Monday, August 10
Stuffed Canaries

It is almost fifty years since Norwich City were last in the third tier of English football and it may well take everyone connected with the club just about the same length of time to recover from their first game back at that level.

No doubt fans, players and officials alike were confident of a strong showing from the club after relegation last season but the campaign could not have got off to a worse start as Colchester United came to Carrow Road and inflicted a 7-1 drubbing on the feeble Canaries.

Manager Bryan Gunn has done plenty of wheeling and dealing during the summer and this may have been a factor in the sides' capitulation although Norwich did actually start pretty brightly with Wes Hoolahan prominent in a positive opening.

The abject surrender that followed Colchester's opening goal on ten minutes, however, was desperately shocking and immediately calls into question the character of the players brought in. Within twelve minutes of the first goal going in Norwich found themselves 4-0 down and the game lost before a quarter of the match had been completed.

Obviously everyone involved will need to take a long hard look in the mirror before they next pull on a yellow jersey but the main fall guy on this occasion was definitely the debuting Australian goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. Theo was badly at fault for the first two goals and was unable to instill confidence at any point.

Jon Otsemobor has to take some responsibility for the opener as it was his poor backpass that played Theoklitos into trouble but that did not excuse the pathetically tentative response of the keeper who must have felt as stupid as he looked as the ball bounced over his head allowing Kevin Lisbie to walk home the softest of goals.

Three minutes later Theo could not hold a gentle effort from Lisbie and Clive Platt was on hand to sweep home number two.

Indecision swept through the Norwich defence like the plague and nobody reacted to an inswinging cross from the left to allow Platt his second goal on nineteen minutes before David Fox whipped in a sweet free kick to make it 4-0 three minutes later.

This was already too much for a couple of City fans who then breached security to enter the technical area and vent their spleen towards Gunn as a crazy atmosphere threatened to turn ugly.

An uneasy peace was restored but matters turned worse before half time as Lisbie, on loan from Ipswich just to cap it all, pounced for his second and Colchester went in at the interval, incredibly, 5-0 ahead.

Not surprisingly things calmed down somewhat after the break with Norwich looking to restore some vestige of pride and Colchester scarcely needing to discover their impetus of the first half.

There was a crumb of comfort for Norwich as substitute Cody McDonald provided a sharp finish with just under twenty minutes to go but this goal prompted Colchester into a response and goals from two of their substitutes, David Perkins and Scott Vernon, capped an astonishing afternoon and left the final margin of victory 7-1 in favour of the visitors.

Not surprisingly there were plenty of recriminations around Carrow Road in the aftermath of this mauling and it will be interesting to see how this newly assembled team reacts. Gunn was right to say that there is plenty of time left to repair the damage suffered on the opening afternoon but wounds have certainly been opened and if they don't heal quickly they could fester badly.

Colchester, on the other hand, will now face the problem of keeping feet on the ground and heightened expectations from their own supporters. Clive Platt was undoubtedly justified in describing this as a freak result but with himself in tandem with Lisbie up front and the likes of Vernon and Steven Gillespie in reserve The U's seem to have the firepower to cause other defences problems during the season.

Despite the exploits of Lisbie and Platt there is little doubt that the man to fear most in this section will be Leeds United's Jermaine Beckford. Beckford was the matchwinner as Leeds snuck past Exeter City at Elland Road on the opening day, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win.

If Beckford stays clear of injury this season I would not be surprised to see him top forty goals in League One. He scores bread and butter goals, individual goals and spectacular goals. He is big and strong but also quick and nimble. He can score with both feet and with his head.

It's very surprising that there hasn't been more serious interest in his services from higher up the league.

On Saturday Beckford had already posed a threat on three occasions before opening the scoring with an assured finish on thirteen minutes. After that he hit the bar before popping up with the winner two minutes from time with an instinctive header from point blank range.

He also has a real appetite for goals as he showed as he went hunting a hat trick in stoppage time when others might have been looking to kill time or simply taking a rest.

Whether Beckford's goal threat will be enough to fire Leeds to promotion from this section at the third time of asking remains debatable, however. This was scarcely a convincing victory as Exeter actually hit back to equalise during the second half despite having been reduced to ten men after the harsh looking dismissal of centre forward Barry Corr.

Still they have certainly made a better start than Norwich.

There were mixed fortunes for the teams that have come down from The Championship. While Norwich were getting battered Charlton Athletic scrambled to a 3-2 victory at home to Wycombe Wanderers and Southampton were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Millwall.

Having started with a ten point penalty The Saints will have been hugely disappointed to allow Millwall a share of the spoils after taking a second half lead but The Lions certainly merited a point as they also saw a penalty saved and finished the game strongly having drawn level.

Paul Ince will have been disappointed with a goalless draw at home to Hartlepool on his return to MK Dons.

Although Exeter and Wycombe lost their tough openers there were excellent wins for the two other sides promoted from League Two last season.

Brentford made the most of their long trip to Carlisle by winning 3-1 with Myles Weston scoring twice and Gillingham enjoyed a rousing 5-0 victory at home to Swindon Town with last seasons' play off hero Simeon Jackson helping himself to an impressive hat trick.

Football England League One Team of the Season 2008-09

Subs:

Joe Lewis (Peterborough United)
Pat Baldwin (Colchester United)
Mark Yeates (Colchester United)
Simon Cox (Swindon Town)
Rickie Lambert (Bristol Rovers)

Manager: Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)

Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)
Another brilliant season between the posts for Murphy who has been consistently outstanding for Scunny since joining three years ago. Big, brave, agile and ultra safe handling. Instrumental in helping his club back into the Championship.

Jason Crowe (Northampton Town)
Although Northampton ended up surprisingly relegated Crowe continued to offer solid service at right back. Times his tackles well, is good in the air and a strong leader. Set an example that too many of his team-mates didn’t follow.

Jack Hobbs (Leicester City)
Spent the season on loan from Liverpool and made that move permanent at the end of a campaign that was equally successful for player and club. An imposing presence who is dominant in the air and tackles fiercely. Having looked ill equipped for the Premier League on his rare outings for Liverpool he might just end up returning there a better player for an apprenticeship in the lower leagues.

Zak Whitbread (Millwall)
Another centre half who was surplus to requirements at Anfield the 2008-09 season saw Whitbread really blossom into a commanding defender. Previously he probably wanted to look good rather than attend to the basics but this season he got his priorities right and became just about the most difficult man to beat in the division. Has good ability on the ball and may well improve further.

Dean Lewington (Milton Keynes Dons)
Lewington is a keen defender who excels going forward with his good passing and crossing ability.

Fabian Delph (Leeds United)
The outstanding young talent in League One. Looks capable of playing in just about any position, Delph is very quick, tackles well, can hurt the opposition with his dribbling and passing and can score goals as well. Still in his teens, Leeds are either going to get years of top quality service or a big pay cheque from this potentially great footballer.

Matt Oakley (Leicester City)
Oakley has always been a solid pro and he proved himself to be a real class act at this level. Strong in possession he dictated play for the eventual champions all season long and chipped in with a decent goals return.

Grant McCann (Scunthorpe United)
Ditto the above really. McCann didn’t miss a game as Scunny gained promotion through the play offs and backed up his midfield scheming with nine league goals. Hugely influential.

Chris Taylor (Oldham Athletic)
There were several candidates for the left sided midfield position in this section but Taylor got our vote. Tall for a winger he has good skill, control and lovely balance. Has the traditional skills of a left winger but likes to strike for goal himself and ended the season with eleven goals.

Matty Fryatt (Leicester City)
Fryatt had never really looked the part in The Championship but showed that he remains a real danger man at this level as he scored heavily during Leicester’s promotion bid. With his confidence up his finishing was totally assured. Now he has to show that he can be as lethal at the next level.

Jermaine Beckford (Leeds United)
If Beckford had steered clear of injury and suspension Leeds may well have managed automatic promotion. Quick , strong and a genuine goalscorer Beckford has an extra touch of class that should see him succeed at Championship level and perhaps even higher. Some of his goals were truly memorable and his cup hat tricks against Chester and Northampton would have graced any stage.

Manager: Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)
Having secured his second straight promotion in only his second season as a manager Fergie Jnr. Looks to be a chip off the old block.
Peterborough romped through their League One campaign playing open, exciting football but they were also well organised and hard working, always a good basis for success.
Ferguson will obviously be on the radar of bigger clubs but Peterborough are currently an ambitious club and it is likely that Ferguson will want to have at least one season with them in the Championship. Is it asking too much for three straight promotions? It won’t be easy but might just be worth a quid or two.

Wednesday, April 1
Posh And Becks

The League One story in the past month or so has been all about Posh And Becks. Or Peterborough United Football Club and Jermaine Beckford to be precise. This is ideal news for anyone writing a piece for a website because by using the inventive title "Posh and Becks" and making sure you use the words Posh and Becks in it a lot you should end up with millions of people stumbling onto your site.

They'll all leave disappointed of course but so what? Unless they start trying to sue like Posh Spice threatened to do to Peterborough over the rights to the name "Posh". Stupid cow.

Anyway, let's start with Peterborough, or PUFC as google searchers love to call them. The London Road club made March their own by winning six games out of six, a splendid run which has seen them storm into the second automatic promotion spot.

MK Dons looked a sound bet for the runners up position behind runaway leaders Leicester City but they have faltered and Peterborough currently sit five points clear of the play off pack. Having beaten Leicester themselves in their last game The Posh are actually only four points off top spot but they would no doubt take the second place they now occupy at the end of the season if it was offered.

It has been a breathless couple of years for Peterborough, a club almost as ambitious as Posh herself though never likely to hit quite such a jackpot, and they are now staring a second successive promotion in the face.

The appointment of Darren Ferguson as manager has proved a master stroke. Whether he can ultimately go any way towards emulating his old man is obviously debatable but he has made a magnificent start at London Road and succeeded in delivering the goods for a club in a hurry.

Their success has been based on a free flowing, adventurous style of play with the exploits of Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith up front of vital importance.

McLean was especially prolific in shooting the club out of League Two while Mackail-Smith has edged the scoring honours so far this term. Chief provider, and consistent scorer himself, is George Boyd who was on the end of a bit of stick from the fans earlier on in the campaign but has responded in the best possible way with some excellent displays.

Posh's perfect March started with a great deal on a pair of Gucci shoes with a handbag thrown in free. Sorry, no it didn't, it started with a 3-2 win at Leyton Orient and then brought further victories over Hartlepool, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Bristol Rovers. That's real glamour for you.

The small margins that can dictate success and failure in football were evident here as Peterborough won out in all of these games by just a single goal. When a team is on a roll, though, they always seem to be able to find that bit extra when required and the self belief and confidence within the ranks was obvious throughout this run.

It was never more obvious than in the victory over Leicester City, however. With London Road bursting at the seams and faced with strong, dangerous opponents Peterborough proved themselves equal to the physical battle before winning the football contest as well.

Again the margins between victory and defeat were slender but the quality of Peterborough's two goals allowed them to feel fully justified about their latest three point haul.

Charlie Lee struck a vital blow while most people were deciding between tea or bovril for their half time warmer. Cutting inside from the right Lee curled a sweet left footer into the far corner to send The Posh fans wild with delight. Happy with the goal and happier still that they now didn't need the bovril to warm them up.

Leicester pressed hard in the second half for an equaliser but it was Peterborough, on the break, who looked more likely scorers. Several chances were spurned by the normally clinical strikers and when Dean Keates smashed a free kick against the bar it began to seem as though these misses might be rued but, just over ten minutes from time, Chris Whelpdale struck with another sweet finish and a famous victory was secure.

Ferguson proved he was a chip off the old block by getting himself sent to the stands during this fiery encounter, his reputation is not yet big enough to save him from such indignity, but there was nothing that could really spoil this day for the manager, his team, the club or the spectators.

With only six games to go Peterborough are obviously now strong favourites to clinch an automatic promotion place but they have tricky away games at Oldham, Millwall and Colchester still to play and their work is not yet done.

Now onto Becks, Jermaine Beckford of Leeds United.

This has been another traumatic season for his club as they have suffered consistent humblings at the hands of teams they could scarcely have envisaged playing, in the league at any rate, just a few seasons ago.

In fact it is less than two months since their travelling fans were broadcasting the fact that "We're shit and we're sick of it" across Herefordshire to much general amusement.

Of course Beckford wasn't available at that time, his season has been disrupted by injury and suspension, but his return to action has signalled a dramatic improvement in the clubs' fortunes and they now look guaranteed a play off place.

In fact they will still be looking at the top two positions as they will fancy winning six of their last seven games as well as having a mouth watering trip to Leicester to look forward to.

Leeds are now unbeaten in eight games, winning six of them, and Beckford's eye for goal has been crucial. In all he has scored 31 goals this season from 31 starts and a good proportion of these have been outstanding efforts.

Beckford has smacked in several spectacular efforts but it is his natural instinct in spotting a chance and then his ability to contrive a finish that is most impressive. This priceless gift was never more apparent than during Leeds' latest game when two razor sharp finishes from Beckford gave his club a crucial victory over MK Dons.

One of the more depressing things I've heard this season was former Leeds boss Gary McAllister giving an interview after Beckford had scored a brilliant hat trick in a cup tie at Chester in which he bemoaned the fact that the striker was still likely to take the wrong option too often for his liking. McAllister reckoned that this was because Beckford had started life as a part timer with non league Wealdstone rather than being properly groomed in an academy somewhere.

Jesus Christ. You would have hoped that a former player as naturally gifted as McAllister himself would have recognised the value of a player with real talent who could settle a game with a piece of individual brilliance.

Unfortunately it would seem as though McAllister is now just another coaching manual manager and is, of course, now out of a job.

In my opinion English football could do with a few more players who are prepared to express themselves and take the odd risk. I wonder how many of Beckford's goals have actually come about because he did take, according to the manual, the wrong option.

Don't let anyone ever try to convince you that a coach can make a player, not a skillful one at any rate. Coaching is all about stifling talent, taking the simple option and making sure that you don't stop running if you've not got the ball.

Great football is provided by those players good, and brave, enough to rise above the impositions enforced by footballs' automaton army of coaches to try something different.

Wednesday, February 18
Russell Slade Slayed

Sacking a manager is always an emotive step for a football club to take and will often lead to a significant rift in the opinions and attitudes within the supporters of the club involved.

This certainly would appear to be the case at Yeovil Town where one of the more surprising sackings of the season has just taken place.

The club parted company with Russell Slade this week with the team lying 16th in League One.

From a simplistic point of view both sides of the argument could be easily made.

Less than two years ago Yeovil were only ninety minutes from promotion to The Championship as they competed in the League One play off final yet they have been hovering close to the relegation zone ever since. Slade Out!

On the other hand the club immediately sold several of their better players having lost in that final and this season has seen the manager working to a significantly reduced budget while the club continued to hold its' own. We Love You Sladey!

The most startling aspect of this sacking, however, was undoubtedly the timing. Slade was shown the door after seeing his side complete a run of four straight wins with an outstanding 3-1 victory at Peterborough.

Really strange timing from Chairman John Fry.

Sacking a manager can always upset sections of your support and every club seems to have an element within their fanbase who will react against the board whenever anything occurs at their club.

Every manager will have had somebody championing their efforts and proclaiming that they didn't get any backing from the board. Sack The Board!

In sacking Slade after four straight victories Fry would appear to be inciting the fans to get on his back. Especially when he could have done the deed a couple of months ago and hardly anybody would have probably batted an eyelid.

Why now then?

As is often the case in situations like these we don't actually know. Barbed statements have come out of the club and nothing at all out of Slade, with the suggestion that some kind of pay off is being sorted out by the parties involved or, possibly, there could even be legal action to follow.

None of which helps the fans to form proper opinions or perspectives and leaves the club open to a potentially damaging period of instability.

Why now then?

It is possible that Fry felt that the timing was good because the four wins had given the team the buffer they needed to be safe against the possibility of relegation so Slade could be axed.

It is possible that Fry felt that he could not risk the winning run developing any further or it would become almost impossible to sack Slade.

It is also possible that the decision was purely a financial one, although how sacking managers is cost effective is beyond me.

The appointment of crowd favourite, warrior cente half Terry Skiverton as Slade's replacement also begs the answer to a couple of questions. Does Fry truly believe that Skiverton has the makings of a quality manager, is it an appointment designed to try and keep the fans on board or was it simply the cheapest option for the club?

The comments made by Fry following the sacking certainly encourage people to view Slade with suspicion. Informing us that a "club depends on the honesty and commitment of its' staff" and that "trust and integrity are essential" seems to clearly imply that Slade has lacked these virtues while managing Yeovil Town.

Fry has also hinted at the supporters' frustrations at being kept in the dark as to why Slade was sacked but explained that he "can't explain for legal reasons."

We will have to wait and see if any of this comes out in the wash but for now Yeovil need to ensure that this drama doesn't escalate into a crisis.

Slade surely had decent support from within the dressing room, having basically brought the entire Yeovil squad to Huish Park, and the team he left behind showed little stomach for the fight in losing 3-0 at Bristol Rovers in their first game after his dismissal.

Striker Paul Warne went on record to confirm that the players had been committed to Slade with one of football's finer quotes. "It's not as if we were like Drogba at Chelsea," Warne explained, nicely defending the trust and integrity of his Yeovil team-mates while savaging that of his Ivorian fellow professional.

The club remains eight points clear of the drop zone but there are signs of life below them and if Skiverton can't clear the air quickly and settle into life as a player manager then the decision could yet have the direst consequence of all.

Tuesday, October 28
Red Hot Rickie Lambert

There can be no doubt who the hottest striker in England is just at the moment. Bristol Rovers' Rickie Lambert has been in consistent goalscoring form all season and up to last Saturday had notched 11 goals in 13 league games.

Not bad, but Lambert then put his previous efforts well and truly into the shade by plundering all his sides' goals in their 4-2 victory over Southend United.

For a man previously more noted for the quality rather than the quantity of his goals there was an element of the mundane about his four goal haul against Southend but nobody at Rovers will be complaining if Lambert continues to show the predatory instincts which have been such a feature of his performances so far tihs season.

