23/11/2013 The Football League Show

Hello, following the international break, the focus returns to domestic

football, and the SkyBet Football League, although we have an exotic

international feel with the arrived of Jose Mourinho's former assistant

at Real Madrid, Aitor Karanka, taking charge of his first game at

Middlesbrough. Steve's here reflect on that appointment as well as all

the other news in a packed show. Here's a taste of what's coming up.

Nottingham Forest reignited their Championship charge two weeks ago

with a 2-0 smash and grab at local rivals Leicester. Next up for Billy

Davies' promotion-chasers, the visit of League leaders, Burnley. We've

the best of the action and plenty to debate afterwards. One point and one

place separated Wigan and Brighton going into their match today. Two

sides with realistic promotion ambitions went head to head at the

DW Stadium. We've extended highlights from the early kick-off

as Sheffield Wednesday met Huddersfield in a gritty Yorkshire

derby. And it's a club which has a reputation for making the headlines

for all the wrong reasons but there's no football club more active

in its community than Millwall. I'm at the Den for the visit of

Barnsley. Nottingham Forest gave their

promotion push a real shot in the arm a fortnight ago with surprise

victory at Leicester. Well, earlier today there was another terrific

contest in prospect as Billy Davies' side welcomed the League leaders

Burnley to the City Ground. Paul Walker is the commentator.

Burnley's staying power continues to be questioned but they keep coming

up with the right answers. Unbeaten in 11, their best run in 15 seasons.

But their credentials will be tested today against a side that have lost

just once at home and saw Leicester in their last outing. -- saw off

Leicester. The breakers not been kind of Forest -- on Forest, losing

the services of Andy Reid and David Forrest. Eric Lichaj returns at the

back. As for the leaders, just one change from their game a fortnight

ago. David Edgar takes his place in midfield.

Burnley, content on keeping the ball. If they are to get something

here, they will have to work hard. Shackell clips his heels. Sticking

out that left like. Cox goes tumbling. -- left leg. Let's see

what Lansbury can do. Terrific strike from Lansbury. The danger is

not clear. Another chance. Taken away by Majewski. A really good

chance by Lansbury. An excellent hit. The keeper was nowhere near. My

yes they, in bravely. -- Majewski. A vital challenge their from

Trippier. The referees happy with the

challenge. Cox, beaten away. A chance for Paterson. No one is in

red waiting to pounce on the loose ball.

Neat play from Cox initially. Trippier with the clearance. Cox on

the second phase of play, putting Heaton at full stretch.

Trippier... Is there a hand on there? It is a penalty. Gonzalo Arai

is the man penalised. -- Gonzalo Jara. The cross clearly had his arm.

Canton votes stick it away? And he can. And all leaders lead. -- can

Sam Vokes. Double figures for the season. Burnley make a breakthrough.

Against the role of play. -- the run of play. Right into the corner from

Sam Vokes. Darlow could get nowhere near it. And the table toppers have

the edge. Where is this going? It is in the

net. 1-1. For as the level. Simon Cox is equalised. -- Forest have

levelled. Paterson does ever so well, sending in the crocs. --

sending in the cross. Right on half-time, too. The timing could not

be better. Danny Ings has found a way through.

Our field! Shallow bar, right in the thick of the action. -- Chalobah.

Things got lucky there. But it was Chalobah's block.

The header, just wide. The young man was very close to putting Forest on

top. Tom Heaton will be mightily relieved to see that fly wide.

Good save. Not sure how much Darlow knew about that. That was a vicious

drive. A famous face in the crowd, Alistair

Campbell. A big fan of Burnley. Channel back smack -- Chalobah!

Tried to bend it. Forest fans in full voice.

Almost in from Hobbes. It just brushed past his head. It was a

really good leap but he could not put it on target.

Jamie Mackie! Henderson! Good save by Heaton. Mackie, fortunate.

Henderson was lurking. Good save. What did you make of that

performance? Probably the same as you. -- the same as you. It was a

fantastic performance under was only one team that was going to win the

game. It was -- if it was not for that penalty decision, you would

agree the rest of the game was only ever going to be one team. We did

not play as well as we can but to be honest we are top of the league. So

we know we are a work in progress. And we think it is important to

continue the good work we are doing. I've got an honest group. And they

come away with a point here, and we are marginally disappointed, which

is a fantastic sign, given what they are achieving individually and

collectively. I thought we gave everything today but we did not use

the ball as well as we normally do. An enjoyable game. It was. I've

really did enjoy it. There was a verve about it. It was just what we

expect from the Championship. In the penalty incident. We were going at

it, debating this earlier. The penalty was awarded and I was

thinking, their enough, but you were going, no! Tell us why. I understand

why you would say that it was before me, that is a natural position for

that to be in. It is not about distance. It is about whether or not

it is a naturally action for the Army to be where it is. And if you

look at Jara, when he goes in, he needs to push himself forward and

you need to elevate your arms. His arms are high but that is a natural

position. Look at this play. We can get another look at this. Look at

Jones when Paterson faces them. It Paterson hits this against him,

watch him. He is not stretching but still his arms are out, because that

is a natural position. Although it is a different tackle and a

different way of blocking it if that ball had hit him there, the penalty

would not be given because of the distance. It is not about distance,

it is about the natural position of the arm.

it is about the natural position of the And you say he had to challenge

and the only way he could was the way he did, therefore no penalty? As

for Burnley, unbeaten in 12. Surprising that they had there this

season. Could you see them going the distance? -- surprising that they

had they are. I can. Sean mentioned honest. I think that sums up. He

knows what he's to get. That is great for him, not just because of

the players he has inherited, but the players he had bought. Great

attitudes. They were not at their best. The players that you expect to

play were not at the top of their game, but to grind out a result like

that, against a side who played well, that marks them as a team you

can see going all the way. And you will not always be at your best at

the top of the table. After slow starts, Wigan and

Brighton were both showing signs of improving form going into their

match at the DW earlier today. Both were unbeaten in four and lying just

outside the play off places. Seeing as both sides had won their previous

to matches, it was no surprise that both Owen Coyle and Oscar Garcia

named unchanged line-ups for their clash at the DW Stadium.

