23/03/2014 The Football League Show

Evening. For most teams in the Skybet Football League today saw the

countdown begin to the final 10 games of the season. That time of

year of course when the squeak gets that little bit louder. What a game

at the JD Stadium in midweek where - despite five goals in the last 12

minutes - Wigan and Yeovil could only take a point each. Steve's here

to reflect on a frantic finish to several other games tonight. And,

here's what's coming up. After their midweek 3-0 defeat at Sheffield

Wednesday, QPR went into today's match against Middlesbrough

10-points adrift of the automatic play-off places. We'll find out how

Harry's Hoops got on today at the Riverside. We've extended highlights

from Saturday's big East Midlands clash as promotion chasing Derby and

Nottingham Forest met in another dramatic encounter. It's jelly and

ice-cream time as 125 years to the day since Sheffield United were

formed, the club kick-off their birthday cell rations with a visit

from Wolves. And, as ever, we've all the goals and plenty of talking

points as the season edges towards another dramatic climax. To the iPro

Stadium now, and the game of the day, as Steve McClaren's Rams took

on Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands derby. It was the first

time in 20 years both sides were battling for promotion from the same

division with just six-points and three places dividing them. The

hosts made three changes with West Brom loanee George Thorne making his

first start for the suspended John Eustace. While Billy Davies made two

changes, with Guy Moussi and Jamie Mackie starting. Dan O'Hagan was

watching this one. COMMENTATOR: Ward goes on here

again. Ward pulls back Bamford. Here's Hendrick, in low, Martin goes

near-post. They score. Bryson for Derby. Perfect start for the Rams.

Their first goal for six-hours plus in their biggest game of the season.

Here's the handball shout coming up when the ball comes back in from

Hendrick. Hendrick across, cleared away. Moussi, the hands, play went

on, Bryson buries it, Derby in front, with the perfect breakthrough

start. Craig Bryson on the scoresheet. Derby 1, For st 0.

Greening here. Majewski draws the first save of the game from Lee

Grant. League goals are in very short supply for him.

Bamford. Bamford here for Chris Martin. Great control. Martin.

Bryson's second goal for Derby. Lovely goal. It is double Derby

delight. It's Martin's touch coming up here which is joyious. Kills the

ball stone dead. Bryson finds the net. Doesn't Bryson finish it. This

Derby is one way traffic so far. In goes that cross. Grant with a

good fist away. Mistake there. Bamford. Lovely ball to play in

Hendrick. It Jeff Hendrick, 3-0 to Derby County. What a first half they

are having here. From a Forest corner, the Derby break, mistake

half way, Bamford had the awareness to see Hendrick, and the pass plays

him in. The Academy boys makes it 3-0 for Derby, his first ever goal

was a Derby winner at Forest two seasons back. This one means first

half control for dominant Derby County. 3-0 and counting.

Martin now for Russell again. Hendrick. Martin. Cheer is Johnny

Russell. Russell! Oh, there is that fourth goal. And what a fourth goal!

Cracker jack. Johnny Russell. Derby 4, Forest 0. There is surely no way

back now for Forest. What a hit, what a strike, what a day for Derby.

He sees the gap. Boy, does he find it. Brilliant finish. Lovely goal.

Forest are done, for sure, in this game. There is no way back from

here. Paterson, twists and turns. Can he

get across for Forest. Forced out wide by Bamford. Fox for Henderson.

Mackie. Cox. Off target. His team off key. Simon Cox, the goals have

dried up for Forest in recent matches, not just the points.

Lascelles with the mistake. Russell again, Lascelles gets back at him

really well, and had to. Forest again defensively shakey, awkward.

Lascelles, the Derby-born player, recovered well to stop Russell from

getting a fifth goal. Bryson with the corner. Hendrick, Craig Bryson.

The flick from Martin. Oh, what a save. Darlow with razor reactions.

Martin's touch at the near-post there was terrific. The save is its

equal. Super stop. George Thorne, Jeff Hendrick. Hendrick has been

impressive today alongside Thorne. Thorne's ball through, it's Bamford.

Darlow caught him. Clear penalty, clear as day. That is a shocking

piece of goal keeping. Always going to be a penalty kick. Can't do that.

18 98, the last time Derby beat Forest 5-0. Their record home score,

Bryson for a hat-trick - which he has! His second treble this season.

This one means the world to Derby County, against Forest. They have

hit five. There is still time to go for more.

Bamford. Bamford sets up, Johnny Russell with the mis iskick. They

look a good side here, Derby. We were disappointed with the manner

how we conceded the goals. You know, it's - we worked all week on

matching runs and being disciplined and compact. You know, and we

just... We just switched off on numerous occasions today.

Unfortunately, they have been able to score the goals that will they

created - the chances they created. Has been coming am we have been

playing well. Good football, no end product. Today we got everything,

good football and end product. No better day to do it than today. For

Tulse's three points. For the fans it is bigger than that. The players

delivered today for the fans. That is who I'm most delighted for. One

of my best days in football. Obviously scoring the hat-trick, the

most important thing was the three points. The manner we did it,

against our local rivals, was outstanding. In the previous four

games we didn't score, we created chance, weren't taking them. It will

give us so much confidence going into the remaining nine games. The

fans will have a good Saturday night, hangover on Sunday and a good

Monday morning. A result Derby fans will be talking about it for years.

Forest fan also want to forget it in an instant. Best result since 18 98,

you weren't around then. It came together for Derby? It did. Think

about the four or five previous games you think - how will they

approach it? They approached it in a positive manner. It can be sometimes

viewed as a negative system if you don't do it properly. They were so

positive today. They got men in support of the lone front player.

The two wide men played upalongside him. Quick to support. On top of

Forest from the start. Fantastic all round performance, no doubt about

that. Bryson has been at the centre of everything for Derby this season.