Two of his four against Southend came through headers from Stuart Campbell corners while his other two were smart finishes from crosses provided by David Pipe and Jo Kuffour.

Feed the lamb and he will score.

It would appear that Lambert is going from strength to strength at the club he joined during the latter part of the 2005-06 season. He might even be in danger of writing his name into club folklore if he is not careful.

Rovers have been basically upwardly mobile since Lambert's arrival and the big striker has already shown a handy knack of being able to consistently rise to the occasion.

It was a Lambert belter that gave Rovers a one goal victory over neighbours Bristol City in the Johnstone Paints Trophy southern area final in 2007 and a trip to The Millennium Stadium. It was also a late goal by Lambert at Hartlepool on the final day of the same season that clinched a place in the end of season play offs which ended with a trip to Wembley, victory over Shrewsbury Town and promotion.

Last season Lambert backed up his 14 league goals with 6 in the FA Cup as Rovers won through to the quarter finals, including the 5th round winner against Southampton.

Not a bad CV for a man only a little over two years into his spell at the club and it is surely fair to say that Lambert has already amply repaid the £200,000 Rovers paid Rochdale for his services.

Piracy? Not quite, but certainly good business.

Friday, September 12
Accentuate The Positive

If you asked me to name one thing that was better about this season so far compared with last season in English football it would be that there are no clubs whining like babies about points deductions or dragging the Football League through the courts over their decision making.

The whole of last season was played out against the backdrop of Leeds United trying to have the punishment they originally accepted in order to take part in the league wiped out. It left a sour taste in the mouth and has already been commented on by this website.

This season the teams who have suffered punishments are just having to get on with things while Leeds United look to get on with the job of climbing out of League One, hopefully with their club now in proper financial order.

There is no question that plenty of football followers have a particular dislike of Leeds United and, to be honest, it's not hard to see why. Historically there was the widespread resentment, and possibly jealously, built up against Don Revie's ultra functional, often cynical but also brilliant team of the sixties and seventies while the clubs' distasteful hooligan element contributed consistently to the grotesque excesses of the seventies and eighties.

In more recent times it has remained difficult for the neutral to feel any sort of fondness for the club. Many would say that the clubs' fanbase retains a distinct core of supporters who hark back to the days when football violence was commonplace.

Whether this is now mainly bravado than anything more sinister is debatable but there is no question that there remains a genuine tension for the average football fan when visiting, or being visited by, Leeds United.

More than anything, however, it has been impossible to warm to Leeds United over the past few years because of the people running the club both at board and managerial level.

With chairmen like Peter Ridsdale and Ken Bates and managers like Kevin Blackwell and Dennis Wise it is hardly surprising that the club remains near the top of many peoples' "Most Hated" lists.

No one likes you and you obviously don't care.

Obviously a football club can't go around employing people just because they might be generally liked in the game but it has almost been as though Leeds have been making a mission of alienating everyone else.

The appointment of Gary McAllister as manager last season, however, was a definite step in the opposite direction.

I would have thought most football fans quite like McAllister. He was a quality player who played the game in the right way and always came across as a decent sort of a bloke. It would appear as though he has football in his blood as well. He played at the top level until he was about fifty and has taken a few ropey old jobs since quitting as he looks to make an impact as a manager.

He obviously wants to stay in the game and make a success of himself as a manager. Fair play to him.

He also missed that penalty against England in Euro 96 so I certainly have a soft spot for him.

The early signs are that McAllister wants his Leeds side to move forward playing the type of constructive, attacking football which he himself was noted for and if he is able to infuse his personality and style into his team then the image of the club as a whole might well be enhanced at the same time.

So far this season Leeds have been entertaining to watch but their results have been slightly erratic. This is not entirely surprising given that McAllister has plenty of youngsters around his recently assembled squad. Since gaining only one point from home games against Oldham and Bristol Rovers form has been better, however, with two performances standing out and offering huge optimism for the remainder of the season.

Firstly there was a 4-0 rout of Championship side Crystal Palace in the League Cup and last Saturday there was the spectacular 5-2 hammering of Crewe Alexandra, performances that have whetted the appetite of everyone at Elland Road.

With Hartlepool to come in the next round of the League Cup there is the possibility of a real cup run for the club but obviously the league remains the priority.

The victory over Crewe was one that those present will remember for a long time to come. Leeds gave a splendid display of swift, attacking football and often had the Crewe defence stretched to breaking point and yet the win came courtesy of four long range goals that, on another day, might all have ended up at the back of the stand.

The Crewe goalkeeper, Steve Collis, will also struggle to forget the afternoon. The combined yardage of the shots that beat him would probably have been enough to get him halfway back to Cheshire and he was quite possibly suffering from shellshock by the final whistle.

The first Leeds man to chance his arm to good effect was Fabian Delph who cracked a daisy cutter from 28 yards that flew in off the inside of one post and almost hit the other one before nestling in the corner of the net.

There was an element of pinball about that strike and by the end of play Leeds had racked up a score that Tommy, the deaf dumb and blind kid, would have been proud of.

Next up grabbing his coconut was full back Alan Sheehan who let fly with a rocket from 30 yards that flew straight over Collis's head to crash into the net via the underside of the bar.

Third man in on the act was Jonathan Douglas who was around 32 yards out when he let fly his piledriver before goalscorer in chief Jermaine Beckford got his name on the scoresheet in more mundane fashion with a common or garden header from just 8 yards out.

Substitute Andy Robinson came on to join in the fun and although he was only 22 yards when he hit his shot he did generate some genuine curl as he found the far corner so the distance the ball travelled after leaving his foot was probably in excess of 25 yards.

Perhaps tellingly, however, the game ended on a low note for Leeds after centre half Lubomir Michalik picked up a pointless sending off in injury time for hauling back a Crewe forward and the visitors made swift use of their extra man to pull back two goals.

Irrelevent in the context of the game but perhaps an indication that McAllister's team will continue to experience ups and downs during the course of this season.

McAllister, like all managers, will be hoping to instill more reliablity and consistency into his team but he should also allow himself to embrace the instinctive forward play which has been such a feature of his sides' early season performances.

For instance it was somewhat disappointing to hear him bemoaning the fact that Beckford sometimes picks the wrong option because he came through non league football rather than an academy after his top forward had just scored possibly the best hat trick ever in the 1st round of a League Cup tie away at Chester.

Not just Leeds but the whole of English football could probably benefit from the odd natural talent coming through from non league football rather than relying on the masses of sheep who come creeping out of the academies in one long, dreary line.

Oldham currently lead League One and backed up their excellent win at Leeds by taking four points from tricky away games at Colchester and Tranmere. The Latics came from two down to grab a point at Colchester before beating Tranmere by the only goal, Reuben Hazell heading home against his former club.

At the other end of the table Cheltenham Town prop up the division after suffering demoralising home defeats against Leicester City (0-4) and Huddersfield Town (1-2).

Tuesday, August 26
Quality And Quantity

Performance of the weekend in League One was given by Bristol Rovers who put Hereford United to the sword as they romped to a 6-1 win. Banging in six is always going to have your fans in high spirits but it is even more satisfying when the goals are of the quality Rovers produced on Saturday.

The first goal, which arrived after just three minutes, was perhaps the most mundane. Jeff Hughes fed Darryl Duffy who squeezed his shot past Craig Samson from a narrow angle. This would be the only one of the six that Samson had any reason to question himself about afterwards.

Rickie Lambert really got the ball rolling with a typical strike from distance, his twenty five yard strike arching beyond Samson from the left of goal into the far corner. Then Duffy struck again with an emphatic finish from Lambert's lay off to send The Pirates in at the break three goals to the good.

Three became four in the first minute of the second half as Hughes drilled a rocket past Samson from the edge of the box and the home side completed their rout with two goals direct from free kicks. Lambert scored the first with a sweet, curling effort but this strike was topped by Chris Lines who smashed an absolute peach in off the underside of the bar with two minutes remaining.

Stephen Guinan's injury time reply for Hereford was little more than an irrelevence. The Bulls are the only side yet to earn a point in League One at the moment.

Oldham Athletic are the only side who still boast a 100% record in this section after their 4-0 thrashing of Cheltenham Town made it nine points from nine. Lee Hughes struck a hat trick either side of half time wich gave him ample opportunity to inflict his dreadful dancing celebration on Boundary Park.

Leicester City, Carlisle United and Brighton all have seven points from three games while MK Dons have six points after their fine 3-1 win at Huddersfield Town.

A mention must be made of Peterborough United's Kieran Charnock after his reckless challenge at Scunthorpe United conceded the most blatant penalty of the season thus far and led to his sides' one goal defeat after Paul Hayes converted the spot kick.

Charnock, who has spent most of his career to date in non league football, is described on Peterborough's official website as "a defender from the old school" who "heads it, kicks it and tackles it".

Those are probably meant as compliments but sometimes a defender can be too basic for his own good.

Tuesday, August 19
Perfect Starts For Carlisle & Oldham

Only two teams boast 100% records after two games in League One; Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic.

Many people might have doubted Carlisle's ability to bounce back from the intense disappointment of last season when the club saw automatic promotion slip away in the final month of the season followed by defeat in the play off semi finals to Leeds United after having held a two goal lead at Elland Road in the first leg.

If the club needed a boost six points and seven goals from the opening two fixtures should certainly have provided one. Carlisle made the long trip (aren't they all?) to Bristol Rovers on the opening day and returned with a fine 3-2 victory mainly thanks to two smart finishes from Danny Carlton.

The Cumbrians then followed this with a breathless 4-2 success over Crewe Alexandra at Brunton Park in which it was the turn of Danny Graham to bag a brace. Scott Dobie was also on the mark in this one and with Michael Bridges having returned to the club Carlisle are certainly not short of attacking options despite the summer sale of Joe Garner to Nottingham Forest.

In Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Cleveland Taylor and Simon Hackney there is also an attacking threat from midfield, both on the flanks and through the centre, so Carlisle could well turn out to be one of the best teams to watch in this section throughout the season.

Oldham were staring a bleak opening day in the face when they trailed 3-1 at home to Millwall with under twenty minutes remaining but a generous penalty award in their favour, coupled with a straight red card to the offending Millwall defender, was the signal for a dramatic comeback which ended with The Latics snatching a 4-3 victory which they followed up with a superb 2-0 win at Leeds United.

Star of the show in the opening weeks has been the highly rated winger Chris Taylor who grabbed the winner against Millwall and both goals at Elland Road.

Taylor, Oldham born and bred, has been attracting attention ever since breaking into the first team and his early season form is such that, if produced with any real consistency, the club will find itself hard pressed to fight of his admirers. In fact his form at the moment is likely to attract offers that the club will probably not be able to turn down.

His winner against Millwall came after a clever free kick routine with his curving shot into the top corner providing an emphatic finish to an inventive passing movement. At Leeds his first was a header into an open goal but his second was another beauty, a whipped drive into the far corner after drifting away from a couple of defenders as he cut in from the left hand side.

Taylor is a player obviously brim full of confidence at the moment and it is to be hoped that he can continue to prosper as the season progresses. Too many wingers are becoming full time midfield players these days and this is a player who can really hurt a defence if given the licence.

Leicester City, in their first ever season at this level, have been faced with two clubs newly promoted from League Two for starters and will be happy enough to have collected four points. After seeing off MK Dons 2-0 on the opening day with Matty Fryatt on target they then fought out a goalless draw away to Stockport County.

There are three teams in this section who have yet to manage a point; Crewe, Scunthorpe and Hereford United.

Crewe look in danger of sinking back into what was once their spiritual home, the fourth tier, after years of punching massively above their weight under Dario Gradi. They continue to produce fine players but continue to have to sell to survive and defeats at home to Brighton and away at Carlisle suggests this might be a long, hard season at Gresty Road.

The Railwaymen have certainly been handed a tough start to the season, however, so things may get a little easier along the way.

Scunthorpe will be disappointed with their start having being relegated from The Championship last season but they only have themselves to blame after surrendering the lead against both Leeds and Walsall to lose both their games by a 2-1 scoreline. The defeat at Walsall was particularly galling as The Iron played for most of the game with ten men, following David Mirfin's dismissal, only to concede a winner two minutes from time.

There has been no cheer for Hereford either after defeats against Leyton Orient and Yeovil Town left them still waiting to break their duck.

Football England League One Team of the Season 2007-08

Manager: Roberto Martinez (Swansea City)

Mark Bunn (Northampton Town)

Very imposing, very consistent goalkeeper who gives his defenders huge confidence.

Angel Rangel (Swansea City)

Strong, mobile full back who was a model of consistency during his first season in English football. His name rhymes as well which is a bonus.

Danny Livesey (Carlisle United)

Brave, fearless centre half in the best English tradition. Never shirks a challenge and is a real inspiration to his colleagues.

Kelvin Wilson (Nottingham Forest)

Talented defender who is comfortable in the centre or at right back. Has the ability to succeed at a higher level but could be more aggressive at times.

Gareth Roberts (Doncaster Rovers)

Busy full back who gets forward to good effect. Tenacious defender who never gives his winger a moments peace.

Mark Gower (Southend United)

Although predominantly left sided Gower can play down either flank and provides real quality service into the front men. One of the best crossers of a ball in the country.

Brian Stock (Doncaster Rovers)

Stylish midfielder with quality distribution. Links up play neatly with quick, short passes but can also spot, and play, the killer ball. Good ability on set pieces too.

Richie Wellens (Doncaster Rovers)

Combative player who also likes to get the ball down and pass it. Also possesses a fierce shot which has brought him several spectacular goals.

Kris Commons (Nottingham Forest)

Highly gifted if somewhat erratic player whose left foot is more like a wand at times. The kind of player the modern coach is probably going to hate but the fans can’t help but love.

Jermaine Beckford (Leeds United)

After starring at this level on loan at Scunthorpe the previous season Beckford stepped into the boots of some high profile names as Leeds began life in the third tier and proved himself as a real danger man. Quick and strong he is always where the bullets are being fired and is an assured finisher.

Jason Scotland (Swansea City)

Had the slightly daunting task of replacing Lee Trundle but quickly made a name for himself with his goalscoring exploits. Not the biggest but hard to knock off a ball and extremely quick. Packs a punch with his left foot but is a calm finisher on either side.

Subs:

Carlos Ankergren (Leeds United)
Terrell Forbes (Yeovil Town)
Chris Cohen (Nottingham Forest)
Jay Simpson (Millwall)
Joe Garner (Carlisle United)

Manager: Roberto Martinez (Swansea City)

Martinez continues to move Swansea in the right direction and has them playing good quality football too. Made an inspired move in bringing in Jason Scotland to replace the departed cult hero Lee Trundle and saw his side deservedly crowned League One champions after an outstanding campaign.

Monday, May 26
Doncaster Rovers Promoted

Exactly 50 years since they last played in the second tier of English football Doncaster Rovers made it back to that level with a fully deserved victory over Leeds United in the League One play off final at Wembley.

After a season in which Leeds have felt unfairly treated throughout they could have no complaints about the outcome of this game. Although you never know, I suppose.

Leeds had looked to be on their way out at the semi final stage when they trailed 2-0 at home to Carlisle United in the first leg deep into stoppage time before a Dougie Freedman goal reduced the deficit. Taking this momentum with them they then had the better of an extremely open game at Brunton Park and won through with two Jonathan Howson goals, the winner coming in the last minute yet again.

Doncaster had moved serenely to Wembley. Having held Southend United to a goalless draw away from home in their first leg Donny then produced an awesome display to win the second leg 5-1, James Coppinger claiming a hat trick.

Leeds undoubtedly had the bigger following inside Wembley for this transported Yorkshire derby but this did nothing to un-nerve Doncaster who came flying out of the traps to pulverise Leeds in the opening quarter of an hour.

With Brian Stock and Richie Wellens immediately taking control of the central areas Doncaster sliced their opponents open at will with a series of swift passing movements which the Leeds defence simply couldn't cope with.

Doncaster were especially potent down their right hand side with full back James O'Connor getting forward to good effect to link with Paul Green and Coppinger.

Three times Doncaster played their way right along the goalline but either chose the wrong option or saw their final shot miss the target. Twice they cut a swathe straight through the heart of the Leeds defence only for Casper Ankergren to come out on top in one on ones with Coppinger and James Hayter.

Hayter's was a bad miss as he had all the time and space required to loft a shot over the exposed goalkeeper but chose to try and round him only to lose out.

Having suffered such a pummelling Leeds did well to restore some sort of order and by half time they were shading possession in the midfield areas. They seldom threatened to create a clear chance, however, and Doncaster still appeared the side more likely to break the deadlock.

Doncaster came out strongly at the start of the second half and this time made their early pressure tell. Rovers were massively leading the corner count and when Stock sent another ball curving to the edge of the six yard box Hayter had stolen a march to plunge in and send a firm header low past Ankergren.

In keeping with modern tactics Doncaster immediately withdrew into their shell and decided that they would not carry on battering their opponents but simply sit back and try to hold on to their lead.

This seemed an unnecessarily cautious decision but, in truth, Leeds seldom showed the invention required to really test the Doncaster defence and the lead was held with a minimum of alarms.

Neil Sullivan was put under some late pressure as Leeds sent in a few dangerous centres but Sullivan came out in commanding fashion to collect everything and further emphasised the gulf in confidence evident between the two teams all day long.

Congratulations to Doncaster who have progressed as a club massively during the past decade and return to the second tier of English football with a smart new stadium and a smart, constructive footballing side.

Good luck to them.

Leeds stay in the third tier for another term, which will disappoint few outside of the city itself, but should now be able to move forward on a more viable, solid footing. In Gary McAllister they also have a manager who should improve the quality of their play and win back a few friends from outside.

Hopefully Leeds United will only raise attention for their football from now on.

Thursday April 17, 2008

Leeds United; A Law Unto Themselves.

We have had some adverse comment to our coverage of Leeds United FC's recent activities from supporters of the club with one fan describing our site as "unprofessional".

