30/11/2013 The Football League Show

Evening. Welcome along to the best from the Sky Bet Football League.

And it's been another grim week for managers. Tonight, Barnsley's David

Flitcroft became the week's fourth casualty, following Guy Whittingham,

Ritchie Barker and Sean O'Driscoll, who left Portsmouth, Crawley and

Bristol City respectively. On a lighter note though in midweek, we

did see a real contender for miss of the season, with Gillingham's Adam

Barrett the right man at the wrong end. It's the kind of chance Steve

Claridge would've buried with his eyes closed - with the help of his

shin. Here's what's in store for you tonight.

Despite drawing their third match in a row at Forest, Burnley went into

the weekend top of the table. Today Sean Dyche's side crossed the

Pennines to meet Mark Robins' Huddersfield Town. We've the best of

the action from the south coast derby as Bournemouth took on a

rapidly improving Brighton. Here is the lifeblood of his club, the sort

of character football cannot do without. We are Oakwell as Barnsley

entertain Birmingham City and celebrate the 90th birthday of club

legend Norman Rimmington. And as ever we've all the goals and plenty

of talking points from the final round of games of November. First to

the Championship leaders Burnley, who were one of only two teams in

the division to have lost just one league game this season - with QPR

being the other. Today, Sean Dyche's side were at Huddersfield - a side

full of confidence on the back of their derby win at Sheffield

Wednesday last week. Your commentator at the John Smith's

Stadium is John Roder. 3500 Burnley fans have made the trip

to Yorkshire. Huddersfield are buoyant mood after their victory at

Sheffield Wednesday. Mark Robins names the same side that started

last weekend's win, so Paterson, who scored the opening goal at

Hillsborough, faces the team he left in the summer, having spent five

years at Turf Moor. James Vaughan has 11 goals already this season. He

got 14 last season including in 1-0 win at in February. Burnley are also

unchanged. 24 goals between them so far this season for Sam Vokes and

Danny Ings. Scott Arfield returns to Huddersfield for the first time

since leaving the summer after three years here. Jason Shackell and

Kieran Trippier both played under Huddersfield boss Mark Robins at

Barnsley. James Vaughan, a spectacular shot

and an excellent save. Beaten at full stretch to push that one away

to safety. -- Heaton. Just blocked by Heaton. It is a

lovely chest down and Heaton spreads his body wide to just make the block

as James Vaughan comes in towards goal.

James Vaughan again pointing to where he wants the ball directed.

Was that hand ball? It was certainly looking pretty close. Shackell with

the touch with his foot and Bennett at it appeared to strike his hand --

and then it did appear to strike his hand. The referee said no penalty.

To be fair, not too much in the way of appeals from the Huddersfield

players. Paterson, off the post. Here is James Vaughan. Can he get a

shot away? It has been an excellent start from Huddersfield Town.

This is the closest we have come to a goal in the opening exchanges.

Paterson with the header. This time Heaton can't get there. It is off

the post and away. It is James Vaughan arriving. Given

his goal-scoring prowess, there are surely plenty here in Huddersfield

this afternoon. You would have put a considerable sum of money on James

Vaughan putting that in for the opening goal.

The decision goes Huddersfield's way.

It is a very crowded penalty area. A different route taken by

Huddersfield. Oh, my word! Oliver Norwood! With the simply outstanding

goal. That was 100% quality. His face does

not betrayed too much in the way of emotions, Mark Robins, but I am sure

he must be absolutely thrilled. Appeals for hand ball. It came off

the chest of dust but the assistant has given it, it is a penalty kick!

The ball striking Duff off his chest and down his arm, it looks like, and

the assistant on this nearside with the flag to indicate a penalty kick.

My yellow card as well for Michael Duff.

He slides it in past Heaton. It is a dozen for the season now. The

Huddersfield hotshot. What a save! From Smithies. It

denies Burnley a certain goal, absolutely brilliant from the

Huddersfield goalkeeper. It should, you would have thought, have been

2-1. 2-1, Sam Vokes. But it will not

count, the flag is up on the far side. It is a yellow card as well to

add insult to injury. Played out wide to Stanislas and the

flag is raised against the Burnley striker, who thought he had brought

his side back into this match. Sean Dyche and Burnley are beginning to

feel that today might not be their day.

Has he got the speed and the finish? Yes, he has! Burnley are back in it.

Goal number 15 of the season for Danny Ings. With just over six

minutes plus stoppage time remaining, Burnley have a chance of

getting something from this match. That is a foul on James Vaughan by

Michael Duff and he knows what is going to happen. It is a yellow

card. It is his second of the match and Burnley will end the game with

ten men. Michael Duff knew that James Vaughan would be away and it

would be one on one against Heaton. It is a clear foul, a second yellow

and Duff is sent off with just a couple of minutes remaining.