Marc-Antoine Fortune once again led the line for Wigan, after opening

his account for the club last time-out at Yeovil. Young Brighton

midfielder, Jake Forster-Caskey, was hoping to extend his goal-scoring

streak having scored in the last two games. Alistair Mann was watching

this one. It sets up for Bruno. Nichols makes

the save. He did exceptionally well. Just how Bruno was allowed to get to

that ball so easily must be a question for the Wigan back line.

Actually, when you look at it a second time, maybe it was a misfit

from Fortune. Why do not know if he intended to find Watson. -- I do not

know. Fortune and Powell. A good turn by Powell. In the end, he

slammed it to close. The little role off the back of the defender had

taken him into the clear, and his shot was a little disappointing.

Wigan began the day to point in the game in hand on sixth, so the three

points could take them into the area where they fancy they belong.

They might go a goal behind here... It was planted by Forster-Caskey

straight into the body of Lee Nicholls. Well, he had a lot to a

mad, but he only succeeded in giving it to Lee Nicholls. He is in good

form, Forster-Caskey, scored in successive games, and the best

chance of the match, I would argue, missed in the opening seconds after

the interval. Brighton. McManaman. Good hit. Good

stop. -- Albrighton. The first time that Kuszczak has really been tested

and not a surprise that it was McManaman, who has it in him to get

beyond defenders. What a transfer Grant Holt. Which he

misses. Disbelief. It fell to the right bad, as well. -- to the right

man. A mistake by the Brighton skipper and a golden opportunity in

a game of so few opportunities. You would have put your mortgage on

Grant Holt. Well, I have to say, you would be homeless.

Craig Conway. Lopez. And surely? Brilliant save. Lee Nicholls denies

Forster-Caskey. But the rebound is turned in by Crofts. And Brighton

are in front just after Wigan ought to have been. No wonder Lee Nicholls

is upset, because he made a breathtaking save. Forster-Caskey

ought to have scored but Lee Nicholls with a miracle save.

Absolutely wonderful. And all of a sudden, Crofts nudges in the

rebound. This save is reminiscent of one of the best, and his reward,

sadly, is to see the rebound turned in by Crofts. And Brighton, who

ought to be a goal behind at the grand hold -- grand

-- at the grand hold had a golden opportunity find themselves in

front. Another good save by Lee Nicholls and the game is opening

up, and opening up in Brighton's favour. He has looked calm and

relaxed and almost expected this kind of performance from his team.

Great save. He is so bitterly disappointed because he thought he

had done it right and made amends for his team. That is the character

of the man. On target, this header, good save by Kuszczak. We have let

ourselves down today. Great support again, the fans got behind the team

and we huffed and puffed but it was a game we dominated in the first

half and should have put the game to bed, but if you don't take those

chances, there is always a chance of getting caught with that sucker

punch and that is what happened. Was this one of your better performances

this season? It was a good performance because it is not easy

to come here and win against this big team with a strong squad and a

good manager. It is not easy because nobody has done it before. But for

me, it wasn't our best performance. The international break had given

Leicester time to brood on their defeat to Midlands rivals Nottingham

Forest, a rare blip in their formidable form. Ipswich manager

Nigel Pearson -- at Ipswich, manager Nigel Pearson said they were keen to

get back to business. But David McGoldrick was having none of that.

The trouble is, there is a Leicester player who loves playing on this

Suffolk turf will stop David Nugent is the bane of the tractor boys'