That was quite funny really. For starters we are not professionals, we do this site purely because we like football, but it just seemed ironic that supporters of Leeds would have the gall to criticise anyone or anything for being "unprofessional".

In our opinion taking millions of pounds from other people without having the ability to pay it back is a more obvious example of unprofessional behaviour than expressing an unfavourable opinion on somebody or thing that does just that.

Anyway, to recap. Leeds cleverly went into administration just before the end of last season so that they could get out of paying back the vast majority of the money they owed and only incur a meaningless points penalty as they were already doomed to relegation from The Championship.

Not the actions of a club or people with any moral integrity, conscience or self respect, but not illegal either.

They then, however, contravened the league's regulations regarding insolvency and were docked a further 15 points for the start of this season.

Leeds dispute this decision believing it to be erroneous and have now started legal action to get the points back. This is despite the fact that they were quite happy to abide by the decision in the first place as it allowed them to actually continue playing in the Football League.

Saying one thing and meaning another seems to be something Leeds United are particularly good at.

The points deduction was appealed at the start of the season within the Football League's own structure but was overwhelmingly upheld by the league's members themselves.

This was despite a begging letter to all member clubs from the Leeds chairman Ken Bates. Bates gave an eloquent defence of his clubs' actions and scrupled not to place any blame or wrongdoing at his own door.

As regards the CVA which was passed by 0.2 of a percent and allowed him to continue running the club as head of a "new" consortium he acknowledged this was tight put offered the smug comment that "a win is a win".

Well the league clubs voted resoundingly against overturning the points deduction, Ken. Can you not be as philosophic and accept that a defeat is just a defeat?

Obviously not.

Leeds are quite happy to ignore their debts, and it's really quite sickening to hear the club congratulating themselves about the fraction of the debts incurred that they have actually paid back, ignore the decisions of The Football League and also their fellow member clubs.

Obviously they have a case to fight otherwise they wouldn't be fighting it and Ken Bates and his mates are likely to know their way round the legal loopholes better than The Football League, rich men usually do, but it is hard to believe the average man in the street can have any sympathy with their position.

They have traded beyond their means with other peoples' money and are a prime example of the species of parasite that uses other people and their money to finance their own dreams knowing they can slip out through the back door and come back in through the front wearing a different hat when everything goes wrong.

And inevitably get richer while the people they rip off get poorer into the bargain.

Some implied support for the clubs' position has come by dragging Luton and Bournemouth into the equation. These clubs have done the same as Leeds during their recent financial troubles and it has been said that if the Leeds verdict is upheld then these clubs will have to suffer the same punishment for next season.

So what?

I'm sorry, but isn't it about time football clubs began running themselves properly or facing the consequences? Surely it would be better for everyone concerned if they did start operating within their means.

I also feel that it would be unfair on the clubs above Leeds at the moment if the points were returned. Matches are different depending on a clubs' position in the table. Leeds actually got into a position to challenge for automatic promotion but then faltered earlier on in the season.

Recently they have beaten both Doncaster and Carlisle but surely these games would have been approached differently and potentially had different outcomes if Leeds had been narrowly ahead of them in the table rather than significantly behind.

Basically it is Leeds United's blatant disregard for everyone else that is particularly offensive. They don't mind whose money it is they're spending as long as they don't have to pay it all back and they are quite happy to go along with a ruling for just as long as it suits them and then they will drag you through every court in the land until someone allows them to have their own way.

Maybe they are in the right and the legal system will come out on their side but surely it is not just Leeds United who can play the system to suit themselves and that is why they should suffer now.

If arbitration does award Leeds the return of their 15 points my reaction, if I was the Football League, would be to disband and then reform under a slightly different title, The Football League (2008) perhaps, offering all existing clubs entry back into the "new" organisation except Leeds United.

Leeds may be legally, technically, in the right but they are totally and utterly in the moral wrong and should accept their punishment from The Football League accordingly.

The Football League, and The FA for that matter, might not be the most inspiring of ruling bodies but surely it is better for football and society in general if they are left to run football the best way they see fit than to have football dragged into the cesspit free for all which has been the recent running of Leeds United Football Club.

Thursday, March 27
The Cumbrians Are Coming

The past decade or so has been a particularly turbulent one for Carlisle United. For most of it the club has spent its' time trying to avoid relegation from the league, not always successfully, and at times has had to worry about simply surviving.

Brunton Park became the somewhat surreal playground for Chairman/Owner/Manager/All Round Oddball Michael Knighton, he of "Manchester United ball juggling takeover but I've actually not got any money" fame, and his mysterious leadership strategies seemed to be taking the club towards oblivion.

Having dropped into the Conference in 2004, however, the club has made excellent progress. Paul Simpson led the club to successive promotions and, when he left to take over as manager at Preston, Neil McDonald stepped forward and led the team to a creditable 8th placed finish in League One last season.

It was nice to see one of English footballs' outposts apparently on an even keel and establishing itself at a decent level within the league structure. This is why events at the club at the start of this campaign were so surprising and alarming.

McDonald took his team to Walsall for the opening game of the season and saw them gain a satisfactory 1-1 draw. He was also allowed to agree a club record transfer fee for the Blackburn reserve team striker Joe Garner.

Then he was summarily sacked with no real explanation and the decision looked incredible from the outside. The official statement given was that the board had "lost confidence" in McDonald. There was nothing in results to back this assertion up and it was hard not to make assumption that the clubs' top brass had come down with a case of the "Knighton's".

Perhaps tellingly, however, despite the fact that this was a basically illogical move in football terms, McDonald's sacking did not produce the overwhelming outcry from the supporters that might have been expected. Many fans retained their trust in the owner and chairman given their excellent track record since taking over at Brunton Park.

Many felt that it was unlikely that men who had made so many sound decisions could suddenly make a horribly wrong one without having a better reason than the one stated. Inevitably rumours started, suggesting that there must have been some breach of discipline on McDonald's part that was being kept hidden.

The truth of this matter has never really come to light although it would appear as though McDonald took no action over his dismissal, which seemed wholly unfair, and that in itself suggests that something must have happened that has been kept behind closed doors.

As it was Greg Abbott stepped up from his post as assistant on a temporary basis, the signing of Joe Garner went through anyway and then John Ward was brought in as manager with Abbott reverting back to his old post.

Looking back now the Carlisle faithful must feel as though their club is being run by King Midas. None of this disruption seemed to affect the team and the club has gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed.

Performances and results remained steady throughout the first half of the season although from early on the club has relied on outstanding home form to keep them up with the leaders. Brunton Park has indeed become a fortress.

The Foxes seemed most likely to be play off contenders up to the end of January, a month in which they lost three times on their travels, but since then they have been almost perfect.

At the moment the club is enjoying a remarkable run of form. They have won their last fourteen home league games, they have not lost since January anywhere and they have collected 29 points from their last 11 games.

That is a run which has promotion written all over it and a place in next years' Championship is now very definitely within Carlisle's grasp.

The club might still have eyes on the League One title. They have now closed the gap on Swansea City to five points and they have a game in hand. They also have five of their last eight games at Fortress Brunton.

Reassuringly they now also have a five point cushion over third placed Doncaster and this also comes with a game in hand.

It is not impossible that The Cumbrians could still throw automatic promotion away, however. They have a crunch game with Swansea to come and they also have to entertain Nottingham Forest and Southend United. Among their away games is a trip to Leeds.

If you're a Cumbrian and you're not excited about this run in then I'm afraid there's something wrong with you.

Given recent form there is little to suggest that Ward's men are going to blow it now. Easter saw the club collect two more highly impressive victories; a 3-0 win at Leyton Orient followed by a 2-0 home victory over Northampton Town.

Around 900 fans travelled down to London and were rewarded with a consumately convincing performance which was crowned by goals from Danny Graham, David Raven and Grant Smith.

The crowd at Brunton was around 9,000 for the visit of in form Northampton and they had to wait until the second half before goals from Danny Livesey and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson sealed three more points.

Six points and five different players on the scoresheet must have been hugely satisfying for John Ward and there is no doubt that the new manager has played a huge part in the recent magnificent run.

Garner, who had scored fourteen goals at basically a rate of one in every two games, has been unavailable since the end of February when he twisted a knee at Crewe and his burgeoning partnership with Graham was halted in its' tracks.

Bigger clubs than Carlisle have found it impossible to cope with such setbacks but Ward made a decision to leave Graham up front as a lone striker with two wide attackers and support coming from midfield.

It is the type of system that finds favour and success in European football but is not frequently met with in League One.

Five wins and a draw so far from a hectic March show that Ward's decision was a good one and every credit must go to him and the players who have adapted so well.

Graham is a strong, willing forward who can carry the burden of playing against both centre halves, the wingers Simon Hackney and Cleveland Taylor have upped their games and Bridge-Wilkinson, in particular, has ensured that the midfield has provided Graham with the support he needs.

Everything seems set fair for a carnival end of season for Carlisle then. The club will be looking forward to several bumper gates and there will surely be one hell of a convoy heading down the M6, if that's the way they go, when they head for Elland Road on April 12th.

If promotion is clinched the club will be able to look forward to hosting more attractive opposition on a regular basis and will probably also have an usual number of, by their standards, local derbies.

Preston, Burnley and Blackpool might not sound like must see games to most of the country but the long suffering fans of Carlisle will be licking their lips.

Just for the moment it is certainly good to be a Cumbrian and Football England hopes the party carries on for a good while yet.

Wednesday, October 24
Leyton Orient; Surprise Package

The surprise package of the season so far in English football are undoubtedly Leyton Orient. Surely nobody, including the inhabitants of Brisbane Road, would have predicted the O's to be leading the way in League One at this stage but that is exactly what has happened.

The club only finished one place above the relegation zone last season and suffered the loss of two of its' best and most experienced players during the summer.

The outstanding left back Matt Lockwood was signed by Nottingham Forest while centre forward Gary Alexander bailed out for Millwall.

These departures seemed certain to condemn Orient to another season of struggle but so far the club has responded superbly while the departed players are finding life tough at their new clubs. Lockwood had the misfortune to suffer a bad ankle injury on the opening day of the season and has not figured since for Forest. Alexander has been a regular in the Lions' side but has failed to find the target yet as his new club hover above the relegation zone.

Having drafted in several new faces Orient made a bright start to the season but nobody really took too much notice at first. This began to change after the club made it 16 points from the first 6 games but the interest probably only stretched as far as wondering when the bubble would burst.

Many people would have thought the 4-2 home defeat to Hartlepool was the beginning of the end and when the O's then found themselves 2-0 down at Bristol Rovers in their next game this feeling would have been strengthened.

The O's fought back to win that match 3-2, however, and that victory must have provided huge confidence within the camp even if scepticism from outside remained widespread.

The cynics were provided with greater proof that the O's elevated position was a false one as they proceded to lose two league games on the trot, including a thumping 0-5 home defeat to Swansea, before being knocked limply out of the Johnstone Paints Trophy at home to Dagenham and Redbridge.

This provided Orient with their first big test of character, especially as their next game was away at Leeds United, the team that would be running away with the division but for their points deduction beforehand.

The O's passed this test of character and skill with flying colours and deserved more than the point they took home from Elland Road following their 1-1 draw.

They took the lead through a Sean Thornton free kick but then had to play for the best part of an hour with ten men after the same player was harshly sent off.

Leeds grabbed a second half equaliser but could not break down a resolute Orient side again and the game ended with the visitors actually pressing forward looking for an unlikely winner. It appeared as though they had actually found one as well when Adam Boyd's shot slipped through the keepers' hands and appeared to cross the line before being hacked clear.

As many other teams are finding in League One, however, Elland Road is not a place where the officials are often brave enough to side with the away team, no matter how clear the call might be.

On Saturday the O's had another test to pass when they found themselves a goal down at half time to visiting Port Vale. This time the response was emphatic. Three goals in an eight minute spell just before the hour mark brought them another victory and sent them to the top of the table.

The first two goals were the result of the simple virtues of getting numbers in the box and providing them with quality crosses, Tamika Mkandawire and Jabo Ibhere being the men to profit. The third goal came from Boyd's penalty after a foul on the workaholic Adam Chambers.

It is unlikely that any of the doubters are ready to admit defeat and accept Orient as potential promtion challengers just yet and I have to admit that I would not stake any money on them myself.

The team is obviously playing with plenty of confidence and great determination at the moment, however, and it would be nice to think that London's possibly least fashionable club has it in them to maintain a challenge.

Manager Martin Ling, approaching his fourth anniversary in the post, certainly seems to be doing a top job in the hot seat and it would be nice to see him continue to prosper.

Experienced lower league spectators will remember Ling as a talented midfielder/winger who always played the game the right way himself and if his team are a reflection of him then they might just have it in them to carry on surprising people.

Tuesday, September 4
Leeds Going Supersonic

I always wondered as a child when considering jet aircraft whether if they went fast enough they would arrive at destination before they actually set off. That's not taking into consideration time zones. Whether they just actually reversed time.

I also thought I could kind of fly as well. Not like a bird, more like a hovercraft. Between walking and running pace and about three feet off the ground. It was a recurring dream and it was so vivid and regular that I often got up convinced that I had in fact floated home from school the day before.

I'm still not entirely convinced that I can't levitate to be honest.

Now none of this may seem particularly relevent to League One but it is pretty much the situation Leeds United find themselves in. Having been docked 15 points before the start of play the Elland Road club needed to turn on the turbo jets just to get themselves back to square one and they have wasted no time switching on the after burners.

Saturday's 1-0 win over Luton Town made it four wins out of four and if they make it five out of five when they entertain Hartlepool this weekend then they will have arrived at August 11th and zero points within a month of everyone else.

Pretty impressive going.

Their latest win came courtesy of a Tresor Kandol goal and was the result of one of several excellent link ups between Kandol and his strike partner Jermaine Beckford.

Kandol and Beckford were players who looked unlikely to establish themselves at the club at the higher level but they are developing nicely at this tier and Leeds's relegation might be a massive bonus for them in terms of their development as players.

Leyton Orient still lead the way despite faltering for the first time this season at home to Northampton Town. Most people will be confidently expecting the O's bubble to burst and probably thought it had done so as the Cobblers raced into a two goal half time lead as Orient found themselves unable to defend corners.

Not so hasty if you please. The home side came out all guns blazing after the interval and were level by the hour mark. First Adam Chambers lashed home after the keeper was unable to hold a Jason Demetriou effort and then Tamika Mkandawire scored from close range after another corner found the Northampton defence in a tangle.

Both sides pushed for the winner without success and the draw was probably the fairest result.

Level on points with the O's are Carlisle United who endured a massively frustrating afternoon at home to a very cautious Cheltenham Town only to go home happy after Danny Livesey leathered in the only goal of the game from the edge of the area in the last minute.

Hartlepool are currently third after coming from behind to spank Oldham.

Having fallen behind in the 14th minute Hartlepool equalised sixty seconds later through Ian Moore and never looked back. Goals by James Brown, Richie Barker from the penalty spot and Joel Porter clinched an emphatic 4-1 victory.

Swansea City can't get going and fell to defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers despite taking the lead through Jason Scotland. The turning point came around the hour when Ferrie Bodde was sent off for an apparent headbutt and Richie Wellens emerged as Donny's hero, slamming in two fine 25 yarders.

Another team who cannot get going are Nottingham Forest. Having fallen two goals behind at Bristol Rovers they recovered well to be level at half time but could not push on after the break to claim a winner.

Byron Anthony achieved the feat of scoring at both ends in this one while Grant Holt, who had equalised for Forest from a Junior Agogo cross, ended up sent off late on for a second yellow by a card happy referee.

Monday, August 20
Football England At Carlisle United

Our trawl through the lower divisions of English Football took us to Carlisle United at the weekend for the Cumbrians' clash with Oldham Athletic.

It was a wet, miserable afternoon but the game was a decent affair with a cracking atmosphere being created around the ground.

Brunton Park is one of the countries' less modernised grounds. There is one impressive new stand running down one side of the pitch, housing the visiting support in the far corner.

There is terracing behind both goals although on Saturday only one of these had fans on it, the covered Warwick Road End which housed the most vociferous of the home supporters.

Down the other side of the pitch is a sprawling terrace backed by an older stand which in appearance put me in mind of the old Fratton Park and in distance from the touchline was not far short of the old Molineux.

The first half was a typically cagey affair. Carlisle held the upper hand for lengthy periods although Oldham's passing did look more constructive on the occasions they were able to get it down and play.

In general, however, neither side was really committed to scoring a goal in the early stages. It is bizarre that modern coaching philosophies dictate that even teams like Oldham take the field playing a 4-3-3 system with one striker isolated up the middle and two attackers hugging the flanks.

This is a continental style of play and harks back to the Dutch total football ideals of the 1970's. I'm not sure what the point of trying to play total football is when you're left sided attacker is Michael Ricketts, however.

The first incident of note came when Carlisle's new striker Joe Garner got his privates in the way of an effort on goal while back defending and was left in obvious discomfort for some time. Poor boy, although he hardly looks old enough for the old plumbs to have dropped yet.

Garner was the liveliest attacker on view in the early stages with his intelligent movement and probing passing although he would fade somewhat as the game progressed.

The home side thought they had grabbed the lead when Jeff Smith headed in at the far post but the flag had been long raised for offside.

This incident also brought an unusual delay as the netting was torn from the woodwork and a stepladder had to be brought on to allow the repairs to take place.

Ricketts produced the first dangerous challenge of the day when sailing in to earn a booking while everyone else hesitated during a midfield melee. Then Sean Gregan joined him in the book after dragging Garner down having lost possession while being far too clever for his own good out near the touchline.

Gregan comes across as the sort of chap who will be pretty cross with himself for collecting a soft yellow card rather than making sure he earns it with some kind of genuine atrocity and I am sure there were plenty of times later on when he would have loved to take somebody out but had to turn the other cheek.

Midway through the first half the Carlisle fans began chanting for the caretaker boss Greg Abbott to give them a wave but found their man unwilling to oblige which prompted a small chorus of boos.