Regardless of anything that comes our way because there was a bit of

fortune to getting the penalty, I am sure, regardless of that, I thought

we were outstanding and even though we lost the game today I would have

been pleased because we were excellent from start to finish. You

have just been indices the referee, presumably about the awarding of the

penalty which turned the match? Yes, two things, the Corner, which is not

a corner, which is neither here nor there. That is for the first goal. I

asked why he had given that, you can see it and the linesman did not help

him with that. Then the penalties, well, there is no point in me

mentioning it, people will see it and it speaks for itself. I will

only get myself in trouble. It is fair to say that when people see it

I think they will imagine how frustrated I am. A fantastic first

goal from Oliver Norwood, it was perfect, wasn't it? He has hit it

brilliantly. He has been shooting really well. That was a part of his

game he has been working on and fair play to him, he has a couple of

goals recently and that was outstanding. Living in Burnley he

will make -- he will need to make sure his windows safe tonight! An

interesting afternoon for the Burnley born Oliver Norwood. Burnley

fans will look at the key decisions by the referees, but chances alone,

Huddersfield were hugely impressive? Yes, quite similar back-to-back

victories. Very good for an hour. I would not say holding on, clinging

on, but the opposition scored and it was a case of seeing the game out,

which they have done on both occasions. As you said one or two

controversial decisions. It did not go for Burnley in the main but

overall probably the right result. Lets get your take on a couple of

them. The Michael Duff hand ball. What hand ball? You look at the

referee and he can't see this because this hits supposedly Duff on

the left-hand side of his body but the referee is on the right-hand

side. It the linesman that gets the clear view of this and he is the one

who gets that in the next run. Clearly it is not a hand ball. Look

at Duff's reaction. It is the linesman who gives the decision. The

referee has to go with that and it is put away really well. He missed

the chance just before that, a really good chance. They will

complain, they will feel hard done by and rightly so. He has been good

on his return from suspension. Norwood played well. What about the

goal from I suppose the man of the game really in some respects, a

great strike, but some questions over Tom Heaton? Undoubtedly. The

giveaway for this is the way that Tom Heaton reacts. He kicks the

post, punches the post, he should have got to it. Once it bounces, he

has to follow the bounce and see the ball out. He misjudges it. It is a

great strike but it should have been saved. Burnley have a three month

unbeaten run but great belief for Huddersfield. Burnley have done

well. Huddersfield have played very well in the last couple of weeks.

More from the Championship and we start with Nottingham Forest meeting

a Reading side looking for a first win in five.

Nottingham Forest found out skipper Chris Coen will miss the rest of the

season with his knee injury during the week. And today, there was more

bad news. Reading took the lead early on, and got their second

before 15 minutes was up, through Kaspars Gorkss. Forest had drawn a

blank just once so far this season, and Jamie Mackie provided the

perfect pass for Michael Rankine to put them back in contention, before

a double change to the home line up at half-time which made a

difference. One of the substitutes, Darius Henderson, and deleted the

comeback. What a waste, all of that hard work was undone, as Reading's

Jordan Obita enjoyed a moment he will never forget. It was the

teenager's first goal for the club he joined at the age of eight. The

three points were protected by Chris Gunter's tackle, which earned him a

second booking. The dismissal was a price worth paying on a successful

night for the Royals. Everyone has had to work very hard for each

other. We knew we would have to do that today. Got on the front foot

and it was a pleasing victory today. Millwall have been Leicester's bogey

side in recent years, often defeating them at the worst of

times, but that never looked to be on the cards here, certainly not

after Lord -- Lloyd Dyer had put them in the lead. Anthony Knockaert

was denied on this occasion, faxed to the brilliance of David Forde.

Leicester were lively upfront, and Millwall could not hold them at a

furlong. They conceded a second following their own corner kick,

Jamie Vardy running almost the full length of the field. Vardy's second

came moments later. On this occasion he out jumped Mark Beevers before

making the most of the errant backpass. The Championship's new

leaders managed an incredible total of 30 efforts on goal in the match.

