal. It was

a difficult pitch and I thought we looked solid enough. The worst we

should have come away with a 0-0 draw but we got beat. It was

disappointing. I want to stay manager of this book for club for a

long time and build a legacy. My first two seasons have been a real

upward curve. It is how you come through that. It was a cagey affair

between Charlton and QPR. They took the chance when they got it. There

were not a great deal of chances in the game. The pitch did not help.

They stayed in the game. QPR had one or two chances. I do not think they

had a shot on target. Not a lot in the game. It was always going to

hinge on a moment of real ability, maybe a bit of luck. Actually,

Charlton left and right to the death and QPR could not come back from

that. Charlie Austin has scored in ten of the last 12 wins. There have

been so many players coming in and out. Another new one. That was a

difficult opportunity. Another new one coming in here. I think you must

take this. He needs to try to shoot. He takes another touch and runs it

out of play. Probably the best opportunity of the game. The game

did not have that many. It does not come to him that quickly. It took a

slight deflection. If he touched that, it took a slight deflection.

It would always hinge on one goal either way. If he had scored early

all scored those chances, they could possibly have gone on to win it.

They were more susceptible to a late goal. That is what happened. There

was a little bit more psychology and a bit more positive.

It was about, can we win the game? He has been a real store worked,

through the good and the bad. Everyone from a Charlton perspective

will be pleased that he might have started to turn the tide for them.

And want to talk about Chris Powell. He sat in the dugout afterwards. You

could see how much it all meant to him. Emotions are running high. He

hugged his assistant, stayed on and got the applause from the fans. It

was a big result for him. Was a big result for the football club. There

was so much emotion. He has been through a roller-coaster.

Speculation over his job and new owners. A multitude of things he has

had to put up with. I think that was just relieved that they got the

right result. Despite being reduced to ten men against Nottingham

Forest, Leicester salvaged a point at their East Midland rivals in

midweek, thanks to Riyad Mahrez late equalizer. Today the Championship's

runaway leaders were looking to extend a 12 match unbeaten run at

home to Ipswich. The league leaders began the day with an 8-point

cushion. They smashed Ipswich 46 last season. But boxers looked every

inch the table top goes -- toppers. They showed they were not

infallible. This was a gift of an opener. David

Nugent plays Ipswich -- ravages Ipswich like no other side. Ipswich

had not won at Leicester for 12 years. Tommy Smith had and missed.

There was a third goal before the end. Chris Woods sealed the deal.

It was potentially another difficult game today. We have done very well.

I think we have played well. And, got through the game with the

outcome that we were looking for. That is the most important thing for

us. What do you take from a game and result like that? We take nothing.

Zip. Deadly. Second-half performance I think was better. We gifted them a

start. Leicester are good enough, we don't need to do that. 40 goals

shared between Sam Vokes and Danny Ings Forest knew what to expect.

Knowing about it and stopping it are two different things. Arfield's

opener set the tone for the first half where Burnley blew Forest away.

This superb cross interest from Trippier, Vokes given an easy task

for goal number two. Duff had the ball in the net. On this occasion

the assistant referee's flag offered Forest a reprieve. Goal number three

arrived soon enough. Vokes claiming his 18th of the season as Burnley

needed only 35 minutes to end Forest's unbeaten league run. Forest

aren't enjoying much luck at the moment. Moussi was denied by this

save. Trippier made another important contribution from Burnley.

-- for Burnley. Forest got a goal from the spot. Cox was tripped by

Duff, with just over 10 minutes remaining. Abdoun took the penalty

and grabbed a consolation goal, albeit at the second attempt.

Paterson also went close, forest couldn't come close to a Burnley

side in great form. That certainly is as good as I have seen from our

group. Total domination. Playing through the units quickly. We could

affect them in many different ways. We certainly did. We didn't start

well. We got what we deserved. Great credit to Burnley they looked in the

first 45 minutes like a promotion-chasing team. Bamford's

winner at Sheffield Wednesday kept the heat on the top two. In the

first half against Bournemouth they were a shadow of their former side.

Keogh almost put the ball into his own net. Big let-off for the Rams

being run ragged. Grabban left two players in his wake. He made a bee

line for the box. Grant was well placed for the save. The home side

relieved to get to the break all square. A couple of substitutions

and Derby were a different animal. Cook was in the perfect position to

block Russell's effort. Having held Burnley to a draw the previous week,

they appear to have got themselves another valuable pointment decision

to give a free-kick left them fuming. He clearly got the ball.

It's something that Camp couldle only agree of. Martin shot into the

top corner. Next up, Burnley. We talk about keeping cleansheets, keep

scoring the goals, we had chances and we've had chances. You know, at

the end of the day, it's about the points and winning. 1-0 is a very

good scoreline, though the last 10 minutes can be a little bit hairy

for us. My reaction on the bench, I had a good view, a clean tackle.