life. His third strike made it a dozen goals in a dozen games and

maintained a record of scoring in every visit to Portman Road. So no

guessing who benefited from Lloyd Dyer's good work. Nugent turned the

score around with the second placed Leicester hunting Burnley at the

top. It was far from a cruise at the finish, with Chambers coming close,

but Nigel Pearson's men made off with the three points. The only

consolation for the Ipswich fans was that their nemesis did not get the

match ball, but it was mighty close. We did not play with a lot of

rhythm, which caused us a few problems but we rectified that in

the second half and everybody upped their game quite a bit and I think

we deserved to win the game. There is a double anniversary for

Harry Redknapp this week. It is a year since he took charge at QPR and

30 since his first manager's job at Bournemouth. But this was a

celebration that threatened to fall flat. Ben Hamer kept out Charlie

Austin and Gary O'Neil in quick succession. Rangers were not at

their best and often reduced to long-range efforts, although Matt

Phillips was another player to bring the best out of Ben Hamer. Charlton

made life very uncomfortable for their hosts but lacked the guile to

truly trouble the football league's meanest defence. Cousins kept Rob

Green busy and Kermorgant was offside on the follow-up. The game

was settled by a moment of brilliance from Charlie Austin. Ben

Hamer left helpless by his 40th minute strike, struck sweetly with

his right foot, although Austin seemed to think he hit it with his

left. Shaun Wright Phillips almost trumped his team-mate with this

effort, but Austin was once again the matchwinner. Charlie has been

smashing, he has done well for us. He has led the line, he works hard,

great attitude, never misses a minute's training. He has been

great, really impressive. Blackpool boss Paul Ince was

completing a five-game stadium ban, so he missed out on his team's trip

to St Andrews. His assistant Alex Rae took charge. Birmingham had been

beaten in their previous two home league games but after I messed

attempted clearance, Jesse Lingard made it count. Blackpool were level

before the break. No surprise that Tom Ince played a part and Ricardo

Fuller finished off the move. Like Paul, who suffered a rare defeat in

their last outing, had chances to win the encounter. It was a match

that never lacked in goalmouth incident. Tom Ince thought he had

done enough before Dan burns intervened. At the other end, Tyler

bracket twice denied Birmingham. Lingard's cross caused confusion and

Matt Gilks in the visitors' goal came to collect but failed, and let

off as the points were shared. They are in the top six, it is not a

fluke. They have got good players, at the top end of the field. Very

exciting and they are well organised, so it was a tough game

but probably a fair result. Since the start of October, neither

of these sites has impressed. Going into the weekend, the records read

one win in five Blackburn and one in six for Redding. With both sides

struggling the consistency, it was hard to know what to expect. Rovers

were the first to threaten, David Dunn going alone, the post

intervening after a wicked deflection. Another Rovers attack,

with defenders converging in all directions, he forced McCarthy into

action. After the break, Grant Hanley with a committed challenge on

Gunter. A penalty or a yellow card for diving? The referee opted for

the latter, surprising both managers but angering only one. It is a claim

penalty, the manager hasn't seen it that way, so it is annoying

everybody but we have to get ourselves ready for the next one --

clear penalty. It is nice that Gary Bowley, the Blackburn manager,

actually admitted they should have conceded a penalty. Going back to

the Brighton game, one goal in it but one that could have been avoided

from Wigan point of view. It could, no doubt, but on the balance of

play, they edged it and it was the right result. The ball comes in, it

is a good header from Forster-Caskey but they don't react. Crofts is the

only one who is proactive. Three defenders around him and they almost

think that because the save has been made, the danger is cleared. Ben

Watson does not do enough, he is more concerned with crofts and

actually attacking the ball. Crofts is good in the air. And if Grant

Holt had scored a chance just before that, it could have gone the other

way but Brighton are in good form. The goal was almost identical to the

Shane Long one Chelsea recently, with the defender standing around

and he was the only one to react. Crofts has stood his ground, it was

a good header and he got his reward. Leicester City, David Nugent with a

couple of goals today after scoring just one in the previous six and

Lloyd Dyer was involved once again. Yes, heavily times have we seen

this? Leicester on the attack, on the break, where they have that

extra bit of pace. Look at him breaking. You see at a time and

again, creating opportunities, and it is a good finish on his 100th

appearance, to get a brace like that is a nice way to celebrate. It

wasn't so long ago that he was languishing in the Portsmouth

reserves. They have that handy bit of Championship know-how, the likes

of those players. They were near the top of last

year, lessons were learned because they fell away from the top and

maybe they can put it right. More from the Championship now and

we start with the early kick-off at Hillsborough. Both Sheffield

Wednesday and visitors Huddersfield were looking to bounce back from

recent setbacks. Wednesday boss Dave Jones made four changes from the

defeat at Derby, with goalkeeper Martinez, plus Semedo, Mattock and

Llera coming in. Mark Robins was even more drastic, with six changes

to his Huddersfield starting 11, including

Patterson! His 50th career league goal, his first for Huddersfield.

Certainly for me, he is well beyond the last defender. But the goal is

good, it stands, but maybe it shouldn't.

Jonathan Hogg goes on. Wednesday have been second best so far by a

big margin. It has been a slow start by Dave Jones's team. His first-team

coach Stuart Gray down there. They have two turn this corner pretty

soon, it is their worst start to a campaign in 12 years. -- they have

to. Martinez hangs on, just. From

range, the goalkeeper watches it. It does move and swerve.

Dixon 's shot, and James Vaughan to finish... Which he fails to do.

An old-fashioned winger Jermaine Johnson, a fine player to watch in

full flow. And a good shot and a good save from Alex Smith is. His

first of the game. -- from Smithies.

And a second goal Clayton. -- for Clayton. He scored last season from

the spot and makes the most in open play of a break in the penalty area

and doubles the lead for the Terriers.

Jermaine Johnson with the shot and the game, Smithies is equal to it.

Smithies wants to keep his clean sheet intact, he has made two really

good save so far from Jermaine Johnson.

It is a free-kick here on Semedo. Impressive shift from Huddersfield's

goalkeeper. It will be Wickham. It is Wickham. It is in. It 2-1 with

seconds left to play. Is there enough time for a second goal for

Wednesday to take an unlikely draw. He kept it low. He got a way

through. I thought we were outstanding for the first hour. We

could have been more goals up. I thought we controlled the game

pretty much for the first hour. Wednesday got a foothold and started

peppering our back four with balls. In fairness we dealt with it OK

apart from the free-kick where we conceded and really spoilt the day.

When you are in a dog fight or trying to win something, you still

have to fight and scrap. It's too easy just to say, I won't put that

ball in, in case I make a mistake. You have to keep doing the right

things, you have to keep going and going and maybe one or two aren't

doing that at this moment in time. It wasn't that long ago that Almunia

was spoken about as a possible England goalkeeper. . Bond took

Almuinoa's place in the second-half. Bolton's slow start to the season is

becoming a distant memory. This third straight win takes their

unbeaten run to eight matches. It was Beckford's opportunism that

keeps Bolton trodding along nicely. He is in there every time and

looking for the opportunities, goals that come his way. Very sharp.

Slippery day for goalkeepers. A couple of mistakes from goalkeepers.

Throughout the match we deserved that win. We did a lot in terms of

keeping the ball, not enough in scoring and taking shots. And

transforming the possession into something more important. Tribute

was paid to Gary Speed as they commemorate his second anniversary

of his un imely death. When McCormack played in back stock,

Middlesbrough were fortunate to survive. McCormack scored all four

at the Valley as was back among the goals with their opener. For Boro,

with a new man at the Helm, things weren't going to plan. The

Teessiders were reduced to 10 men. The keep crashed into Blackstock. He

was red carded. A goal down, a man down and Leeds with the initiative.

