20/09/2014 The Football League Show

With the Skybet Football League season barely two months old, the

managerial merry-go-round almost came off its hinges this week as

three more left their posts - with Felix Magath, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

and Micky Adams all parting company from their clubs on Thursday.

And that means a staggering nine managers have gone since the

start of the season - compared to just one this time 12 months ago.

Well, I'll be getting Dave Kitson and

Leroy Rosenior's views on that, plus the fall-out from Saturday's games.

Unbeaten in seven and top of the League - Stuart Pearce has

enjoyed a dream start in charge at Nottingham Forest.

We'll find out how his side got on against Millwall at the Den.

With Oscar Garcia now out of hospital, could his Watford team

help aid his recovery with a fifth win in six against Bournemouth?

we've the best of the action from Saturday's early kick game

We have another 91 goals for you to enjoy, including

a nine-goal thriller from Sixfields as Northampton met Accrington.

And as the two newly promoted clubs from the Conference go head-to-head,

I'm at the Abbey Stadium to assess the mood at Cambridge United

Well, after an impressive recruitment drive in the summer,

Stuart Pearce's return to Nottingham Forest has got off to a flier.

They registered their fifth win in seven on Tuesday night,

with Britt Assombalonga netting a hat-trick against Fulham.

So could they extend their unbeaten start to eight,

away to Millwall - with the Lions having lost their way after

Watching this one for us, Paul Walker.

Ten years on from the passing of Brian Clough, one of his former

students insists his legacy lives on. Stuart Pearce's flying start as

Forest manager would surely have the Green jump and genius nodding in

approval. Today, they look to carry on their unbeaten side, against

Millwall side who have faded recently. Ian Holloway makes four

changes to the side that lost at Reading in the week.

Forest make two changes from their 5-3 win against Fulham. Wilson comes

in at centre-half, von -- Vorm starts. Britt Assombalonga looks to

continue his scoring streak. He has eight in his last seven.

A lovely first touch to gather it is, Antonio. Just wide. Forest

looking to set out their stall early. He is high on confidence

right now. The ball lifted forward. It is a great take from Antonio. He

drags it wide of the post. Antonio trying to get this ball

under control. Assombalonga is there. Ends up in a heap, the Forest

striker. A free kick is given his way.

It may be Lansbury with a shot. The flag was up as well. The flag was

up. It was right where Assombalonga would have wanted that, plum, bank

Centre on his forehead. He had strayed offside.

Williams, sends it high towards Ranegie. Sent in by Upson, it is

deep, sent away by Darlow. Woolford. He had a clear fight at goal. --

sight at goal. He could not hit the target with him. Darlow flicks it

away. It is a good first touch from Woolford. He got his angles wrong. A

real let off for Forest. Another hand ball. I am not so sure

that was. In all honesty. Williams with the free kick. I great save,

Darlow, he can't turn it home. It is the closest we have come to a goal

in this game without question, and Karl Darlow comes up big for

Nottingham Forest. In it goes. Ranegie steered it goalwards. It was

close to opening his account. A very good stop from Darlow.

He shakes of Danny Fox. He has made his point, Ricardo Fuller. Ricardo

Fuller did not like Fox's challenge. Beevers was the target, just wide.

He almost scored in four successive games, Beevers. He just plans his

header wide of the target. He showed great desire to win it. It is put

Millwall on the attack. McDonald, running around the back. He had to

get there. Now it is Forest's term. The game livening up in the last few

minutes. Three waiting for a cross, still with Burke. Antonio was there.

Assombalonga, cleared off the line by Dunne undertaken by Forde. He has

been taken -- quiet all day, Assombalonga. On another day, he

might have gobbled that up. Burke does well, heads for the bar line.

Overhit the cross slightly, sent in by Paterson. Assombalonga could not

generate enough power to add to his recent scoring streak. The cutting

edge of football is goals and not many against. We are level now.

Today, I needed an out and out finisher, to make the difference.

Then I would be buzzing. We would be only three points off the top of the

league instead of seven. That makes all the difference. We have kept a

clean sheet. We always expect us to score. It is the first time this

season we haven't. We are disappointed. In the mind in the run

of play 90 minutes I am pleased with the contribution my team put in and

the Championship is a long, hard season. You have to show character

and we have done. In many ways it was a shame, two sides that can play

attacking football but it never lived up to its billing. It got off

to a good start. Antonio looked lively until there was an injury to

Edwards and it bizarrely changed the game. That was the cue for a whole

host of injuries that curtailed the flow of the game. Without that,

Forest could have won. But they did not get into their stride. I think

you are right. Ian Holloway will be a bit disappointed because you need

to do a job when Forest play like they are. They score five in

midweek. Millwall did a terrific job. He touched on it, they had the

opportunities to edge the game. You are playing against the league

leaders, scoring goals left, right and centre. He restricted them to

not too many opportunities. You have done your job. Towards the end of

the game, Millwall had the better opportunities. This is why Woolford

does well. He will be disappointed. Players trying to close him down.

This is the reaction from Ranegie. Darlow makes a terrific save. This

one is Beevers, always a difficult header when you are running

backwards and under pressure from the Forest Centre has. From

Assombalonga, a totally different 90 minutes from the one on Wednesday.

He was well shackled throughout. This one summed up his day. He

missed the stadium with that chance. That summed up Assombalonga's day,

and Forest's. Taking into account how Forest started, he has hit the

ground running, the new manager? Stuart Pearce is a popular

appointment, he has an extended honeymoon period. The fact he has

hit the ground running, it only helps the whole situation. It is not

a coincidence, all of those things are putting Forest at the top. Where

he has been Smarties he has let a couple of players go, loaned them

back and reinvested the money, bought in Assombalonga. Really smart

management and they deserve to be where they are. He will not get

anywhere just being popular. Hard work will get him to where he wants

to be. They have quality but today, I saw aside where the point could be

massively important. Roll up your sleeves when you are not playing so

well, that is what we'll get them where they want to be.