He a great afternoon Him and Hendrick got their just desserts.

The way they anticipated the first line of attack. He is the first to

react. Gets a couple of deflections, yes, he earns that. The ball pops

out. He is there before Moussi. He is the one following up and looking

and seeing what - Anticipating. His anticipation was fantastic. Work

from Chris Martin? Fantastic. Great ball into Bryson. He loses his

marker. He anticipates where the ball will go and where it will be to

get onned end of. It that ball from Chris Martin has to be perfectly

weighted. Penalty! Down the middle, isn't it? Good job the keeper got

his legs out of the way. Ended a wonderful afternoon. For him, he was

very, very good today. For Forest no win in seven now. Tethering on the

edge of the play-offs. How much pressure is on Billy Davies now? I

mean we talk about injuries, we talk about where their relative position

and form has been of late. There will be pressure because they have a

big squad, a good budget. They have spent good money. I would imagine

(inaudible) would have been the least they would have taken this

year. Relegated from the Premier League last May, QPR began the

season favourites to bounce straight back at the first time of asking.

But after their fifth defeat in eight at Hillsborough on Tuesday,

their chances of automatic promotion were hanging by a thread. Today,

they were at Middlesbrough, whose play-off ambitions may have petered

out in recent weeks, but could still have a big say on the promotion

race. Aitor Karanka made three changes with Kei Kamara, Danny

Butterfield and Nathaniel Chalobah coming in.

out in recent weeks, but could still have a big say Harry Redknapp made

six changes after the midweek loss at Hillsborough which

Which includes a first start in over two fonts for Benayoun. At the

Riverside for us with a Adam Pope. COMMENTATOR: The keeper was equal to

both, the shot and the rebound. Butterfield. Great shot. Great save

from Green. Flying save from Green. Butterfield lashed this. Green high

up to his right made sure, not only did he save it, but pushed it well

away from goal. A chance for Friend to whip it in

low, away by Hill. Middlesbrough are growing in confidence. He will

score! George Friend's adverts will probably go down as a mistake for

Robbie Green. He galloped in from the left-hand side. He kept going

the ball made its way back into his path as he made his own luck. George

Friend, his third goal of the season in fairly bizarre circumstances, but

reward for his effort and Rob Green, having made a fantastic save, could

not prevent that one from going over the line. It has to be a mistake

from the former England keeper. Ricochet off his hand possibly from

Friend but the ball clearly over the line, even though Adam Marlatt was

up. -- Domer was following up. Robbie Green will save it. Friend

was asked to shoot from the crowd and having one goal to his name

already today, wasn't going to be asked again.

Morrison shoots and forces another fine save from Konstantopoulos. He

had options either side, but with four goals in six games he thought a

fifth was on the cards. A chance for Benayoun, onside and

there is a equaliser. Having died one over the bar moments earlier,

Benayoun is first to turn and fire one into the net. Middlesbrough

claim he was offside as the ball pinged around in the penalty area,

but the Israeli was first to react and Queens Park Rangers are back on

terms. Kranjcar with the first shot, taken, and Benayoun clipping it off

the bar and beyond Konstantopoulos. A good save from. -- a good save

from Robert Green. The shop was right down the middle

of Robbie Green. Morrison goes for it and is inches

wide from what would have been the winning goal, surely. He unleashes a

fierce drive and it had constant Pablos stretching all the way. He

had to watch it. -- it had the goalkeeper stretching all the way.

George Friend, a chance to win it but he is inches wide. The Riverside

on its feet thinking he had scored a brace to win the game.

Oh, he has missed it, a chance for Zamora to win the game for Queens

Park Rangers. He won't have an easier goal ever to score.

Konstantopoulos makes a mess and looks to the skies but there is no

reprieve. They have taken all three points. What a win for Harry

Redknapp. Konstantopoulos, what a bizarre mistake. What a strange

ending to what has been an unbelievable game. Middlesbrough

looked totally crestfallen. That has got to be one of the most bizarre

goals I have ever seen. Here is a chance for Morrison to

wrap it up for Queens Park Rangers now. Morrison shoots, and he does

wrap it up! Five goals in seven games. Morrison makes sure that

Queens Park Rangers return to the capital with all three points. It

has been a bizarre game and entertaining game, but Morrison's

clinical finish rounds it off for Harry Redknapp and gives him a

reprieve and Queens Park Rangers hope yet to maybe make the top two.

What a wonderful finish from Morrison.

I thought we dominated the second half for the away team, if anyone

was going to win, it was going to be us, but you did not see a goal

coming the way it came, so Morrison took a great finish at the end. It

was pleasing. We have been playing well, just the one bad game at

Sheffield Wednesday, the referee gave the penalty and we could not

cope with ten men. Lately we have been playing well. It is difficult

to understand. We had the chance in their at 92 minutes to score and win

the game and we conceded two goals in two minutes, one mistake and it

is difficult to understand. in two minutes, one mistake and it

is difficult What a finish at the Riverside, particularly for the away

fans, because both managers looked happy with a draw at one point. A

huge result for QPR, cements the play-off position. Not at that

fluent best, it has been a long time since we've seen them reached the

dizzy heights we imagined, but there were some positives in the game, not

least the combination of Zamora and Morrison, particularly on the third

goal, and that could be something that could serve them well come the

end of the season. Let's reflect on the last couple of minutes, Zamora

getting his second goal in three games. You have to have sympathy for

the Boro goalkeeper? Konstantopoulos, yes, an incredible

of all, it must have been a free kick that somebody has tried to take

earlier in the game. He doesn't get within a foot of this ball. It is

not a mistake, absolutely nothing he can do about it. He can't read a

bobble like that and it is a bit of luck that you need in games. We got

a brief glimpse because on came Bobby that -- Bobby Zamora for Keane

in the 64th and there was linkup play. He was involved with

Morrison's as well. The flick onto Morrison, the archetypal target man.