Despite the setback, Boro equalised. This run and cross was swept home at

the first time of asking by Carayol. Jason Pearce won it for United to

continue their recent improvement. He climbed highest. It proved to be

the decisive moment. The Leeds boss could take plenty of postives from

this latest triumph. Confidence is good. Thats with a tough game today.

The second-half we had to try and win the game. Down to 10-men can be

difficult to play against. They have pace in their team and good players.

We are delighted with three points. The team wasn't in the best at the

last-minute, one player less and fighting to the end. McLaren is

having to play down promotion talk, an indication that things are

working out well so far. Lee Camp had to be fully focused. Chris

Martin's effort was tipped over. Bournemouth have only had one win in

eight before this match. An excellent run, but he lacked the

composure to tee up a team-mate. A terrific passing move cut the

Cherries open, Jamie Ward struck the match winner. Four in five games for

him. Derby now a single point shy of a top sixth birth. We got the

breakthrough with whats with a great goal. From our throw-in, 10, 11

passes, great cross. Great football. Seized on by Duffy. Great chance for

the opening goal. There it is. Tucked away by Furman. He is on a

loan spell from Manchester United, with the assist. Given away to

Hoskins. Doncaster are on the back foot. Sam Hoskins. It will be a

booking for sure for Furman. He has bought one for the team there,

Furman. They were really in trouble. Back pedalling as a unit, Doncaster.

Free-kick. Naturally, a giant figure of Webster is forward for this.

Headed towards Webster and in. Webster gets his third goal of the

season. A really important one for Gary Johnson Andoville. Former

Doncaster Rovers player. In the right place, at the right time.

He goes to red card for the South African international. Picked up a

yellow card in the first half. He is not getting away with that second

one. Oh, he scored! Goalkeeper caught out

at his near-post. Mark Duffy may well have given Doncaster a precious

full house for three points in this battle at the wrong end of the

Championship. Both teams needed to win it, Doncaster won it. Our

feelings are we are very disappointed. When it's 1-1 you go

down to 10-men you fear the worse. I have to give the players credit,

individual and as a group the tendency is to sit back and protect

the point. The way we have the players thinking, playing and

believing to win games and competing at this level they went on to win

the game. Massive credit for to them. Win for Doncaster in their

relegation battle against Yeovil. A shocker for Almunia. We wonder if he

really was ill or was he perhaps protecting his player? Well the

cynics amongst us will question whether or not he was. He looked it,

considering the way he took that and the way he fell on the ball and fell

over the ball, should I say. It didn't look as if his reactions were

top-notch. I will go with the manager for this one. Absolutely. No

cynics in this studio or in the country, or in the football

community at all. How will he do this? He has never managed before.

He worked under Mourinho. You can gn from a number two and number one and

be successful. That is not to say he can't. I have nothing to go on. He

would consider himself fortunate to be at a good football with an

excellent Chairman. If you want a chance at your first job, you

couldn't go to many better places. Good idea to work with Mourinho if

you want to work in management. Dave Jones under pressure, booed again

today? For an hour they were really, really poor. The best way to

describe them was lacklustre. Sometimes you get two sides that are

set up differently, one system dominates the other. That was

certainly the case in this one. Not just the defeat, but the manner in

which they played for the majority of the game will concern them. Our

last look at the Championship now and as Movember nears its

conclusion, players across the land were making their own fantashtic

contributions to good causes and none more so than the players at

Millwall. Clem takes up the story as It's the month when footballers do

their bit for the serious issue of the fight against male cancers by

growing ever more ridiculous facialfuzz. I don't know what all

the fuss is about. Some of us have dodgy facial hair all year round.

Two weeks in. Let us go through this. It might be ginger, it's

better than Lee thinks it is. Yeah. Mine is a proper effort. Good job

you can score goals, you can't grow a moustache. Let us have a proper

look at this. What do you think? He is going for the Bronson look. The

Pringle man, I have had it shouted at me. If you stand next to him you

could be twins. It's all right going tor for the bushiness, a bit of

preening. It's grown out of your children - Always been clean-shaven

for 31 years. I need guidance. You can't expect me to roll up after 23

days and know what I'm doing. Cancel the game we will do moustache

preening this afternoon. Well done. Season Millwall have already given

away their shirt sponsorship to the Football League's own official

charity. To promote the partnership have made these their hero in wait

day. Their desire to bang the drum by men's health underlined by what

happened to their all-time leading goalscorer, Neil Harris, who needed

treatment and surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. At

the time I was scoring goals with we had just won the league. You have a

feeling you are invincible about it. All of a sudden you become Hume

again. It was... It almost feels like the end of the world. Being

told that -- human. I wonder will I live, will I play football again - I

don't know? It's tough. You have dark days. When you have those days

you realise how much support, how much love you have. I have plenty of

that from this place. The clear message issing, get to see your

doctor as soon as possible. We sit in the pub and talk about football

and we talk about the golf and the cricket and the beers and whatever

else. We don't sit there and talk about your health. Lumps, things

like that. Women do. They are brought up doing that. We don't. Let

me check. No. I did it last year. It wasn't a great thing. The colour

aspect as well? I will leave that to Sean. He is the only one to keep the

ginger going. We have put the same team out twice all season. It's

getting the continuity. That is what the Championship is about. You have

to have a squad. We have a good squad. We have to kick on and be

more consistent. The boys have it in them. It's getting the consistency

week-by-week. You know what the Championship is like, if you don't

turn up on a Saturday, it's seldom you will get a win if you play

badly. Complee places and three points

separated these two strugglers at the start of play. Millwall

dominated proceedings early on. Barnsley had the best chance of the

first half though. Millwall stood off Paddy McCourt, prompting

incriesive passing from the Tiebgs. Millar wasn't as sharp in front of

goal. Scott Malone was the most relieved man at the Den, when

Wiseman couldn't cop tallise on his poor backpass. Morison was trying to

win back his place in the starting 11. He was prevented from making an

impact from the bench. This contest was settled by one of this week's

topical international footballers, Wiseman was fantastic on Tuesday,

his world-class own gold in own-goal was in the 77 minute.