Well like Forest, Watford have also started the new season in good form.

A Matej Vydra penalty in midweek was enough to reinforce

But it also saw captain Troy Deeney ruled out for several weeks.

Manager Oscar Garcia was once again missing from the dug-out

for the visit of Bournemouth, as he continues to recover from illness.

There were three changes to the Watford line-up,

with Gabriel Tamas, Sean Murray and Lloyd Dyer coming in.

Eddie Howe also made three changes, including a debut

Assistant Ruben Martinez leads the team out in his absence.

A poor pass from the Hungarian. One for Wilson to chase. Look at his

pace, already troubling the Watford defence. A penalty! Conceded by

Tamas. A penalty for Bournemouth, after just three minutes. One or two

questioning looks towards the referee, Oliver Langford. Look at

the ground Wilson makes up on Tamas. I don't think there was any question

Tamas made significant contact with Wilson inside the penalty area. An

opportunity now for Ian Harte to/ Bournemouth into an early lead. --

to put Bournemouth into an early lead. Up against Gomes. Oh, he has

missed it. And missed it by a measure.

A poor pass from Tamas. This is going to open up for Callum Wilson.

He wants the early ball into the box. I mistake there. Not punished.

It has been an uncomfortable start to the game for Tamas, the Romanian

international defender. Here is Dyer's Ross, just out of the reach

of Vydra. What a cracking game! Super ball in from Lloyd Dyer. Just

under the reach of Vydra. The assistant Watford manager Ruben

Martinez, deputising for Oscar Garcia, following his recent trouble

with chest pains. Lots of room now Archer -- for Arter. A good run from

the fullback, France's. An excellent cross, a fine save by Gomes to deny

Wilson. Wilson must think he scored there. And Gomes denies him.

He can't find a way through, a hurried clearance and desist Surman.

Good save, Gomes, Wilson, goal! Well, it won't count for Wilson,

owing to the flag from the assistant on the far side. Surman draws an

excellent save out of Gomes. That would have counted.

Space for Arter. Struck it well! Very well! You don't save those. It

is quite magnificent, from Harry Arter.

Only one thing on his mind, and is glorious. An early contender for

goal of the season. A sensational goal from the left foot of Harry

Arter. An excellent pass. Tumbles under the

challenge from Francis. The referee says no penalty. It has enraged the

watchful -- Watford faithful and players by awarding a free kick. He

had claims for a penalty here. Work to do for Cook. Cathcart! 1-1.

How about that for a finish for a central defender? That is a tidy

volley, which any striker would have been proud of.

Superb challenge. End to end football. Oh, it's a handball.

Surely, that's going to be a booking for Forestieri. Lovely cutback for

Vydra. That's a handball from Forestieri.

Tozser. Calmly down by Francis. Very steady came at right back for

Bournemouth. Forestieri, oh, it's weak.

Honours even. I think, just about a fair scoreline in the end. We were

unlucky. One at their own shots at goal where we have been quite good

on the counter-attack and created numerous opportunities. It's a

difficult one to take. What we have to do is keep per performing as we

are and stick to our principles. It will turn. This is not easy. We are

only working with them two weeks, with the problems that everybody

know. Then I think when he comes back everything will be great.

Honours even after 90 minutes. Leroy, was that about right? It

wasn't. Bournemouth, fantastic away performance. They controlled the

game for the last period. I didn't think Watford turned out in the

first period. Without Deeney in the side, Dyer came in, a different

approach to the game. Bournemouth passed really well. Good positions.

Quality in the last third let them down. When they got their noses in

front they should have gone on won. Watford got lucky. Top quality

goals. Wonderful strike. The pace that beat the goalkeeper more than

anything else. 25-30-yards out. Wonderful strike. You thought

Bournemouth were in control playing on the counter-attack. Cathcart, on

his weaker foot, comes up with that fantastic volley. Textbook. He just

waits. He doesn't worry about the defender closing him down, which

puts a lot of people off. Some people would snatch. You see it

flying over the crossbar. He doesn't. Catches it superb. Unlikely

source of goals if there was one. Bournemouth got a penalty. No

dispute about the decision? He gets outmuscled here. He wants to react.

He wants to get the retaliation in early. He catches Wilson in the

back. It is a penalty. It's in the box. Should he have been sent off?

Was there a covering defender. When he took this penalty I said - he

never misses and he proved me absolutely wrong. There was an

argument before the penalty was taken. He took responsibility. On

this occasion, it didn't work out for him. No win in six for

Bournemouth. Eddedy says he wants - Eddie says he wants to play

football. He is great for the purests. It's important to get the

points on the board when all the conditions are in your favour. Good

pitches. You know, fair weather. If you don't, you really leave yourself

with a lot to do, come the winter, when the pitch is cutup. It makes it

so much harder. OK. We are hearing reports that Oscar Garcia is getting

better. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Five more games coming up from the Championship now,

starting with Norwich, who swept aside Brentford on Tuesday night.

The 3-0 win was already the fifth game in which they'd scored

On Saturday, the free-scoring Canaries were at home to Birmingham.

The locals at Carrow Road must have been anticipating another goal fest

against a Birmingham team who carried on struggling after their

great escape last season. It's dangerous to assume anything in the

Championship as Michael Turner's deflection squirmed a Reilly effort

past Ruddy. Davis found Ruddy in more impressive action here. Lee

Clark's men do better when not playing at Saint Andrews. Gray

enhanced his growing reputation. Norwich manager Neil Adams could

have rehashed the team talk he used at Cardiff last week when his team

turned a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 win. Maybe he did. Jerome quickly halved

the arrears against one of his former clubs. Redmond helped him to

do more damage, three minutes later, with his sixth goal in five games to

complete another Canaries comeback. That was where it ended this time.