Besides that the home supporters kept themselves happy by chanting songs about Preston North End and Burnley. It's a shame for supporters of clubs with no real rivals. I doubt whether Deepdale or Turf Moor often rock to the sound of chants abusing the Cumbrians.

Oldham's increasing assurance showed itself with a quick break which gave them the best opening of the first half but when the ball was played through for Craig Davies the flag went up for offside. This looked a dodgy decision but the forward had no need to be even close to the line of the last defender such was the space he had to run into.

Then the impressive Neil Kilkenny slipped a neat ball into Ricketts but his low shot was blocked by Danny Livesey.

Shortly before half time came the decisive moment. John Thompson flattened Garner in heading clear a centre from the right and the referee pointed to the spot. Oldham weren't happy and you could understand why but the challenge did look somewhat rash, particularly as there was no imminent danger as the ball came across.

Mark Crossley might have saved a spot kick in an FA Cup final and kept out one from Matt Le Tissier but he was coolly and comprehensively beaten here by Danny Graham.

Gregan spent the rest of the first half trying to get sent off and left the field at the interval in heated discussion with the officials.

The highlights of the half time interval were the appearance of old favourite Bryan "Pop" Robson to draw a couple of tickets out of the tombola and the incredibly amateurish dancers/cheerleaders.

It's no surprise to see a little team of young girls strutting their stuff for the general public at football grounds up and down the country these days but the Carlisle "team" of performers was not a single sex outfit. Appearing alongside five girls was one extremely young, chubby little boy who was giving it his all with his hip gyrations while twirling his pom poms.

Very, very strange.

The game improved markedly after the break with Oldham taking control and the supporters of both sides contributing to the occasion with a cracking atmosphere. Special mention must go the the 1,000 visiting fans who were loudly behind their team throughout a frustrating second half.

Carlisle were restricted more to break aways after the interval but still managed moments of danger, particularly through the pace of Kevin Gall on the right wing.

Gregan, the comedy villain of the piece, produced an air shot to offer the home side a chance but Garner could not connect with Gall's low centre and then the winger missed badly himself with a cross shot after a superb break by Marc Bridge-Wilkinson following an Oldham corner.

Then came a classic moment when Gall wisely stepped back and allowed the covering Gregan to wipe out his left back Stuart Giddings by the touchline. This left Gall a clear run to the byeline but his centre was poor and found the head of Thompson rather than any of his three teammates waiting to be served.

Oldham improved markedly after bringing Chris Taylor on to play on the left wing and moving Kilkenny into a central position while also throwing Ricketts up the middle with Davies.

Kilkenny, on loan from Birmingham, was basically the best player on the pitch. Keen to make himself available, good on the ball and an astute distributor he began to dictate having been peripheral in the wider position.

Even he seemed reluctant to really push himself forward into areas where he could hurt Carlisle, however, as his side chased an equaliser.

Ricketts, desperately disappointing on the whole, saw a vicious volley chraged down after Gregan had headed a deep free kick back across the area and then the visitors were denied what looked a clear cut penalty when Davies went down under challenge from Livesey.

Although the referee was unwilling to give the spot kick he decided against booking the forward for diving which suggested he was in at least two minds about the decision.

Then Davies wasted a clear chance when Ricketts enjoyed the bounce of the ball about three times in midfield before releasing his strike partner to the right of goal.

Racing in on goal the forward's low shot flashed harmlessly wide of the far post.

Another smart Oldham move ended with Taylor sending a low centre right across the face of goal with no-one in position to take advantage. The sub was obviously unhappy with his colleagues although he had had the time and space to really pick someone out and should have taken more care with his pass.

The tension among the home ranks was becoming more pronounced and the visitors should have taken advantage right at the death. A patient build up ended with a dangerous centre from the right which ended up bouncing off keeper Kieren Westwood into the path of Giddings but with the goal at his mercy the full back fired wildly over.

There is no question that the visitors should have taken at least a point from this game but their profligacy in front of goal, coupled with the inconsistency of the officials, left them with nothing.

They look the stronger of these two sides on this evidence, however, but the loss of Chris Porter on a free to Motherwell could have severe repercussions for any possible promotion push.

Carlisle look a workmanlike side who will need to battle hard for their victories this season. Happily for followers of the club they have a side that looks willing to do this.

After the game I ventured into the city centre (is Carlisle really a city?) to watch the Newcastle Villa game and had no shortage of options. Having started in an Australian bar but found that a bit too busy I found another place just around the corner which was much quieter and more conducive to a relaxing couple of beers.

The appearance of a small team of Greater Manchester Policemen obviously seeking out potential Oldham hooligans raised a bit of interest among the locals but there was no sign of any likely trouble makers.

It did not look like the kind of place where you would be advised looking for trouble to be honest. While in no way was the atmosphere aggresive within the pubs there were plenty of ready looking characters knocking around who might well have taken exception to any outsiders looking to invade their territory.

Having sat through the goalless draw from St James' Park, amid plenty of black and white striped shirts, I hopped across to the train station to enjoy one of the more picturesque journeys home on offer.

All in all an enjoyable day.

Summary

Game: 7.5/10 Ground: 6.5/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Town: 8/10 Token Lower League Fatty: Sean Gregan

Review of the Rest

Leyton Orient's magnificent start to the season continued with a 1-0 win over Walsall which leaves them top of the league after two games.

Nobody will be getting carried away at Brisbane Road, however, as this was a hard fought victory and the Saddlers will be desperately disappointed not to have taken something from a game which they controlled for long periods.

Orient should have grabbed the lead in the first half but Adam Boyd saw Clayton Ince go full length to keep out his penalty but shortly after half time Wayne Gray made no mistake with a fine header from Wayne Corden's cross.

Walsall made chances at regular intervals throughout the game but their finishing was woeful. This might be a long term problem as they do not look a side brimming with goals.

The other team on maximum points is Huddersfield Town who came back from Bournemouth with a 1-0 win. Luke Beckett had already headed against the post before scoring the decisive goal with another header just before half time.

The Terriers will be more than pleased with their start considering the lengthy injury list they are currently battling against.

Leeds United would also have maximum points had they not had fifteen deducted before the season kicked off. They struck late to defeat Southend United 4-1.

Alan Thompson fired them ahead with a fine early free kick but Adam Barrett forceed home an equaliser with just over twenty minutes remaining.

The introduction of Tore Andre Flo as substitute with ten minutes to go was the catalyst for a storming finish in which Leeds plundered three further goals.

Flo started things off with a clinincal finish from Seb Carole's cross and then Rui Marques headed home from a corner. Jason Beckford completed the scoring in the last minute to ensure that the mood at Elland Road remains bouyant despite their points penalty.

Two teams who will be disappointed with the way they have started are Swansea City and Nottingham Forest and these two teams contested a goalless draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Forest will be much the happier about this game as they staged a backs to the wall operation almost throughout with goalkeeper Paul Smith in absolutely magnificent form.

Including the League Cup tie with Chester, Forest have now played five hours of competitive football this season without a goal being scored at either end.

Tuesday, August 14
Three Off At Cheltenham

It was an extremely tight start in League One with five drawn games on the opening day and nobody winning by more than a single goal.

Perhaps the most impressive win was Leyton Orient's away at newly relegated Southend United.

Orient will no doubt be widely expected to struggle but despite losing several decent youngsters in the past couple of years as well as stalwarts Gary Alexander and Matt Lockwood in the summer they have made some good looking signings to compensate and might just shock a few people.

They fell behind at Roots Hall to a poachers goal from Mark Gower but levelled through the impressive Kevin Thornton. Thornton drew a free kick 25 yards from goal and then curled it into the top corner. Quality.

Thornton was at the heart of a feisty midfield battle and when Alan McCormack committed another foul on the O's newcomer shortly before the hour mark he was shown a second yellow and Southend found themselves a man down.

Orient made the extra man tell late on when Adam Boyd netted from close range to mark his debut for the club.

Having made no impression at Luton in the Championship this guy might be altogether more productive at this level.

Leeds United began the swim up to sea level with a win at Tranmere Rovers and are now only -12 points.

Tranmere had the better of the first half and deserved the lead given them by the prolific Chris Greenacre but Leeds looked altogether more determined after the break and having grabbed an equaliser through Matt Heath they took all three points right at the end when Tresor Kandol struck.

Oldham edged out Swansea City 2-1 mainly thanks to their Welsh striker Craig Davies. Davies won the first minute penalty converted by Michael Ricketts and then won the fixture right at the end with a close range header from Deane Smalley's cross.

In between Jason Scotland produced an assured finish to bring the Swans level but in the end this was not good enough for a point.

The most explosive game of the opening day came at Cheltenham were there was only one goal but three sendings off.

Cheltenham got the goal, Steven Gillespie running through to squeeze a shot past Simon Royce with the Gillingham defence claiming vainly for offside.

Early in the second half Gillingham were reduced to ten when Ian Cox was given a straight red after being adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity some 40 yards from goal.

Worse was to follow for the visitors. Moments after seeing a penalty appeal turned down they were reduced to nine men when Steve Lomas collected a second yellow for a rash challenge.

Minutes later the balance was not quite so much in Cheltenham's favour when the goalscorer Gillespie was also sent packing for a second yellow card offence. Having been booked earlier for diving the striker was cautioned again for blocking a free kick when not ten yards away.

The fact that he wasn't actually looking at the ball and Nicky Southall appeared to aim for him with the kick did not bother the trigger happy ref who obviously had nothing better to do with his Saturday night than fill in forms.

Needless to say neither manager was altogether thrilled at the end of this one.

Football England League One Team of the Season 2006-07

All the League One club pages have been updated to include Football England's appraisal of the good and bad of their season and here is our very own League One Team of the Season.

Manager: Brian Laws/Nigel Adkins (Scunthorpe United)

Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United)

Murphy always looked to have the makings of a top keeper in his early days at Tranmere but was unable to establish himself at either West Brom or Sunderland.
Playing regularly for the Iron did him a world of good, however, and he was instrumental in the teams' title success.
Brave and agile Murphy has a real presence between the posts and commands his area well. Will be crucial to Scunny's chances in the higher grade next season as well.

George Pilkington (Port Vale)

The consistent Vale right back is the only player remaining from last seasons' starting eleven. Commanding in his defensive duties and capable going forward Pilkington remains supremely reliable in everything he does.

Jamie McCombe (Bristol City)

Stepped up a division when signing from Lincoln City in the summer and made it look easy. Given his height it is hardly surprising that McCombe is dominant in the air but very few forwards escaped him on the deck either.
Was rock solid as City successfully chased promotion and will now get the chance to test himself at the next level again. Looks equipped to cope.

Michael Jackson (Blackpool)

Jackson has been a stalwart at this level for a long time and this was his third promotion from this section having previously been successful with Bury and Preston North End.
Fiercely competitive but almost always fair into the bargain he is an old fashioned centre half in the best possible sense. Strong in the air, mobile and a good reader of the game he is also a strong character and motivator.
I'm sure the Tangerine fans will have forgiven him for being a former Lilywhite. Whether he can raise his game to the next level is less certain.

Matt Lockwood (Leyton Orient)

Lockwood was in our League Two team of the year last season and makes it into the League One side this time despite being part of an Orient side that found the going tough throughout.
Classy and composed in everything he does Lockwood's deadball expertise was again much in evidence as he ended the season with eleven goals to his credit.

Leon Britton (Swansea City)

This clever, tricky right sided midfield player was excellent in a generally fitful Swansea side. His ability on the ball has always been evident since joining the Swans but his decision making and use of the ball became significantly better during this campaign and made him a far more dangerous opponent.
Should improve further, particularly if the Swans can get a more settled side in place.

Brian Stock (Doncaster Rovers)

It was somewhat surprising that Preston first loaned and then sold this skillful midfielder to Donny given their own lack of resources in that area and Stock's performances throughout gave the full impression that he has what it takes to succeed at Championship level.
Cultured on the ball with a fine passing range he is also a goal threat both in open play and from a dead ball. Looks a little delicate but class is class.

Chris Cohen (Yeovil Town)

Another fine footballing midfielder who plays the game in the right way. Good on the ball and is always eager to get forward to support the attack.
More energetic than Stock and perhaps his more dynamic approach makes him the more likely of the two to go further in his career.

Wes Hoolahan (Blackpool)

Perhaps the star of the season in League One. Joined on a season long loan from Livingston and tormented defences all year with his outstanding dribbling skills.
Hoolahan quickly showed himself to be no out and out winger, however. Always quick to see, and take, the opportunity of coming inside and going for goal himself he was at times impossible to defend against and was the undoubted star of Blackpool's magnificent run in which carried them to promotion glory.

Luke Varney (Crewe Alexandra)

Varney became the latest star to emerge from Crewe's magnificent youth system and may well end up one of the very best produced by the club. Ideally built he is quick, strong, fearless and relentless in his pursuit of goals.
Especially good at losing his man down the channels and an assured finisher when running in on the keeper. One to watch.

Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe United)

I suppose many people were sceptical of Sharp's excellent goalscoring in 2005-06 but he proved it was no fluke by notching another 32 this time around to fire Scunthorpe to an unlikely promotion. Even managed to keep on scoring after Andy Keogh was sold to Wolves.
A real predator who comes alive in and around the penalty area. Think Michael Owen. Think Tony Cottee.
Having been rejected by Sheffield United earlier on in his career the same club have now paid big money to give him the chance to show he can cut it at a higher level again.

Subs:

Shane Higgs (Cheltenham Town)
Jason Crowe (Northampton Town)
Andy Liddell (Oldham Athletic)
Kris Commons (Nottingham Forest)
Lee Trundle (Swansea City)

Manager: Brian Laws/Nigel Adkins (Scunthorpe United)

Nobody outside of Scunthorpe would have picked them as champions of League One before the season started and I'd like to think not many inside would have either. That's what happened though and enormous credit has to go to both these men for making it happen.
Laws was the man responsible for forging the side that would eventually bring glory to Glanford Park and, having overseen the recovery from a poor start, he left the club well placed to challenge when he was tempted away to Hillsborough in November to inspire a revival at Sheffield Wednesday.
Adkins took over on a temporary basis and made the job his own as the side went from strength to strength under his guidance.
His biggest test came when the club sold the outstanding Andy Keogh to Wolves in the January transfer window and he passed it with flying colours.
Jason Beckford had no track record whatsoever but he did the business while on loan from Leeds and Scunny actually won seven games on the bounce following the sale of Keogh to give themselves a ten point cushion at the top of the table.
The run in was less emphatic but there was never any danger of a collapse and the title was eventually secured by a six point margin from Bristol City.
In this day and age it is nice to see that clubs like Scunthorope can still progress and put the noses' of some bigger clubs well and truly out of joint.
Congratulations to Laws and Adkins for the achievement.

Tuesday, May 29
Tangerine Dream

Blackpool scored their tenth win in a row to clinch a deserved promotion to the Championship on Sunday. The Tangerines were worthy 2-0 winners in a good, open game against Yeovil Town at Wembley.

The game was open and attacking from the first whistle, the opening ten minutes particularly so, but it was always Blackpool holding the upper hand.

Blackpool won a first minute corner and there were penalty claims when the ball went beyond the far post with Kiegan Parker being clipped as he looked to retrieve possession. It would have been a tough call and the referee satisfied himself with a verdict of accidental.

Claus Jorgensen was soon driving at the heart of the Yeovil defence from deep and his well struck shot looked dangerous until Terrell Forbes made a lunging block at the expense of another corner.

Blackpool had made all the early running but when Yeovil earned a corner of their own in the tenth minute they should have grabbed the lead.

Arron Davies drilled the ball right across the six yard line where Scott Guyet had been left completely unattended. The Yeovil man inexplicably made no move to the ball, however, and the chance was gone.

Back came Blackpool. Andy Morrell, Adrian Forbes and Robbie Williams were either high or wide with decent chances before Morrell was just unable to connect with Parker's inviting centre at full stretch.

The tricky Wesley Hoolahan then became an influence. Running from more central areas the on loan winger was a real threat to Yeovil but on two occasions his final shot was unworthy of the approach play.

Then Hoolahan presented Forbes with a real chance at the far post but his colleague wanted too long to get his shot away allowing Yeovil's Forbes to get across and block.

For all the attacking play and chances it was looking as though the game would reach half time goalless until Blackpool were awarded a free kick 25 yards out for a trip on Parker.

Robbie Williams stepped forward to curl a meek, low shot round the wall past Steve Mildenhall who had, fatally, taken a step or two to his left anticipating an effort towards the other corner.

In the end the ball went in at the side the keeper should have been covering and had to go down as a big mistake.

Yeovil almost replied with a free kick of their own but Davies's effort from similar range, though well struck, had been flighted just too much which allowed Paul Rachubka to get across and save under his bar.

Yeovil looked to get more players forward at the start of the second half but this simply opened up even more space for Blackpool to exploit and they immediately began carving holes in the Yeovil defence.

It was no surprise when a long ball from Williams found Parker running beyond the defence and the forward checked back onto his right foot to float a sweet shot beyond Mildenhall.

This was a magnificent, bending effort that seemed to have been hit in slow motion. It is possible the lack of speed on the shot confused Mildenhall who appeared to dive early. Whether the keeper could have reached this effort in any case is debatable.

For a spell it looked as though Blackpool might run riot and Mildenhall had to save smartly from Morrell and Parker.

Then the Tangerines seemed more content to rest on their two goal lead. Yeovil were struggling to penetrate the Blackpool defence but with just over ten minutes remaining they carved out a great chance that should have had the game back in the balance.

Wayne Gray produced a storming run down the right and picked out a perfect centre for Marcus Stewart. Stewart had a gaping goal but headed the ball straight down and then had the agony of seeing it bounce up and over the crossbar.

The Somerset side would not create another chance of this quality and Blackpool were able to start the celebrations as the clock ticked down.

As expected this game was a credit to the two teams and the division. Blackpool look like a club who will be able to hold their own at the next level. Whether Yeovil can build on their excellent season in League One next time around is perhaps more debatable.

Wednesday, May 23
Yeovil Stun Forest

Yeovil Town and Blackpool will meet at Wembley for a place in the Championship. Blackpool's semi final success was a smooth, assured one whereas Yeovil staged an astonishing comeback to dispose of Nottingham Forest.