Credit to Barnsley. They came here and gave us a tough test this

afternoon. It wasn't the most prettiest of matches. Two teams

desperate for three points. I'm thankful we took them today. Another

three points. Not on that moustache. Love it. Cheers.

Some dodgy facial here there. Have you ever had a moustache? No. I need

all the help I can get! A moustache would be no help at all. I'm glad

you haven't gone for the Movember thing, for her sake. Used a

management wall. They get a bad press. Sometimes rightly so. But

they do a huge amount of work in the community. They do. I've spent three

years there and I'd lost count the amount of times we were asked to do

things for the community on behalf of the club. They work very hard.

The link they have with the community is strong. If you look at

Palace or Charlton, they have got a great relationship with the local

people. And that is the sort of thing that is not news. People want

to hear about the bad things, but they are a really good club in that

respect. Some very good people there. League one, and Wolves'

seventh win in nine matches at Notts County last Saturday lifted Kenny

Jackett's side to the top of the division for the first time this

season. Next up at Molineux, a side in top form, promotion chasing

Brentford. Brentford had won five straight

league games but the trip to Molineux was always going to test

them. The breathless could have punished them as Wolves almost found

a way through. And the top scorer was at it again in the second half.

Brentford's defending left something to be desired. Griffiths took

advantage. Kenny Jackett's side boast the best defensive record in

the division. But there were some worrying moments. Fortunately, the

keeper was on inspired form. A clean sheet is a good thing. Our goals

against column is excellent. It is really improving. When we have that

much of the ball, we want to do more. I think it was a fair point.

Both teams started excellent. I think the tempo was too much in the

first 15 minutes. And then we started to attack them. We had

chances and so did they. The result that Molineux left Leyton Orient

with an opportunity to retain their position as league leaders. Swindon

had been strong at home. Midway through the first half, the regulars

were on their feet. The crowd had barely retaken their seats and

Leyton Orient were level. Just eight seconds after the restart. A

top-class finish gave David Mooney has 14th of the season. That was

their 20th away league goal of the campaign and the division's most

prolific side were in front before the break. Dean Cox with the

delivery and Moses Odubajo applied the finish. The side rose to the

challenge of responding to last week's defeat. The bio left three

defenders in his wake. Though his shot needed a contribution from the

defender, Darren Wall. There were dreadful scenes during the second

half as the referee went to caution a player, a supporter can be seen

lashing out at the keeper. The intruder was overpowered by ground

staff and Wiltshire police later arrested a 26-year-old man of

suspicion -- on suspicion of pitch invasion. Swindon apologised and

said they would act against the culprits. The Robins finished with

ten men. McEveley had already been cautioned. Orient were back on top

but the contest was overshadowed by a hooligan. I've not seen a scene

like that while I have been a manager. He should not be at a

football match. He should be banned for life. Is Jamie OK? He is,

because he's not used to that. Having to avoid punches... An

aggressor coming and trying to knock him out?

When does a blip become a slump. Peter

him out? When does a blip become a Boro had

lost three successive league games. His first league goal since March

was well worth waiting for. Peter Boro made chances but even when they

found a way past the goalkeeper, they were left frustrated. Tommy

Bowe had great technique but the woodwork was in the way. Stevenage

finished one man light. Jimmy Smith was sent off for a second yellow

card. Even so, they held on. Four straight losses for Peter Boro. --

Peter Boro. It was a strong performance, a good start to the

game. 25 strong minutes. Deservedly, we went in front, but in the second

half, it was activated. But they work rate, the organisation, the

care and commitment were at the level I would expect to see. A

daunting prospect for Colchester, who had not won since the opening

day. Those fears were confirmed by a Preston side that bombarded them

from the offer. Joe Gardner's fifth in four games must have left them

dreading what was to come. Colchester's keeper had brought his

a game. But not for the first time, Sam Walker kept his side in the

contest. In truth, Colchester's unbeaten run against their opponents

seemed destined to end. But with 14 minutes left, they managed a shot on

goal. Gal Burt found at the bottom corner, leaving Preston crushed. --

Galvert. Bradford City survived and nervous

day at MK Dons. Shaun Wane is was unfortunate not to score. Instead,

Garry Thompson's cross was turned in by Wells. The player is enjoying an

outstanding season. But Darren Potter's perfectly weighted through

ball set Patrick Bamford off, and the lonely lowered the scores. --

loanee. A memorable week for the club's leading goal-scorer. When

Parkinson took over Bradford, Kyel Reid was his first acquisition. They

put them back in front. This run went unchecked. The keeper was

caught out. Radford were on course for their first victory since

October the 1st. The contest was far from finished. An opportunity for

Williams to maintain his excellent record. He had not missed a penalty

in two years. Three goals in as many games. Ensuring a filling --

fulfilling tonality. -- finale. James Meredith's shot was steered

home by Jason Kennedy. Settling the contest once and for all.

Wins over Bradford and Hartlepool followed by last week's success at

Stevenage provided Rotherham with momentum. Given a guard was on the

ape whisper away. -- Keiran Agard. , Townsend two down Matt Tubbs. That

was just three minutes after the loanee had been cautioned.