Tommy's reaction is the same. I haven't seen it again. This is my

live eye telling me that. I just felt the referee was undisease

criesive all day. -- undecisive all day. Having put seven past Bolton

here, five against Blackpool, then a blank against Sheffield Wednesday,

Gestede had them on the back foot here. That was a warning shot. When

Rhodes and Lowe combined the ball broke to Conway. He ran on and

claimed his first goal as a Rover via a deflection. Is a strong pair

of hands from McCarthy kept out Jordan Rhodes, now seven league

games scoreless. Reading were more miss than hit. There was at least

some threat to Robinson's goal. In the second-half, Le Fondre led the

appeals for a penalty. Reading felt Kilgallon used an arm to control the

ball in the penalty area, not according to the referee, Graham

Scott. Reading much better after half-time. A second successive home

blank was assured when they faced to test the keeper. Rovers got a third

cleansheet. Credit to Blackburn. They came away from home. That was

the mind set, they will leave with three points. Great win. Delighted.

Top team. Top facilities, top manager. Some top players they have.

Top home form, scoring lots of goals. We have come here and kept a

cleansheet. We are delighted. Really good result that for Blackburn

considering reading's recent form. All that has gone on at the start of

the season off the pitch at Ewood Park, he has been left to get on

with, it two defeats in 12 in 13 now. He is doing a good job, isn't

he? Is Yeah. I mean, it's coincided with the fact that everything seems

to have settled down. Promoted from within. He has been given a chance.

The fans are looking at it and saying, this is a club man. Someone

we wanted. We want to give him a chance. They have done that. No

coincidence, as things have settled down, all of a sudden they look like

a team capable of challenging. Good afternoon for all the leading sides.

Leicester he 22 win of the campaign. Unbeaten run to 13. Eight clear at

the top. Everyone saying the first place in the division ewn up. What

do you think? I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, I know that. The what

they will look at is third. They won't, at this stage, they won't

think about winning it, they will think of staying ahead of third.

When you think of how they played against third, Derby, how much

better they were on the day against them, Derby responded magnificently

from that, you can't make a case for anybody else to finish above them.

Players come in and go out. They seem to know their roles. Seem to

know what is required of them. There is a set way of playing. Everybody

buys into that. When changes are made, like they were today, it is

seamless. Really are struggling to find reasons to find why they won't

stay where they are. Burnley, 2 #0 games unbeaten. They have themselves

a great win against For whoa!s have been on a staggering run themselves.

Injuries are taking its toll as far as Forest are concerned. Burnley are

there? They are. Of course, Danny Ings didn't score today, did he? Not

in three, his longest run in the campaign. We know they are more than

a one-man team. We know that. I think Mr Vokes has gone up to

third. They are a potent mix going forward. All round they are a strong

side. They with a tight knit unit and they will be very close. Caught

Forest at the right time. They have a job to do against a really good

team. Staying with the Championship, and nearly a year after reaching

last season's play-offs, Brighton are in the frame for a repeat come

May. We sent Clem to the AMEX to assess the Seagull's chances of

going one better as promotion rivals Wigan came to town.

Last season's play-offs ended messily for Brighton in more ways

than one! Thwarted by Crystal Palace for a place at Wembley, three days

later the architect of the club's on the field revival was suspended

subject to an internal inquiry. Eventually his contract was

terminated. This time around it lies in the hands of a man who won 11

trophies in Barcelona's midfield. Last season under hostile skies in

Israel, put his managerial (inaudible). A different environment

to your last job? Yes. Really pleased and really happy about my

job here. What we are doing and I'm happy. You know when you have he'

come through at Barcelona, is it always with you? Is there a

Barcelona way that is there all the time? Yeah. I was there from nine

years old until 27. I spent all my life there. I grow with this

philosophy. I grow as a person as well. Yes, it's in my blood. He

played for Barcelona. You have to listen to him. You take the best

thing of everyone. That is the way you improve. Was continuing to work

with them a factor in your coach? Is Our fans are accustomed to a style

of play. Players who play our way, pass and move, attacking football.

Oscar plays that style. A good fit for us. How does the club contrast

to this time last year? Well, not too much. I think we are fighting as

well for positions. It was a difficult summer with things going

around. I think now, at the same time, I don't know where we where

last year at the same moment as now. I think we are right. Can you quite

believe the story of Brighton over the last few years? Do you know what

a journey it has been on? Is Yes. I know the history and what I want is

to keep going. To keep improving. To keep being better every day and this

is our philosophy. It's fair to assume the manager was

more preoccupied with the demands of the here and now, or rather the here

and Monday night and that Cup replay against Hull. Stevens headed wide

from Ward's cross. Upson's clearance was charged down by James MacArthur,

who had plenty to do. He curled his shot past Kuszczak who did most

impressively. Brighton's attempts to respond followed a similar path.

