30/08/2012 The League Cup Show

Good evening. A treat for you on a Thursday night with all the drama

of the League Cup. Eight sides from the Championship. Standby for one

or two upsets tonight. Northampton provided the upset of the opening

round after knocking out Cardiff. Aidy Boothroyd's side were at home

to another team from a Championship in Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Coventry are playing deferred here. And after the sacking of their

manager over the weekend, they could hardly have chosen eight of

the game than local rivals, Birmingham. Nottingham Forrest

negotiated at a tricky visit to Fleetwood Town in round one. We

will find out how they got one against Wigan. We will have all the

other goals from the second round, including some real belters. We

start tonight and Northampton Town. Aidy Boothroyd has enjoy it a great

start, after dumping Cardiff City out of the competition. They have

been unbeaten in three games. Wolverhampton Raul -- Wolverhampton

Wanderers struggled to beat centre-half, Leeds Northampton Town.

An added owners to provide protection to such a young

goalkeeper behind him. -- owners. Their first goal. Not a very pretty

but no one is arguing. A moment to cherish for Danny Bach, arriving in

the nick of time. Scores his first ever goal for Wolverhampton

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 79 seconds

The outcome was inevitable. His first goal in new colours gifted to

him by Chris Hackett's delicious delivery. Five minutes before half-

time, Northampton asked were again with walls of the Championship. He

will be uplifted by what his team has achieved. Unbeaten in all

competitions up to now in this season. They have already knocked

leader back. As the clock ticked over 45, Dean Snedker was beaten

almost inadvertently by Frank Championship team ahead into the

youngster, who needs settling. Nasty moments are uncertain

handling, followed almost immediately by an athletic Tipper

around the post. To improve his to keep Northampton's deficit from

was a target area de Razak Boukari. Saw a gap at the near post but

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 79 seconds

from scoring in his first ever cup- gone. Disappointments for

things off! -- goal. A second half substitute with a moment to cherish.

Sometimes you can freeze on the television and you get a boring

game. I don't think it was boring, I thought it was an entertaining

spectacle. Wolverhampton are in the hat around 3 and we will have the

draw at the end of the programme. Let's see how clubs from the

Premier League got on in the second round starting with Stoke against

from the headlines since taking over. A gift from Thomas Sorensen

said the League 1 side on their way. James Collins on hand to profit

from the fumble. And Stoke's first exit to a team outside the top

division since 2007 is a real possibility. The Robins also hit

the post before the interval, they were booed off at the break. But

they picked up their game in the second period. Jones rising highest

just after the hour mark to be the first man to breach the Robins's

back line this season. Jon Walters converted Peter Crouch's knock-down.

Another half an hour of drama. Paolo di Canio's men were in front

again. But Aden Flint scored. Swindon's hopes of a first, third

round appearance which checked again when Walters turned provider

for Peter Crouch with nine minutes of extra-time remaining. Swindon

refuse to settle for penalties, and with just over a minute left, some

sharp thinking from Andrew Williams allowed Collins to complete his

hat-trick and secure the biggest Today was something special. With

the last energy and desire and quality, we scored the goal we

deserved. We dominated them in the game. AA don't want to take

anything away from Swindon, they were fabulous and the credit to

their manager and to the supporters who followed them. Full untroubled

to Hillsborough without malice -- Musa them Bailey. Despite a bright

sparks, the Londoners were below par and the Yorkshire club took

advantage. Having survived several scares, Wednesday found a break in

the second half. Chris Maguire was sent tumbling by Stephen Kelly

giving Gary Madine the chance to open his account for the new

campaign. After the protests, last season's leading scorer sir the

Owls and to a victory. Wednesday were good value for their lead,

which was barely threatened. And on one of the few occasions the form

did get forward, the goalkeeper made sure there was no way through.