Great character. We want to make sure we are ahead and we don't have

to do that too often. The players did well to roll their sleeves up

and get any negative thoughts out of their mind and get something from

the game, which we did. After a home defeat the last place you want to

come to is Norwich City. Tremendous support and great team. I think we

did well. Bolton arrived looking to build on their victory against

Rotherham. Without an away point all season, facing a Wolves side who won

their last seven matches at home. This drive would have given Bolton

some improve am. This attempt was dropped for Dicko, he went down

under the challenge. The penalty challenge was turned down. Dicko

scored. Bolton brought in Garvan on a three-month loan spell. Eshould

have equalised -- Garvan. Ikeme preserved the scoreline with the

all-important save. The Wolves keeper was at his best to prevent a

way back for Bolton. They sit outside the bottom three with a

manager under increasing pressure. For his opposite number, Kenny

Jackett, plenty of postives. He is a good goalkeeper, particularly in the

second-half we needed him. From our point of view, we should have been

out of sight by then. It's been something we have done. Credit to

Bolton. They kept going. Certainly, in that last half an hour they

looked strong. I felt we regrouped, our moment came we had a penalty,

missed the penalty. That changed the game. New Year's Day 1983 was the

last time Rotherham and Charlton met in a competitive fixture. Charlton

had not lost in the League this season. It took them less than half

an hour to go in front. Berg Gudmundsson scoring his first goal.

Goal for his new club. Charlton found themselves under pressure from

Rotherham. The home side thought they had equalised when Barry was at

the back post. Becchio spent 18 frustrating Mons months at Norwich

before his loan move to the Millers his 20-month wait for a goal ended

with 20 minutes remaining. -- months. Rotherham felt he they

should have had the opportunity to win the game late Their claim for

on. Handball was turned down by the referee. Both sides pressed for a

winner in the closing minutes. Loach recovered to deny Charlton a goal.

Frecklington came close to deciding it in injury-time. Charlotton's

unbeaten record stays intact, but not without concern for their

manager. The way we played, first half, yeah, we should have won it.

But, OK, credit to them. They came back physically second-half. We got

a point. First and foremost, we don't take the chances we created in

the second-half. It's the Football League Show. Look at the penalty

that isn't given. We had a similar situation midweek in Bolton. It's

proving that we don't get these decisions. Sheffield Wednesday are

developing into one of the real success stories this season. Their

fans had to travel far and wide to enjoy the best of it. They entered

the weekend, unbeaten away, but winless at Hillsborough. Glenn

Murray was presented with a chanceful keeping that run going. He

hadn't counted Westwood. Cooper was also denied. 24-hours after the club

were taken over by a Thai consortium it was turning into one of those

days for Reading and Murray in particular. Adkins must have failed

his team would pay a price for wastefulness. Wednesday did offer a

threat. May couldn't test Andersen. May would provide the game's

decisive moment thanks to a deflection. The winning margin could

have been larger, but Pearce's slight of hand went unpunished. The

Owls replace the Royals in the Top Six. I just knew at half-time,

kicking towards our own fans, we could get a head of steam. We got

them on the back foot. I was worried about getting done on the

counter-attack. I think we deserved the win in the end. After two

straight Championship victories, Middlesbrough are starting to show

some form and Leadbitter is in the form of his life. A week earlier he

scored twice against Huddersfield Town. He took his tally to seven in

eight games and can do little wrong. Brentford with no answer. More

problems for the visitors when they conceded again. This time Adomah

punished their opponents. Brentford won their last two on their

travellers. Konstantopoulos wasn't to be beaten. Bamford is enjoying

his latest loan spell. A first home goal, on a first home start for

frontman who seems to score where ever he goes. The one negative,

Whitehead's challenge on Judge, which saw the Middlesbrough man red

carded. Not that it seemed to affect them. Down to 10, but still on the

front foot, in an impressive showing. Brentford were swept aside.

Today we showed everybody we are a very good team. The better team won.

We lacked quality. Gave the ball away in key areas. At this level we

know we will get punished. We set high standards. Today we fell below

that standard. Four great goals from Middlesbrough another belter from

Grant Leadbitter. Steve Evans said we will talk with about the penalty

that wasn't for Rotherham. But was it? Well, I think Steve said it was

a blatant penalty. I watched this 10 times. If I was a ref veil, having

seen that once I wouldn't have given it. We were undecided watching it

back a few times. We have seen it, for me it doesn't look like a

penalty. You shouldn't rely on penalties to win your games. For me,

that is not a penalty. Middlesbrough, three wins in the

last eight days. You know, after a steady start, there is no doubt the

look of promotional credentials about them? They have added to the

team. They have the components which make them more of a solid unit. They

are pretty strong at the back. They look great going forward and scored

four goals today. In the middle of the park, Whitehead gets them going

forward. He allows the front players to do his thing. He was over

committed today he got sent off. Before that he was having a good

game. Yeah. One or two people might not have expected to see these two

clubs up there, Wolves have continued that rear-guard they

showed in League One. They carried it over into the Championship?

Conceded three goals in eight games. Best record in the Football League

defensively. They kept a couple of very important players at the back.

The centre halves. He saved the penalty. He did. Consistent part of.

Really it shouldn't have been a surprise. What about Sheffield

Wednesday. They are up there too. After their seventh clean sheet of

the season already against your old club, Reading. You played under

Stuart Grey, you are not surprised to see him doing well? That is

right. He was a coach when I was at Portsmouth. Without doubt the best

coach I have worked with. Most players in the game who work with

him will say similar things about him he wanted to get back into

management. Waiting for the right job to come along. He had a crack at

Sheffield Wednesday. It is working out well. No surprise to me. What

was it about him that was so good? ? The sessions were enjoyable. It was

the right session at the right time and keep the lads buzzing and

walking off the training pitch, but wanting more. That is is an art. A

hard skill. It seems to be doing the trick at Hillsborough.

As for the rest of the Championship, it appears pre-season promotion

favourites Fulham finally ran out of patience with manager Felix Magath.