They were unfortunate. Wigan are hard to deny once they are in front.

Chris McCann moved the will theics closer to the play-off picturesure.

A fourth goal in as many games from Beausejour. Wigan got a fifth win in

six games. The chance to give over this defeat comes all too quickly.

-- Ulloa. Can you believe you lost that game? No. For me it's

incredible because we played in the first half best game of the season.

We had more than 20 chances to score. We only took one. Those are

the characteristics you need. To keep them out when they are banging

on the door? Fantastic footballing side. Great options on the bench to

to come on. Lua Lua is a fantastic player. I think we have been -

sometimes it's good to win ugly. Today we won ugly. Dedicated that

win to Ben Watson, who broke his leg for the second time in 15 months in

midweek. We wish him a speedy recovery. In the job he has done in

his first season, what do you make of the job he has done? Difficult to

sum it up. He has a wonderful squad. They have lost one or two important

players, but when you take over a football club, normally it's under

circumstances where the manager hasn't done very well and had to

move on. The manage previously got to the play-offs. If that isn't

attained by Brighton this year is that underachievement? Is I don't

know what the perception is or how they will look at it. They will have

to cut their costs tighter because of the money they lost last year. I

think he has done OK. There is a little room for improvement. They

are both very well placed? They are. That was a massive win. Wigan are

right behind Reading. You would imagine if Wigan win their game they

are three points off of Forest, nine points behind Forest Brighton. A

huge win for Wigan today. Moving on. The Riverside was the venue for

Saturday's early kick-off as Middlesbrough met Leeds United. With

a mid-table finish beckoning, both clubs needed a spark to make a late

charge for the play-offs. Aitor Karanka made four changes as he

attempted to end Middlesborough's five-match run without a goal.

Strikers Kei Kamara and Curtis Main coming in. Top scorer, Albert

Adomah, dropped to the bench. Brian McDermott responded to defeat at

Brighton last time out with five changes, including new loanee

goalkeeper Jack Butland making his debut. Dan O'Hagan was watching this

one. It has been ten years since Leeds

were last relegated from the Premier league.

He claimed a foul. Appeals long and loud. They have been given here by

Anthony Taylor. There is Jack Charlton. A former

Leeds legendary player and former Middlesbrough manager.

That was a good hit by Marcy! His only goal came on the opening day

against Brighton. He has not scored since.

Can they get a goal from a set play? He has not scored for 15 months. He

got a goal at Charlton last season. That was a lovely hit! A sweet

strike. It was turned over by Jack Butland.

The takeover here has yet to be ratified by the Football League

after two weeks of deliberation. A teasing cross. An own goal nearly

back for the reactions by the goalkeeper.

That opening goal would have been a calamitous own goal.

That was held on just by Jack Butland. The goalkeeper took charge.

A good knock-back. First the myth kick and then Graham 's spectacular

improvisation. Danny Graham! Getting closer. That

ten hour wait for a goal goes on. They are making at least one or two

openings. Danny Graham on golf for three clubs in ten months.

Ross MacCormack! A full-blooded drive.

He has been really anonymous by his standards.

A real opportunity. The goalkeeper made himself a huge barrier. None

shall pass. They go on and on. The shot back off the post. Now the

appeal. There was a push. He was too physical. The shot came

back off the post from MacCormack. The chance to win the game there and

then. It was not taken. He was onside. He could not find the top

corner as Boro again draw a blank in the championship. I was

disappointed. We did not play well. We lost opportunities to win the

game. It was the same way as we played against Blackburn a few weeks

ago. Here we had chances to score and we did not score. We need to

recover against our confidence. We have good players and we need to

restore our confidence. It is a tough place to come to. We lost a

couple of players early in the game. It was a good clean sheet.

Jack made a couple of really good saves. Both sides needed a spark

needed to get back into the play-off race. What about the Middlesbrough

record? Ten hours and 15 minutes without a goal. That is incredible.

They are playing a system where either the players do not understand

what is required or are not good enough to the system. If you are a

manager, USS the players and try to work out the best system for the

players. You do not force the system onto players. They pass the ball

around. Leeds allowed them to. They had to keep the shape and all of a

sudden they could not break sides down. I cannot remember a shot in

the first half from either side. They just do not understand how to

play this. The players do not get this debt they continue to play that

way. -- but they continue. It has gone on and on. They looked better

in the second half. They have more forward thinking players. It has

been a long time and they keep continuing to go down That Road. You

wonder what it will take for them to change because it is not working.