Fortunately for Millwall, David Forde prevented any further

embarrassment. In the end we managed to get a pretty comfortable win. We

move on, it has been a good season so far for us, we have got to try

and keep it going. Football can be an expensive business, just ask QPR

owner Tony Fernandes. His bank balance has certainly taken a hit

since he took over. But there are indications that he might see a

return on that investment fairly soon. Ross Turnbull did not come out

with any credit when he let this one through his fingers. Most would have

expected and other routine win after that, but the South Yorkshire side

came out with vigour in the second half. Only Theo Robinson will know

if he meant this. But it was just a shot in the arm the home side needed

after losing four out of six. Clint Hill went close to restoring QPR's

lead. But they say timing is everything, and Paul Quinn scored in

the final minute, his first goal in 2.5 years, putting the hosts on

course for a crucial win down at the bottom. Itchy Wellings could have

added more gloss the scoreline. Rovers go seven points clear of

trouble. Whose idea was it to send your right back up for the corner in

the last few minutes? I will take credit for that. To get the winner

from a set piece was great today. Paul has done a great job with them,

but you have got to come here and try and win. You cannot throw points

away like this if you want to get promoted. A five-game stadium ban

had felt like an age for Paul Ince, but he had been back on the

touchline little more than five minutes when he had something to

celebrate. Ricardo Fuller converted the corner from Tom Ince. Dave

Jones' side have only won once all season, but they set the tempo after

going behind early on. This was a wonderful chance wasted. It meant

Blackpool were living on their nerves for the majority of the

match, only able to relax after Dan Gosling guided this one in off the

post. After that, the outstanding Ricardo Fuller seemed keen to enjoy

himself. The skill was worthy of Ronaldo, the finish was messy. Gary

Mackenzie momentarily frustrated, but the seaside as were happy enough

at the end. There has never been a game where we have been able to give

our defence a breather. To see that goal go in from Dan Gosling, who has

been fantastic since he has come in, it was a time to sit back! Blackpool

continue to challenge at the right end, but not so for Sheffield

Wednesday, and it is looking bleak for Dave Jones. Yes, he said what

was wrong this week but he said the same thing last week about the

team's performance. It is a difficult game, football, when

things are not going well, and people asked to take responsibility

on the ball, get it and pass it, they tend to snatch at

opportunities. It is something they are going to have to get out of. A

new name at the top of the Championship tonight, Vesta city --

Leicester City, after what can only be described as a thoroughly

dominant performance against Millwall, with 30 shots on goal.

Yes, without David Forde, it could've been a lot more. They were

dominant, no doubt about it. Jamie Vardy was very, very good on the

day. He has almost got that non-league attitude, he does not

give up on anything. He has chased that ball down where many would not

have done. He looks a good player. He went there for a bit of money, so

a bit of pressure on him, but he played very well initially, fell

away towards the end of the season but has started strongly. Keeping

Chris Woods out so he must be doing something right. Also, poetic

justice in some ways for Doncaster, they got turned over in the

rearranged fixture against Charlton in midweek, when they had been

leading 3-1. On this occasion, they get the points against QPR. And by

all accounts they were excellent. I think both sides agreed that they

fully deserved the win. QPR do not lose many. Think that is only the

second this season. That is a fantastic result, coming off the

back of what would have been a really disappointing midweek game,

when they will have felt they deserved the three points. At

Barnsley, the bottom club, they have parted company with their manager,

David Flitcroft, shortly after their game against Birmingham. The day had

started in celebratory mood, as Oakwell saluted a club legend,

Norman Rimmington. Some weeks we cannot decide where to go for the

Football League Show. Others, the story takes care of itself.

This is a copy of the great man's registration, when he signed as a

goalkeeper on February 16 1945, to play in the wartime league. And 68

years later, through all those different jobs, this is where he

still comes to do his bit for Barnsley football club.

How many hours have you spent in here? Oh, God, are not. -- a lot. I

met bill Shankly when he were manager at Huddersfield. When Denis

Law played his first game. I always remember that vividly in my memory,

we got beat 4-2 at Newcastle, 67,000. I was born in Barnsley,

brought up in Barnsley, and played for Barnsley, and did all these

other jobs. And I have had plenty of offers to go to other jobs, but no,

I turned them all down because this is my club. Have you got a mobile

phone?! Hello? # Happy birthday to you.

# Happy birthday, dear Norman. # Happy birthday to you. He brought

the whole squad to his party. They to be fair, he was sloshed, he did

not recognise any of them. It was the best speech I have ever heard at

any party. He is an amazing man, he has got an amazing family to back

him up. But his party and the speech was the best I have ever been to.

But what do you expect? He is a great man. The guard of honour is

suitable for this man. Birmingham wanted to do it as well. The two

sets of players as well. It is only right.

Six months after leading Barnsley to the great escape, David Flitcroft's

reign is over. Birmingham City exposed the deficiencies which had

made for another pain. To this campaign. Midway through the half,

they were given the chance to increase their advantage. The dive

from Nicola Zigic seemed obvious to everybody except the referee.

Birmingham got their second. At this rate, Barnsley were in real danger

of being cut adrift at the bottom. Yet another mistake let in Zigic,

who wrapped up the win for Birmingham before half-time. That

proved to be the final straw for Barnsley's board. Flitcroft's time

was up after less than a year. So, a day which began with great scenes

did not end in that way, with Barnsley looking for the 27th

manager during the time of Norman Rimmington. Surprised by

developments there tonight? Well, it is the stage of the season where you

are either looking at, if you have intentions of going up, and you

might adrift, or if you are going to fight relegation, are you going to

get cut adrift? On the evidence of today, only one win in 12. They are

conceding more than two goals a game. It is such a shame, because

when he was first installed, towards the end of last season, kept them

up. There was a real fighting spirit. Yes, initially, there was a

reaction when he came in. It petered out a little bit and they stayed up.

But it just has not got started this season. Never at any stage have they

been able to get themselves out of the relegation zone. The early

kick-off was a south coast derby, with Bournemouth, without a win in

five, taking on a Brighton side which has been on a good run, even

with a few attacking players missing. Matt Ritchie came in,

making his first start since April. Brighton made just one change, with

colder one coming in. Jon Champion was watching this one.

Calderon, and that was the best chance of the game so far! The

adventurous nature of Brighton's experienced Spanish right-back

almost bringing the opening goal. And that will be a free kick to

Bournemouth in a promising position for them. In effect that was a rugby

tackle. And it has gone into the corner!

Matt Ritchie returns to action with a splendid goal.