The German was sacked on Thursday, having taken just one point

So how would the players respond against Blackburn, after a turbulent

few months for Fulham fans? Felix Magath was never a full sort of

manager. That was a mistake waiting to happen. -- Fulham sort of

manager. It was unfortunately right that Magath had to go. It is

worrying, it is getting worse and worse. Hopefully we can bring in

someone like Danny Murphy, Glenn Hoddle, and put us where we belong,

in the Premier League. This month we have got now played for us in

1998-99. I have spoken to him about it. 11 goals he scored from a

central defender's position. He should have been appointed at the

end of last season without any doubt. The man in question, Kit

Symons, who has taken caretaker charge. Even he could not defend

Shaun Hutchinson's challenge Lee Williamson on the stroke of

half-time. Luckily, Williamson avoided serious injury. Rovers

capitalised on their numerical advantage and sought to take control

of the match. 30 minutes into the second half they did exactly that,

albeit in slightly fortunate circumstances as Jordan Rhodes found

himself in the right place to score his fourth goal in five games. Ten

man Fulham defended resolutely and had a chance to level the match. In

the end, it was a seventh defeat in eight matches. Ella Bob and it was

difficult. I enjoyed the experience, the atmosphere that our fans created

and everything apart from not getting a result, which was bitterly

disappointing but everything else I enjoyed thoroughly. He has done

brilliantly you have seen that already. From our point of view we

were terrific. It has been a chaotic start the season for both of these

West Yorkshire rivals. They dispensed with a manager reach

before the end of August. Leeds have since mixed seven points Bradford

and the manner of the opening goal from Austin epitomised the team who

seem to have sorted themselves out. Darko Milanic is being linked with

the Leeds vacancy and he would've been impressed with how Baluchi led

the break-out, before Antenucci did the necessary. The champagne

football continued to flow in the second half, at Huddersfield were

both demoralised and carved open by Austin's vision and a tidy finish

from Doukara, who had to make a real effort to ensure he was booked for

removing his shirt. Another yellow card arrived soon afterwards.

Berardi's systems in ensuring he eventually took down Harry Bunn was

his second of the afternoon. The fifth red card in ten matches for

Leeds this season and Berardi has taken the long walk twice himself.

But even short-handed, Leeds looked the more likely scorers and the

irrepressible Antenucci almost deep in the gloom for Chris Powell's men

even more. They are a decent team. They have confidence. Really, I just

felt it was our own doing, the goals, especially the second one. I

have been caretaker, I said I would, it is not a problem. I have

done the best I can. The lads have applied themselves really, really

well. They have to take great credit. I haven't done myself any

harm. But is there as well. Whatever happens happens. The good thing is

the club is in a far better position. The 10th anniversary of

the passing of one of the greatest characters was remembered. Derby

wanted to mark the occasion with a winning performance. Jamie Ward did

his best to oblige. Marshall kept him out. Cardiff had their own

agenda, two quick second-half goals put them in command. Gunnarson's

attempt was just what was required and for a club badly out of form,

something positive. Gabbidon and Young had been put in caretaker

charge and it got better for them. Whittingham had spent a loan spell

at Derby and put one over his old club. His finish was too good for

the keeper, Grounds. A difficult week for the Bluebirds looked like

ending on a winning note. They could not hold onto a two advantage.

Jordan Ibe, his first goal in a Rams shirt. The home pressure paid off on

a significant day in the club's history. Bryson's effort went in off

the post with less than ten minutes left and Derby have a point. They

rarely lose on home territory. It stretched the club's unbeaten run to

six games. It has been a tough week. We knew

this would be a hard game. But I thought the performance was

tremendous and the result could have been better. It is a difficult place

to come, for sure. The first half we had problems with being too deep.

The shape was good. We rectified it, ten or 15 yards up the pitch. We

deservedly went into a 2-0 lead. A good team, good at what they do, and

they paid us back. With only a solitary point from

their opening seven matches, Blackpool travelled to the south

coast looking for their first win of the season. The Seasiders had to

withstand a wave of attacks. Brighton's Holla found the

goalkeeper and his fellow determinate -- fellow defenders are

determined move. Blackpool had only scored away once but having

benefited from a slip in the Brighton defence, Miller had a

chance to score. But like Lewis at the other end, Stockdale was not

prepared to oblige. When you can't score it is important that the

opposition doesn't score as well. So that kind of day it is 0-0, but so

many corners as well, normally we are very dangerous on the corner

kicks and today, we didn't score. The commitment, the collaboration on

the pitch was great. Some players did not have position, some

strikers, but you know, when the spirit, when this kind of

commitment, you can do great things. It is a second point for Blackpool

to build upon booked for Brighton, it is worrying. What about Fulham?

The losing run continues on Leroy, to Blackburn, who are looking to get

consistency going. For Kit Symons, he is at the helm at the minute but

was it long overdue, that change was made? I have to be honest, you don't

want to see a manager lose his job but when Felix Magath went, I said,

at last. I was relieved. It is a club close to my heart and I thought

he was ruining it. He has ripped the heart out of the club. I will not

blame him for relegation from the Premier League but when you have

young players they need experience to work with and to get rid of

Stockdale and Hangeland, Sidwell, players who had the club at heart

was totally wrong. A manager has gone in for the Championship and

knows nothing about it and I hope he hasn't ruined the young players

because they were good, young players. They got to the FA youth

Cup Final and I hope their development hasn't been hampered by

Felix Magath as well. It needed to be done a lot earlier. It has

happened now, let's hope that Fulham can get the right manager in place

and get experience in and start moving forward because something

that was built over a long period of time has been almost torn apart

overnight. Magath has to take responsibility. Strong stuff.

Cardiff started life post Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and other management

change, and came back to 2-2. A strong derby -- a strong Derby

side. Making Russell Slade favourite for the job? It is good for Russell

Slade, how he has been treated this week has been disgraceful and

unnecessary. I hope it does turn out to be the case and he gets a crack

at it and does well. What a job Neil Redstone has done at the helm at

Leeds. The previous 13 points were taken from a possible 42. It is

incredible how he has got them playing and enjoying their football.