Jones continues to sprinkle his magic. His unbeaten run as boss

announced bans at 18 matches, a run that was never in danger. The only

surprise is that the margin of victory was not greater. The Owls

rightly booked their place in round We worked hard. We were disciplined,

watched them, set traps for them and the players responded how the

game plan went. It's nice for the coach and the manager. It's good to

my staff, it's good for my staff. We tried to win the game. That's

what happened. Norwich made 11 changes to face

Scunthorpe. The rarest of the rare for the goals.

A terrific strike. That goal was good but two minutes

later was one even better, Duffy's decisive goal. Hoolihan was chopped

down. From the spot, Hoolihan at this stage by League One

opposition. They never really looked in danger of suffering the

same fate this time round. There was half an hour gone when Zamora's

inch-perfect pass gave Sean Wright Phillips the chance to slide in his

first goal for the Hoops since joining from Manchester City a year

ago. Walsall came close to levelling early in the second half.

The rebound couldn't be forced in. Dyer made his first appearance

since the opening game of last season. The second beautifully

taken by Zamora. Another goal blasted in by

SBosingwa. We want to progress in the competition. We will try and go

as far as we can. It's important to really try and progress in every

competition. There's not that many on offer, so if we can do well this

year, that will supplement our league form. One bounces off the

other. League One's Stevenage were

unbeaten prior to the visit of Southampton who, by contrast, were

boosting the wrong kind of 100% record. Both sides were to

experience reversals of fortune. Lee, who deserves better luck,

scored on his first appearance, followed a five-month injury lay-

off. Roberts had a harder time of it. The key moment as far as Boro

were concerned came when this slice was deemed an intentional back-pass.

The refer yeah hadn't even had time to raise his arm before Chaplow

took the free kick. Sharp proved alert. Stevenage saw that peace of

opportunism as anything but Saintly. There was no doubting the

worthiness of Southampton's third with this sublime volley ensuring

safe passage to round three. Stevenage grabbed a consolation

goal. It came in injury time. Substitute pulled one back with

what looked like being the final goal of the game.

Southampton immediately restored their advantage with another

unstoppable shot, this time from Reeves, rounded off Southampton's

first win of the season and left Stevenage feeling decidedly hard

done by. Some clinical finishing. Two

absolutely fantastic strikes for the third and fourth goals. But the

pivotal moment was the back-pass that I thought wasn't and I

actually was complaining about the decision when Southampton scored.

Leighton travelled to Goodison Park where Everton's Newark Which?

Zition, Mirallas, was on his debut -- new acquisition. Instant Gladys

Street hero. Soon it was two, again Mirallas involved. Better and

better, Mirallas got on the end of Baines's cross to fire home the

second and Everton's Thursday. And what do you know, he was also

involved in the fourth goal. Neat feet and a sharp pass for Anichebe.

Everton had it done and dusted. The opposition had a go. A shot

deflected wide. Orient had never beaten a top division side in the

League Cup and that remains the case. Coleman found gay gay to make

it 5-0 on the night. -- Gueye. No- one wants Everton in round three.

Everton in great goal-scoring mood. Coventry v Birmingham in days gone

by was seen as a fixture between two of the biggest names in

Midlands football. The Sky Blues find themselvess in the third tier

while Birmingham are playing their season in the hundredship.

Coventry's problems continue as they parted company with their

manager on Sunday and it's not been the best of starts for Lee Clark.

Steve Bower your commentator for this one.

COMMENTATOR: Covenry city of League One take on Birmingham City of the

Championship. Richard Shaw's selection shows two

job. It happened to him at Huddersfield, of course. He's yet

to win a league game at three attempts. The Midlands cup victory

would be much timely for himself Am bros is going to deliver this

for Birmingham -- Ambrose. A good delivery. A free header and it's a

really soft goal to give Birmingham the lead. And it's Lovenkrands.

Look at the marking here. Nobody anywhere near Lovenkrands. Restored

to the starting line-up by Lee Clark tonight. And he repays him

with a goal. Mullins. Broken to Burke. Gomis. Trying to stay on

side. Managed it. Should have been 2-0. The woodwork saves Coventry.