He would have seen its late because of the do far, but all of the

frustration of three months out with a thigh injury has gone in that one

sweet moment. That is some stop! It was Matt

Ritchie who was flying in at the far post.

It's Fraser again! Great ball in. Met by Ritchie, clawed out by

Kuszczak. Fraser with the follow-up. It's Ritchie. It's deflected! It

loops only just wide. The keeper was stranded.

Perceptive passing. This is Calderon. Ince. He is a distant

cousin of Tom Ince and Eric Young who used to play centre-back for

Blackburn in days gone by. A good effort. That is a brilliant goal.

Ashley Barnes with an equaliser, pretty much out of nothing.

Calderon's throw. Barnes worked some space, found an angle. Then with a

seering shot, located the corner of the net. That's an outstanding goal.

Now through the middle, it's Pittman. You can sense here there

will be chances created at both ends of the pitch in the closing stages

of this game. It's Ritchie. Ritchie would have to

go down as the outstanding individual on show so far.

Ritchie. Here's Wes Thomas. Thomas going on his own. Pittman was up

with him. We had enough chances in the game to have won it. I was

really pleased with the workrate of the players, the appetite to press

the ball and win the ball back high up the pitch. Disappointed obviously

with their goal. We switched off for a split second a great strike. We

felt we deserved more. We deserved more because we keep the ball. We

had the ball and we played much better in the second-half.

Bournemouth will be disappointed I suppose to not to come away with all

three points. After what happened against Watford and Huddersfield,

against a side that won all three, they are now developing to the needs

of this division, aren't they? Sometimes it will take a while to

get used to what you are up against. Up until the goal, I have to say

they were the dominant side. 55 minutes it was, just before that,

sat there watching it and saying - where will Brighton get a goal from

here. They scored. They took something from the goal Brighton.

For the next 20 minutes were the dominant team. Bournemouth came back

into it. It was a strange game. There were fantastic moments in it

and scrappy moments in the game. Performance for Matt Ritchie, the

leftwinger at Bournemouth, he scored for them. His first start since

April. You could never have told on the back of that performance? No.

Absolutely not much he was a torn in their side. That is a wonder... Just

the vision and pace of the ball that he passes there. A nice strike.

Great technique. We know all about that. This next bit... Fantastic

goal. We will see from the other angle. Not sure what Kuszczak does

here. He puts the wall up. Keeper's then stand behind it. The one

movement the other way leaves an awful big gap. He is the right

player to exploit that. Good finish. Good finish from Ashley Barnes

making the most of his opportunities up top? Playing up on his own. One

or two other players are out, that allowed him that chance. This is a

wonderful goal. He could be closed down. When we see this again. Steven

Cook, he gets very tight there. He should stay that tight. You are in

that box. You don't want people to turn. Wonderful finish. If he stays

tight he doesn't allow the shot and he would be blocking that. You could

do that nine times out of ten and he would blaze it wide. That is a

wonderful strike. Take nothing from the goal, brilliant. Get tighter

next time. Like Brighton, Leeds went into the weekend thanks to a

hat-trick of wins. The latest coming against Middlesbrough last Saturday

to lift them into the play-off places for the first time since

mid-September. Earlier, Brian McDermott's side were at Blackburn.

7,000 travelling Leeds fans created Brian McDermott and co at Ewood

Park. They went home empty-handed. Paddy Kenny had to push this shot

around the post. This game turned on a first half miss by Danny Pugh,

only a goal was missing for the away side. Pugh couldn't provide it. Kean

denying the Leeds man. Rovers upped their game after that, finishing the

first half the stronger of the two sides. Taylor's turn and shot had

Kenny improadvising, once again. Ewood Park hadn't witnessed a home

win over Leeds for 11 years. Rovers made the breakthrough just before

the interval. Tommy Spurr heading his second for the club in

stoppage-time. Victory would have been more comfortable if it wasn't

for this spectacular Kenny save a Austin came closest to an equaliser

as Leeds three game winning run came to a crashing halt. Disappointed to

lose that game. We could have been one up, they scored with set play

before half-time to go in 1-0. That was the crucial goal. The manager

issued a rallying call, three successive home defeats had the

locals feeling restless. A good start was vital. They almost

provided it. Webster's second in as many games right on the stroke of

half-time. Just what the doctor ordered after three straight defeats

on the road. Johnson had given debuts to three new loan signings.

One came up trumps. Joe Edwards doing the donkey work before setting

Miller. Yeovil's latest recruit on the scoresheet for the first time

since the end of last year. For the second time this season, Johnson's

men managed to score more than one goal in a league game. Watford left

frustrated. Fernando Forestieri one of several players who struggled to

find a way through. In this first ever meeting of the two sides, it

was the Glovers who made it a day to Saviour for their travelling fanes

who treated them to another goal in the final minute. Edwards made it

3-0. Yeovil's biggest win of the season in every sense of the word.

These are worrying times for Watford. Obviously, the first goal

was vital. It gives you more power to your elbow. We kept that going.

I'm thrilled. Proud, as managers say in this situation. It's down to me

to find the solutions to this problem. Something is not right at

the moment here. It has to be solved. Ipswich expected Charlton to

be full of enthusiasm after recording their second home win of

the season in midweek. They set out to fight fire with fire on the

attack from the off. In a breathless start, it took Alnwick save to keep

out these shots. Tommy Smith gave a header that there was no stopping.