Scoring goals freely, celebrated, it is a nice atmosphere, whether

Redfearn gets the job or not, it will be a nice environment. We await

developments, Darko Milanic says he has been approached and we will see

how it turns out. Time for League One. What a start for Bristol City.

There win on Tuesday opened up a four point leader is top of the

table. Earlier, Steve Cotterill's sides faced a testing trip to

Fleetwood. After Dobbie's shot was blocked,

Morris raised them in front against Bristol City. The Robins had made

their best start to a season in over a century and Kieran Agard converted

the cross to level the match. Early in the second half, Agard got his

second. Luke Freeman and Wade Elliott working a superb short

corner and in the ensuing panic Agard put Bristol City in front.

Now, the league leaders were in full flow. When the ball came in from the

right, Agard's knock-down was put away by Wilbraham is -- by

Wilbraham. Eight goals in nine appearances. Bristol City appeared

to be heading for a win. Doctor's first touch after stepping off the

bench could the deficit just past the deficit just Dobbie had the last

word for Fleetwood in the final moments. Dobbie's finish was struck

with typical accuracy and belief. I enjoyed the second part of the first

half. The first part of the second half, and the other two quarters

left in the game I am sure Graham will have enjoyed. Fantastic to get

back from 3-1 to 3-3. Both teams have been strong defensively this

season. The best defensive record in League One. To get 3-3 was out of

the blue for both teams. I was pleased with the character shown by

my team and the quality to come back against a team that is definitely

going to be up there at the end of the season. Peter Brezovan slipped

out of the automatic promotion places that Yeovil after a second

successive defeat -- Peter Brussels to play left Somerset talking about

the goal that never was. Morrison was convinced his effort crossed the

line but the referee saw it differently. Yeovil were looking for

their first home win since March the 8th and almost took the lead when

this header was tipped onto the woodwork. The home faithful had to

wait until the 88th minute for the winner but when it came it was worth

it. Grant tiptoeing through the Peterborough Prison defence scored

his first of the season and cute wild celebrations. It was like it

was used to be, everybody was up and cheering up positive because the

lads were putting in a real performance that we know they have

got from training, but they haven't showed it here yet.

Without a win all the three -- or a goal in the three games before this,

Doncaster needed to arrest their slide. Tyson scored, but after seven

minutes the hosts were up and running. After promotion,

Chesterfield have settled nicely in League One. They were two down when

Bennett scored and celebrated his 23rd of the season. Paul Cook's side

came from three down to earn a point at Preston. Clucas scored. After the

break, Rovers against seized the initiative. Coppinger came within a

whisker of his first of the season. The reprieve for the visitors was

short lived. From the resulting corner, Coppinger again went close.

His header came back and McCombe pounced to restore the two goal

advantage. Even so, the pyrites finished strongly. O shape had -- O

shape had a shot blocked. That was his 12th of the season. But

Doncaster held on to win a league game at home for the first time

since March. We have a long -- a lot of young lads in the team. You have

to do the basics right and managed the game properly. Delighted with

three points. No side in League One have scored

more goals than MK Dons. Alli's low finish inside the far-post was pure

quality. Crewe got an equaliser. McFadzean got this all wrong. Alli

opened up a two goal advantage. There was only going to be one

winner. This was turning into a tremendous all round team

performance. Afobe displayed pace and power to extend the lead to 4-1.

Alli was the star of the show. The teenager, who signed an improved

contract in midweek, completing his hat-trick with the goal of the game.

In the dying moments, Ben Reeves put away number six. MK Dons had moved

into the top two with a display of real class.

Bradford haven't lost on their travels this season, but they were

lucky to leave Essex with a record intact. This volley and a save from

Pickford set the tone. There was nothing the on-loan Sunderland

keeper could do it keep out Sears. Derby came to the rescue to round

off a satisfying week for the Yorkshire club. Pleased. Four points

on the road this week is a good return for us. Would have loved to

have won. A clean sheet is not the worst scenario. The lads stuck at

the gameplan today and deservedly got the point. Clough Junior's side

were unbeaten in six before this. This layoff was perfect for Smith.

22-year-old with his first league goal since the opening day of the

season. Another powerful run. This time from Luongo led to the second.

From the spot, Smith beat keeper Howard for a second time. Swindon,

who were held at home midweek, appear to have wrapped up the

points, Smith's cutback found Obika. A fourth goal in three games for the

former Tottenham trainee. The Blades grabbed victory in midweek. McNulty

squeezed through to beat Foderingham. Six minutes later, the

prospect of another fightback gained momentum. Davies found the targeting

again. If the home fans were shifting uneasily in their seats,

they felt more comfortable when Smith's pass was steered past Howard

by substitute, Andy Williams. That restored the host's two goal

advantage. They were rising to fourth in the table. Kasim left Reid

and Collins in his wake. Thompson got Swindon's fifth. As statements

go they don't get bigger than that. Five goals against Sheffield United

by Swindon with United being one of their pre-season promotion

favourites. That is with Mark Cooper playing with his side. Older player

in the starting 11 earlier was 24. Yeovil, their home fans. They have

been long suffering, haven't they? Finally, they get a win against all

the odds? They certainly do. They haven't won there since March. It's

a lovely goal. He finishes it really beautifully. In the 88th minute. The

tension was lifted for Yeovil. First to get that monkey off your back,

not winning so long, against his old club, Peterborough. He will have a

smile on his face and give them the lift they needed. Alli at MK Dons,

what a prospect, signed an extension to his deal. Senior second hat-trick

at 18. He looks a real find this kid. If reports are to be believed

he has been linked with the great and good of European football much

you can see why. There are flashes here of brilliance. Sails two

defenders. Luck under the keeper. Did all the hard work. Looks a real

Crewe have concede find. D 21 in their first eight games. I feel for

Steve Davis. You think you have turned the corner. You get hit for

six. Back to the drawing board for them.

Well, despite being threatened with the

sack should his side fail to beat Notts County on Tuesday, Russell

Slade was still clinging onto his job as the Leyton Orient manager.

Could he make the most of the reprieve with a win at Scunthorpe?