Once again, it was all too comfortable for Birmingham. Burke

could and should have made it two. What chance. -- what a chance.

Jennings. Kilbane. Useful. An opportunity! McDonald's taken it.

Coventry level. And the new managerial team have seen their

team come back and get back on terms. This was all about the ball

from Kilbane. Beautifully waited. First touch into his straid and it

was despatched -- stride. A composed finish and his sixth for

the club. 1-1. Birmingham and Kilbane rifles one

in to put Coventry in front. What a two minutes!

It's his goal that got them into the second round. His cross started

the move. It came back in from Baker. Birmingham were all at sea.

And Kilbane took it in his stride and rifled it past Doyle. Spector.

Lifting it forward towards King. Away from Brown. King. Deflected.

Into the arms of Murphy. Just looking for that half a yard.

He hit Brown which took the pace out of it, gathered by Murphy.

Hesitation in the Birmingham back line. Gordon's been beaten to it by

Baker. Still Baker. Health and Safety away. Baker. Doyle away.

Then Spector. Birmingham all at sea defence you havely. Jennings. Back

in. Hussey with the drive. Blocked by Mullins. Birmingham who were

cruising at 1-0 are struggling at 2-1. Excellent play from Baker.

Goalkeeper got the first intervention, Spector with the

second with Elliott looming. Spector! 2-2. Jonathan speck. From

right back right on the stroke of half time equalises for Birmingham.

He was allowed to bring it right from inside his own half initially.

Watch the little touch there from Marlon King. Then Murphy couldn't

keep out the strike. The American Birmingham. Right at the death. The

Birmingham supporters are looking at their watches, hoping for late

drama. There are four added minutes. Redmond's cross. Pablo's header.

What a chance. The Spaniard knows it. He came in unopposed here. He's

got to hit the target. We will need another 30 minutes to separate

get there. Neither did Gomis. It's Baker!

Birmingham didn't deal with it and they've been punished. Coventry

have the extra time lead. Baker's second of the season and could be a

crucial one. The second touch of from 3-3. Murphy beat the cross bar.

Came to Coventry's rescue. Baker again. Might go all the way

Richard Shaw for the first time have knocked Birmingham City out of

the League Cup. After the few days this football club's had, it's the

perfect feeling. Baker is the match winner in extra time, having come

from behind inside the first three- and-a-half minutes of the game,

they've shown terrific character after extra time. It's finished 3-2

Tonight, I'm not saying it was a free game, but it is a game we

could enjoy before getting back to the bread and butter of the league.

They put one hell of a shift in. Everyone, members of staff, where a

different class and I thought we deserved it. Are you going to stay

in the hot seat? It is not my decision. If offered? I would be

lying if I said I did not want the job. Tonight has given me a taste,

and I enjoyed it. The rest of the staff were fantastic, everyone

behind the scenes worked hard and pulled together and that is what

this football club needs. auditions go, that was pretty good.

More action now involving ties from Premier League clubs. Sunderland

entertained more come at the go hand-in-glove. Won twice as a

player and twice as a manager. He gave debuts to Steven Fletcher and

Adam Johnson. Both did well. Johnson provided James Maclean on

24 minutes. Morecambe nearly equalised. James Maclean went on to

get his second goal. He is a wonderful talent. You could see

that this evening. Abbey is an exciting player. There is an end

product to his game and that is something that has been levelled at

him. Maybe he doesn't produce, far from it. He is an intelligent

player, knows what he is doing and I think he can combine all of those

things to make himself a top- quality player.