Well, as for the rest of the Championship, we start at the Reebok

as Bolton entertained a Watford side who on Tuesday extended their

unbeaten run to five matches at Yeovil. It was not quite in the Nat

Lofthouse days that Bolton fielded two strikers, it just felt right up

to the fans. Embarking on a second loan spell at the Reebok, he had a

lively game. Having. Good save from the goalkeeper, the striker was in

again soon afterwards. -- having forced a good save. With the new

four for two formation working wonders, it was not long before they

were ahead. -- 4-4 minus two. Then it was time for Mason to finally get

his goal. The Trotters inched towards a first win in nine matches.

The manager apologised for the Hornets display.

We worked very hard. We tried a different shape. It seemed to work

today. I am delighted for the players because they have got what

they deserved. We were very disappointing. The second goal in

stoppage time sums up the way the game went for us today. The head

coach at Sheffield Wednesday had one eye on the cup tie against

Charlton. It was impossible not to, especially with neighbours Sheffield

United awaiting the winners. Those players he did pick came up with the

goods. Jeremy Elan was booked twice in the fixture last season. He made

sure he would be remembered this time. His persistence paid off as

the Owls took a first half lead. The below par display by Huddersfield

suggested a home loss would not be avoided. This cross dropped right

where Sam Hutchinson wanted. After a neat turn, the home side were

finished. In a desperate bid to claw something from the game, Adam

Clayton tried his luck from range. Another home game without scoring.

Much to the frustration of the town supporters. Danny Ward last his

lines. When you are playing in a diamond, you have to go

collectively. We tweaked it around and, in the second half, we totally

dominated the game and deserved to be winners. In the mid-birds covered

the back that the mid-3rd, we were OK. It was just in the final third

that we did not get it going. We did not get it going for what ever

reason. Blackpool began the season with five wins in six. Before this,

they have not won since Betty of November. -- 30th of November.

Andy Keogh showed them how it is done. A devastating finish! This,

his second in three matches. When you are on top, you need to make

chances count. First Ricardo Fuller failed to find a way past the

goalkeeper and failed to establish the 2-goal buffer. Lee Novak 's shot

had then. Before this game, Blackpool where the division 's bad

boys. Remarkably, this is the tenth red card for the Tangerines this

season and a third for naughty Robinson. Big for the Blues. Brutal

on Blackpool, who have taken four points from 45. Restarted the game

excellent. We had enough chances to win or three goals in the first

half. I was not happy at half-time. I thought we could have come in with

a two, three goal lead, which we did not. It was disappointing. Find

Chris Burke done really well. At the end, we deserved to win. We missed

some decent chances in the second half. Jordan Barry started for Don

Caster. -- Doncaster. It was not long before the goalkeeper had

something to think about. Homes needed to have his arm twisted to

join Yeovil because he did not like to live too far away from his mum.

That penalty was awarded just before the hour mark. No mistake from the

spot. That was enough for the first win in seven games. Just as well

because Yoga wasted chances to make it safe. Heaven only knows how the

keeper missed this one. The goalkeeper also saved from Kevin

Dawson late on as Yeovil nicht confidently. Things looking

compressed at the bottom of the table. We will get disappointments

like today, we know that. Everyone is taking points off each other. We

need to concentrate on ourselves and pick up the points we deserve. It

was an important result. Despite trying to play down the significance

of this one, deep down Danny Wilson knew his side could not afford to

lose, neither could Millwall. Between them, they had shipped over

100 goals which explains why they are both in trouble. Four minutes to

go, that number was increased. It would now be a test of mental

strength for both teams. The pair of them won just one of their last 12

matches. The goalkeeper went AWOL. Campbell had a sniff out goal but

failed to make it count. Scott McDonald was the man thwarted.

Campbell could not follow it in. Barnsley have scored two goals in

each of their three home games before this. Another one would have

settled their nerves. This cross eventually reaching Dale Jennings.

This time, one goal enough to put bluntly within two points of safety.