You can play off him because he can keep hold of the ball for you, he

will flick the ball on, so they can't play with two upfront if

Morrison plays in their side so they will have to have somebody who is

big and strong who Morrison can play off of. He is QPR's second highest

goal-scorer. The difference so far. It shows what Charlie Austin has

done. More results like this buys time for Charlie Austin. No doubt

about that, they are big players to come back. They will go into the

play-offs, if those players come back, and reach some sort of form

with a real chance. Let's see how the other sides at the top got on

earlier today, starting with runaway leaders Leicester, who aim to extend

their 16th game unbeaten run at Blackburn. Nigel Pearson is fast

becoming the only person who does not think promotion is a formality

for Leicester. Understandably the manager will stick to his no

complacency mantra until the Foxes can no longer be hunted down. At

Ewood Park, Paul Robinson had to be at its best to stop David Nugent

from punishing the misplaced pass but the danger was not over. He

arrived at full tilt and the rest was straightforward for Jamie Vardy,

his sixth goal in as many matches. But Rovers set about proving that

Pearson was right to take nothing for granted. Kilgallon on the other

the corner, to send the teams back to the dressing rooms level. After

the break Blackburn set the tempo, but one slip is usually all

Leicester need. This time Jamie Vardy let them off the hook. All

exciting stuff and the entertainment kept coming. This cross catching

collapsed flat-footed. The Rovers fans roared their team forward in

the hope of win. But keeper's next stop was acrobatic, a flamboyant

punch. It made sure the sides would share the points. Such as

Leicester's dominance at the top, that is an achievement in itself. I

thought we were excellent stop I thought it was a great game of

football. But like you say, they are lead leaders and a top team and a

top manager and we have gone to to toe and had a good go at them today.

I thought they were on top but we probably shaded it in terms of the

best chances, so we are slightly disappointed but on the positive we

take another game off. After Chris Powell's fracking, Sean

Dyche's 18 months at Burnley make the Championship's six serving

manager. -- sacking. The Clarets took another decisive step towards

the Premier League, Ashley Barnes' goal was a high point. Burnley

played bright football decides the dreadful surface at the Valley.

Chris Baird brought the best out of Ben Hamer, who made an even better

stop to deny Barnsley's second. Burnley made sure of victory in the

second half. Ten minutes in, Morrison tripped Sam Voakes on the

18-yard line and the referee awarded a penalty. Sam Vokes scored from the

spot, reaching 20 goals for the season for the first time in his

career. It was a first defeat for Charlton under their new boss. This

deflected shot wrapped things up in injury time. The Clarets are going

places under Sean Dyche, who is one of England's hottest managerial

properties. I thought it was a fantastic performance because the

pitch is arguably the worst pitch I have seen in many years, very

difficult to play on and to adapt and deliver a convincing performance

and the outcome, scoring three goals and it could have been more, then of

course I am very pleased. Game number 49 of Wigan's season and

still so much to play for. Uwe Rosler has masterminded a climb up

the table. Watford have never won at this ground at back record

continued. He and his team-mates drew a blank. They have struggled on

their travels without an away week -- without an away league success

since October the 5th but when Lewis McGugan claimed his eight of the

campaign they must have thought things were about to change. The

Latics' eight-game winning run had come to an end against Yeovil but

the play-off contenders were level through Beausejour. The goalkeeper

copes with the first attempt but could do nothing with the second.

Waghorn won it for Wigan, reacting quickest to a loose ball, to

underline his striking ability. His third goal since joining on loan

from Leicester and their fifth in the table. Three points clear of

Reading with a game in hand and plenty of positives to take from

this latest performance. In terms of the way we attacked, the way we

created chances, the way we came back again, I think the character of

the team is like you have seen on Tuesday evening, the same today, we

came back. We made a couple of mistakes which we are disappointed

with. We pushed hard and had chances at the other end and could not take

them, so a disappointing result. Nigel Adkins has been talking about

positivity at Reading now. Their mood in stark contrast to that at

the home fans at St Andrew's these days, with burning in possession of

the whole -- the worst home record in the entire football league.

Things did not start too badly but after a run of 13 games without a

win on their own patch, the Blues fans have the familiar sinking

feeling just before half-time when Jobi McAnuff blasted in his first

league goal in over two years. There was a brief bit of cheer the Lee

Clark's side a couple of minutes later. Although Paul Caddis only

just about managed to do the necessary is from the spot. City

were inches away from going ahead midway through the second half but

this header had too much on it. They had been talking the Reading camp

about the quality of their counterattacking and they provided a

prime example to snatch the win late on, incredibly it was McAnuff on

target as he steered in Chris Gunter's low cross to keep the good

vibes going for the Royals and continue the dark days at home for

Clarke. I am decently disappointed for the players but we have to keep

going. Nine games where they have to keep playing with belief and

confidence and we can get the results that are needed. Nine, plus

three play-off games up for grabs and one game at a time. Everyone is

working hard and we should be excited about the final two months

of the season. After five wins in the last seven,

Brighton fans have the feeling that he was on a roll at a good time.

This chance to open an 8-point gap on the chasing cap, led by Ipswich.

It was not long before a golden opportunity dropped. The youngster

was not quite able to find the decisive touch, which became the

theme of the match for the increasingly frustrated home side.

After Will Buckley's burst down the witch -- wing, he again missed. In

the second half, he went closer to breaking the deadlock but this was

as hard as Ipswich keeper Dean Gerken had to work all afternoon.

Luke McCarthy's men had not created much themselves but on the hour

Daryl Murphy met Stephen Hunt's corner unchallenged and Tommy Smith

emerged triumphant from a clutch of defenders. It got even better for

that sizeable away following in the biggest crowd of the season, more

than 29,000. Johnny Williams' fancy footwork out Fox Buckley and Murphy

finished the job. A repeat of Ipswich's 2-0 success in September,

which keeps their play-off hopes alive.