Forest came out on top in the 1st leg after an open encounter, winning 2-0 with goals from the penalty spot, and their passage to the final seemed all but certain.

If Yeovil could take heart from this defeat it was in the fact that they had made plenty of chances in the game only to find the Forest keeper Paul Smith in excellent form. Smith saved well from Arron Davies, Marcus Stewart and Wayne Gray while Stewart also hit the post with a header.

Forest also had their chances but could only find the target when presented with their spot kicks. The first, midway through the first half, was debatable after Nathan Jones's challenge on James Perch but converted anyway by Kris Commons.

The second, right at the end of the game, was clear cut with Terrell Forbes felling Jack Lester who scored himself.

This seemed to be a killer blow to Yeovil's hopes but the 2nd leg at the City Ground was a wide open affair from the first whistle which was obviously to the visitors advantage.

Yeovil gained early encouragement when Davies forced Smith into action and although Forest replied with a shot from Perch that landed on the roof of the net the open style suited Yeovil who basically now had nothing to lose.

The game was put squarely in the melting pot midway through the first half when Davies collected the ball inside his own half to motor forward and drill a shot beyond Smith from 25 yards.

Marcus Stewart went close with an overhead kick from the edge of the box and with the game swinging from end to end Scott Dobie was just wide with a header for Forest.

It needed a fine double save by Smith from Davies and Stewart to maintain Forest's aggregate lead at half time and the game was definitely now in the balance.

Straight after half time Dobie made his header count from a corner, however, and Forest had their two goal cushion back and were firm favourites once again.

Smith produced another brilliant double save to deny Wayne Gray and Lee Morris and although Yeovil were still gamely pressing forward time was beginning to run out when they got the stroke of luck they needed to gain new hope.

There were eight minutes remaining when the substitute JP Kalala curved in a lovely shot that rebounded from the inside of the post to bounce off Alan Wright back into the net.

Five minutes later Andy Lindegaard crossed deep from the right and Stewart was on hand to nod Yeovil into a 3-1 lead and put them level overall.

If Forest thought that was bad then worse was to follow. Before the 90 minutes were up David Prutton had been sent off for a stupid lunge at Jones.

Extra time started in dramatic fashion. Forest looked shellshocked as Wes Morgan made a complete mess of an attempted backpass and Morris nipped in to round Smith and score.

Incredibly Yeovil now led but somehow Forest mustered an instant reply with Gary Holt volleying home from the edge of the box.

Forest remained locked in an attacking, end to end duel but the chances, not surprisingly, were mainly coming Yeovil's way as their extra man became ever more pronounced.

Smith was called upon to make a series of defiant saves but when Arron Davies picked his way into the box there was nothing the keeper could do about the resulting drive into the top corner that finally clinched Yeovil's passage to the final.

What a night and what a comeback. Not many would have given Yeovil a chance before the start of the 2nd leg, a fact probably demonstrated by the fact there were only just over 1,000 visiting fans present.

Fair play to those who made the effort, they were rewarded with one of those games that make years of supporting your team worthwhile.

There were no such trials and tribulations for Blackpool who won both legs of their semi final against Oldham, which means the Tangerines have now won nine games on the bounce as they head for Wembley.

The 1st leg at Boundary Park was a mainly mundane, hard fought affair but Blackpool's extra quality began to show through in the second half and when chances did arrive they were invariably for the visitors.

Shaun Barker headed Blackpool in front shortly after the break and it looked as though that might be that until Oldham were awarded a more than generous penalty with 15 minutes remaining.

Andy Liddell did the honours after Michael Jackson was penalised for a sound challenge on Chris Porter.

Oldham would have been well advised settling for a draw at this point, especially as the decision seemed to rouse Blackpool, but the game became stretched and the visitors took advantage late on when the impressive Wes Hoolahan went through to round the keeper and score.

Blackpool might have been worried about only having a one goal lead to take back to Bloomfield Road considering the way the play offs had gone in general but in this instance there was never the remotest possibility that the away side might stage a comeback.

Oldham had some early pressure in the 2nd leg but did not make it count and when Keith Southern lashed in from 25 yards the tie was effectively sealed.

Andy Morrell stretched Blackpool's aggregate advantage after a one on one with the keeper on 75 minutes before the teams traded late goals. Matt Wolfenden scored via the underside of the bar for Oldham but Kiegan Parker had the last word for Blackpool with a curling effort in stoppage time.

3-1 on the day and 5-2 on aggregate, Blackpool have the look of favourites going into the final at Wembley. Yeovil, however, will have gained plenty of confidence from their amazing victory at Forest.

This one could well be a cracker.

Sunday, May 6
Bristol City Promoted

Scunthorpe United had already been crowned champions in this section and there were three teams in with a chance of grabbing the second automatic promotion spot on the final day of the league programme; Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Blackpool.

Bristol City were in poll position facing already relegated Rotherham United at a packed Ashton Gate and the Robins made no mistake, winning 3-1.

Any nerves that may have existed were quickly settled by David Noble's excellent early volley and when Noble grabbed his second moments before half time it was game over and party time.

Alex Russell grabbed the third ten minutes after the break and although Rotherham quickly pulled one back the outcome was never in doubt.

Bristol City are surely a club that should compete in one of the top two divisions and they will be hoping to consolidate at the next level and maybe push on from there.

Another club worthy of a higher standard are Nottingham Forest but City's victory means they will have to negotiate the play offs if they are to make a return to the Championship.

With news of Bristol City's lead quickly rendering the City Ground a sombre place the game with Crewe was similarly dull and ended goalless.

This was not the case with the other club who might have sneaked into 2nd spot. Blackpool knew they were in for a challenging encounter at Swansea who needed victory to have a chance of getting into the play off positions.

The first half was lively enough with Blackpool leading 2-1 at the break but the second half was remarkable.

Swansea came out in rampant mood and within ten minutes had stormed into the lead and also missed a penalty. Lee Trundle had the Swans level, then our favourite fatty slid his penalty against the post before Izzy Irriekpen had the home side ahead with his second goal of the game.

This simply inspired Blackpool to come roaring back and two goals within six minutes had them quickly in front again. This time there would be no more twists as two further goals for the visitors wrapped up their 6-3 win.

Andy Morrell helped himself to four of these goals with Kiegan Parker getting the other two. Morrell showed himself to be a true poacher with his goals while Parker scored in more spectacular style from distance for both of his.

The Tangerines go into the play offs as the form side.

They will face Oldham Athletic in the semi finals after the Latics confirmed their place with a tense 1-0 win over Chesterfield, Chris Porter once again the man on target.

Scunthorpe, meanwhile, ended their fantastic season in real style with a fine 3-0 win over Carlisle United.

Scunny might have been expected to figure in the other half of the division, especially after failing to win any of their first five games.

Having built a solid side behind their two classy forwards, Andy Keogh and Billy Sharp, the Iron recovered from their sluggish start and never really looked back, however.

Losing Keogh to Wolves in January might then have been expected to damage their promotion push but instead the club won seven games on the trot from the turn of the year, a run which left them ten points clear, and the chasing pack was never close to overhauling the leaders.

Saturday's goals came from Cleveland Taylor, Matthew Sparrow and Jermaine Beckford whose goal was his 8th in 18 games since joining on loan from Leeds to fill the gap left by Keogh.

It will obviously be interesting to see how Scunny fare at the next level and they will no doubt take heart from the showing made by Colchester United in the Championship this season.

At the other end of the table everything was already settled with Chesterfield, Bradford City, Rotherham United and Brentford adrift.

Wednesday, February 28
Bristol Belongs To Rovers

Just at the moment it's a good time to be a Rovers fan in Bristol. Man, woman, boy or girl if you're sporting blue and white you most definitely have the bragging rights over those in red.

Indeed the City fans will not have fancied getting up for work or school this morning after their team had been knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the Southern Area final by the arch enemy.

This was a blow for the underdog. Rovers have suffered a spluttering campaign in League Two while City are well placed in the League One promotion race and also distinguished themselves with an excellent FA Cup run.

Perhaps the favourites simply couldn't find the motivation to match Rovers over the two legs. The Pirates have a decent team who probably should be higher in their division and when you are used to being the butt of the local banter getting up for a game of this sort is usually pretty easy.

The first leg at Ashton Gate had finished goalless and initially it seemed as though City were in the mood to impose themselves at the Memorial Stadium. The early promise of the visitors quickly faded, however, and from then on Rovers always looked the more likely winners.

The early chances in the second leg fell the way of the men who had come closest in an extremely tight first meeting.

Steve Brooker had hit the bar for City at Ashton Gate and twice called Steve Phillips into action in the early stages last night. Neither save was particularly testing, however.

Craig Disley had spurned Rovers best chance at City when failing to score when clean through but almost made amends with a couple of efforts in the return. First he fired straight at Adriano Basso and then saw a fine effort from distance whistle just the wrong side of the post.

Basso then had to make a cracking save to deny the dangerous Rickie Lambert. The powerful front runner would be an influence all night.

While there was no doubting the general dominance of Rovers the tie remained poised and it took a splendid headed goalline clearance from Steve Elliott to deny Jamie McCombe as City briefly threatened.

The defining moment came on 65 minutes though and it was the Gasheads celebrating. City could only half clear a centre and as the ball dropped Lambert smashed it home on the volley from the edge of the box.

Despite desperate late attempts from the visitors to rescue the situation with the giant defender McCombe thrown forward from defence there were no clear opportunities for City to equalise and despite the obvious nervy atmosphere as the clock ticked down Rovers were home.

This completed a cup double for the Gasheads over City.

The Rovers' backed Bristol Academy ladies team had previously knocked Bristol City Ladies out of the Womens FA Cup competition.

In the womens' game it is Rovers who are the pre-eminent team, however, and they were able to live up to their billing as favourites.

At least the City ladies were able to score and had led in their tie before finally losing in extra time.

As I said, though, a good time to be a Rovers fan for the whole family.

The potential consolation for City and their supporters is of course promotion to the Championship. The club is handily placed in the play off places and have a decent looking run in to the season.

With Yeovil and Nottingham Forest still to visit Ashton Gate automatic promotion is still very much in their own hands and if they can put this disappointing episode behind them and recapture the form which they displayed against Coventry and Middlesbrough in the FA Cup then there is no reason why they can't end the season on a high.

For Rovers there is the prospect of a trip to Cardiff to face Doncaster Rovers but little chance of forcing their way into the play off picture having taken only one point from their last three league games and now facing a run of three away games on the bounce.

The last question is will the atmosphere of the Memorial Stadium now inspire the womens' team to match the mens' achievement?

The ground will host the WFA Cup semi final tie between Bristol Academy and Arsenal Ladies and the home team will need all the support they can get to cause an upset of their own.

Personally I can't see it happening. To be honest if the Arsenal Ladies team had turned up by mistake last night I don't think Bristol Rovers would now be planning their day out in Cardiff.

Wednesday, November 29
Windass Assault; Worse Than Thatcher?

Football England have followed the fortunes of Dean Windass at Bradford City with great interest and have always wished him well after he spurned the opportunity to become a Premier League bit part player with Wigan to remain a regular first teamer lower down the league ladder.

We found this a refreshing attitude and his performances with the Bantams have generally provided a touch of quality to keep the fans going through some tough times.

On Saturday, however, Windass went a long way towards losing every last ounce of respect he has ever gained from anyone during his long career with a truly horrific assault on Bournemouth's Neil Young.

As Young slid into a challenge around the corner of his own box Windass came in at speed, lunged into mid air, tucked his knees into his chest and then stamped full bloodedly into Young's legs making serious contact somewhere around the thigh region.

Jesus Christ, this was truly, truly scary.

Windass was red carded and fortunately, perhaps miraculously, Young avoided serious injury. If ever an action should have ended someones' playing career then this was it. As the referee took appropriate onfield action and dismissed Windass the mandatory three match ban may be the only punishment he suffers.

It should not be.

As in the case of Ben Thatcher earlier on in the season this was not just a case of a mistimed challenge, it was not simply a very bad foul. It went completely beyond what is acceptable or even comprehensible in a game of football.

It was grotesque.

So was Windass's reaction to being sent off. He chose to rage at the referee, he attempted to rage at the linesman who had been ideally placed to view the assault.

Fortunately City skipper David Wetherall intervened and hauled his colleague off the pitch.

Windass later went to the Bournemouth dressing room to apologise but received short shrift from Young and understandably so. Sometimes apologies can ring very hollow indeed.

Especially when you consider Windass was still trying to excuse himself later. "All their players came running over which made it look worse," he had the nerve/stupidity to say.

No, Dean. It was when you went running and lunging over that it looked worse.

This incident would have overshadowed a better game than the one that followed (only 12 minutes had gone when it happened).

As it was two struggling sides did practically nothing to remove the nasty impression created. Bournemouth hit the post with a close range header but must know they have problems after failing desperately to make their extra man count.

0-0 was a fitting scoreline on a day best forgotten but did not appease large sections of the home crowd who demonstrated against manager and board with Colin Todd becoming involved in one particularly angry exchange with a supporter.

As I said, a day best forgotten.

Nottingham Forest appear to be in cruise control at the top of the division and overcame the blow of conceding early at home to Millwall to run out 3-1 winners in the second half.

Danny Cullip got himself into a tangle in the 4th minute to allow Ben May to nip past him and it was no good him them waving at his keeper to come out as May finished confidently.

Millwall resisted Forest's pressure for an hour but once the dam was finally punctured it wasted little time in bursting wide open.

Junior (son of Einstein) Agogo equalised in a similar manner, stealing in when a defender could not deal with a long ball forward to slam high into the net and within minutes James Perch headed the home side ahead when Lenny Pidgeley misjudged a centre to the far post.

Ian Breckin sealed the points with a looping near post header from a right wing corner as Millwall buckled under the strain.

It is not at places like this that Millwall will secure safety.

One team who might challenge Forest at the top, certainly if you listen to Yeovil manager Russell Slade, are Scunthorpe United.

Slade was generous in his praise of the Iron before their weekend clash and therefore cannot have been surprised to see Scunny dominate his team and return north with a 2-0 win under their belts.

It did at least give him the opportunity to sing their praises again after the game.

This was indeed a convincing display.

Scunny, under caretaker boss Nigel Adkins, had a few injuries to contend with and needed to employ a bit of tinkering to their line up but nevertheless controlled proceedings for most of the afternoon.

They certainly wasted no time getting into their stride. Jim Goodwin had seen one blistering drive tipped over by Steve Mildenhall before Billy "The Kid" Sharp had them ahead from the second of two early corners.

Richard "Beanz Meanz" Hinds rose to head goalwards and Sharp managed to smuggle the ball past a defender and the keeper from no more than one yard out with his back to goal.

Instinctive. You can't teach it. Sharp really is a natural goalscorer.

Scunthorpe were not daunted by going ahead so early and continued to exercise control over most of the play. It was slightly surprising that they did not extend their lead until just past the hour mark.

Cleveland Taylor provided a killer cross and Sharp, inevitably, was on hand to knock in his 16th of the season.

When you're hot as a striker everything goes for you. Sharp actually stubbed his toe in front of the open goal in the first place and could have been looking at an ugly miss. Instead the ball simply stayed obediently at his feet waiting for Sharp to get himself straight, which admittedly didn't take long, and the striker knocked it home at the second time of asking.

Happy days.

Wayne Gray wafted a decent chance over for the home side late on but in truth, despite manful effort, Yeovil had never seriously tested Joe Murphy in the Scunthorpe goal all afternoon.

Tranmere Rovers had a fine win on Friday night over improving Blackpool.

The Tangerines must have travelled to Prenton Park in good spirits but were never really in this one. They defended resiliently for the most part but were found wanting on two occasions and were severely punished for the lapses.

Chris Greenacre slid home the opener when Blackpool's defence allowed the ball to travel across their box twice before being converted on its return journey and Steve Davies was on hand to sink the pot when keeper Rhys Evans palmed a low centre conveniently out into his area.

The most eye catching result of the weekend was Oldham's 3-0 trouncing of Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm.

This was a great day to be a Latic. 2,853 of them made the short trip over the Pennines and saw their side completely outplay their hosts.

The opening goal came courtesy of more keeper spillage as Matt Glennon made a present of Chris Taylor's centre to Gary McDonald who accepted the gift at the far post.

Oldham's Aussie keeper Les Pogliacomi had to deal with efforts from Chris Brandon and Andy Booth in the first half but in the main it was the visitors calling the shots.

After half time Oldham's dominance became even more pronounced and Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson was honest enough to admit that the score could have ended up six or seven.

As it was the Latics settled for three. Chris Porter finished with an assured flick at the far post after more fine wing play from Taylor while Paul Warne scored the scabbiest goal of his life to wrap things up.

Warne ended up flat out in the box when making a nuisance of himself at a free kick and when the ball bounced out to Andy Liddell his instant daisy cutter deflected off his prone teammate to completely wrong foot Glennon and fly into the bottom corner.

Warne was up instantly to take the credit from the travelling support behind the goal.

Happy days.

Glennon came out top in a one on one with Liddell and Porter headed the easiest of the missed chances wide but the visitors were happy to settle for 3-0.

Not so the home fans. West Yorkshire was an unhappy place on Saturday and there were demonstrations again here. These were mainly at the board although manager Jackson inevitably came in for his share.

Hopefully his side can turn things round quickly and get the fans back on board.

There was a packed house at Swansea's Liberty Stadium on Sunday to see that footballing novelty, the entertaining goalless draw, against Bristol City.

The action here was furious from the start with Phil Jevons forcing a save out of Willy Gueret for the visitors and Lee Trundle, by this time the only fatty Football England still had a good word for, having a coupe of early efforts, one of which drew a decent save out of Adriano Basso.

This, in truth, would not be Trundle's day however.

While Bristol fought gamely and contributed what they could as an attacking force it was mainly Swansea after the opening exchanges.

Jamie McCombe distinguished himself by clearing an Alan Tate lob off the line with his keeper beaten and then deflecting a Leon Britton effort against the post.