Leyton Orient were goal difference outside the drop-zone ahead of the

weekend. Cuthbert got them off to an excellent start. They had a win over

Coventry on Tuesday. After top-scorer Madden was just wide with

a volley across goal. They levelled up four minutes into the

second-half. Madden make amends for his miss by neatly laying the ball

into the path of Matt sparrow. Now it was anybody's game. Leyton

Orient's away form has been good so far. Following splendid work out

wide from Cox it was one of the summer signings McAnuff who got the

winner to take the pressure off the manager, who has been linked with

the Cardiff City vacancy. It's nice to be linked with a huge club as

Cardiff City. Very proud that they have seen the hard work that we've

done at this football club from afar. I respect that massively. What

can you say on that? Has there been an approach from Cardiff. Have they

held talks with you? In I believe they have. I'm seeking a little bit

of clarity right now. For all the excitement surrounding their return

to the Ricoh Arena, Coventry's aware form continues to be a worry. They

haven't won on the road since the end of March. It wasn't for the want

of trying, particularly from Simeon Jackson. Rochdale are on an upward

curve with three wins out of four. They wrapped up the points, Allsop

tripped a player letting Henderson score, which he did emphatically.

After a 4-0 thumping at watch deal, Dean Smith demanded a response.

McDonald scored the Kent club a victory over Peterborough in

midweek. He missed the target with this effort. Norris was injured as

he raced in at the far-post. Goalless.

Joe Garner has been in good nick this season. After this header was

kept out by Ashdown in the Crawley goal, the Lillywhites took the lead

in the next attack. Central defender, Wright, on the end of

Brown's side-footed cross. After surrendering a three goal lead on

Tuesday, the Preston fans would have been biting their nails when Garner,

back defending a free-kick, headed against his own crossbar. You sense

they desperately needed another goal. It was gifted to them midway

through the second-half. Sadler's handball spotted by the referee and

punished by Garner. Both sides arrived at Medo Lane with

one defeat since mid August but were left frustrated by what might have

been. Goals have been hard to come by for the Magpies. They have scored

seven in the league so far. Ismail couldn't find the finish. When

Wilkinson was denied by a wonderful, but painful save from Roy Carroll,

you can see why. After Micky Adams' resignation Rob Paige took charge of

Port Vale. This opener fitted the bill for an improvement. He was

celebrating his first goal for Vale. In the second-half, his mood took a

downturn when he lent on Hourihane. The referee pointed to the spot.

Hourihane hit the corner of the net for his sixth of the season. Six

successive defeats have proceeded Adams' departure. Paige made four

changes for his first game, including a recall for Jordon Slew.

He went down under the slightest contact. The spot-kick was high.

Barnsley were closings in on another away draw. They allowed Marshall to

twist and turn his way towards goal. He fired home a memorable winner.

The players' celebrations mirrored by the interim boss and his

Chairman. Over the moon. It's nice to get off to a winning start. I'm

proud of the performance the boys put in today. Good win that for Port

Vale under the temporary charge of Robert Page stepping in for Micky

Adams. We will talk about Vale in a second. Great result for Leyton

Orient, wassen it? In the light of what has been going on around

Russell Slade recently much he had to go in for talks after the mid win

week win. After frank and honest discussion, I'm still in position.

Why are we hearing this publicly. It's undignified really, isn't it?

That is the word. It's totally unnecessary. If there is a problem

between the owner and the manager, it can be dealt with inhouse. It's

really worrying for Russell Slade. I'm delighted he got that victory

today. That will be a nice feeling. For me, it's just totally

unnecessary. I don't know what you think, Leroy, not the done thing? I

don't know the word, the club don't know the value of the manager that

they have, under their nose. What Russell has done for the club is

unbelievable. He was Manager of the Month with Kenny Jackett. The fans

recognise what he does for the club and what he can do for the club. You

will not win every single week. To give Russell Slade one game to save

his job I think is Port Vale are disrespectful. Looking for a new

manager after Micky Adams called time after five years and two

spells. Almost as if his time came to a natural end in many ways? I

couldn't have put it better. Micky did a wonderful job. I remember him

saying - I won't scout the other teams, we haven't money to do that.

When you are working under those sorts of restrictions it does take

its toll on you. When you have great relationships with people when you

are in that sort of situation. He may take it personal not winning are

for six games. For him it might be the right time. He will be back

though. Despite losing at home to

Exeter City during the week, Cambridge United have been adjusting

well to life back in the Football Clem was at the Abbey Stadium

on Saturday as the U's welcomed another club newly promoted

from the Conference - Luton Town. Cambridge. Home to one of the

world's top five universities. The heartland of the UK's software and

bio science industries. And, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern

football. It was right h that the first ever game was played under FA

rules. As for the city's football club - Cambridge United first joined

the Football League in 1970 at Bradford Park Avenue's expense. In

1992 they nearly achieved a third successive promotion. That would

have made them inaugural members of the Premier League. With a certain

Steve Claridge in their team - now whatever happened to him!

But in 2005 their world fell apart. Blighted by financial problems they

succumbed to the clutches of the Conference. 25 former Conference

teams in the Football League, 13 have gone the other way. Is that

promotion relegation into non-league something more clubs will have to

get used to? I think so. What we found is that dropping out of the

League into the Conference is the tough bit. No doubt about that.

Everybody has found it tough. And, thus far, coming back up, quite a

number of the clubs have been able to push on again. But I think we're

finding, and probably our opponents today are finding, the league is a

tough league. Cambridge, as regards England, is probably as good as it

gets. I also think as well, with the university and, you know, it is

world reknowned there is a lot of people that come to Cambridge

University that still, you know, look out for our results and make

that perfectly clear. So I think you have an affiliation once you have

been to Cambridge University we have supporters around the world that we

don't know about. It's made up 13 individual colleges. We did work

with the football team. Coached the Blues team. We have started to work

a lot more with the university at different levels. I tell you what,

there would be big hitters if you got them on board. If they work for

you, end up Prime Minister or running giant corporations Some of

the things you have to organise. They might be the brightest people

in the country. To get them organised on a football pitch is a

challenge. You think - future Prime Ministers and leaders of industry

there. Hopefully, in the future, if we do that and build those links it

will be of big benefit to the club. I think this club has the

capabilities to go up another league. It might take three or four

years to do it. Our opponents can definitely go up another league.