All that in the opening five minutes. It meant Mick McCarthy's

men would have to be on their metal for a long, long time to hold onto

the points. The visitors almost lost their advantage. The Wiggins broke

into the box. Berratidied up. Charlton was forcing the pace. This

header didn't cause Gerken any serious concern. At the end of a

determined run, Cameron Stuart could only force another routine stop from

Gerken. I don't think we have come here and dominated the game. We

dominated the first bit of the first half and were the better team in the

first half. They were better in the second with the ball. They didn't do

the important thing, put the ball in the net. Ipswich defended deep,

well-organised, we broke them down a few times, but we just didn't

convert. The manager's first home game was against tough opponents.

Bolton's hot streak came to an end with Beckford culpable. With Bolton

enjoying their best spell Emnes and Main were sent on. The game was then

decided by two late penalties. One scored, and one missed. With nine

minutes to gshgs the lively Emnes was pulled down by Tim Ream. The

Riverside was sent into premature celebrations. They should have known

better. Boro had kept only two cleansheets. # Bolton were given a

penalty of their own. Fortune smiled on the home side. Beckford' skied

the spot-kick. Bolton's eight game unbeaten streak went up in smoke. A

nervous finish. For me it was the dream that I... My dream, my first

game here. Our people were in the stadium. For me it was very, very

well. The manager's first game, big crowd, he might have edged it in

terms of possession. I felt the second-half a lot was with us, it

wasn't to to be. Was a dream home debut for the new Boro boss in front

of 24,000, a while since they have seen a crowd like that there? They

dropped the prices obviously. That might be a message to all clubs, it

does make a difference if you can drop the prices like that. That is

clever thinking by the football club. His first game at home, new

manager... Emotions running high? Let's back that crowned crowd with

euthusiastic supporters who are here on the feel good factor because they

got in on the cheap, so to speak. Good partnership between the club

and manager to set that up. It worked for them. Certainly has.

Another thing that worked on Saturday, the three loan signings

made by Gary Johnson at Yeovil Town. Miller came on and scored at what

was a handsome victory. 3-0 winners. Their third this season? They are

staying in there, aren't they? They are staying in there. No doubt about

that. Obviously, one from Everton, one from Liverpool. He has been on

the motorway a little bit, hasn't he? I mean, that shows that is he is

scouring the market, he is constantly on the lookout. They have

a certain budget, they have to work within that. Fantastic result.

Watford, we heard boos, fourth home defeat in a row. How quickly things

have changed at. Last year you wouldn't say it was massively high,

they over achieved by what people thought they would happen. Here are

quotes from the manager. He talks about a crisis of confidence. The

players lost that confidence some time ago. That is some revolution.

They set the bar quite high. They lost last year, expectation is we

will replicate that at least. When you don't you fall down that.

People's expectations are not met. They start to become disgruntled.

There is more pressure, add to the fact they have lost 20 odd goals,

one or two injuries, you know, yet again another side that may be

playing under pressure than they thought they might at the start of

the season. To League One now and the game of the day at London Road

as first met fifth. the season. To League One now and

the game Peterborough were on a five-game losing streak and licking

their wounds from their 3-2 defeat at promotion rivals Brentford. On

Tuesday, they took on the new leaders Wolves.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson set this game up as a test not of

ability, but of character, for his players. He forgot to mention luck,

like this handball, which was not punished. The pace and power of

Bakary Sako nearly brought the league leaders a goal, but

Peterborough rode their luck and scored with their only shot on

target, in the 79th minute, from Michael Bostwick. It ended the home

side's run of setbacks and suffering, not that the boss was in

a charitable mood. I do not think, Wolves are so organised and rigid,

it was never going to be a classic. It was always going to be tight. Our

concentration was on keeping the ball better. And the pitch is not

helping us, it is not in good condition. I am not happy with that.

It took a really good free kick from Michael to win us the game.

That meant Orient could reclaim the lead. They have lost their last game

without scoring. Their defence is usually pretty cast-iron, but not so

here, as they gifted the Blades the lead midway through the second

half, Conor Coady, the England you've kept, with his first senior

goal. But good teams have good players, who produce when required.

Dean Cox fits that description, and he got one of the goals of the day.

Orient started with the league's most potent attack, and Robbie

Simpson nearly nicked it. Nonetheless, they are back on top.

We are enjoying being on the top, and we want to stay there for ever,

if still a lot of games to go, but if we continue to play with that

enthusiasm and attitude and ability to create chances, then we will give

ourselves every chance. After the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll, his

assistant John Pemberton took charge of struggling Bristol city at

Deepdale. It was a match which could have gone either way. The Bristol

city central defender hit the 'keeper with this effort. But it was

the in form Preston who got the only goal of the game, Jack King arriving

bravely. Preston had conceded just two goals in their last six games,

but Wagstaff was unlucky not to grab a point for City with this effort.