Kavanagh's side was down out of the second half. Rotherham were unable

to make the advantage count. Somehow, this effort was tapped out.

-- kept out. Somehow, this effort was tapped out.

-- kept A hard earned point for Carlisle.

The standout result was Peterborough losing again, this time to

Stevenage. Their fourth defeat in a row. What is going on? The thing

that will concern them is that they have not scored. Normally, you

associate goals with Peterborough. It will be disappointing. What a

wonderful finish. The keeper does as much as you would expect from him.

What a fantastic finish. And they have not been in great form,

Stevenage. It has been a struggle this season. But that sort of skill,

going to a place like that and getting a result, that could turn

their season around. Peterborough are going to Brentford on Tuesday,

which could be a cracker. There is a bit of depth and distance between

them and the top two. I want to make sure that it is not eight or nine

points. Not the ideal game. Unless they win, in which case it will be!

Leyton Orient, a fantastic away win. But the incident in that match was

not football related. Extraordinary. And the keeper did a credibly well

not to react. If you look at it, needles into the

goal and gets his drink bottle out. That means his hands are already

raised, so he is able to cushion the punch coming his way. We do not need

that, idiots like that have no place in football and no place in football

grounds. Hopefully we will not be seeing him again. But it makes you

were a. It did not happen today but something like that could be more

serious, if someone comes on with some sort of weapon, other than a

clenched fist. It is a worry. Stewards have to be aware of it. But

it is something that we do not want to see again. The chairman has

apologised to the keeper and everybody at Leyton Orient, and

Wiltshire police have released a statement saying that a 16-year-old

is in custody. We wait to see what will happen with that. More from

league one, and drew's third defeat in four matches. -- Crewe. They

could really have done with a win today at home to Port Vale.

A derby in front of 7000. What's to entertain, not least George Evans.

He did not have to wait long for his first shot on goal. How is this for

a way to get off the mark for the England youth player on loan from

Manchester City? Port Vale were levelled before half-time although

Neil Everage played a big part. Rob Taylor's shot beat him. His 100th

league start. Murray Williams lost his place last month but since an FA

Cup goal, he cannot stop scoring. High on confidence after a win over

Peterborough, Walsall were hoping to pick up where they left off. In

truth, this display did not reach the same standards although Craig

West car was unfortunate not to have broken the deadlock. When the same

player found himself in the right place late on, he could not find his

way past. The keeper denied him and Henning is in quick succession. --

Hennings. Tranmere Rovers were unbeaten in

their last four away games in all competitions. Their opponents have

lost only once. That impressive record was in serious doubt from the

moment that Ryan Lowe gave the visitors an early advantage. And a

mistake in the home defence prevented them -- presented them

with an opportunity to strengthen their grip. Jake Kirby claimed his

first goal in Tranmere colours. And they were three up before the

interval. Ryan Lowe had the beating of Joe Murphy. His second of the

game. The 35-year-old was enjoying a profitable afternoon. It got even

better after the restart as he approached his hat-trick. Coventry

could not contain the threat. The player whose contract was cancelled

at MK Dons in the summer is enjoying a new lease of life. The referee

awarded the Sky Blues a penalty. Holmes attempted to win the ball

back, and only succeeded in handling. And this kick just

squeezed home, despite the best efforts of the keeper. Rovers lost

the services of ash Taylor, sent off after his boot caught another

player. Despite the setback, they added a fifth. James Wallace

celebrated his return to the first team after a long-standing knee

injury, with a fine goal. The side are now out of the bottom four. I

think we deserved it. We had a good game plan. Some really good

football. Some of the goals we scored were fantastic. Ryan Lowe,

his hat-trick, that chip was sensational. Why have been saying

for a time that we are only 16 games out of the season and there is still

a lot of work to be done. The one thing that the game tells us is

exactly that. How about this for making a swift impact? Petrasso only

completed his move on Friday, but when Clark Harris mistimed his shot,

he was perfectly placed to mark his debut with a goal. It has been a

week of contrasting fortunes for these clubs. Oldham one at Wolves.

Cody McDonald had an opportunity but Mark Oxley could not be beaten. The

Addicks were headed for their first away win since opening day. They

were forced to be a man down after this altercation. Graham Turner

reached 35 years as a manager this week. He has been picking teams

since before all bar one of his current squad were born. When Turner

speaks, players listen. Adam Rich is clearly all ears. The boss said this

week he needs to make more impact and he certainly did, rounding off a

terrific Shrewsbury move with his first goal since mid August and only

his second of the season. The magpies could have pilfered the

point late on. Jack really sure is kept out. To finish with three

points, a massively important win, has been a pleasant afternoon. It

was a bit hard stopping late on in and around our penalty area but we

should have had the game sewn up. Two clubs meeting in the third tier

for 25 years. After a forgettable first half, Marvin Elliott's claim

that his strike was handled by Chris Porter fell on deaf ears, adding to

Bristol's frustrations. They appeared to turn the corner in the

last few weeks but in a game that lacked any real quality, Sheffield

United were back with maximum points, headed by the delete gifted

to them by Aden Flint -- gifted to them by Aden Flint.