We could have went a long way to making our season easier, now we

haven't. Well done to them. We are right back to square one I think

after that. Huge result for Barnsley, they look to extend their

eighth season stay in the Championship. Millwall, it's looking

touch and go now? You are right. It was a big result for Barnsley. I'm

not sure before Danny Wilson went there. I gave him much chance of

staying up. I have seen them recently a couple of times, there is

a steel about them. That will have an impact on what happens for the

rest of the season. Millwall, Ian Holloway, we expect goals, we expect

fluent football. Five in the last eight. Still conceding. That was a

setback for them. Huge credit to the Yeovil players. Everybody everybody

is almost saying they are down. Two home wins before Saturday. Credit to

them, against Doncaster, a crucial fixture? I don't see them getting

caught up in... Lose a game of football down in the dumps. The I

don't see. That they expect to lose games of football. They are capable

of bouncing back. They are capable of getting results and being

competitive at this level. I don't think there is the pressure on them

as there is on the other clubs. They could benefit from that. They are in

there and in there with a shout. Birmingham were dangerous have been

dragged down into relegation zone. They got themselves a got result

against Blackpool are in free-fall. An interesting week for Lee Clark

who went in a different directions with new back room staff. He has

promoted Steve Watson. I mean, I don't... We are still a bit confused

as to how the situation has occurred, whether it was done

amicably or not. They got the right result today, which was - which they

needed, to be fair, they have been on a dodgy run. They do tend to that

this season. When you worry about them... They pull one out. Yeah. As

for League One, there was a huge game in prospect at Griffin Park

between two of the division's in-form sides as leaders Brentford

looked to extend their 19-match unbeaten run against third-placed

Wolves, who'd won their last five. No margin for error said Kenny

Jackett. Right on half-time, Henry's cheeky chip had Wolves ahead. In

front of Griffin's Park they took control. Jacobs scored both in

beating Notts County last week. There was another double here. After

neat enter play. Jacobs was teed up for this cracker. Is Brentford's

first league lost under wall Burton. It was a great performance. We did

well, defended stoutly. When we came under pressure. Looking at all the

stats, we dominated the shots and the chances, which you are always

looking to do. We have to look at what we can do better. That is

quality around the final third there, look after the ball and take

care, as we have done in the previous few weeks. We will learn

from it. That is the important thing for us. The That result across

London meant Leyton Orient would go top of the table with a win. Chris

Dagnall kept his place after scoring in their midweek success. He was

nearly at it again. That victory on Tuesday followed an impressive point

at Preston. The sense that is things were on the up again for Leyton

Orient wouldn't go away. They led before the break from the pot spot.

This challenge was reckless. Loyal James gave the home side an

advantage, that never really looked under threat. Injuries had left

Swindon short of numbers. After losing a penalty shoot-out to

Peterborough in the southern final of the JP Trophy in midweek, another

spot-kick was the lats thing they wanted which made

Archibald-Henville's challenge on Mooney unfortunate. A win made more

welcome by the news from Griffin Park. It was a very important game

for us. Won by two penalties, strangely enough. We don't get many.

When we get them, we normally miss them. We put them away, enough to

win the game. A difficult afternoon. We have a certain way we want to

play. We came unstuck today. On current form you wouldn't rule

Preston out of automatic promotion. It was defender Tom Clarke what set

them up for a ten th away win in their last 14 League games. This was

anything but plain sailing. Colchester should have levelled the

match after Rudd was adjudged to have brought down Bean. The decision

didn't meet with agreement. There was a terrific save to stop the

spot-kick. Coal Champs Elyseeser scored eight goals in their last

three home games. -- Colchester. This finish came nine minutes into

the second-half. It was anybody's game now. Preston have been

tremendous on the road all season. After Chris Humphrey burst to the

by-line, Colchester defender Brian Wilson who put the ball into his own

net. The Ewes just three points now above the drop-zone. We can try to

affect our results. If people slip up we want to take advantage. We

have Rotherham and Walsall, two home games, hopefully we can capitalise

the result. Preston had to earn their win. That is all you can ask

when you play against teams at the top. The I'm pleased with our

performance. Rotherham's play-off push gathers pace after Carlisle

find their route to goal blocked, the Millers went route one, Wes

Thomas scored his third goal in three games. The visitors wasted

several chances to extend their lead before Carlisle got an equaliser in

first half stoppage-time. A goal to remember from Lee Miller.

The clock was ticking down. Agard pounced on this result to extend the

Millers' unbeaten run to a magnificent seven. Second-half I

thought we were the better side, we passed the ball better. To lose the

goal late on was extremely disappointed. With a Wembley place

booked and the Johnstone paint trophy. Stevenage, Washington led

the charge. Denied his first Posh goal by Day's sharp re-Leks --

reflexes. Since return, Ajose hit five goals in seven matches. Another

vital strike here, 14 minutes from time. The home team could have

grabbed a point after freeman's shot was parried. This was controversial

flagged offside. Someone had to produce quality. It was a great

finish. Delighted for the players. The win at Swindon. It was

important. This game was as important as that. We want to make

sure we keep in them play-offs. Game of fine margins. They managed to get

their goal. We had onical beinged out. A close call. You look at it on

the footage and you are splitting hairs with it really. Crawley's

first game for a month thanks to the weather, before they had a chance to

feel rusty they were front. Tubbs grabbed the chance to ease himself

back into goalscoring form. John Gregory had not been idle and

fieldled for new recruits on the bench. If those who started felt the

increased pressure for places they certainly responded. Soon after the

break, Clarke teed up Tubbs who made it three goals in two games on his

return to the club with that month off in between. The striker's hold

on the headlines was threatened on the hour by his team-mate, Mike

Jones, who last scored a league goal on the opening game of the season.