In such a tight affair, it was no big surprise to see two players

losing their cool. Both men got a red card. After top scorer Garner

picked up a better respective ban on Thursday, Preston's striking options

are starting to look stretched. -- picked up a retrospective ban.

Results may not yet be reflecting it, but the bottom club seem to be

picking up a bit. Notts County are yet to win under new management.

Gary Liddle's acrobatic volley was stopped on the line by a centre

forward. But as is the way with struggling teams, they then showed

fallibility, gifting possession, and Greg ended a 14 game run without a

goal. It could've been more comfortable, had Donaldson accepted

this opportunity in the second half. -- Grigg. In the first half,

we did not look as we normally do. Too many crosses on our left-hand

side and on a better day, they would have scored. Gillingham did the

double over the Millers last season. No danger of that this time, as

Dicko led a Rotherham side on devastating form. Next, the

Gillingham defence helped Kieran Agard to get his 11th of the season

in league and cup. Hard to believe the Millers have not won in five at

home. Ben Pringle's cross had made the second goal, and the third was

all his own work. All of this inside the first 35 minutes. Cody McDonald

converted this flick on to get his fifth hole of the season, all of

which have come away from home. -- fifth goal of the season. But

rather's response was a landmark goal for James Tavernier, with his

first career goal, on loan from Newcastle. Sealed an emphatic win.

On loan Spurs youngster Alex Pritchard enjoyed a splendid game

for Swindon town. His determination and composure created the opening

goal for Massimo Luongo. But the Cumbrians are unbeaten in four

games, and they were not far away from an equaliser just before the

break. It was no surprise when former Swindon defender Sean

O'Hanlon levelled midway through the second half. The Robins once again

failed to mark up in the box. But their lead was restored almost

straightaway with a quality free kick from Pritchard. The side who

have scored more goals in League One than any other team wrapped it up in

stoppage time, through Danny and N'Guessan. Swindon's promotion

challenge was well and truly back on track. Game of the Day has to be at

London Road. Peterborough had to pull something out of the bag,

didn't they? If Wolves had won, there would have been a 14 point gap

between the two. Like you say, sometimes you get seminal moments in

a season, and this was one of them, for Peterborough. Interestingly they

are the second lowest scorers at home in the league. We always say,

they are going to break the record for goals conceded and scored. So

there might be some change going on there. Keeping it tight. They

certainly did today. And Brentford are in Will Grigg, in his first

start since Sauber, showing some form, like he used to, in his

Walsall days. -- since October. Yes, and all of a sudden, they look like

they are in a strong position. Shaun Derry has taken one hell of a job at

Notts County. Yes, but expectation will still be low. The club was

struggling anyway. He has not been able to turn things around yet, but

he will look to improve the situation over the coming months.

Staying with League One, and starting this time with two clubs

with realistic promotion ambitions, Walsall and Port Vale. The Saddlers

got a valuable point in midweek at Sheffield United. The last time Port

Vale won a league game at Walsall, the Queen was a newlywed, back in

1947. This time, Vale took just 20 minutes to make their mark, through

Tom Pope's eighth of the season. Chambers tried his luck next, but

keep Johnson made an accomplished save on the eve of his 21st

birthday. Gavin Tomlin got the crucial goal to confirm the victory

for Port Vale. 7000 Sky Blues fans at Milton Keynes, more than three

times the average home gate for their games in Northampton. On

half-time, there was a penalty for MK Dons, when Ben Reeves was tripped

by Conor Thomas. Shaun Williams scored from the spot, his seventh

successful penalty of the season. Two Coventry loan signings had a big

say, first, this deflected shot from Chris Dagnall. And in the final four

minutes, McGuire, a forgotten man at Sheffield Wednesday, came off the

bench to devastating effect. -- Chris Maguire. And then, same

player, similar range, a decisive double whammy. More than 7000

supporters today, and the atmosphere in the stadium was so intense. It

was great. A big thank you from the players for that result today.

Crawley town have sacked manager Richie Barker on Wednesday, , but it

appeared they were in the mood to get their first away victory in the

league since August. But even after their opponents got a red card for

this dive, they failed to take advantage of several chances. First,

Billy Clarke broke from the halfway line, only to be denied by the

defenders. You sensed that the ten men would succumb at one stage.

Eventually, it came to Matthew Sadler, only for his shots to be

scrambled off the line. But when you are committed to attack, you can

leave yourself exposed at the back. The winner was scored by the

substitute, just three minutes after coming off the bench, by Aneke.

Tranmere's afternoon started badly and got better. After 12 minutes

they had lost two defenders. Jon Otsemobor had an altercation with a

wall. And his team-mate succumbed to a groin injury. But they were

undeterred. From this corner, the home side went in front through this

header from Ryan Lowe, who got a hat-trick last weekend. Low's cross

and encouraged a foul in the box, and the referee gave a penalty. Low

drove in his 12th of the season. The 35-year-old has been described as

Tranmere's most dangerous striker since John Aldridge. Colchester's

own pensionable predator, Clinton Morrison, got a late goal, but it

was not enough. With five home defeats for Stevenage, their fans

would not have got carried away with their opening goal. Any application

was well founded, as Shrewsbury hit back. They got two goals in three

minutes. Adam Reach got his second in three matches. Tom Eaves rejoined

from Bolton for a second loan spell this week. He got six in ten last

season, and his second Shrewsbury debut was marked with a goal.