They are capable of doing it this year. I think.

All the early intent and intensity came from Cambridge and Donaldson in

particular, who deserved more than seeing Elliott ping one. Donaldson

was quickly providing dangerous deliveries again, that neither

Simpson nor Elliott could shovel their side ahead. The turning point

arrived just after half-time. Naylor's challenge on Stephenson has

to be considered reckless. Although the Cambridge management had to wait

for the verdict, they could have few complaints that the Derby's lonely

debut at ended prematurely. Despite the scrappy nature of the general

play, the onus was on Luton to search for the winner and Ruddock

almost delivered it. But he had a major role in the match's only goal,

as he teased the challenge out of Tait. Mark Cullen took the

responsibility and made the most of a favourable rebound from Chris

Dunn. It was a feisty encounter, let's

deal with that. It is what you expect, a local derby, two teams who

know each other really well, no quarter given. It was a good game. I

think 11 versus 11, we are by a long way the best team, then obviously

the sending off makes life difficult but I still thought that we did

enough to probably hang out for 0-0. Not the best few days for Cambridge

United after the defeat to Exeter, but what have you made, it is where

you started your career, what have you made of the start they have

achieved? It has been pretty solid. They have been away for nine years.

A lot has happened in that time. They have assembled a good squad,

young, hungry players, and they are having a real go. They are scoring

freely, letting in more than they would like, but they will be OK.

Seeing those pictures brought back memories for you? Yes, some dodgy

pictures of me in the tunnel! I had some great years there and it was

good, a great experience. It is the perfect club for a young player to

learn their trade and they have a good record of moving players on as

well. Do you expect them to be safe this season? Yes, but with high

ambitious. They want to be like other clubs. They have moved

forward. Going into League Two, get safe, build the foundation and move

on from there. As for the rest of League Two -

Burton Albion's storming start to the season came to a shuddering halt

on Tuesday, with Wimbledon ending the Brewers' unbeaten run with

an impressive 3-0 win. Gary Rowett then was no doubt

after a reaction from his league leaders as they took

on Bury in a battle of the top two. The top two went head-to-head, Bury

unbeaten in seven games and ahead courtesy of Nardiello, who has had

to make do with a substitute's roll recently. Strengthening his claim

for a place in the starting line-up. Lowe has been in goal-scoring form

and made it three in three, still so much to offer and the Shakers were

in charge. Nardiello made even more comfortable. Bury on course for a

win. Their best start in 20 years. Blyth scored a Burton consolation. A

second straight loss for the early-season leaders, they hope it

is no more than a temporary setback. Bury are the new pacesetters in

League Two. The players were magnificent and the

way they moved the ball and cut through, once you get one goal up

against Burton and they lose that shape, we tore through them.

AFC Wimbledon went into their game at home to fourth placed Morecambe

without Matt Tubbs. But when you have a heavyweight strike partner in

the form of Akinfenwa leading the line, there is little to fear. His

third goal in two games gave the Dons are 27 minute lead. Williams'

long-range kick almost restored parity for Morecambe. But Akinfenwa

was to prove the matchwinner, even if Barry Roach was to deny him a

fourth goal in as many days. Wycombe's away form has been superb

so far, ten points from four games, and they grabbed the lead five

minutes into the second half at Fratton Park. Wood finished. They

could have given them a question shortly afterwards, -- they could

have had a crush on shortly afterwards. Matt McClure missed.

Pompey nearly equalised courtesy of a magnificent half volley from James

Dunn. The home fans would have been getting nervous, but 20 minutes from

time, central defender Ertl, on as a half-time substitute, put away his

first goal in over a year to earn his side a deserved point.

Accrington arrived at Northampton with John Coleman back at the club

for his second managerial spell to fill the gap left by James Beattie,

and it he made an instant impact. Atkinson popping up with his first

goal of the season to put the visitors in front. The Cobblers are

a team in form, having thumped Hartlepool height -- Hartlepool five

- one midweek. Richards equalised. Accrington signed two loan players

this week, one was John O'Sullivan. He made his debut with a smartly

taken finish. The home side might have to work on their defending in

training this week, especially from set pieces. O Sullivan's cross was

met by Atkinson, who found the post and then Northampton keeper archer

unwittingly did the rest. This was fast turning into the John

O'Sullivan show and this must be drained -- it was a dream debut. He

terrorised the home defence at every turn and showed no mercy.

Northampton looked like a boxer who had taken too many punches, but to

their credit they climbed off the ropes to pull a goal back. Toney

claiming his first league goal of the season, eventually. But the

visitors were not content to leave it there. There are the loan signing

of the week was 20-year-old West Ham striker Sean Maguire, who enjoyed

his debut win in which football by offering a glimpse of his potential

six minutes from time. That should have been that. A lapse in

concentration allowed Northampton to respond and Toney claimed his second

goal of the match, and added a degree of respectability to the

scoreline. The Northampton faithful even begun to believe in the

unthinkable, when Carter scored another deep into injury time. But a

draw would have been harsh on Accrington, who deserve their third

win of the season. Shrewsbury Town been formidable at

home, racking up five wins from five starts. This effort was pushed

away, the busier of the two keepers. The visitors were reduced to ten

after Hughes' ugly tackle. The referee produced the red card.

Shrewsbury Town still opportunity to chase a late winner. It almost

came, but somehow substitute Ashley Vincent was able to bundle the

opportunity over the line. Newport extended their unbeaten league run

to six. Disappointed with the reaction of the Shrewsbury Town is

when the tackle was made. I think there have been similar tackles made

where there was no reaction from my players. That disappointed me. It

was a problem for the referee. I am not sure if it was the right

decision if I am honest. York lost their first regular season

match for eight months last weekend and fell behind early here.