It was a really solid, good performance. On the back of a defeat

last week, it is great to get back to winning ways. I am disappointed

because we conceded two goals. They punished us, it was too hard to

score. They continue to be teased, five

points from the play-offs with a handful of games remaining. A good

win, there was talk of tiredness after that late draw against Novell

midweek. 50 competitive games. A good comeback win on Saturday.

There is no doubt that it will catch up with you, with a tough midweek

game. You could be forgiven for saying we will put that down to not

having the energy. But they have dug in to grind this one out.

Collison looks like a good addition. An excellent acquisition. Wedding

got themselves a good win on Saturday.

The quality of these goals. A fantastic faint, stepping up,

allowing the player to dive in. He gets it on his right foot. You know

when your team is set up properly, when the borders crossed from one

side to the other. And shutting the back door, finishing like that. It

was a bitty game. But it won it for Redding.

A good win for Burnley. Last week, they did it with innings. And their

fullback has been sensational. It was a really good performance.

Allied with the fact other teams around them one, it was an important

performance. Going there, off the back of a decent win, Charlton could

have been tricky. Can the top to be caught? You are asking them to lose

war games in the remaining nine than in the previous 37, that isn't going

to happen. Well, as for the sides struggling at

the other end, we start our round-up at Oakwell with Barnsley, who began

the day bottom, three points adrift of safety. Bournemouth were the

visitors. Plenty of changes for Barnsley this

week. Five players lost their place. The assistant manager lost

his job. One thing that hasn't changed is the lack of firepower.

O'Grady had the first chance only 19 seconds in but it wasn't a sign of

things to come. Steele was by far the busier of the goalkeepers.

Ritchie was denied. Recently, the Cherries strikeforce hasn't been

berry fruit either. Simon should have scored their first goal in

three matches. -- bearing fruit. This unguarded net said it all about

a side with only two goals in seven games. The question was whether

Bournemouth could take advantage. Ritchie went close. The home side's

duck was holding. Until the 94th minute. -- luck.

A third straight defeat. Barnsley stayed bottom. Things need to

change, and fast. We had some good chances, we should

have done better. The goalkeeper pulled off some great saves for us.

Doncaster Rovers's recent home form has been impressive. In this

Yorkshire derby, it was Buxton who threatened to find a way through.

Then Maguire's follow-up was blocked. Best was guilty of a

glaring miss. He has not scored in successive fixtures. Sharp had a big

say in the winning goal. Kirkland kept it out only for Chris Brown,

top scorer, to tap into an unguarded net. Maguire continued to pose a

threat. Sharp was frustrated in his attempts to add a second. Then this

curling free kick from cultural was superbly pushed away. -- Cotterill.

We started brightly and moved the ball around on a difficult pitch.

When you are on top, you have two score. Can I dare say you are safe?

No, don't. Three weeks ago, we were eight points clear. Our players have

responded fantastically well. Brian McDermott may still be waiting

to discover whether the proposed takeover will go through but at

least his weight for a win is finally over. After six games

without success, Smith met this throw to nudge United ahead. After

saying that hard work was needed if they needed to earn three points,

but Cormack divided plenty of it to double the lead, getting the angle

just right for his 20th goal in 23 League games before half-time. Ian

Holloway said this match was the first of ten Cup finals for them.

This strike by Campbell brought them back into the game. Meyer Hoffer

almost conjured up a piece of magic of his own. But the Austrian was

kept out. Leeds did have the chance to settle the nerves with virtually

the last kick of the game. But after a scramble, Robinson managed to keep

McCormac at bay. With things now looking better on the pitch,

attention turns to resolving matters of it.

-- off. We want the uncertainty to go away and to concentrate on

football. The sooner the ownership situation is sorted out, the better.

They need to sort themselves out. They have gone away, I am sure they

felt they nicked it, but they don't care, do they? Plenty of Blackpool

fans who think more money should have been spent since the club

dropped out of the Premier League. With their team six points above the

bottom three, they made their point clear. Once the action got under

way, one of last summer's free transfers lifted the mood, Ricardo

Fuller. Having clinched victory in the last home game, he is leading

the mini revival as they try to put their 17th match run behind them.

The Huddersfield keeper was forced to hang on grimly. Town was shocking

in the first half according to their manager who was heartened by the

sight of Wells giving the goalkeeper something to worry about after the

break. And a bigger scare for the men when Wells put the ball into the

net after this header was saved. The offside decision preserved

Blackpool's lead. Three more valuable points. Signs of progress

in a troubled season. The boys have put in a new system

into place. Here is what Gary Johnson said about

Kevin Dawson, if he was a woman, I would marry him! Dawson provided the

assist, the gaffer's heart must surely have been a flutter. Thom

Lawrence was the start of the show early on. His manager only has eyes

for Dawson. Especially after this. His first League goal of the season.

The relegation battle is too up. And gave Mrs Gary Johnson something to

worry about. Bolton were more direct after the break. Within eight

minutes, Jutkiewicz halved the deficit. There were more late

hijinks, with ten minutes to go, Baptiste brought down Dawson. Darren

Deadman eventually awarded a penalty and brandished the red card. But

Miller couldn't oblige. To make matters worse, Bolton equalised two

minutes later. Knight catching the goalkeeper in no man's land.

We put ourselves in a position where we should have gone 3-1 up.

Unfortunately, missed the penalty. What a frustrating end to

proceedings for Gary Johnson at Yeovil. The story of their season.

27 points they have lost from winning positions. It is a learning

curve when you come up from a division below. They will look back

and think, if they are relegated, they had got themselves in great

positions. Doncaster have picked up of late. Unbeaten in four matches.