That was Walsall's cue to wake up. Mantom got a shot on goal and

scored. Clarke's next foray down the left ended less happily. A failure

to hear the whistle ruled deliberate by the referee. The 10-men saw it

through. Good to be playing again and winning. That is Crawley's first

win in a month. It was their first game in a month. They have been on

the sore end of some pretty poor weather, like a lot of us? I spoke

to guy, the assistant manager, saying five at home called off and

three away. They wondered when they would play next. To keep yourself

nice and fit and a place like that. With 10 men in the end, which we

thought was harsh. Just a tad. Wolves ended Brentford's run in some

style. Last five win without their top-scorer Leigh Griffiths. Are you

surprised to see them react in that way? No. At the start of the season

they weren't maybe at their Peak. I don't think they were their fluent

best, shall we say. They were picking up points. Obviously,

getting used to the feeling you are the big club. Doesn't matter who you

say, whoever is top of the League is looking for Wolves every time they

come to town. There is that to put up with. They have hit form at the

right time. It was a close game up until the goal. When Brentford

chased the game Wolves picked them off at will. They looked strong. Get

momentum, they will be stuff to stop, aren't they Jacobs scored a

cracker. Peterborough credit, five days after securing their place in

the trophy final at Wembley, they could have come unstuck at

Stevenage, they didn't. Rotherham a third late win in a row? Pleased

about that the manager. If you keep - You love that, don't you? That is

the belief that you can win games of football. How many times have seen

sides particularly from home shut up shop and take the draw. Emcoo trying

and getting results and believing in what they are doing. Nothing wrong

with their fitness levels. Elsewhere in League One. A goalless

draw on Tuesday against promotion rivals Preston was enough to lift MK

Dons to within six points of the play-offs. Earlier today Karl

Robinson's side were at Bradford. They were unlucky not to open the

scoring at Bradford. Derby did tremendous work in front of the home

goal-line. They got their first win in 14 league games on Tuesday. This

Hanson volley deserved a better fate. Hanson's luck took a notable

turn for the better. The howler from David Martin allowing him to secure

back-to-back victories for his side. A real family affair at Vale Park as

Harry Davis faced his dad and Crewe manager Steve and brother Joe in

defence. Skwl Pogba got the opening goal. They came close to equalising

when Pope crashed the header off the crossbar. Vale were let down by a

combination of poor finishing ing and defending. Crewe were getting

the breaks Vale weren't. When Tootle was fouled the referee pointed to

the spot. Aneke succeed in scoring. Crewe went for more. Inman testing

Neal. A follow upwas denied by Aneke. Inman got a third to

guarantee the visitors would move out of the relegation zone. If any

Vale player deserved a goal, it was Pope. His back-to-back defeats.

Two teams far from safe, the Gillingham attacker is far from

clinical. He almost had to much time to pick his spot. The rebound

squandered by Conor Smith. The only goal was a rare moment of genuine

quality. His previous latex goal came in the 5-4 win over

Peterborough. There was nearly a second. Jon Stead has scored goals

in the Premier league. His know-how might tip the balance in Nolan 's

favour. A smart save kept them from levelling.

The Tranmere assistant manager took charge for the first time since 2006

and got off to the perfect start, thanks to this clumsy challenge.