Coventry and Tranmere, we all saw that coming! Commentary being the

high-scoring side in England and transmit only scoring six away goals

before today. What happened? -- Tranmere. I have no idea. You have

seen the run that Coventry are wrong, they have been one of the

best sides that a lot of teams have played against and Tranmere were in

the relegation zone, if Coventry had the ten point they had been

deducted, they would be forth, and to get that kind of result... That

is an incredible result and obviously the feature of the game

was a magnificent hat-trick, and the best of all of the goals were that

fantastic lob at the end which the cameraman probably didn't give

justice to! Speak quite a lot of people were unhappy on Twitter

because they had Coventry down as a home banker. Crew are in freefall,

slipping from 16th ten to 23rd. -- Crewe. They wiggle -- will be

concerned. They haven't been massive spenders and they have to work with

what they have got. They have got some good youngsters but sometimes

you need a bit of experience and Naz and maybe the opportunity to go and

not be silly, but just spend some money to reinforce the weaker areas

of your side. And the end of Bristol city's unbeaten run, do you see them

recovering quickly? It is a big club and things haven't gone to plan and

the manager has gone there. That is an understatement! Two sides who

would not have been looking at the situations they are written at the

start of the season, but primarily they want to stay out of the

relegation zone before anything else and that is the brief for the

future. To League to know and Oxford United returned to the top of their

division -- League 2 now. Up next Chris Wilder's side, another club in

the promotion frame, Morecambe. You had to feel for the Morecambe

goalkeeper Barry Roach. Pure instinct kept out the Michael rains

had only for James Constable to take the scraps -- Michael rains. Rhyne

Williams picked out Sean Rigg for his first league goal at the

stadium. And when Andy Parrish was profligate in possession, Oxford

were set fair for number three. Williams chipping in a goal after

his earlier assist. We asked for a good, positive performance and a few

goals, which we got and most importantly a clean sheet in the

second half, which we got, so we are delighted.

Before kick-off, a minute's silence as the stadium paid tribute to the

four victims of a Derbyshire house fire. To keep pace with Oxford at

the top, Chesterfield needed a fourth successive win and were on

their way when the cross of Jay O'Shea was met by Ollie Banks. The

20-year-old is popping up with some useful goals. Wycombe have acquitted

themselves well on the road this season but Armand Gnanduillet

wrapped up the victory on the stroke of half-time.

It is disappointing, but Chesterfield are strong and I think

they will be up there at the end. But I still think this division is

wide open and anyone can beat anyone. With the top to both

winning, Rochdale needed to do the same.

Michael Rose gave them the edge before the break. But Exeter hit

back, John O'Flynn's pull-back was where Alan Gow wanted it. His fourth

of the season put the game back in the balance. No need to panic the

Keith Hill, though, especially having seen his side win five of

their previous six on their own patch. Graham Cummins flipped them

back in front just after the hour. This time there would be no response

and instead, just further punishment. Another 3-goal haul, a

beauty from Andrew Tutte sentencing their opponents to a fourth straight

league defeat. Nine goals, two penalties and a host

of hard stopping mistakes helped make this the weekend's craziest and

tone was set inside the opening 20 seconds. Anthony Howell has a

nightmare, having already given the ball away, he then trips over Nathan

Tyson and impedes his own goalkeeper. Gareth Evans was the man

to benefit. But Mansfield, without a win in three, turned it around.

Chris Clements fired in a free kick as two goals in four minutes turned

the game on its head. Cresswell's miskick letting Anthony Howell, who

put Mansfield ahead with less than quarter of an hour played. But this

is not a game where the lead lasted. Town equalised from the

penalty spot after Sarcevic was tripped. Then he restored the lead

just after the hour mark. It came seconds after Mansfield had hit the

woodwork at the other end. Two minutes later, the Stags looked dead

and buried at 4-2. The Evans shot was simply too powerful for the

goalkeeper to deal with. But back came Mansfield. Clucas pulled one

back with 13 minutes to go. And in the 89th minute, Mansfield levelled

at four -4. Ross Dyer bundled at home after a shot from Clucas had

been blocked. Last week, a late goal condemned Fleetwood to defeat at

Northampton but it didn't cost them here. In injury time, Matty Blair

claimed another penalty. Sarcevic claimed his hat-trick and earned

Fleetwood the three points. I had to calm down after the game. To win 5-4

in the last minute was fantastic. We know we could have done better

defensively but the lads vote will was fantastic to come back three

times and win the game. -- the lads' . Confidence could hardly have

been higher ahead of York's visit. Kevan Hurst's strike three minutes

and delighted the biggest crowd of the season. Sharing the joy and the

striker a booking and United failed to build on the lead. 11 minutes

into the second half, the home side made a meal of clearing their lines

and Jorg pounced. Wes Fletcher was foiled but the keeper could do

nothing to stop Ryan Bowman. While they were still die jesting that,

more strike for Phil Brown's meant as first appeared to pull Ben Davis.

Suddenly the cheap yellow card took on extra significance -- Kevan Hurst

appeared to pull Ben Davis. Strangely, this same fate befell

York's scorer, although it was more dramatic. His latest challenge had

the referee reaching straight for the red card. With the numbers level

again for the final five minutes, Southend found an extra edge. Luke

Prosser nodded a winner which has put the top three in striking

distance of the team in form. For five or ten minutes after the red

card, we started playing, which is ironic and ridiculous. We try to

play all game and a red card spurs them into it.

Goals here should have been given. Cheltenham had League 2's Leakey is

to defence. Conor Washington hitting the post. But the backline was in a

non-shall pass mood. Tom Naylor thought he had won the game, and

would have but for the defender lurking on the line.

Limit, the division's lowest scorers, were hoping the Goldblatt

against Lincoln in midweek would herald more scoring. Dagenham

usually score and had in 11 games before this and were level within a

minute. Saffron Heinz capitalised. But Plymouth won it with this

glorious free kick -- Zavon Hines. Luke Young's accuracy capping a good

week for the green army. Berry are living up to their

nickname, especially on their own turf -- Bury. George Porter was let

in, but the imposing figure of Brian Jensen spared him embarrassment. Ten

minutes before the break, Danny Hylton left them optimistic going

into the second half. But Wimbledon made the game all squared is that

the hour. Luke Moore with his first goal since early August, ensuring

his side stay in touch with the pack.