Paul Dickov has a consistent line up in the last three games. The sharp

effect is working. That little bit of quality. It has built up

everybody, given them a psychological boost. When a player

of that quality comes to the club. They have hit form at the right

time. I don't see them getting dragged back into it. Barnsley are

in a predicament. It looks increasingly likely there stay in

the chappy ship could be coming to an end. I am not so sure. They have

a game in hand. If they win, they go to 32. They could be in with a

shout. I don't read it that way. As for Millwall, it is looking, it has

been a funny time since Ian Holloway took over. They are still losing but

not by the heavy margins. If anything, you would say if they were

losing it would be along the lines they had previously. It hasn't

worked like that. They haven't been able to get their nose in front.

What a game next, Birmingham, on Tuesday, with five points separating

them. If Millwall were to win that, you can make a case five teams in

it. If Birmingham when, then three. To League One then and, although

their ten-game winning run came to an end after a draw at Preston on

Monday, there was a special day in store for Sheffield United's

long-suffering fans, as the Blades celebrated their 125th birthday.

Clem was at Bramall Lane for the arrival of League One leaders

Wolves. Like all great football clubs,

Sheffield United have more than left their mark on the history books. The

first football team to use the United name. The first and only

football League club to field a team made up entirely of England

internationals. Along with Arsenal, the first club to take part in a

radio commentary game. Amongst their players to have left a sizeable dent

upon the game, in this case literally, William Booth, a whopping

24 stone, and one of the game 's greatest entertainers, Tony Currie.

COMMENTATOR: Still Currie. What about that? A quality goal but a

quality player. And the scorer of the Premier League's first goal,

Brian Deane. The most important part of their

history, Sheffield United have won more Steele City derbies than their

rivals. Don't you love it when a plan comes

together, you'd almost think you had written the script for this

occasion. 125 years, a brilliant occasion, brilliant opposition.

Brilliant. The transformation of your club over

the last six to ten weeks has been astonishing. Looking at the support,

they give the players confidence, the atmosphere of the club,

Sheffield is red and white. It was one of the best moves I ever made to

come up here, because it suited me and I suited them. We fitted like a

glove. You have to believe at the moment we are into turning the

corner and will have some good seasons ahead, maybe starting with

this one, of course. How do you play this today? The boys need to enjoy

this and the punters need to see the boys enjoying it, but you have

serious business keeping the momentum going. Yes, we have, we

won't lose sight of that amidst all the celebrations. There are three

points stake today, a very important three points for both teams.

Sheffield United were without loss, Freeman found Stefan Scougall in the

box. It was over 13 hours since the Blades last conceded. That run ended

here on unlucky 13 minutes. The keeper miss read James Henry's

cross, all good things must come to an end. Henry has been a key

acquisition for Kenny Jackett. That goal was number six for the season

and nearly had a seventh, this fierce shot coming back off the

post. Nigel Clough's men have not lost at home since mid-November, a

record they were not keen to give up easily. Brayford was kept out on the

line. But Wolves have a ruthless streak these days. Henry turned

provider into the path of Dave Edwards, one of the few survivors

from the Premier League days. Henry ran the show for the Molineux men.

The third goal -- goal on a plate for Leon Clark. Oh dear. A big win

for Wolves as they hit the 80 point marque.

A disappointing result but not one that should overshadow the day? No,

lose it to the top of the league. We went toe to toe with them for the

majority of the game, we did not put away our chances and that was the

difference between the two teams. Wolves but a slight dampener to

proceedings at Bramall Lane but it is incredible to think that what has

gone on at Sheffield United over the last few months, going into the

weekend we were still talking about the possibility of United going to

the play-offs. Yes, that is not a follow-on hope still, they will only

be four or five points off. You will put them in the equation. It has

been pressure football though, extremely difficult this season even

though on a level playing field they picked up a few points at the start

of the season and it made life incredibly easier for them. It is a

club that we saw is steeped in history, in has come Nigel Clough

after a rocky start and still what looked like what would have been a

disaster, one of the most memorable for United fans yet. Already they

have got something to look forward to. They will remember this season

for that alone. I am sure he will be thinking, OK, we have Preston and

Wolves out of the way, two tough games. Let's see what we can do for

the end of the season. Last week you may remember Brentford gave their

automatic promotion hopes a huge boost with the vital win at Leyton

Orient. Mark Warburton's side looked to put further daylight between

themselves and the chasing pack at home to Coventry.

Brentford knew they had to respond to keep tabs on the leaders, but

they found themselves one height -- one down inside seven minutes. They

had not conceded since they lost a Wolves a month ago but Callum Wilson

was loitering in typical style after David Button failed to hold a shot

from Carl Baker. But the Bs gave a fine performance last week and

inside five minutes they won a penalty when Alan Judge was clipped

by Baker, and it was Judge who stepped forward from the spot only

to find Murphy in magnificent form. But keeping a rampant -- rampant

Brentford at bay is no easy task and it was Donaldson who burst clear on

the left, before calmly putting away his third goal in four games. Now

the home side were turning on the style and if anything the Trotta

goal that put them in front was even better than Donaldson's, and other

crucial strike after his win against Leyton Orient last weekend. --

another crucial strike. There was a brief rally from Coventry but Button

redeemed himself, tipping over a dipping effort from John Fleck.

Coventry were pushing on but they left themselves open to the counter

and McCormack pretty well killed the map match in the second half,

Brentford are keeping up a terrific pace. -- he killed the match. You

need a minimum of 95 points to go up so that is the target. Seven games

left, ten very important games, but you need at least 95 to be sure of

promotion so the boys are clear about their target and what they

want to do. We have a private target in mind, but it is a unique year.