Basso came to the fore with a couple more saves to frustrate Trundle before the visitors ended the first half with one of their more prolonged periods of possession.

Swansea pushed hard after the break but just could not find a way through. Trundle wasted a couple of presentable chances, Andy Robinson drove a sweet effort against the post and saw the ball rebound off Basso and over the crossbar and the keeper showed that he probably deserved that piece of luck with a fine double save to deny Trundle and Britton.

All in all a bit frustrating for the home fans in the crowd of 15,531 but they could hardly complain at the performance.

The 1,207 visitors, who all had to travel on official coaches and under police escort, were certainly happy enough with what they had seen and no doubt relieved there had been no repeat of last seasons' 7-1 mauling.

Elsewhere Carlisle United staged the comeback of the weekend in coming back from two goals down to defeat Port Vale 3-2.

Goalkeeper Kieren Westwood was probably the happiest man after the turnabout. Although you could perhaps excuse him letting in Port Vale's goals the two strikes that beat him did total something like 80 yards between them.

First Paul Harsley seemed to surprise him with a sweet strike on the turn from about 35 yards. The ball flew into the roof of the net but was pretty central.

Still, I think most people were surprised with this one.

The second was one of those inswinging free kicks from out on the touchline where the keeper waits for someone to get a touch and then can't stop it from creeping in at the far post when nobody gets one.

Jeff Smith was the man scoring from Jonny Wilkinson territory.

There were only 25 minutes left when Carlisle started making inroads into the arrears and it was the introduction of substitute Derek Holmes that proved the catalyst.

Holmes strolled through onto the end of a lovely passing move down the middle and caught the bug, passing the ball perfectly into the bottom corner and Carlisle were inspired.

Karl Hawley dragged them level with a smart finish in off the post at close quarters before Peter Murphy headed home the winner with an unchallenged header.

Black mark here for Vale's Mark Goodlad I'm afraid. This should have been a routine save but Goodlad somehow contrived to palm the ball in off the underside of his bar.

The game between Crewe and Chesterfield looked like being one of the weekends' more mundane offerings before going beserk late doors.

When Luke Varney opened the scoring in clinical fashion latching onto a neat flick there was already over an hour gone and that looked like being that until Derek Niven took advantage of space in the box to level with a low cross shot.

Now both sides seemed to want to know.

Luke Rodgers had Crewe back in front with injury time beckoning when he displayed a nice touch and finish from close range when a shot deflected into his path but the visitors still found time to respond with Kevin Hurst volleying in at the far post when the home defence failed miserably to clear a centre.

Sometimes draws can feel like defeats to one team and victories to the other. This was one of those.

Gillingham remain formidable at home, their latest success being a 1-0 win over battling Rotherham United.

The goal was a tap in for Gary Mulligan after Matt Jarvis had escaped down the left byeline to feed him.

Good speed and persistence by Jarvis but Rotherham defender David Worrell should have cleared comfortably only he was preoccupied with trying to baulk Jarvis rather than concentrating on the ball.

Brighton fans must have felt a little queasy at having to stomach Mark McCammon scoring the only goal of the game against them for Doncaster.

McCammon rarely delivered the goods while with the south coast club but produced a cracking diving header to send them to defeat at Belle Vue.

Finally Cheltenham Town gave themselves some breathing space at the foot of the table while increasing the woes of Brentford with their 2-0 win.

Both goals came from Kayode Odejayi, his first when he headed home a bouncing ball with the defence static, the second a rare moment of class as he showed good chest control before burying his finish high into the net.

Football League Division One Review: Nov 20th:
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

After a decidedly poor start to the season, Blackpool continued to emerge as promotion wannabees with a fine 3-1 home victory over tricky Huddersfield Town.

Emerging from within the Blackpool side at the same time has been the impressive Wes Hoolahan. As befits the recent theme of this page, Wes has been given a nickname. Henceforth he shall be known as Wes (Hotlips) Hoolahan.

Hotlips, on loan from Livingston, produced another virtuoso performance for the Seasiders pulling the strings in midfield, showing some excellent vision and decision making.

He was involved in Blackpool's first after 25 minutes when he combined with Adrian Forbes to give a half chance to Keigan Parker, who finished with little hardship, although from a difficult angle.

Four minutes later, Hotlips again produced the goods to set up the second. After drawing defenders towards him, he put the ball on a plate for Keith Southern to run onto and spank home without breaking his stride.

Huddersfield clawed a goal back on the stroke of half time when Gary Taylor-Fletcher capitalised on indecision in Pool's defence to steer one home against the run of play.

A spirited riposte from Huddersfield in the early stages of the second half was quashed when Andy Morrell headed home from a cross by Hoolahan.

Huddersfield did produce a lot of late pressure, but Blackpool on the day were classy victors.

Crewe's stuttering form continued, with this week being one of their good ones. Brentford were the unlucky hosts, catching the Railwaymen on one of their dazzling days.

Brentford were absolutely dire on the day, but that should not detract from a clinical display by the visitors.

Luke (son of Reg) Varney was again on target after just 5 minutes with a close range finish that seemed to galvanise the Bees into a greater effort, but the remainder of the first half was played out in deadlock.

The damage was done in a devastating 9 minute burst of goalscoring by a rampant Crewe.

Ben Rix produced a thundering drive to double the lead on 58 minutes, Varney struck again on 63 minutes and David (brother of Johnny) Vaughan despatched a sweet volley to complete the humiliation.

Brentford slipped into the relegation zone and the home fans were quick to voice their displeasure at the final whistle.

Bristol City came from a goal down at home to Gillingham to eventually run out comfortable 3-1 winners.

Michael Flynn put the Gills in front with an unstoppable screamer that flew into the top left after 15 minutes, but their lead was short lived.

Richard Keogh, up from the back for a set piece, did well to keep his volley down and on target to get City back on terms on the half hour.

After the break the home side went on the hunt for goals and had many attempts before Enoch Showunmi finally got one on target to give City a deserved lead.

The third came at the death when the Gills committed men forward and Scott Murray was left unattended to seal a convincing home victory.

Chris Greenacre capitalised on a defensive blunder to score the only goal of a very tight game for Tranmere away at form side Brighton.

Greenacre nipped in to slot home after 20 minutes, and Tranmere went on to boss most of the first hour. A late rally from Brighton, and a flurry of bookings, put the visitors under intense pressure, but a solid defensive showing from Rovers' back four ensured all three points for Tranmere.

A sort of predictable bore draw took place at Leyton Orient where Yeovil were the visitors.

Chances were at a premium throughout this game and is perhaps not surprising that both goals remained intact after a whole 90 minutes went by without a single shot on target.

Yeovil continue to take their almost impenetrable defence on the road, while Orient really do look devoid of ideas.

Scunthorpe moved into second place with a late home victory over Northampton.

The victory was secured by an 87th minute penalty despatched by Andrew (grandson of Bing) Crosby, but Scunny's victory margin would surely have been far greater if not for some fine goalkeeping by Northampton's Mark Bunn.

Scunny's attacking intentions got the rewards they deserved on the day.

Football League Division One Review: Nov 7th:
Forest carry on regardless

Nottingham Forest continue to lead the way in League One and made little fuss, winning their home fixture with Brentford 2-0.

This was a game short on chances, but both goals, scored in the first half by Forest's Chris Commons were of the highest order.

The first was a free kick bent around the wall at pace, giving Brentford keeper Clark Masters little chance of keeping it out. The second was basically a repeat of the first. Quality.

The performance by Forest from then on, with almost an hour to play was typical of their recent mindset. Get in front and play solidly. No-one recently has had an answer to Forest's increasingly impressive defensive line up.

Brighton produced another fine win, 3-2 away at Bradford to continue their recent rich vein of form.

Alex Revell put the visitors in early in the first half front with a tidy finish after catching the Bantam's back four square and enjoyed good spells of possession throughout as Bradford failed to gel.

An early second half penalty, despatched by Dean Hammond doubled the lead but a spirited fight back by bradford almost got them a share of the spoils.

Fatty Windass pulled one back, again from the spot, with still almost half an hour on the clock, and when Stephen Schumacher volleyed home after a spell of intense pressure to level the score a draw looked the most likely outcome.

Dean Bowditch, on as a substitute for the last 20 minutes got on the end of a quick Brighton counter attack to take all three points right at the death.

Bradford have entered a period of ennui while Brighton can do no wrong at the moment.

Friday night produced a glut of goals from the two games: Swansea 4 Bournemouth 2 and Tranmere 3 Millwall 1.

Swansea went ahead as early as the 4th minute when stalwart of the championship manager game from a couple of seasons ago, Izzy Iriekpen chipped in with a rare goal. He did just enough to force the ball home following a corner.

Bournemouth showed good spirit and plenty of attacking intent as a riposte, but were effectively snuffed out of the game within 2 minutes around the hour mark.

Rory Fallon doubled the Swans' lead after some good work by Leon Britton and two minutes later Fallon again applied the finish to a Lee Trundle centre to put the game beyond the Cherries.

Bournemouth did produce a late rally, with goals from Danny Hollands and Brett Pitman, but Fatty Trundle completed the nights scoring with a typically flambuoyant shot at the death.

Tranmere came out on top by virtue of their better finishing in a fairly even game with Millwall which in fairness produced a lot of puffing and panting, but not too much great football.

Gareth Taylor and Chris (son of Eadie) McCready made the most of two half chances to give Rovers a 2-0 lead after just 22 minutes and from then on the Lions were always chasing the game.

Chris Hackett produced a cool lofted finish to reduce the arrears just before half time, but Millwall failed to make much impact after the break.

Chris Shuker made the scoreline a little flattering to Tranmere with a last minute goal.

Football League Division One Review: Oct 30th:
Rotherham up for it

I must confess that I have been chuffed to bits to see Rotherham steadily climbing League One in recent weeks, thanks mainly to their splendid attitude to what promised to be a pretty awful season for them.

A 5-1 mullering of Crewe on Saturday, on the back of last weeks 3-1 away win at Bournemouth has seen the jolly Millers climb out of the relegation spots. Had they not been deducted their 10 points at the start of the season, they would be sitting in 5th.

The Chuckle Brothers must be delighted.

The latest win came after Crewe had managed to take an early lead through Luke (son of Reg) Varney, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box.

Rotherham were knocked out of their stride by this, but gradually assumed control as the first half wore on.

Eugen Bopp spanked a low right foot drive through a crowd of players to level the scores just after the half hour, and a storming end to the half brought them 2 more goals.

Will (son of Bob) Hoskins and Richie Partridge, who were both sharp throughout the game, combined for the second with Partridge's run being found by Hoskins' deft little backheeler. Partridge finished with ease.

Lee Williamson then added the third with a penalty in first half stoppage time.

The second half brought more sweeping moves from the home side and Hoskins got his well deserved goal with a bit of individual brilliance. His turn and shot whilst tightly marked in the box was pure class.

Partridge also capped his fine performance with a goal of real quality. A surging run through the Right channel and a well struck shot into the far corner gave Ben Williams little chance in the Crewe net.

5-1 did not flatter Rotherham on the day. They even finished with 10 men when Bopp was sent off for the second time in a week.

Nottingham Forest continue to make the running in League One. Their 2-0 away win at Cheltenham was inspired by Nicky (son of Nev) Southall, who was again in tip top form and Forest's main threat going forward.

A good solid defensive showing, and at times battling performance from the visitors midfield stifled most of Cheltenham's threat from the off, although the home side had most of the ball.

The game was won within five first half minutes when Southall scored twice. His first was a quality strike from the right angle of the box after Junior Agogo had put him clear, the second a simple bundle in at the far post with the net at his mercy.

the visitors never looked like conceding after this, and although the home side tried doggedly, the defensive set up of Forest was far too well drilled for them.

Blackpool again hinted that their season is gaining impetus after their poor start with a 4-1 thumping of Bradford at Bloomfield Road.

An unusually inept performance from the visitors helped matters for the Seasiders, but that shouldn't detract from what was a convincing win.

Two late first half goals gave them a real hold on the tie. David Fox blasted one high into Donovan Ricketts' goal for the first and then Wes Hoolahan gave them control from the spot after Andy Morrell had been clumsily felled by Jermaine Johnson.

Keigan Parker added two more to his seasons tally catching the Bradford defence square on two seperate occasions. Both were finished well by the youngster in one on one situations with the keeper, but you have to ask what the back four were doing so far adrift.

Johnson repaired some of the damage for his early mistake by firing a late consolation for the Bantams.

A decent performance by Pool but pretty dire stuff from Bradford.

Away win of the day definitely went to Brighton for their impressive 3-0 result over Huddersfield inspired by a fine hat-trick from young Jake Robinson.

In a game of relatively few chances, Robinson along with strike partner Alex Revell and winger Dean Cox gave the Huddersfield back line a torrid time and a day they will want to forget.

Robinson's first came on 23 minutes with a superb header from Cox's cross and he doubled the lead on the half hour with a regulation side foot finish with his right.

The third came early in the second half and was a superb curler, again with his right after cutting in from the left flank. Had he hit it with the outside of his left, he could have claimed the perfect hat-trick, but that's asking a bit much. He'll be happy to settle for a very good hat-trick.

Danny Adams summed up the Huddersfield performance by getting himself sent off for a stupid challenge late on. It had the air of the old pro who had been given the run around all day by some young upstarts, and had finally had enough.

A premeditated assault that rightly got him a straight red.

Millwall had to settle for a point at home to Port Vale after a game of long ball tennis.

The home side had much the better of the game and went in front with Chris Zebroski's drive after 20 minutes. Vale were subjected to a rigorous aerial assault for much of the game and will be pleased that following one of their own punts upfield, Akpo Sodje managed to muscle onto the end of it and equalise.

Not a pretty game, but Millwall have at least found their fighting spirit.

Bristol City continue to keep up a little pressure on leaders Forest with a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Doncaster.

A tight first half ended with Louis Carey popping up out of position to blast home an unstoppable shot into the roof of Ben Smith's goal from an acute angle to give City the lead.

The second half was all Donny as they carved open City time and again with some fine passing, but were unable to apply the finishing touch.

This was due mainly to City's inspired keeper Ivan Basso, who consistently repelled the Donny attacks.

Carlisle seem to have run out of steam a bit in recent weeks, and do not like to travel as much as their erstwile sponsor Mr Eddie Stobart. A trip to Gillingham was too much for them this week and they ended up well beaten 2-0 by a slick Gills performance.

Mark Bentley put the home side in charge after just eight minutes and from then on they dominated play with Carlisle reduced to a few half chances throughout.

An excellent second half from the Gills ended with Gary Mulligan applying the finish after good work from Matthew Jarvis.

The Gills played some good attractive stuff throughout and if they can reproduce that regularly upwards is the only way for them.

Oldham easily dismissed Brentford 3-0 at Boundary Park. The Bees disappointed all day long and did not really have one meaningfull effort at goal.

Paul Warne started the scoring in the 15th minute with a finish past the advancing keeper and the Latics took full charge of the game with Richie Wellens again runing the show in midfield.

Gary McDonald added a second just after the break and that seemed to totally finish off the visitors. It is only surprising that their goal was breached just once more.

Wellens completed the rout with the third, in injury time.

Marcus Stewart rescued a late point for Yeovil when it loked as if their hosts Chesterfield were poised to take all three.

A poor game only came to life when Alan O'Hare volleyed home early in the second half. Yeovil struggled throughtout to create, but Stewart arrived in the nick of time with a stooping header that Andy Gray would have been be proud of to level the scores.

Chesterfield were the better side on the day, but the Glovers resilience shows why they are still in title contention.

Billy the kid Sharp was again on target twice as Scunthorpe ran out comfortable home winners to bottom club Leyton Orient.

Sharp wasted little time getting on the scoreshet when he found the O's back four square and accepted an easy finish on the edge of the six yard box after just five minutes.

Craig Easton levelled for the O's soon after with an acrobatic diving header, but despite a really spirited showing that was to be their only joy of the afternoon.

Matt Sparrow put Scunny back in the lead before half time with a shot from 18 yards and although Orient came at them purposefully in the second period, Sharp put the game beyond them with a stunning 57th minute strike.

Cutting in from the right, he unleashed a high right foot shot across the keeper into the far corner.

Apparently, Stuart Pearce has been having a look at the Sharpster recently. Why not, he's miles better than Samaras, Corradi and Dickov.

Elsewhwere, Tranmere had the best of a pretty dire and tetchy game with Bournemouth to take a home victory 1-0.

Kevin Ellison headed home the important winner from close range just before half time.

Northampton despatched the predictably unpredictable Swansea by the same scoreline at the Sixfields.

This was again a tetchy affair with 8 bookings and a red. Leon Britton was the man sent off and can have no complaints for his over the top lunge.

The winning goal looked to have come straight from the training ground with David Hunt's amazing exocet of a throw being lashed home by Luke Chambers.

That throw was as good as any corner I've witnessed this season.

Football League Division One Review: Oct 22nd:
6 Pointer for the O's

Leyton Orient provided a bit of cheer for their fans on Saturday by winning a massive relegation 6 pointer 2-0 at home to Cheltenham. They do, however, remain bottom of the table and a good deal more improvement will be needed to fight their way out of trouble.

Gary Alexander was asgain on top of his game and gave the hosts the lead after just 5 minutes when he controlled, turned and shot home with consumate ease. The O's really need him to keep firing on all cylinders.

Cheltenham fought back well and had the lions share of possession, but when the few decent chances they created came along, Glyn Garner in Orient's goal was dependably safe in his handling.

A frenetic first 20 minutes of the second half saw the visitors again on top, and they did earn a golden chance to equalise when Jabo Ibehere handballed in the area. The usually dependable Grant McCann placed his spot kick too close to Garner's left hand to allow him to keep his clean sheet intact.

The game was put beyond the visitors when the O's got the games second penalty, again for handball. Matt Lockwood stepped up to pot it past Shane Higgs, and the relief of a second goal cushion was plain for all to see.

Orient controlled the rest of the game without much trouble and must hope to continue where they left off when they make a difficult away trip to Scunthorpe next up.