Southend's Jack Payne looks determined to take on all comers

until McCoist stepped outside to stop him. He converted the penalty

with the minimum of fuss. York had drawn six of the opening eight

matches and finished the half level, as Penn flung himself onto

the end of this. The reprieve was temporary. Payne

had a supporting role in the goal again, but the questionable handling

was the main reason Hurst scored. It is no surprise Payne was involved

in the match's key goal as well. He provided a classy finish. Southend

were kept honest at the end by Winfield's first goal for York, but

three wins in a week have put Phil Brown's men up with the pace

setters. Cheltenham were without a winner or

a goal win their last three fixtures. They needed Trevor Carson

to prevent Dagenham Redbridge from establishing a first half lead. A

terrific saves, the second from George Porter to maintain the

stalemate. The Daggers went in front through a familiar figure, to curate

and has played for 14 clubs in a long career. -- Jamie Cureton.

Cheltenham introduced a player but their search for an equaliser was

proving difficult as he hit the woodwork. They finally got their

reward. Jordan Wynter was another to hit the bar. But this time Hanks,

who had come off the bench, went one better. They left it late, but a

welcome point for the Robins. Carlisle were hoping Keith Cole's

appointment as their new manager might inspire the club to an

unexpected first win of the season. But his former club were not

hospitable. Beevers scored his first goal in two years to make it an

unwelcome introduction. By half-time the visitors were made to feel even

more uncomfortable. Bingham provided the precise finish. Five minutes

later and thanks largely to the marauding run of Beevers, Bingham

struck again to make it 3-0, and score his third goal in four

matches. Carlisle were not prepared to concede defeat. 15 minutes into

the second half, Amoo pulled one back. And when Dempsey cleverly

reduced the deficit still further, with 20 minutes to go, Carlisle

threatened to make a remarkable comeback. However, Mansfield held on

to make it four wins in five at home. Defeat for Carlisle means they

have gone a club record 15 league games without a victory.

What a week it has been for Plymouth striker market -- Morgan. He became

a dad on Tuesday and showed his absolute delight after he latched

onto this through ball, to fire his side in front against struggling

Hartlepool. But this was anything but a comfortable afternoon for

Plymouth. They had to survive a couple of close shaves. Franks,

denied by the right boot of McCormick. Hartlepool were desperate

to get back on track after their heavy defeat at Northampton. They

were hit on the break by the Pilgrims. Nathan Thomas racing clear

and when you bear in mind it was his first career goal, you have to

admire his composure. He very nearly scored again later on. Flinders

alert to tip over, but another goal would have been harsh on Hartlepool.

Frustration summed up the mood at the Kassam Stadium as Oxford's Danny

Hylton did everything but score. The U's top scorer had been good on

Tuesday against Accrington but this was not his game. It is a fortnight

since Oxford were bottom of the table but even though Hylton could

not find a way through, their unbeaten run stretches to five

matches. The home side had to survive a scare when Dean Parrett

tried his luck, but the goalkeeper was equal to it to secure his

side's first clean sheet of the season.

Fresh from their first win of the season in midweek, Exeter made a

flying start up part. The Rovers keeper was caught in no man's land

and Cummins won the race to score for a third successive game. The

hosts were level midway through the first half with a collector's item.

Holmes with a rare goal. The last time the fullback hit the target,

Rovers went seven points clear at the top in League One two years ago.

The visitors sealed victory courtesy of 20 Roux -- 20-year-old

Moore-Taylor's winner. Back-to-back wins for the Grecians.

The battle of the two top. Bury comprehensive winners at the end of

it. 3-1 against Burton. Pre-season favourites. Hit top spot. They are

to be aimed at by the others? They certainly are. They were my

favourites to be up there. Nardiello with a couple of goals. Just looking

at the investment they made in the club. They have bought players, Low

and Adams. Invested in the pitch. ?150,000 in that pitch. I didn't

recognise it when I saw it. If you remember what it was like, it was

never like thatch they are playing good football and trying to do it in

a way they can develop players as well. Well done to Northampton

scored five them. Midweek, conceded five to Accrington Stanley. A dream

return for John Coleman at the club? I gave them the kiss of death at the

start. I said Northampton were a good team at the start of the year.

They are. They were caught on an off day. He has inherited a better

squad. They are showing it. I hope that they kick on. Keith Curl back

in football management with Carlisle. Are you surprised to see

him back? No, not at all. He is a football man. Goes back to his old

club, Mansfield, didn't get a result today. Tough job. He loves a

challenge much he will roll his sleeves up and get them working

hard, I'm sure. Nottingham Forest maintain

their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship

despite being held at Millwall. Middlesbrough were the big movers,

jumping up four places to fifth after a 4-0 demolition of Brentford

and a third straight win. Only three points separate

the top six. Fulham remain bottom after slumping

to a seventh defeat in eight games. They?re already 17 points

behind the leaders. There was no change

in the bottom seven positions although Bolton and Huddersfield

were the only other losers. Bristol City remain top

and extend their lead to five points, but will rue throwing away

a 3-1 lead at Fleetwood. MK Dons are up to second

as the Football league?s top scoring Crewe remain bottom

after that thrashing at the Stadium MK, the Railwaymen have

already conceded 21 goals, the joint Port Vale move up to21st

after ending a five-match losing run and picking up

their first home win since April. Bury are the new leaders of

League Two after beating previous The Shakers are

on an eight-match unbeaten run. Southend up to to fourth

after ending a great week for Despite the appointment of

Keith Curle this week, Carlisle remain bottom of League Two

after three defeats on the spin. Exeter moved out

of the relegation zone and up to 20th after back-to-back away wins

for the first time in 11 months. That's your lot from us,

but a reminder we're back on Wednesday night with the best

of the action from the third round 'Down that slope, it comes,

towards the hole. 'This putt for Europe

to retain the Ryder Cup...'