COMMENTATOR: they may have been two leagues apart, but it looked a

tricky assignments for Aston Villa, facing Tranmere Rovers to have made

a flying start. Paul Lambert made six changes since Everton. He got

the desired response. Only the offside flag denied Stephen Ireland

tough second period. Aston Villa set about increasing their lead

after the restart. Williams could only parry the cross and Villa

whether to put themselves in control. That but Lambert on course

for his first competitive when as the Villa manager. Darren Bent

smashed home his first goal in gave Nicky Maynard a start against

Crewe. Restarted his career with the rare women scoring his first

Korea goal for them with his first touch. He did not manage that on

Tuesday but celebrated a goal against his old club. The Hammers

doubled their lead. A more recent graduates of the Crewe academy had

their best chance. Smith almost caught. Stephen Henderson denied

him as the Hammers progress to round three with the minimum of

fuss. Steve Davis olds pleased at what a performance. I felt the game

was even early on. A lot of the play was from end to end, but it

was built up, constructive work. They got the goal and then stepped

it up. The goal came out of nothing. A quick finish, which you get in

this division, the catch you out. daunting prospect for Barnsley who

three days earlier, shipped five at Brighton. Swansea were hardly the

ideal opponents if you are looking for a quick pick me up. Danny

Graham could not miss. The injury- hit Reds was far from disgraced.

But when they are in full flow, they are impossible to stop. Keith

Hill's and men had just half-an- hour to produce a come back. This

kept the tie alive. Bestride was inches away from forcing extra-time.

Two minutes from the end, Swansea could rest easy. The same could not

be said. Swansea safely through. It has been a great start for West

Bromwich Albion under Steve Clarke, but nobody told that to Yeovil.

Rubin reader Scott This header and had spent two years as an Albion

player. This sensational strike into the top corner. Then, on the

whistle, Shane Long with a mistake. Yeovil began the second half

brilliantly. Another header put the home team back on level pegging at

2-2. That was as good as it got as West Brom took control in the final

quarter. This deflection left the goalkeeper with no answer. A second

long goal made it safe the Albion. It finished 4-2. We kept ourselves

in the running for 80 minutes. It was fantastic to be with the crowd

and the atmosphere being created by the players because of their play.

There were two teams playing a good football game. Reading's started

with the same team that took on Chelsea last Wednesday, but they

found it tough going against Darren Ferguson's side. An action-packed

first half saw four goals scored. Paul Taylor rounded off a neat move.

The Royals had scored 31 times in their last 12 League Cup ties, and

it was extended with some sharp reactions to find the net for the

second game running. Reading boss, Brian McDermott's back the keeper

afterwards following the criticism he re served from some quarters for

allowing Lee Tomlinson's efforts in. He said he was happy with his

team's attacking play and felt all of the goals they conceded were

poor. This strike looked a voidable. The visitors would only have had

themselves to blame had this goal gone in. There was still eight

minutes to go until half-time, when the 5th and final goal arrived.

Danny Guthrie's cross was looking for a Gareth McCleary. And Percival

put it into his own net. With 10 minutes remaining, substitutes,

Noel Hunt came close to settling the home fans's nerves, but it was

still a satisfactory comeback. thought a response was good. We did

not start very quickly. They got a goal up, and then they were 2-1 up

and we have to keep going. It was a great comeback from Reading. Our

last game involving a Premier League club saw Wigan going to

Nottingham Forest. The omens were not looking too good with Forest

not beating at top sides in the League Cup for almost 20 years.

Nottingham Forrest made four changes. Roberto Martinez made

Gomez who can strike a ball from that kind of range. Long-range

effort. Very nicely struck by Andy And he got his cross in and that

was brilliantly taken by Mauro Boselli. He plans the header past

strike from Maynor Figueroa. He clearly fancied a strike, but to

find the top corner like this! clear their lines. That was just

over the bar from Jordi Gomez. Very top from Simon Gillett. It falls

invitingly for Andy Reid, but was unable to do what Maynor Figueroa

strike from Wigan. Jordi Gomez this time. What a glorious strike that

was. Started by Albert Crusat. No Cox with a beauty. Nottingham

Forrest's first effort on target in the match and it is another

fantastic goal in this incredible referee has called Antolin Alcaraz

for the earlier foul. He has shown game. That will be a free kick.