Left-back Joe Jacobson is having the best scoring season of his career.

This was his third of the season, ceiling Shrewsbury's first away win

since March. Shrewsbury, certainly among the goals, the first time they

have scored three in seven months, and a valuable win as well for Port

Vale. It is turning out to be a season to remember for them. A first

win at Walsall in the league since 1947. Yes, they have got the perfect

record, 13 in 13 at home, and 15 scored and conceded away. Keeping

Tom Pope as well, that is a massive tonic, that is a statement from the

football club, we can keep our best players. That will have encouraged

everyone. Tom Pope with a neat finish as well and what about that

everyone. Tom Pope with a neat from Gavin Tomlin for his first

league goal as well. Yes, that is a really good finish. When you have

got people who can get your goals like that from nothing, then you

have got a chance . Coventry fans, away from home, but it must have

felt like a home fixture, with 7000 fans at MK Dons cheering them on.

They have had a blip of late, but he has reinforced the ranks, Steven

Pressley, with some good signings will be yes, he has proved that he

knows the lower leagues, he knows some good players, people who can be

effective, and he has managed to put them together as well. What a great

free kick this was from Chris Maguire. Absolutely, these are good

players at this level, and above, in some cases. Having had a bit of a

blip, they are now on a really good one. This will get people looking up

the table and thinking, can we get ourselves in that play-off

position? Seven points, it is not so much the points, it is the amount of

teams between you. You will probably have a go on another run, to win

five out of six games at some stage, in order to move into the

play-offs, but at least they have shown they are capable.

To League Two now and Oxford United remained top despite drawing a blank

at home to Newport in midweek, County's Christian Jolley coming

closest to breaking the deadlock late on. Chris Wilder's side was at

a club just two points off the pace, Fleetwood.

late on. Chris Wilder's side was at a club just two A day that ended

with Chris Wilder being linked with the Portsmouth job, began with his

Oxford side in danger of losing top spot. Schumacher's 12th minute

free-kick looked like taking Fleetwood to the summit. Had the

same player take thn chance Town may have been the new League Two

leaders. Constable was one of several to go close. Kitson went

even closer. A breath taking save from Davies keeping Oxford at bay.

It looked as though the goalkeeper would be the Fleetwood hero. Oxford

were awarded a penalty when Kitson went down in the box. Davies guessed

correctly. There was no denying Oxford in the 89th minute, Kitson's

second goal of the season preserved their unbeaten away record this

season. People watched the game today would have said that that we

were the dominant team, especially the second-half. I think we fully

deserved to get something from the game. Are disappointed to concede

the goal so late on. They have got good strikers and put us under

pressure, a lot of ball noose our box. For the majority of the time we

dealt with it really well. Just one header and it cost us. Southend were

among the clubs eyeing top spot, Cheltenham kept them busy. United

would have to be at their best to make it five league wins in a row.

Phil Brown's high flyers got their noses in front. Hurst made the

chance count at the second attempt. A goal that had Southend on course

for the summit until stoppage-time. Straker knelt was pushed, the

referee could see no excuse for his handball. A chance for Cheltenham to

score for the first time in three games a responsibility that rested

with Matt Richards. Another draw for Town, their fifth in seven league

games, stalling Southend's upward progress. Rochdale were aiming to

take full advantage, York seemed the ideal opponents. After a goalless

first half, Jarvis warned them not to take them for granted. Dale wo

finished with 9-men midweek went close to winning it. Henderson

couldn't find the corner. A useful point. We have to keep working hard.

Keep the belief and hopefully we will get there. No side have

conceded more goals than Torquay ahead of the weekend. Winnal took

his tally to nine. Torquay dropped into the bottom two a fortnight ago.

O'Connor head this corner past his own keeper. Any chance of them

coming back from the dead ended when Craig's free-kick before the break

hit the crossbar. The early in the second-half, Slocombe kept out

another sweet effort. It looked grim for the Gulls. Past the hour it got

worse. Winnal's setup play enabled them to get a goal. Worse still,

Torquay are four points from safety. 1-0 to the Albion has been familiar

story. Burton last won by that score. This mistake allowed McGurk

to strike the Brewers' ahead. Trotman was blocked on the line.

Argyle had enough chances. From the nettles of League Two

combat a Nugent of passing moving. Wickham were without a win in five

games thought they had equalised. Craig was penalised for a foul by

the referee. If that frustrated Stewart it was nothing compared to

the Langish that lay ahead. The Daggers leading scorers Murray

escaped, Stewart challenged, there was no leniency or compassion. A red

card and a penalty. Former Arsenal trainee Murphy picked himself up and

drove in his 10th goal in 21 appearances this season. Wickham

still competed strongly. This header deserved a better fate. Dagenham are

on the fringe of the play-off picture, an improvement with last

year's flirtation with the trap door. Wimbledon's best moment fell

to Michael Smith. He was held up by Packwood, whose challenged risked a

penalty. To the Donns disbelief Rovers was awarded a free-kick. That

wasn't the only turn up. Clarkson's first goal since the opening weeks

of the season put the Pirates on course for a first home win since

August. After the half-hour, Lee Brown's corner was headed home by

Tom Parks, injury hit Gas hit for a timely win. Wimbledon couldn't make

enrodes in the second-half. Certainly not once Sammy Moore

earned himself a second yellow card. His expulsion came with eight

minutes to go. Soon afterwards the Gas added another from the penalty

spot after Harrison was fouled. There was no mistake with this

penalty and they confirmed their biggest win of the season. There is

no end in sight for Mansfield's poor run they could hardly have made a

better start at home to Morecambe. They were in front at the break.