Scunthorpe United themselves had a great result in overcoming Bradford by a goal to nil at Valley Parade.

That man Billy (the kid) Sharp was again the man on target with a trademark finish with just 10 minutes left on the clock. Sharp had caused problems all day long with his intelligent running and looked right on top of his game, getting his eleventh of the season as reward.

Both midfield's struggled to rest the possession in this game, and most of the action came in the middle of the park, but Scunny keeper Joe Murphy was slightly the busier. He made good solid saves when required and seems to maturing into a decent keeper since his move from Walsall two years ago.

Sharp's decisive moment came in the 80th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the box, turned and blasted home in one swift movement to leave Bradford keeper Donovan Ricketts with no chance.

Millwall's mini recovery came to an abrupt end 2-0 away at Swansea City on Sunday, where Leon Britton was again very definitely running the show in the Swan's midfield.

Dennis Lawrence capitalised on some hesitant defending by the Lions to head the first goal after 16 minutes after an early flurry of activity had seen both sides come close with goal efforts, and one or two punches as well as tempers became heated.

Millwall battled gamely from then on, but always looked lacking against the brief glimpses of Trundle's quality, the passing and vision of Britton and the surging runs of Robinson.

Britton put the game to bed with an early second half goal when he anticipated quickly to pass the ball in at the far stick.
Millwall still have a long way to go.

Rotherham United continued their marvelous League One season with a 3-1 away win at an increasingly struggling Bournemouth side.

Eugen Bopp scored a fine solo goal with a mazy run and potshot from distance to put the Millers ahead after 15 minutes, and although the home side equalised with a header by Josh (son of Alan?) Gowling the visitors roared straight back to take the game by the scruff of the neck with two goals in 3 minutes.

Will Hoskins (son of Bob?) again showed his predatory instincts to put Rotherham back in front and Lee Williamson banged one in from 20 odd yards to give the visitors full control before half time.

The second half was frankly a stroll in the park for Rotherham, and Bournemouth look to be in really poor shape.

What price a sick note from Anderton, and what price Rotherham for the play-offs?

The big game of the day was predictably a very tight affair between leaders Nottingham Forest and visitors, second placed Bristol City.

It took a moment of brilliance from Nicky Southall (son of Nev?) to settle the contest with a curling free kick which just evaded the sprawling Adriano Basso in City's goal.

Both Basso, and his Forest counterpart Paul Smith had excellent performances in goal, as both defences had the upper hand. The quality of these two sides was certainly evident and they are setting the benchmark for others to follow.

Blackpool seem to have finally gotten their arses into gear after a fine 2-1 win away at Crewe Alexandra.

Andy Morrell gave the Seasiders a dream start with a sweet volley after just 3 minutes and continued to make more of the pressing in the first half.

A concerted effort by Crewe in the second half bore rewards when Nicky (son of Bill?) Maynard profited from a goalmouth scramble to equalise.

Blackpool looked to be up against it, especially when Simon Gillett picked up two stupid yellows for timewasting and got himself sent off.

A spirited rearguard from Blackpool kept Crewe at bay, and provided a late, late winner from the head of Shaun Barker.

Consistency will be the key for both these sides as the League One season progresses.

Carlisle United and Doncaster Rovers both got back to winning ways with 1-0 home victories over Tranmere Rovers and Chesterfield, respectively.

Kevin Gall's re-creation of Tony Morley's wonder goal of 1981 was well worthy of taking all the points for the Cumbrians in what turned out to be a very tight game.

Jonathan Forte provided the winner for Donny, but in far less spectacuar a manner. He profited from some bizarre goalkeeping by Barry (Undoubtably the son of Paddy on this performance) Roche who preferred to pass the ball back to Forte rather than hump it up the pitch or into the stands when under no pressure at all.
Forte accepted the open goal at his mercy with a smile on his face.

Huddersfield Town came from behind to win 2-1 away at Port Vale, who now seem to be going South in the League.

In a game of two halves, the home side looked comfortable and confident in the first period, and Leon Constantine had an easy task to open the scoring with an unopposed header after a mistake from Town keeper Matt Glennon.

The second half definitely belonged to the visitors as they poured forward in search of an equaliser. Equaliser and winner came within two minutes of each other as first Andy Booth and then Michael (Grandson of Joan?) Collins found the net.

Booth's was the standard lumbering back post header while Collins's was a decidedly more cultured finish, high into the net.

Yeovil Town again got the job done with the minimum amount of fuss, 1-0 at home to Oldham Athletic. Terry Skiverton was on target right on the stroke of half time with a trademark header at close range.

Yeovil were scarcely troubled in the second half, as you might expect from one of the league's more dependable defensive outfits.

Brentford shared the points with their visitors Gillingham, drawing 2-2 after first going one down and having their keeper sent off in the process.

Clark Masters brought down Gary Mulligan after 22 minutes to give the spot kick and recieve his marching orders, leaving full back John Mousinho the unenviable task of temporary custodian for the afternoon.

Mousinho's first task was to pick the ball from the net following Michael Flynn's penalty.

A spirited fightback from the Bees brought them level within ten minutes as Matt Heywood headed home. Further pressure from the home side brought a second goal on half time with Callum Willock racing through to prod home Oli Skulason's excellent through ball.

Brentford were seldom troubled by the Gills in the second half, but Flynn produced a moment of brilliance to turn and ram one past the sub keeper with 15 minutes to spare. Gillingham did press for a winner but Brentford deserved their point.

Finally, bore draw of the week this week goes to Brighton and Northampton who shared the points 1-1.

Jake Robinson's first half goal for the home side was equalised at the death by James Quinn's 84th minute strike.

Football League Division One Review: Oct 16th:
Fatty to the rescue

Football England's favourite fatty, Lee Trundle started his first league game since early September and provided two goals and an assist to help Swansea win 3-2 away at Chesterfield.

Leon Knight, who has been banging them in for fun of late, had to watch from the stands after being dropped from the squad for the game. It seems he's been up to a bit of no-good.

Anyway, Trundle wasted no time making his mark on the game when he crossed for Leon Britton to slam home a volley after just 4 minutes.

The tubster doubled the lead on 35 minutes with a close range finish after Chesterfield had failed to clear a corner, and the Swans went in with a deserved 2-0 lead at half time.

An early second half goal from Paul Hall's strike from outside the box brought a nervy period for the visitors, but Trundle restored the mrgin from the spot after Britton was felled in the box.

Reuben Hazell again reduced the arrears with aheaded goal, but Swansea held on to secure three points.

Oldham came back from 2-0 down at home to Leyton Orient to rescue a point in an exciting 3-3 draw, which the visitors will be disappointed not to have won.

Jabo Ibehre capitalised on some hesitant defending to prod home the first after 9 minutes, and Orient quickly seemed to grow in confidence with Gary Alexander again very lively up front.

Alexander doubled the lead on 58 minutes with an angled shot across Les Pogliacomi in the Latics goal. The points looked set to go to the O's until a frenetic last 12 minutes.

Chris Porter notched with two headers in five minutes to get the Latics back on terms, but Alexander again produced a fine strike on 86 minutes which looked like being the matchwinner.

Oldham threw men forward and were rewarded with a spot kick right at the death when Richie Wellens went to ground in the box. Andy Liddell kept his head to give them a point.

Brighton produced a fine 2-1 win away from home at form side Scunthorpe in a tetchy affair that saw 6 bookings and Scunny's Steve Foster sent off for an elbow.

Foster was sent off after 17 minutes and Scunny never really recovered their composure, with Brighton taking the lead just 5 minutes later.

When Dean Cox planted a diving header past Joe Murphy the writing seemed on the wall for the home side, but their talisman Billy (the kid) Sharp popped up with an equaliser just before half time.

Gary Hart restored the lead early in the second half and although Scunny did go after an equaliser, the solid Brighton defence did not look like giving up their well earned points.

Millwall's post Spackers renaissance continued with a close 1-0 win at home to Bournemouth.

Chris Hackett scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time, but the Cherries had the better of the chances in the remainder of the game.

Blackpool made hard work of it at home to Yeovil and should really have taken all three points, but had to settle for one after Marcus Stewart's late equaliser.

A good first half for the Seasiders saw them dominate most of the play, but come up short when it mattered in front of goal. Worst culprit was Scott Vernon who stepped up to send a spot kick well wide after Wes Hoolahan had been felled in the box.

Vernon did repair the damage when he placed a low right foot shot past Steve Mildenhall to put the home side ahead after 56 minutes, and Blackpool seemed capable of hanging on until poor marking gave Stewart an easy headed chance on 86 minutes. Points dropped again at home.

Doncaster came to life with a convincing 2-0 win away at Cheltenham sealed by goals at the end of either half. Donny have been disappointing and erratic so far this season, but did show more of their potential and hopefully this will move them on to better things.

Jonathan Forte created the first with a cross for Lewis Guy to finish at the near post and then got on the scoresheet himself late on when the Cheltenham defence made a cock up. Keeper Scott Brown and Shane Duff both hesitated to allow Forte an easy tap-in. A decent performance from Donny, but poor from the home side.

Two first half goals Scott Murray and Scott brown were just enough to give Bristol City a narrow victory over Crewe, who tested them all the way even though they finished the game with 10.

An early flourish from the visitors gave City a few scares, but nerves were settled when Murray's deft header found the net after a fine cross from Jamie McAllister.

Minutes later, Brown made it 2-0 with a calm finish in the six yard box and City seemed well in control.

Crewe again pressed early in the second half and got one back on the hour. Luke (son of Reg) Varney was again the man in the right place to provide an easy finish.

Crewe's Gary Roberts was dismissed not long after and City found it easy to control the remainder of the game with their man advantage. In truth they could have added another goal or two.
City look good value for their second spot in League One.

One place above Bristol lie Notts Forest who narrowly won away at Gillingham thanks to a solitary Nicky Southall goal.

This was a very tight game with few clear cut chances created and both defences giving little ground. Southall took his chance after a counter caught the Gills square and he was left with an easy tap in.

Once in front, Forest did not look like surrendering their lead.

Rotherham again took maximum points, this time at the expense of their visitors Brentford.

In a pretty dire game, the only shining light was Lee Williamson. His two second half goals settled the contest in Rotherham's favour.

The first was a curling free kick from well outside the box that had Stuart Nelson clutching at thin air, the second was a penalty.

Least said about Brentford the better, they managed just one shot in the game.

Huddersfield continued their mini revival with a 2-1 home win over Carlisle although they did not have it all their own way.

Two first half strikes from Luke Beckett in a matter of minutes knocked the stuffing out of Carlisle, but their spirited response had the Terriers hanging on for dear life at the end.

A strong run and well placed shot brought Beckett's first, and he doubled the tally from the spot after Peter Murphy had handled.

Simon Hackney spanked in a 20 odd yarder just before half time to give the Cumbrians a sniff, and although they had most of the ball and plenty efforts at goal in the second half the home side just about stood firm.

Football League Division One Review: Oct 9th:
Would you credit it?

I'm not sure how many Scunthorpe United fans made the trip to Nottingham Forest for the early kick off on Saturday, but every one of them must have been delighted they did.

In surely this season's strangest result so far, Scunny battered Forest to a 4-0 embarrassment and claimed third place in the table to boot.

And here's me, three or four weeks back claiming that if Scunny don't start improving soon, they'll be looking at a relegation fight.

Although Forest started well and had plenty of the ball, they did not unduly worry visiting keeper Joe Murphy, and seemed unusually static up front.

Two well taken goals from Scunthorpe around the half hour changed the game totally and Forest simply could not supply any meaningful response.

Precise finishing from the visitors gave them a perhaps undeserved lead at the break, but Forest were beaten well for the last hour of the match.

Cleveland Taylor despatched the first on 28 minutes after Matt Sparrow's run ended with the ball being deflected across the Forest box, then Andy (Killer) Keogh smashed home a low shot from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 on 36 minutes.

A comeback never threatened in the second half as forest toiled to break down a very solid Scunny resistance. In fact, Scunthorpe looked fast and incisive on the break and deserved their third when Ian Morris applied a cool finish to end a precise counter attack.

The fourth goal, right at the death, served nothing more than to keep Billy (the Kid) Sharp's scoring run intact, but the all round performance is one which now must make League One take notice of Scunny.

In recent weeks they have shown a marked improvement, with a resolute defence, a vastly improved midfield and deadly forwards providing undoubted optimism for a good campaign.

If they can keep their solidity, they have the firepower to worry anyone.

Another impressive away performance was supplied on Sunday by Rotherham, with a 3-1 win at Port Vale.

A scrappy first half ended 0-0, with the home side looking most likely early on and the visitors looking more than a little edgy. The Millers gradually found their feet, and were allowed to take control with two headed goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Justin Cochrane scored from Rotherham's first attack of the second half, heading in Michael Keane's cross and Dave Hibbert was allowed to jump and head a second on 53 minutes to give the visitors a commanding lead.

Leon Constantine gave Vale a sniff of a comeback with a well taken penalty on 74 minutes to reduce the arrears, but Will Hoskins finished the game off in style with a cool finish when home keeper Mark Goodlad went AWOL.

Results like this only make me think Rotherham can't go down this term.

The other Sunday game saw Blackpool at last show their potential with a convincing 3-0 win away at Brighton.

An early goal on 17 minutes for Keith Southern, emerging through a crowded box to head home, was just desserts for some good early pressure and set the tone for the whole game.

Blackpool continued to press and bossed the first half, but the Brighton response was poor, to say the least.

Poor defending from a Blackpool corner allowed Scott Vernon to apply an easy close range finish for the second, on the hour and the Brighton heads sunk lower.

A sending off for Alex Frutos after an elbow on Sean Barker only served to worsen the home sides's plight, and Vernon rounded things off with a well taken second to make it 3-0.

Brighton seem to be in a world of trouble at the moment.

A slight surprise at Bradford saw the home side beaten 1-0 by the ten men of their near neighbours Huddersfield in a scrappy game.

Mark Hudson headed the only goal of the game from Gary Taylor-Fletcher's cross after just 25 minutes, and although Bradford pressed for virtually all the game, the visitors held on.

The last 20 minutes in particular saw Bradford attack the ten men of Huddersfield, following Danny Adams's sending off for a second yellow. Matt Glennon in the Terriers goal get's credit for keeping Windass et all at bay with some good stops.

Millwall joined the elite band of clubs that have won at fortress Brunton with a 2-1 victory over Carlisle. Another well needed 3 points for the Lions came after Carlisle had plenty of chances to get something from the game.

A good start from the visitors was rewarded when Alan Dunne applied the last touch to Poul Hubertz's cross after 27 minutes. The lead did not last long, however, as Carlisle surged back when Jermaine Beckford poked the ball home after some good work from Simon Hackney on 33 minutes.

Again the lead was short lived and Hubertz profited from some poor defending to side foot home.

Just minutes later, at the other end, Hubertz was again involved, handling in the box to give Carlisle a penalty. Chris Lumsdon's well struck spot kick was kept out by the post and Millwall went in at half time 2-1 up.

The home side were well on top throughout the second half, but some stout defending by Millwall earned them the points.

A seven goal thriller at Gresty Road saw League One's top scorers Crewe come back from 2-0 & 3-1 down to take the points by the odd goal against Gillingham.

Alan Pouton (possibly the best ever Championship Manager player) spanked home a terrific strike from well outside the box to give the Gills the lead after 20 minutes of end to end stuff.

Michael Flynn doubled the visitors lead with a delightful curler leaving Ben Williams helpless in the Crewe goal.

Crewe got a lifeline before the break when Nicky Maynard again showed his composure in front of goal to finish well, but the Gills stunned them again on the stroke of half time when Dean McDonald turned in Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu's cross.

Second half substitute Rodney Jack started Crewe's revival with a sceamer from 25 yards after only 5 minutes on the pitch, but Crewe left it very late to win the game.

Two set pieces brought two goals.

Danny O'Donnell rose first to head home a corner on 88 minutes and Luke (son of Reg) Varney profited from a static Gills defence as an injury time free kick evaded everyone to drop for an inviting volley at the far stick.

Cruel on the Gills, but good reward for persistence from the Railwaymen.

Brentford shared the points at home with Bristol City in an evenly matched 1-1 draw. City scored first through Jamie McCombe's close range finish just before half time, but a spirited second half reply by the home side more than deserved a point.

McCombe was again involved in the goal, this time fouling Clive Wijnhard to allow Kevin O'Connor to level from the spot. The point was good enough to lift City into second.

Leyton Orient gave us all little cause to wonder why they are looking like relegation candidates with a poor showing in a drab 0-0 home draw with Chesterfield in the final Saturday game.

Orient missed the target with frightening regularity throughout, and despite enjoying the lion's share of possession for most of the game they almost gave away all three points. Only some fine stops from home keeper Glyn Garner saved their blushes.

There were two other 0-0 draws on Friday.

Swansea will rue umpteen missed chances at home to Tranmere. Although the visitors defended well throughout, some excellent build up play by the Swans deserved at least one goal.

Even fatty Trundle, making his first appearance in ages, could not break the deadlock.

Bournemouth and Northampton also failed to score between them in another drab affair.

Scott McGleish came closest for the visitors, with a header off the post.

Finally, Doncaster and Oldham had a hard fought 1-1 draw in which the home side were dominant throughout, but some good battling from the visitors earned a point.

Graeme Lee put the home side in front with a well taken header after 23 minutes, but Oldhame levelled on the stroke of half time through Chris Porter.

Donny pressed throughout the second half, but were frustrated by a well organised Latics defence.

Football League Division One Review: Oct 1st:
Classy Crewe blitz Carlisle

Carlisle have been coping very well with League One so far and have emerged as early promotion contenders, but a 5-1 drubbing away at Crewe is perhaps a welcome reality check for the Cumbrians.

Crewe have been playing some quality football of late themselves after a shaky start, and will be looking at a swift return to the next level.

Things started so well on Saturday for the visitors with Carlisle taking the game to the home side and Karl Hawley looking his usual sharp self.

Hawley actually put Carlisle in front after 24 minutes when he seized onto a poor clearance and finished in his usual clinical style.