Very late on Guy Moussi. It is a second yellow card, he is off. He

goes Ryo Miyaichi. He has played in Callum McManaman. McManaman all the

way. It is 4-1 and Wigan are through to round three. Only

managed one goal last season, he is already off the mark in this

professional performance. When you make seven changes, it's very

difficult to get a side that's not loose. The standard they showed was

great, they performed as a team. Even going down to ten men, we

never lost composure, worked really hard for each other and McManaman

got the well deserved goal. didn't want to come out here and

lose. We had an opportunity now and then, we knew it would be difficult.

Especially the second half, 3-0 down, you just go well, there's no

way back, but I thought we tried to do the right thing which is what

you instil in them day in day out, so good signs for us but you have

got to give some credit to a very slick Wigan team.

Great goals at the City ground but Wigan are through. The last round-

up sees ten Championship clubs up against lower league opposition.

Turf Moore, Burnley entertain League Two's Plymouth. Burnley

chased a ninth consecutive home win. Plymouth lost their previous ailgt

away ties. Things were going to plan -- eight. The perfect cross

for Austin who started the season in breathtaking form. That header

stretched the scoring streak to four goals for him in his opening

five matches. Argyle refused to go quietly after a few tactical

changes. They grew strorpbg and with the final whistle about to

blow, they got their reward -- strong. Williams didn't disappoint.

Turf Moor's not been a happy hunting ground. Their winless run

stretches back some 35 years. Jenson rolled back the clears to

clinch Burnley the win. P37-year- old saved penalties. A gallant

effort from Fletcher's Argyle who had lots to be proud of as they

headed home. It's been a tough return to the

Football League for Bolton after 11 seasons in the Premier League. A

trip to Crawley looked a challenge and so it proved. The header

against the post in an early flurry for the Red Devils. Bolton had a

half time lead. Bolton thought they'd double their lead but the

flag came up for offside. Crawley's second League Cup campaign. A brace

of late goals. Billy Clark levelled popped up. This from Ajose. We just

about edged it, although there were a couple of risky moments. The odd

penalty show and an offside goal. We were a threat all night going

forward I thought. It's not been the best of weeks for

Paul Jewell and Ipswich. Thumped 6- 0 by Blackpool at the weekend, the

tractor boys threw away the lead at League One Carlisle. Things started

well enough. Thomas had Carlisle backing off, providing enough room

for the first senior goal for Lowongo. Goals from two 18-year-

olds took the Cumbrians to round three for only the second time in

38 years. Bett got on the end of Robson's cross to force extra time.

Carlisle showed greater urgency, leaving Jewell to complain for the

lack of fight from his players. The knockout blow nine minutes into

extra time. Cresswell caught in possession. More misery for Ipswich

who've now suffered League Cup defeats in the last seven seasons.

Leicester hadn't lost to lower division opposition for 15 years.

The home team made eight changes but Burton well worth the half time

lead given to them by Palmer's free kick. Eight minutes after hatch

time, the team managed to make the most of Whitbred's howler. This

free kick made it 2-1 with half an hour left.

How's this for a response from the Brewers? The referee gave a penalty

for this which was taken and scored emphatically by Weir to restore the

two goal margin for the team from the fourth tier.

Burton saved their best for last when former Spurs junior Magoma

took long range, an awesome 30 yarder into Schmeichel's top corner

and four for Burton. There was a late second for the

Foxes. The margin of defeat reduced to spare the blushes. A third

successive league and cup loss for Leicester. Burton's best ever

League Cup run continues. We needed to make them work for every scrap

of a chance they could get. The game plan worked.