You look at the gap from where we are, down to seven or eight or nine,

an incredible gap. Leyton Orient had suffered a rare

defeat last time out, but a top two finish is their agenda. Work to do

if they are to make up the ground. Keeper and post prevented them

conceding early on. Walsall have an won in nine league games. Downing

made the breakthrough. Orient were much improved after the Rhys Oates.

-- after the restart. The O's slipped further behind Wolves and

Brentford. We did not start off too well, the first 20 minutes we

frustrated and disappointed and Walsall deserved their lead but we

were back in and by the end of the half we were in the game. A foul was

not given and the lads hit one that was going wide and unfortunately it

has gone in. Unfortunately that is the way it goes and you have to

accept it. Swindon came into the game without a

win in their last eight matches, while Preston arrived with the

second-best away record in the division. Simon Grayson's side had

the better the first half, with Joe Garner forcing a sharp save. The

Robins boss said in the build-up that he would look to give some of

his fringe players the chance to show what they could do and then

died when took the opportunity, drawing a foul from Neil Kilkenny to

allow Michael Smith the chance to score his third goal in four

appearances. Smith was only prevented from extending the

Robins' advantage by the reflex is of Declan Rudd, as Swindon ended

Preston's 12 match unbeaten run. Next weekend the Posh go to Wembley.

Since reaching the Trophy final they've lost half their six league

games. There was an impressive save from the keeper. Three years ago

Kieran Agard had a loan spell at Peterborough. He played his 20

minutes in an FA Cup tie and maybe had a point to prove when he was

brought down by Nugent. From the spot, his 80s of the season in

league and Cup. -- 18th. The Posh's eights Blanco was assured when he

was blocked. Rather's 12 away win of the season. An excellent side,

Peterborough, top players and a lot of departments. We have come here

and work hard and three or four managers have said we will not make

it. We have games to go and have given ourselves a chance.

Having been rock bottom less than a month ago, Stevenage have suddenly

hit form and Dean Parrett gave them a tremendous start against MK Dons.

His first goal for the club beautifully taken. And just past the

half hour it was 2-0. Lucas Akins fouled by Antony Kay, and Lucas

Akins himself got up to stick away the spot kick. A win would have

moved Stevenage out of the drop zone, but the Dons came alive in the

second half. Especially after the impressive player rattled the

Stevenage are right with the keeper completely helpless. You sense one

goal could spark a comeback and after Jordan Spence was on hand to

take advantage of a scramble inside the six yard box, MK Dons shifted up

through the gears. It was Ben Reeves who fired the goal of the much to

equalise. Back with a bang, after missing two games with an ankle

injury. The play-offs have not gone, said the Dons boss before kick-off,

and after Dean Lewington completed the superb comeback in stoppage time

Tommy you could not disagree with him.

Tranmere Rovers arrived at Vale Park only two points outside the

relegation places, so they made the worst possible start. Tom Pope

afforded too much space and profited from the position. His 15th goal of

the season and Port Vale have the edge. When Knott had the beating of

the keeper in the second half, things were looking bleak for

Tranmere. They were to concede a third. Ben Williamson scored it.

They'll -- Port Vale looked home and dry. No one dealt with his run and

the result was inevitable. This was anything but a routine victory.

Rovers' response was positive and from a Jason Koumas Corner, Taylor

rose highest to head his side into the contest. Jason Koumas made it

four goals in seven games to set up a thrilling finale, but Port Vale

did enough to take maximum points and leave their struggling opponents

facing up to another damaging setback. Doug Loft hit the

crossbar, but victory was already secured.

Port Vale doing just about enough to hold and for Rovers, frustration at

not being able to build. Rather R turn 13, a penalty decided what was

the Battle of the play-off contenders between them and

Peterborough -- Rotherham. Steve Evans we have talked about all

season, this was his hundreds game in charge of the Millers, his 50th

win. A great winning percentage. Yes, he did a great job at Crawley,

a little bit in the same vein as Crawley, where he has taken a club

over at a time when they have some money to spend, they are upwardly

mobile, he has done well at Crawley, the same situation with Rotherham.

They have cemented their play-off spot but they have undermined, shall

we say, Peterborough's. Set the cat among the pigeons. They looked

vulnerable, Peterborough. MK Dons are one of those teams that are

sniffing should Peterborough fallout out of the play-off positions. A

couple of great goals here particularly from Ben Reeves. Three

goals in the last ten minutes, 15 if you include the extra five, but that

is a marvellous strike. You have to say they needed it and it has put

them in with a real shout and done them a huge favour. But it has also

not done Stevenage any good because Stevenage would have come out of the

bottom four for the first time in a long time if they had held on. Karl

Robinson has one or two injuries. Ruddock has left to go to Oxford as

head coach. I suppose plenty going on around him, he has to get his

players to focus on the play-off places. Yes, probably the first time

when they've been as close and realistic proposition of getting in

the play-offs as we have seen all season, so they are actually just

closing the gap and coming on strong right at the correct time. Our final

look at League One and on Tuesday night Matt Tubbs scored the goal to

bag an impressive three points for Crawley and end Wolves' ten match

unbeaten run. Next, Oldham, who started two points above the drop

zone. All the work piling an idea to

improve the atmosphere with the club asking fans to sit in the

traditional homeland but Philliskirk add more foolproof method of getting

the Latics supporters jumping and they were very nearly on their feet

again in the half. Johnson Clarke-Harris could not quite

bundling the cross. -- bundle in the cross.

With no wins in five and one of the button it has been a tough start for

the Shrews boss. It seemed like another hard luck story when Andrew

Davies Mick nicked his first Bantams goal of the season with 11 minutes

remaining. But the manager will have been buoyed by his teams response.

How is this for a rapid reply? 70 seconds, Jon Taylor's seventh league

goal of the season but his first at home. And there were not done there.