Unlike last season, Burton's home form has been letting them down this

year. They were determined to change that against Bristol Rovers. Chris

Hussey had an early chance. Rovers were holding their own until

disaster struck for Chris Beardsley. Having extended his loan

on Friday, he got himself sent off less than 24 hours later, having

gone in on Robbie Weir with two feet. The red card was a formality.

The Brewers made the most of an extra man. But Burton soon ended the

Pirates' resistance. Shortly after the hour mark, Robbie Weir exacted

revenge, his 25 yarder was good enough for all three points. The

game ended on a sour note, with two more red cards in injury time. Jimmy

Phillips's challenger Michael Smith earned him a second yellow. The

midfielder needlessly becoming the fifth sending-off of the season. And

there was still time for Rovers to be reduced to nine men. A cameraman

skulduggery from John-Joe O'Toole but unfortunately for him, the

referee didn't. -- a cameraman missed.

The Scunthorpe decision to sack their manager seemed bold with the

club just outside the play-off spots and they fell behind at lowly

Portsmouth, Tom Craddock scoring his first for the club. But Pompey's

problems mainly at the other end. Dave Syers scoring the 10th goal

they have conceded in four games. The hosts had their moments. Ricky

Holmes was only inches from putting his own name on the scoresheet. That

frustration for the Fratton Park fans would become a recurring theme.

Arguably the best chance of all was raised, the goalkeeper thwarting the

home side. Craddock was the width of a post from lifting the mood, but

once again, there was jeering at the final whistle after Sam Wood all --

Sam Winnall found a huge gap in the defence and gave Russ Wilcox a

winning start, leaving Portsmouth to the closer to the bottom to grid

two. Northampton's away record made for

grim reading even before the trip to Victoria Park, losing seven of the

last previous away games. October's League 2 player of the monthly

changes having some season. His control was one thing, the finish

quite another. Double figures for the player who has come through the

Hartlepool ranks. He went close again and is fast becoming the

Hartlepool poster boy. Bashing the bar before half-time. James Poole

held the key to wrapping this game up. His direct running was too much

for Paul Reedy. Few penalty calls are quite so clear cut.

Five home wins in six for Hartlepool.

Torquay have never one at Accrington. Their hopes of breaking

that duck appeared more like when McCallum gave them the lead.

Accrington are unbeaten in six league games before this. Murphy's

good work was finished by Naismith, that was his second of the season.

His third would complete the turn around. Nicky Hunt with the

delivery. Naismith found the corner of the goal to keep Stanley moving

in the right direction. Another good result for Accrington Stanley. They

are seven unbeaten after a shocking start to the season. Can you see

them keeping their heads above water now? Yeah. No doubt about that. Look

at their recent form. They have done really well. Eight defeats between

August and September. A rookie, shall we say, novice manager, they

might have panicked and got rid of him, they didn't, they stuck with

him. He has learnt what is required. He turned that around magnificently.

Good luck to him. Things could have been very different. They have been

brave, stuck with him, all of a sudden he has turned around and

repaid their faith. I'm really pleased about that. Pompey, four

defeats in a row for them, a couple in the Cup. Three away from home. Do

you fear for them? You make a point away from home, they lost six at

home. I don't fear for them. I just think that... You know, scratching

your head thinking - how can they be under achieving like they are? They

have good players with good experience who have played at a high

level. Some people go, 15, 16,000 expectation, it is nothing of the

sort. I have been to plenty of games this year at that football the crowd

are unbelievable behind them. They have been so passionate and patient

with them. Today was the first time where you have... There were a few

boos, rightly so, the performance today wasn't great. Things have to

change. Just a spark, something is missing at that football club when

you look at the players they have got. Disappointment all round,

particularly this week. Now, a look at the league tables:

There was no change in the top three positions of the Sky Bet

Championship, but leaders Burnley's, draw plus wins for QPR and

Leicester, mean that there are now three teams level on 35 points at

the top. Leeds' third consecutive win moved them into the play-off

positions for the first time since mid-September, while Brighton

extended their unbeaten league run to five games and move up to ninth,

their highest position of the season. Defeats for the bottom three

means there's no change at the foot of the table with Yeovil now five

points from safety. Steve Lomas' Millwall were the big movers of the

day in the bottom half, jumping up three places to 17th as they ended a

six-match winless run with victory over relegation rivals Barnsley.

Bolton's revival continued as they moved up to 15th after winning three

in a row for the first time since April. Leyton Orient's win at

Swindon meant they returned to the top of League One at Wolves'

expense. But the top two further cemented their automatic promotion

spots as third placed Peterborough crashed to a fourth successive

defeat. At the bottom, Tranmere's emphatic shock win at free-scoring

Coventry moved them out of the relegation zone and up to 19th.

Sheffield United remain in the bottom four, but still move up two

places after their first away win since March. In League Two there was

no change in the top six with Oxford, Chesterfield, Rochdale,

Fleetwood and Southend all winning. Burton climbed four places into the

last play-off spot after their home win against struggling Bristol

Rovers. At the other end of the table, Accrington's resurgence

continued as they move up to 20th and extend their unbeaten run to

seven games. Plymouth were the other big movers, jumping up four places

to 14th after an impressive win over play-off

That's all from us, but a reminder for all you petrol-heads out there,

you can join Suzi Perry for live coverage of the final race of the

Formula One season in Brazil on BBC One at 3.00pm on Sunday. Later in

the evening, Mark Chapman will have all the latest from the Premier

League on Match of the Day 2, also on BBC One, that's at 10.25pm.

Thanks to Steve, it's been fun. Manish is back next week. Have a

great weekend. Bye for now.