A two time winner of the League Cup as a player, Steve Bruce's side got

off to a flying start at Doncaster. The home team hadn't even touched

the ball when McLean Palaceed Hull into the lead with barely 30

seconds on the clock. It was 2-0 inside of ten minutes. This strike

deserved the goal and Simpson was on hand to make sure it wasn't

wasted. The long range striking stakes were raised further when a

remarkable come Bach was kick started in stunning style on the

half hour. Saunders' side were on top after

the interval and their pressure told just before the hour mark as

Jones rose well to guide in this cross. The pendulum swung further

the way of the hosts with just over ten minutes left to play.

Substitute Paul McKenna's tangle with Jones left Hull a man down.

Despite the disadvantage, the Tigers came tantalisingly close to

taking the lead as stoppage time approached. Simpson within inches

of glory. The final act in a dramatic encounter arrived in the

second additional minute. This approach set up Syers. They could

have won the game, it went to the last kick of the post. The

character and determination showed. I was proud of them.

A show business welcome for the 004 League Cup winners Middlesbrough as

Mowbray took his side to in-form Gillingham looking to claim another

Championship victim. The stall was set out early. Mowbray's men were

smashed into the lead midway through the first half.

Having got off the mark for the club, the former Bristol Rovers

winger search ford more in the second half, this time scytheing

his way through the defence before scraping the post.

His solitary strike appeared to be enough. Right at the teth, Park

made sure with a sublime finish -- at the death. In the words of his

manager, "job done". With Leeds making six changes and

Oxford boast ago 100pfrs record, you wondered if Elland Road might

witness a second round upset -- surprisingly easy word of the

leaders. Oxford created opportunities. Constable was twice

foil bid Ashdown but driven on by Austin, Leeds ran the show in the

second half. The Jamaican showed why he's already a firm favourite

at Elland Road. 16 minutes remained. This cross was

converted from Diouff. Things wrapped up for Leeds.

Two goals from Chadwick lead MK dons to a deserved win over

Blackburn. His first arrived just after the interval following good

work from Semagall. Chadwick hit a double in, his second of the

evening arriving 16 minutes later after Keane failed to hang on to

Powell's effort. Rovers came into the game unbeaten

this season and did have some late hope when Goodwilly met a cross

from new nesz to open his kts for the season -- from Nunez to open

his account for the season. This is a fantastic club to. Play Blackburn

hear and to beat them here, I'm happy. I've been working there for

18 clubs and I respect the club immensely. It was nice to get the

win. Preston had their eyes on another

Championship scalp. Crystal Palace on a three match losing sequence

seemed right for the taking. Rowe who helped down Huddersfield in the

previous round got the ball rolling after 68 seconds.

Palace are leaking goals at an alarming rate, not even the entire

team could prevent the second being bundled home. Freedman felt that

finished the tie, even though his side pull one back seven minutes

before the break. Williams doing well to stay on his feet before

delivering a cross for Wilbraham. That did little to calm Freedman's

mood. A fabulous strike restored the cushion as Preston headed for

the break in total command. If only res tonne could replicate this kind

of form in the league -- Preston. Rowe made sure they were heading

for round three with their fourth just past the hour.

For the second year running, League Two opposition have ended Watford's

run in the competition. Bradford were confident following three wins

from four and had plenty of chances. Watford were fortunate to survive

Connell's shot and this subsequent penalty appeal. Tt Hornets thought

they avoided upset when they were put ahead with 20 minutes to go.

The first loan of his loan spell in the break they needed.

On 84 minutes, Reid, released by Zola when both were at West Ham

crashed home this equaliser. From Reid's free kick, Bond's poor punch

fell straight to Thompson who netted an injury time winner.

Bradford into the draw for the first time in 11 years. Conceded a

good goal, it was a good strike. We looked on the pitch and got some

good character there, we rolled our sleeves up, got rewards for gutsy

performances. Bradford continue their start to the season. The draw

for the third round was made earlier. We've had five all Premier

League ties drawn out of the bag. we go, a reminder that the next

football is on Saturday night. Join Gary for Match Of The Day at 10.10