The clock was over four minutes beyond the 90 when the on loan Sean

Miller became a debut super sub, the most dramatic and acrobatic of

winners. A great reaction from going 1-0 down, everyone writing us off.

It is a credit, brilliant, the way they have come back, people who have

come on the pitch, the subs and the other lads, they have given a lot

today. Without a win in five League games. But they have a man in top

form and his fourth goal in four games arrived inside five minutes.

Gillingham levelled up on the half hour, putting away the first goal of

his career. It was never likely to be enough. And this sweetly restored

the lead. Group were easily beaten in September, but revenge was

guaranteed with this -- Crewe. The only bent -- blemish was the

dismissal of Anthony Grant in the last minute. Two quick bookings for

dissent, then time wasting. Nothing to separate these sides

going into this fixture. Bristol City needed a little time to find

their rhythm. Some impressive approach work from Emanuel Thomas.

Paterson was presented with the easiest of finishes. City were in

sight of a third straightaway triumph. Emanuel Thomas was wasteful

in front of goal. They only had a single goal lead to show for their

efforts. Wagstaff showed how it should be

done. Leaving Colchester with it all to do. Walker in the home goal

didn't deal with the danger and Wagstaff took full advantage. The

hosts have scored five in the last ten. They rallied. Massie make his

presence felt. The comeback was under way with a quarter of an hour

remaining. Series, restored to the side after injury, was the new

saviour. Both clubs are five points clear of the bottom four teams.

The County boss asked his assistant Greg Abbott tips on how to overcome

Carlisle. The Magpies were Julie 3-0 up at half-time. -- duly. Murray was

the next one in on the act, finishing off some neat work

involving Spencer and Liddell. And here, the game was effectively over

as a contest. One bright note the Carlisle is they did at least manage

to find the net. There it -- Berrett. Registry only their third

goal in six League matches. -- registering. This acrobatic effort

was the icing on the cake. County should have increased their lead.

County and nine -- a win today and a win on Tuesday, and next week we

have a home game against Colchester. The teams are changing around us.

He clearly believes in the great escape. That win will do his club a

world of good. Five points away now. They have to keep believing. They

have been on good Franz, who knows -- good runs.

It has dried Carlisle back into it. -- dragged.

They have been in this situation before. They have had a poor run of

form. A valuable win against Crawley. An

interesting announcement from the chairman saying, I will sell the

club and hopefully get new owners. If they do get relegated, he will

feel wholly responsible almost. In respect of what? Maybe things

haven't quite gone to plan. Sometimes, it is easy to give

criticism. When you are a supporter. But in that position, it

is not easy to manage and run a football club. We can all give stick

and criticism. There are that many people willing to step into the

breach. You have to be careful what you wish for. We have seen plenty of

great comebacks, one at Shrewsbury with their first home win since

October the 5th. This was a much-needed victory. Another club

that will be hoping that they can now start to turn if you games into

victories and get themselves out of a pickle. Typical end of the season.

Teams suddenly reverse bad form and pick up a few points. One or two

will get themselves out of it. Others will find themselves in

trouble. Sean Miller from Sheffield United,

but that winner. -- with.

Well, as for League 2, Rochdale went into the weekend top thanks to a

convincing 3-0 win at Northampton on Tuesday night, despite having Matt

Lund harshly sent off. Earlier, Keith Hill's side were at relegation

threatened Wycombe. A run of three games without a win.

But they showed no fear. Lillis reacted well to this free kick.

Early in the second half, Keith Hill's side showed why they were

riding high, with this from Allen. Next, the crossbar came to the

rescue. The clincher was a scrappy affair, falling to Finch entity who

took charge and sealed the deal, three straight wins for Rochdale.

The opposition stood toe to toe with us. We had to wrestle and fight for

the ball to get it into play. They are top of the League for a reason,

and he is a good manager. You have to stick it in the net to

win games. Richards was 11 games without a goal

before the weekend. He must have thought he was back in business. But

fair play to Tafazolli who cleared well. It was the Spireites who

started on the front foot. Marat getting down while. Mansfield have

beaten Chesterfield in September and they should have completed the

double over them. Their top scorer missed a tremendous opportunity

inside the six yard box. An even better chance came to Parma. But it

failed to produce a goal -- Palmer. If you look back at the chances, you

have to put them away. I am proud of the players and how we went about

it. It is a fair result. Neither team got going as they would have

liked. There were a couple of good chances.

Things were just starting to get twitchy when Scunthorpe made their

breakthrough. A 60th minute goal from Madden reassuring the fans

about their promotion hopes. Nerves remained frayed despite the order of

a late penalty, McSheffrey taking the spot kick. But the goalkeeper

kept it out. Probably the worst we have played in

22 games. But it was 0-0 at half-time and we knew we were

getting better. We made two substitutions which had a big

impact. Delighted to get three points.

Sleep would have brought in human on loan from Preston to beef up their

promotion challenge -- Hume. But Parkin put the ball past his own

keeper. Fleetwood continued to struggle from set pieces. Richards

took advantage in three minutes in the second half. First with a

header, then pouncing here. City finally winning at home for the

first time since early October. We got three points which was really

the priority today. It is pleasing when the team contributes across the

pitch and plays as a team. We deserved to win.

It was goodbye on Friday for the caretaker Mickey Lillis. -- Lewis.

He had overseen two wins. Walton got a second yellow card from referee

Andy Davies for chopping down Sean Rigg. It took two more minutes to

make the numbers game payoff. This free kick met by Connelly. A win and

the caretaker took his leave. It has never been about me but about

the club and trying to get into a position to be promoted. We have

missed an opportunity tonight. Oxford have given themselves a good

opportunity to get a foothold. Mid week saw a magnificent victory

for Plymouth. This time, they couldn't see it through and nine

minutes from time, this header meant the Pilgrims were to drop out of the

play-off positions. After two straight defeats, Rovers

stopped the rot. This was the closest they came. Even John Ward

called this a dull game. Southend had the better of things. The

Shrimpers looked more likely winners. A touch of flu kept Brown

away from the touchline and he was relaying instructions by phone.