Rovers took the 12th minute lead. McMahon 's afternoon back in the hot

seat should have got even better. He picked out Matthew Kennedy at the

far post and over the crossbar. Having spurned that chance, Tranmere

were soon riding their luck. The skipper denied not once but twice in

this melee. The Rovers keep that get out the shot. -- kept out. They did

not have a change of luck. This free kick was steered into the air own

net by Conor Thomas. -- their own net. J Cassidy was thwarted by Joe

Murphy. Kennedy did all the hard work for Kennedy. The boss gave a

withering assessment of his team 's performance after the game. His mood

is not improved by a consolation goal. Rovers were closer to safety

and Coventry are in mid-table. The Sheffield United young centre-half,

Harry Maguire, is a constant threat from set pieces. They went in front

three minutes before the break against Bristol city. They played

splendid football on the deck. The second was setup for Ryan Flynn. He

was enjoying an excellent game. Just over ten minutes later, he was

adjudged to have been impeded inside the box. A penalty was given. Baxter

pretty much wrapped up the points from the spot. A double save from

Wade Elliott and then Sam Baldock denied Bristol city a consolation

goal before Barnett via the loose ball over the crossbar. -- fired the

loose ball over the crossbar. Shrewd spray awarded Michael Jackson the

managerial reins until the end of the season. -- Shrewsbury. The Notts

County Aston Villa loanee tapped the goal in. There was a penalty

inducing lunch. The spot kick was dispatched with less than 15 minutes

gone. Under Jackson, the Shrews want to be starting something and

quickly. Hopes of extending their seven-game losing streak improved

with this flick on and it proved to be a tide turning moment. Their

cause was further aided before half-time when Spencer was alleged

to have used an elbow and a straight red card. As the conditions

worsened, the Shrews quality improved. The seventh of the season

will take some beating as the visitors levelled the game at the

three quarters point. The elusive win was coming. He was unlucky to

find the crossbar a couple of minutes later. With 20 minutes to

go, the Shrews struck. This goal was far from pretty but so important in

the League One relegation battle. Not a bad way for Michael Jackson to

begin his full-time tenure. It was much needed, wasn't it? It has been

tough for him when you think about the results he has got. That gives

him a squeak. Had they not one today, they would have been six

points adrift. That is a lot. Every time Notts County take one step

forward, it is two steps back. They have won four and lost four. Six red

cards. The timing of that red card on Saturday will hurt. The red cards

have really perfected them negatively. Only a couple of weeks

ago we were talking about how fluent they looked. They really did look as

if they would get out of it. All of a sudden they were back in it and

four points. There is no consistency. Every Football League

club is searching for consistency. That includes crew. We love to watch

them play, don't we? This sums them up. A push and run and a great

finish. They are one of the few clubs where it is not just about

results. We know he wants them to play a certain brand of football. It

is not just about results. It is about the way you play and bring

people fool would, particularly youngsters. They are a bit different

to most. -- bring people forward. They are capable of one or two good

results. We saw them at Sheffield United and they are very capable.

Nigel Clough is certainly turning things around. Well, let's have a

look at how League Two panned and Chesterfield maintained their three

point lead at the top of the table after coming from behind to beat

Torquay last week. Next up for Paul Cook's side a trip to Wycombe,

another side struggling to preserve their league status.

Table top is just a field rolled into Adams Park off the back of four

wins in their previous five games. They fell behind ten minutes before

the break. This effort was penalised for handball. The young midfielder

stuck away the penalty. You could not say the same for the Spireites

boss, Paul Cook. He was sent to the stands. His side 's fortunes did not

improve. The misery was complete when this far post header was rolled

out by the referee 's assistant. These celebrations emphasise how

important that we can win could turn out to be. It was a tough game for

Chesterfield. They are a good side, very good side. They deserved to be

top. Today belongs to Wycombe. Scunthorpe United made light work of

the opposition. They set the tone for a memorable afternoon. The

leading scorer, started and finished goal number two. He has been a

revelation since his transfer from Doncaster Rovers. He rounded off a

devastating first-half performance with a second. Worst would soon

follow for Portsmouth after the break.

They ensured the lion share of the headlines with this hat-trick. The

game was long since over as a contest and the Portsmouth debutant

scored his first senior goal. It was certainly Scunthorpe' of day as they

go joint top of League Two. Delighted to score five goals. We

have to regroup and focus on Bristol Rovers on Tuesday. During the week,

Oxford suffered their first away defeat of the League Two season.

Another setback for the use. Things started well. 13 minutes in, this

goal. Oxford were pegged back very late in the day. This 91st minute

leveller sees the use job ad of the automatic promotion places. -- drop

out. Rochdale made light work of Exeter. Jamie Allen tested the

goalkeeper. Fail, unbeaten in their previous three away trips, grabbed

the decisive goal on the strike of half-time. The home side set about

getting back on terms. Tom Nichols was denied by the fingertips of the

goalkeeper. The margin of victory could have been greater. They were

kept out by the post. Rochdale are into the top three. Back in

November, Fleetwood beat Mansfield in a nine goal thriller, thanks to a

penalty in stoppage time. The Stags faithful will care not a jot about

the lack of drama. They were denied by Alan Marriot. 1-0 up felt rather

better than 5-4 down. A bit annoyed with were not more ruthless in the

last third. We were up against a good side with good players. To win

any game against a side that is up there, going for promotion, is a

good result. The form of Bristol Rovers is improving week on week.

The goalkeeper had to be on his toes to keep out this curler inside the

quarter hour. The Pirates kept on producing excellent football. With

20 minutes remaining, Clarkson opened the scoring from a splendid

cross. His first since Christmas. A win for Rovers would have secured

back-to-back league victories for the first time since August. After

the shot, it was the top scorer who was on hand to wrap up the points.