There is a reason they have lost five league games in a row. Their

advantage was thrown away amid farcical defending. Redshaw put

Morecambe level six minutes after coming on. Daniel had his clearance

blocked in the build-up and tried his best to make amends. The keeper

was adamant he hadn't make contact. A sense of injustice which fuelled

his heroics. The home side showed what the boss called their "soft

under belly" Ellison demonstrated the commitment required. He needed

hospital treatment for a facial injury clinching their first win in

five is just what the doctor ordered. Bury's last visit here

ended in defeat. Daniel Nardiello was on the scoresheet for the home

side that day. He put his new club in front against his old one. He

scored for the second successive game. Exeter hit back, Wheeler got

the goal. Cameron's header found it is way through the traffic. Three

points would have been a welcome boost to the Shakers' survival

prospects. A corner caused chaos. Bury were convinced that this header

had crossed the linement the officials didn't agree. It left

Exeter with a chink of light. 13 minutes left they got their break.

This goal-bound effort deflected off Howell. Nicholls just couldn't miss.

Match drawn in Devon. After five straight defeats, Pompey managed to

stop the rot here. Wallis' excellent spinner shot from the edge of the

box nearly grabbed all three points. Honours even. Fair enough, according

to Pool's boss, Colin Cooper. Two years to the day since Bothroyd took

charge at Northampton. How last season's play-off near misses

remains a mystery. Dallas calmed their nerves. Accrington's recent

upturn has given them cause for optimism. Murphy's finishing though

was not up to scratch here. They won a penalty when Winnard tripped

McLeoad. From the spot, the on-loan man was denied a debut goal by

Bettinelli the goalkeeper borrowed from Fulham. With 10 defeats this

season, Duke is a busy goalkeeper. Here he kept out Danny Webber. A win

is a win, Northampton off the bottom. Big three points for a

number of reasons, one because we had such a good Perrett formance at

Chesterfield and got a good point at home. Another three from a team at

the top of the table. We look at the table it puts us in a much better

position than what it did at the start of the day. Long overdue that

win for Northampton and their fans. Oxford remain top. They left it late

equalising at fleewood town? 89th minute. Good finish. Good header as

well. Yeah. Up amongst... They missed a penalty earlier on in that

game. They would probably have felt that, with the penalty miss, they

needed to get something out of that game. They did. Thanks to that

Kitson equaliser they are the only team in England unbeaten away from

home this season. Scunthorpe had a good win, they have been in the

goals despite a permanent manager at the Helm. Rochdale have been doing

well, 3-1 winners against Torquay and a miserable turn for their

manager. The change of manager has worked. They have won their last

three. Played well. Stle elevated themselves up the table very, very

quickly. Sitting fourth. Decent. They look full of confidence. Saw

them at Portsmouth, they were very good. Things are looking... Have

turned around very quickly. You got the impression that 17 Adelakun was

pleased with him sell. He did. Let's have a look at the tables. We have

new league leaders in the Sky Bet Championship as Leicester go top for

the first time since mid-September. Defeats for title rivals QPR and

Burnley mean the Foxes now hold a three-point lead. Reading were the

biggest climbers in the top half, moving up three places and back into

the play-off positions, while Leeds defeat at Ewood Park saw them slip

to seventh. Yeovil moved off the bottom with victory at Watford,

their biggest away league win for 15 months, to be replaced by Barnsley

who are now without a win in five. In League One, Leyton Orient

returned to the top despite being held at home by Sheffield United,

whilst Wolves' 11-match unbeaten run came to an end at London Road. In

fact, it was a very good day for the chasing pack as the six teams below

them all won. At the other end, Crewe ended a six-match winless run

which saw them leapfrog manager-less Bristol City, who dropped to 23rd.

Stevenage join them in the relegation zone after suffering

their fourth defeat in five. There was no change in the League Two

automatic places despite draws for Oxford and Southend. But, after wins

for Scunthorpe and Burton, there are now just four points separating the

top eight. Only two sides in the bottom half won today. Northampton

ending Accrington's eight-match unbeaten run to move off the bottom,

while Bristol Rovers won at home for the first time since August. Alan

Knill's Torquay drop to bottom for the first time this season.

That's your lot from us, but don't forget match of the Day 2 on Sunday

night will round up the weekend's top flight games at 10.25pm on BBC

One. We'll be back next Saturday with the best from the Championship

at 11.45pm, straight after Match of the Day. Steve, thanks for your

company. Thanks to you as well, Have a great week. Good night.