In general play and making chances, we had a few decent, clear-cut

chances. York's current confidence was

demonstrated at the start. This ferocious shot had them in front

after five minutes. A bitter blow for Portsmouth slipping down towards

the bottom two. And facing a band for their captain. -- ban. That

helped York towards their fifth successive win. City haven't put a

foot wrong for weeks, they are into the top seven.

Flitcroft saw quality in the opener. A first goal for Chris

Hussey. It was matched by a superb solo effort. This man knows where

the goal is, he has scored ten this season. That was enough to preserve

their six match unbeaten run. A fairly low-key first half gave

little hint of the drama to come. Desperate put Cheltenham in charge.

They conceded a second goal just after half-time, tremendous work

from Harrison who ran until he could go further. -- no further. A queue

for the Dons to wake up -- cue. Hylton swept home, and a deflection.

A recurring theme, as this shot looped in off Matt Richards. From

2-0, and now 2-2, in the blink of an eye. Three goals in three minutes

all for the home side. As Thornton got behind the defence to complete

an incredible turnaround. The scoring wasn't done that. Because

back came chance on them. Harrison, Taylor took aim. The keeper and

doing his colleague's hard work. Four goals in a crazy five minutes.

The weather took a turn for the worst. As did their prospects. This

high ball found the keeper wanting. A result neither set of fans will

forget. Morecambe had taken a real pasting

on Tuesday and they started against Northampton like a side keen to make

amends. And was unlucky not to open the scoring. Just before the break,

Northampton's Sinclair broke away superbly down the right. His low

cross turned into his own net by Wright. It is not usually a good

idea to write off Morecambe, and the side with the best comeback record

in the country rattled a magnificent equaliser. This backheel was tucked

away by Amond. It was worth the admission might on its own. -- the

admission money on its own. A player who needs no introduction pushed his

own -- old club nearer to the trapdoor. The bottom club were done

for after this challenge saw the reduced to ten men, with an hour to

play. A huge setback after the boost of beating Bury midweek, the goals

have only managed to string wins together once all season and are six

points adrift of safety. It took the post to spare them from conceding

another goal but Newport were satisfied as they rediscovered their

touch, the first win in nine. We are extremely happy with the three

points. A clean sheet away from home, coming off the back of a very

difficult run of late, it was an excellent three points. A big blow

for Torquay's hopes of survival but we saw good results for Rochdale and

Scunthorpe, whose unbeaten run continues and an unbelievable

comeback from AFC Wimbledon against Cheltenham to win it at the end. But

for Exeter, the first win at home at St James' Park in 14 games. You

know, at this stage they talk about points being more important than

performances, but this was arguably their best home performance of the

lot. It was. He went for experienced today. It was a pressure situation.

lot. It was. He went for experienced today. It was a They were not going

to be given too much patience with the crowd and he went for experience

in those sorts of situations. The four or five boys he mentioned after

the game all played well and have been there and seen it and done it,

so he went with what he knew. It wasn't that long ago Portsmouth and

you're worse than -- separated by four divisions, now York are on the

edge of the play-offs and Portsmouth could drop out of the Football

League. When you look at it now, Rochdale on Tuesday night, a couple

of tough away games, they have eight games left, five away from home.

Some will say that will be a blessing in disguise because the

home form has been incredible but when you think about the crowd, I

have been down there so many times and they have been so patient and

vociferous and behind them for so long, even their patience is wearing

a bit thin. It is a poor combination. They can't score

goals. They don't look as if they are going to be able to get the

games and that is a problem. It is going to be close no doubt about it

with the games they have left which includes Northampton away, it will

go to the wire. York, 33 since the turn of the year. Leicester remain

top of the Sky Bet Championship but their lead has been cut to five

points with Burnley winning. Nottingham Forest's worst East

Midlands derby defeat against the Rams since 1898 and Reading's win

means Billy Davies' side drop out of the play-off positions for the first

time in four months. No change in the relegation places with Yeovil

the only club in the bottom four to pick up a point. There were big home

wins for Doncaster and Blackpool to ease their fears of the drop. Lee

Clark's Birmingham have only picked up one point in the last five games

and are now just five points clear of Millwall. Wolves remain top of

League One by ending Sheff United's eight-match unbeaten run. Brentford

a point behind and increased their lead over third placed Orient to

four points. MK Dons' late winner keeps their play-off hopes alive

after Peterborough's defeat. The bottom three going into the weekend

all won which meant Crewe jumped to 19th. Shrewsbury move up a place

while Notts County remain bottom. Carlisle drop into the relegation

zone for the first time since early September. Rochdale extend their

lead at the top of League Two to two points after a third straight win.

Scunthorpe up to second after Chesterfield's draw. The chasing

pack were unable to take advantage though with both Fleetwood and

Burton both beaten. York move into the play-offs after equalling a club

record fifth consecutive away win. Torquay were unable to follow up

their win in midweek - by losing at home to Newport, leaving them six

points adrift of safety. Northampton continue to pick up points to keep

alive their chances of survival, the Cobblers have now lost just one of

their last eight. In comparison, Portsmouth slip to 22nd after a

five-match winless run - just three points clear of the drop and in real

danger of a third successive relegation. That's it from us.

But a quick reminder Match Of The Day 2 on Sunday night will round up

the best of the weekend's Premier League action at 10:25pm on BBC One.

And don't forget if you want to have your say on tonight's games via

Twitter, use the hashtag fls, and the best of the comments will be

used in Sunday's live text football commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Steve, good to see you. Hope you can join us next Saturday. Till then,

have a great week. Goodnight.