He moved his side eight points above the bottom three. Being at home, we

have only lost one of our last 11 games at home. We have been very

good and beaten some good teams. We have done that tonight. They have

good players and we must work hard to do that. We have played very

well. York City have failed to score in their last four home games. It

was not for the want of trying against Southland. Preston North End

Loney brought the best out of the goalkeeper. Mercifully, Nick Hope

was more alert. Honours were shared. We came here with a game plan to try

and win the game. That is our 13th clean sheet of the season. We're on

the right tracks at times. It is the final third that has let us down

again today. In the second of five consecutive home games, Newport were

hopeful of bouncing back into play-off contention. They may have

to think again. Vincent 's first goal for Cheltenham was enough to

give them their first win in eight league matches. They almost scored

the winner. Will Newport become unstuck on this dreadful surface? If

not come to nothing about survival, they must start to do the business

on home patch. They threatened to break the four match unbeaten run of

Hartlepool. Another header from Dickinson put the hosts on course

for their first win at six field since November. They might have

pulled one back. They kept out Luke Williams. It was a good time to

score. It gave the boy 's belief to go on. They are a dangerous team.

They have a lot of talented young players. We are delighted with the

three points. Viewers of the correct vintage will recognise this phase in

the Dagenham press box. He was watching Argyll. He was fairly comfy

in his seat when his heroes took the lead. Injuries and suspension meant

Dagenham could only list five substitutes. The starting XI found

speedy reply. Plymouth put last week 's 4-0 home hammering behind them

just after half an hour. Parsons picked out the goal-scorer for his

tenth of the campaign. The rock star was clearly expecting the victory.

It is a tough game. It is always tough when you come here. The lads

stuck in. We deserved victory. You get the two goals in the first half

and gain the advantage. A different experience from what I am used to

but we won, which is the main thing. I was saying to my co-commentator,

my colleague, before the game that I have seen us play away, score four

goals and win in the last few games. I am a lucky omen. Wimbledon had

failed to find the net in their two previous games. They could have done

with a change of form when Danny Hilton took aim at early in the

second half. His shot was scrambled away. Barry has stuck away only two

goals in their last five matches. The substitute was certainly

threatening to breakthrough. He was denied by the keeper after a

splendid run from the left. In the next attack, he went even closer,

after he burst through the centre of the home defence. It looked like

honours even that, deep into stoppage time, Danny Meier decided

to try his luck through the middle as well and, this time, they got the

goal they deserved. For league defeats on the spin for AFC

Wimbledon. Torquay United goalkeeper was the

standout player in the opening exchanges of this nervous clash. He

first spared Anthony O'Connor 's blushes with a smart save before

displaying fine form. This cross picked out the goal-scorer. The

winner came ten minutes from time. The substitute displayed close

control before driving home a devastating finish to set up a sixth

away win of the season against James Beattie. They had to survive a

desperate late salvo from Torquay. Christian Pearce was denied. Stanley

are now eight points clear of the relegation zone. Rate takes their

current run to four defeats in 21. They had a horrendous start in

management for James Beattie. Wickham turned over the league

leaders for their first home win in four months. I said before, I have

watched them a couple of times and they have played quite well. Whether

or not just a field will agree that was a penalty, I do not know. --

Chesterfield. They knock the ball around and are fluent in possession.

Maybe they lack the cutting edge at times. That is a welcome three

points. The manager thanks the Broadfoot in by him in what was to

mulch with period. Have ten games in the next five weeks. -- the manager

thanks the board for sticking by him. He has been given funds and he

has brought in nine players. They are having a positive effect. They

were the worst team in the division by a long shot before he took over.

There are certainly foundations to build from. They still have a third

of the season left. 15 games left. Plenty of points to had. Portsmouth

were put to the sword. They are too close to the relegation zone for

their liking. Let's have a look at the tables. Leicester retained their

league. No change in the top eight places. Three of the 14th in the

play-offs last, including a third successive defeat for QPR. All three

teams in relegation zone one today, which means just five points

separate the bottom five clubs with the bottom three all having games.

Wolves moved into second place after ending Brentford's 19-match unbeaten

run in style. Five of the top six won to cement their promotion

chasing places as every other team in the top half lost apart from

Bradford. Five of the bottom seven all going into the weekend or one.

Shrewsbury remain three points from safety after that first win in

eight. Chesterfield are top of League Two, despite a defeat at

strugglers Wycombe. Scunthorpe and Rochdale both closed the gap with

wins, they were the only sides in the top nine to win today. Dale

moved into the automatic promotion places at Oxford's expense. While

six of the bottom seven going into the weekend all won, with Torquay

the only ones to lose. They are now level on points with bottom club

Northampton. Both five adrift of safety after Wycombe's impressive

win. That's it from us. But don't forget Match Of The Day 2 on Sunday

night is the place to catch up with the weekend's Premier League action

at 10:25pm on BBC One. And we're back next week straight after MOTD

at 11:45pm for the very best from the Football League. Steve, thanks

for your company tonight, see you next week.