Carlisle could not quite hang on and take the lead to the break, with Luke (son of Reg) Varney sweeping home Michael O'Connor's cross on 43 minutes. Worse was to follow in first half injury time when Varney again got involved to beat his man and cut back a cross to give Ryan Lowe an easy finish.

After a good first half, Carlisle went in one down and obviously deflated.

To be fair to the visitors, they did come out to attack in the second half, but the superior passing of the well drilled Crewe side and their speedy counter attacks picked them off with frightening regularity.

Memories of Frankie Worthington came flooding back as Lowe put Crewe further in front with a deft flick and volley just after the hour, and although Carlisle continued to press Crewe were always the more likely scorers.

Varney bagged a second ten minutes later with a close range finish and Lowe completed a fine hat-trick in stoppage time.

A convincing victory for an impressive and improving Crewe side.

The Glovers of Yeovil continued their mighty impressive away form to take all three points at Brentford and also take second spot in the table to boot. Only table toppers Forest have gained more away points this season.

Marcus Stewart seems to have found a new lease of life in recent games and has been terrorising defences with his excellent movement and positional play, and again looked the most likely scorer as Yeovil pushed on in the first half.

Only a series of good stops by home keeper Stuart Nelson prevented the Bees going down early doors.

The home side settled after a nervy start and cancelled out most of the attacking intent of the visitors as the first half petered out fairly uneventfully.

A well worked set piece broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the second half when Terry Skiverton rose to plant a header into the Brentford net from Nathan Jones's pinpoint corner.

The solid Yeovil defence looked like holding out for 1-0 until Jo Kuffour found a bit of room and slotted home with just 10 minutes remaining.

It looked for all the world as though the points would be shared until a neat winning goal was supplied by Chris Cohen right at the death. Cohen's wall pass to Stewart was returned and despatched with aplomb to continue the Glovers good run.

The Seasiders of Blackpool at last seem to have awakened from their slumber with a good 3-0 win at home on Saturday, albeit against the woeful Leyton Orient.

The O's slumped to second bottom and also finished the game with 10 as Adam Tann was dismissed late on.

The home fans will be glad of the points, but the result certainly flattered Blackpool who really only won the game thanks to a combination of a bit of good finishing, a bit of luck, and a bit of good keeping. Orient were certainly not 3 goals worse.

Glynn Garner in the O's net got himself into no-mans land to allow Andy Morrell to lob a header over him for Blackpool's first after just 20 minutes, and Orient seemed up against it.

The O's dominated much of the possession from then on, but could not find a decisive touch when it mattered. Jabo Ibehre headed against a post and Blackpool keeper Rhys Evans was called into action on several occasions.

Orient's chances were finally dashed when Tann brought Kiegan Parker down in the box to earn a red card for himself and a penalty for Blackpool.

Wes Hoolahan despatched the spot kick and Parker finished the scoring with a classy strike from the edge of the box as the O's left gaps at the back.

Still a long way to go for the Seasiders this season.

Nottingham Forest came roaring back from 1-0 down against Swansea to blitz them with a 3 goal 20 minute spell in the second half.

A game of two halfves this as the Swans bossed the first half and were perhaps unlucky only to have Rory Fallon's 42 minute goal to show for some excellent attacking football.

Fallon applied a solid headed finish to Andy Robinson's cross to give a deserved lead at the break, but it was an altogether different story after the break.

Kris Common's was running the show in a central midfield position from the off, and it was his nicely weighted through ball that allowed James Perch to overlap and place one past Andy Oakes in the Swans goal after 9 second half minutes.

Commons then put Forest in front just 2 minutes later when he smacked a left foot shot past the static Oakes.

Further Forest pressure followed and it was no surprise that a third quickly followed. Junior Agogo finished with a tidy lob after Nicky Southall's defence splitting pas had set him free.

A confident Forest finished the game well on top and looking for more goals.

"Sometimes you just need a bit of luck, a rub of the green..."
Is possibly something that has been uttered by a couple of people over the past few weeks. Tom Lehman addressing his Ryder Cup failures?
Or perhaps Spackers addressing the Millwall board.

You might think it can't be a coincidence that post-Spackers, the Lions have taken 4 points from 6 since he departed, but I put it down to a bit of luck.

The bit of luck I speak of was that Rotherham decided to defend like Italians.

Not the stalwart stoppers of Italian legend such as Baresi, Bergomi or Cannavaro, but the Italians of World War Two.

All was going swimming for the Millers, with their visitors showing little threat throughout the first half.

Will Hoskins put them 1-0 up after a punt upfield from their goalkeeper Neil Cutler had been missed by everyone, allowing Hoskins to volley home unattended.

Indeed, it was the visiting defence that looked decidedly shaky.

Lenny Pidgely the Millwall keeper allowed Ian Sharps to bundle the ball from his grasp to make it 2-0 with just 5 first half minutes remaining.

A Danny Haynes penalty for Millwall on the stroke of half time may have dented the confidence of the home side, but they still came out and dominated most of the second half.

The rot really set in in the last four minutes.
Rotherham had been steadily retreating for the last 15 minutes whilst mounting their own sporadic outbreaks into enemy territory. Nothing really convincing.

The Lions got a second through Haynes's close range header on 86 minutes and the white flag seemed to be unfurled. Another header by Alan Dunne sealed a 3-2 reverse in injury time.

3 Millwall efforts on target, 3 goals.

Bradford halted the march of Tranmere and increased their own growing reputation with a convincing 2-0 victory at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium.

Two second half goals, a header from Mark Bower and a crisp volley from Stephen Schumacher won the game for the Bantams, but the overall display will have delighted the home fans and sent a message out to other League One sides. Definite promotion material.

Caleb Folan comtinued his impressive run with another goal that helped his Chesterfield side win 2-1 away at Brighton.

A long punt upfield found Folan racing through to slot comfortably past Wayne Henderson to give the visitors the lead against the run of play, midway through the first half.

Brighton fought hard to get back on terms and were rewarded when youngster Sam Williams headed home early in the second half.

Brighton pushed for a winner but were caught out agian by Folan, who combined with Derek Niven to allow Niven to net the winner on 74 minutes.

Folan's busy afternoon did not end there. He was sent off in the last minute for giving some verbals to the officials.

Bristol City v Oldham took this weeks award for bore draw of the week as a poor game ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

The home side had the better chances, but the visitors defended stoutly and secured a point.

Scunthorpe continued their rise up the Division One table with a 2-0 defeat of Doncaster in the early afternoon kick off.

Scunny marksmen Billy (the Kid) Sharp and Andy (Killer) Keogh were again the men to supply the strikes.

Both goals came in the second half and had the clinical precision of assassins bullets. The first, by Sharp was a low drilled finish and the second by Keogh was past Donny keeper Jan Budtz before he saw it. Yeeeee-Har.

Port Vale got back to winning ways with a 2-0 away win at Northampton. George Pilkington and Stefan Moore did the damage with two first half goals.

Huddersfield continue to be draw specialists with another 2-2, this time coming from behind twice at home to Bournemouth.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher equalised James Hayter's early strike and Luke Beckett rescued a point after Leon Best had put the Cherries back in front.

Finally, Gillingham and Cheltenham continued to go in opposite directions as the Gills ran out narrow 2-1 winners at the Priestfield.

Matthew Jarvis and Mark Bentley scored either side of a Grant McCann equaliser in the first half to give a well earned three points to the home side.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 27th:
Sharp Shooter hits the target again

Wednesday's only League One game saw Scunthorpe take three more valuable away points at Chesterfield with Billy Sharp again being the toast of Scunny with his 7th goal of the season.

Can there be any man more important to a League One side's success than Billy the Kid?
(I don't know if Scunny fans actually call him that, but they should do)

Sharp made the difference by converting his one good chance when placed perfectly to react to a parried shot. Not the greatest goal he's ever scored but an indication that he's on form.

Sometimes forwards just have a knack of being in the right place at the right time, which is something Sharp continues to do with alarming regularity.

The Scunny faithful will hope that Billy the Kid continues to shoot from the hip for some time to come.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 27th:
Form an orderly queue

Division One seems to be assuming an air of last yearliness about it, with several sides now putting together a run of good form to queue up behind the early leaders. It seems unlikely that any one side will emerge from the pack at the moment, and we look set for another titanic struggle for honours. Quality.

Yeovil are perhaps the most unlikely contenders, but continued their fine form on Tuesday night with a competent, if not confident defeat of their visitors Brighton.

An early Marcus Stewart rasper from outside the box left Brighton stunned, but they did claw their way back into the game and enjoyed good spells of possession. To be fair to their hosts, they did set up a formidable back line which offered Brighton little in the way of encouragement.

A job well done was completed late on with Wayne Gray's finish to a compelling direct move started by Paul Terry. The Glovers are on a roll.

Bristol City continued their good form with an excellent 1-0 away win at Bournemouth in a keenly fought contest. There were few real goal chances in the whole game as two keen midfields scrapped for possession in the centre of the park, and the two solid defences let little through.

Phil Jevons, who to be fair, had made a nuisance of himself all night bagged the winner with a header from Lee Johnson's cross, with 20 minutes remaining. City's defence remained solid to take another well earned three points.

Blackpool's early season misery continued with a trip up the road to steady improvers Carlisle. The Cumbrians ran out 2-0 winners, but the Seasiders did at least provide a lot of attacking intent.

Chris Lumsdon tapped home a Karl Hawley cross on 18 minutes to allow the cumbrians to take the lead, but Blackpool remained on the offensive for most of the afternoon testing both Carlisle keeper Kieren Westwood and his woodwork.

Karl Hawley finished Blackpools resistance with a pacy run to get on the end of a long through ball and a classy lob to finish. Fortress Brunton.

There were two 6 goal thrillers in Division One on Tuesday night with Doncaster v Bradford and Leyton Orient v Gillingham both ending 3-3.

Doncaster endured a torrid opening going 2-0 down to their close neighbours after just 23 minutes, but rallied well and went in front 3-2 before Marc Bridge-Wilkinson salvaged a point for Bradford.

Fatty Windass scored after just 40 seconds when he was on hand to despatch Jermaine Johnson's parried effort. The tubster then doubled his tally with a power header, this time against the run of play.

The 2-0 deficit did little to dampen Rovers' enthusiasm and a deserved goal came for them just before half time. Paul Green was in the right place to apply the finishing touch.

The match was turned around in three second half minutes when Green again notched with a flicked header and a now rampant Rovers went in front through a spectacular swivel shot from James Coppinger. An unstoppable goal from the seemingly unstoppable Rovers.

Both sides attacked freely when in possession and the home side looked to have done enough until Graeme Lee gave away a free kick and was red carded in the process. Bridge-Wilkinson's expertly executed strike from the dead ball was good enough to take a point.

Even more impressive was the comeback by Leyton Orient, after they had been battered into a 3-0 deficit by Gillingham.

A fairly innoccuous first half erupted at the end when Mark Bentley headed home from a well worked set piece, followed moments later by a close range finish from Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu to give the visitors an unlikely 2-0 advantage.

Matthew Jarvis lengthened the Gills' after 57 minutes and the O's looked dead and buried. An unusual hero came to the rescue in the shape of Matt Lockwood, defender by trade.

His first goal came from the penalty spot after Adam Chambers was upended by the keeper, but still looked no more than a consolation as there was little over 20 minutes remaining.

Lockwood's second came with just 5 minutes left and was a superb strike after cutting in from the flank. There now seemed a chance for the O's and all out attack ensued for the remainder.

Just two minutes later Lockwood completed an unlikely comeback and an even unlikelier hat-trick with another well hit shot. Amazing.

Millwall salvaged a post-Spackman point after coming from behind to share the spoils with visiting Brentford.

Callum Willock's break away goal for the Bees was cancelled out by Alan Dunne, who was on the spot to pick up the pieces when Brentford keeper Stuart Nelson failed to hold Poul Hubertz's header.

Millwall again showed promise in attack, but failed to apply the killer touch. Same as last week really, Spackers must be thinking.

Tranmere were also on the end of a comeback at home to Huddersfield and unusually for them, surrendered a two goal lead to share the points.

After going 2-0 up in half an hour with goals from Calvin Zola and Chris Greenacre Rovers gave away their chance to top the League One table by allowing Andy Booth and Gary Taylor-Fletcher to reply.

Chris Shuker was the main influence for Rovers creating both goals but keeper Gavin Ward's mistake, dropping the ball for Booth to score proved to be costly. The goal put Huddersfield back in the game with over 30 minutes remaining and gave them a visible lift.

Taylor-Fletchers' excellent finish brought a well deserved point.

Northampton are fast becoming away specialists and again won on the road by 2-0 at Cheltenham. Two second half goals shaded a pretty scrappy encounter, but the home side wasted a good chance to get back into the side with Grant McCann booming a penalty over the bar.

Oldham continued their recent run of performances by beating Rotherham at Boundary Park in a close game. The visitors showed great resilience and created a fair amount of goalscoring opportunities buit Oldham's finishing was the sharper.

Stefan Stam produced a towering header to put the home side in front early in the second half, but the Millers' own talisman Will Hoskins levelled by finishing off a swift counter attack.

Some good pressure from the visitors brought a string of good stops by home keeper Les Pogliacomi, but it was Oldham who converted the winning half chance when Paul Warne was well placed to slot home from close range.

Oldham are on the up, and Rotherham fans must be delighted by the level of professionalism shown by their side recently.

Swansea ran up a fairly routine 2-1 win at home to Crewe as they dominated the attacking for most of the 90 minutes. Rory Fallon and Leon knight both got on the scoresheet and were a handful all evening, the first goal by Fallon was an excellent volley.

Crewe levelled the scoring in between through Gary Roberts' penalty which actualy served to reinvigorate the Swans, rather than demoralise them, as has happened of late.

Strange happenings were afoot at Vale Park in Port Vale's 1-1 draw with Notts Forest. Vale went 1-0 up after just 14 seconds when the visiting defence looked asleep as they allowed Leon Constantine to stroll into a shooting position and get a shot away unchallenged.

Forest looked positively comatose when the ball rebounded off a post to a grateful Michael Husbands who slotted home the rebound without too much trouble.

Forest recovered enough to stake the lions share of the possession and were rewarded with an equaliser midway through the second half when Ian Breckin toed the ball home from close range after confusion in the Vale box following a corner.

Husbands was later sent off for what looked like an over the top challenge on James Perch. This seemed to upset the home crowd and there were some ugly scenes as Vale fans crowded the Forest dugout.

A poor reaction to a perfectly reasonable decision.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 25th:
Spackers get's marching orders

Millwall's latest home defeat on Saturday, going down 1-0 to Northampton was the last straw for the impatient Lions fans, and their continued criticism of Nigel Spackman seems to have forced the Millwall board into a corner from which there was only one outcome.

Spackers has been on the end of some fierce criticism since day one and admittedly the early performances were nothing less than abysmal, but the last couple of weeks had shown that he had instilled some resilience to the team.

He has certainly not had much luck on the pitch, and again his side should have had three points from Northampton after several chances went begging.

A solitary goal despatched by Mitchell Cole settled the game in the Cobblers favour, but Millwall were dominant all night and did not find the net. A combination of poor finishing and half decent goalkeeping was the difference between the two sides, not the managers.

Spackers will not be surprised at recieving the bullet, but are Millwall any better off now? It's unlikely.
Half a dozen games into the season, the situation was not good, but the last couple of performances hinted at improvement. Now it's back to square one.

How many games does the next boss get? Will the fans be happy if the Lions run around a lot and kick lumps off the opposition and still lose? Only time will tell.

Rotherham continued their epic fight for survival with an excellent 3-2 away win at Leyton Orient and look odds on to pass Millwall on the way up the table pretty soon.

The Millers were forced to take the lead on three occasions after being levelled twice by dogged home resistance, but a late goal claimed by Millers sub Scott Wiseman took all three points.

Wiseman's effort went in via Orient defender Matt Lockwood and an upright, but they all, as they say, count.

Orient will now be only too aware that Rotherham are now breathing down their kneck at the bottom of League One.

Swansea made good progress in their bid to become the most erratic and infuriating side in Division One (just ask our tipster Minty) with an inept home defeat to Huddersfield.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher's impressive strike rate continued with two well taken second half goals to give the visitors a 2-0 lead, but despite a late rally from the home side and a consolation from Leon Knight the points went to the better side.

Promotion hopefuls Bradford produced an excellent fightback on the road at Cheletenham to run out 2-1 victors in tetchy game.

A rousing start by the home side saw Kayode Odejayi blast home from inside the area after just 4 minutes, when Richard Edgehill's woeful header failed to get any distance.

Bradford's response was to attack and Fatty Windass had the best of the chances, but his main contribution in the first half was to get John Finnigan sent off. Windass went down easily and held his face to tempt the referee to make a decision.

We see this sort of thing so often now that we should be used to it, nevertheless we still do not like it.

Still, Bradford's second half performance inspired by the speed and trickery of Jermaine Johnson was deserving of the points.

David Graham headed an equaliser early in the second period, and Bradford went all out for the win. Johnson himself got the second with a surging run into the box and a confidently despatched low shot to send the visitors home happy.

Tranmere Rovers and Nottingham Forest fought out a top of the table stalemate 0-0 draw, in whish chances were kept to a minimum by two excellent defensive lines.

The visitors had the better chances and struck the bar in injury time with Iain Breckin's header, but I'm sure both sides would have settled for a point before kick off.

Carlisle were again in good home form to easily despatch Brighton 3-1, thanks mainly to an excellent first half performance. Neat, speedy attacking caused the visitors early problems and Karl Hawley was again the man on the spot to put the Cumbrians 1-0 up with a turn and shot after just 6 minutes.

The home side dominated much of the first period and a second goal was well deserved when Kevin Gray scrambled the ball home from close range after indecision in the Brighton defence.

A confident Carlisle side conmtinued to boss the game in the second half, and although the visitors produced more of a goal threat, the result never looked in doubt.

Simon Hackney extended the home sides lead on 82 minutes and Alex Revell bagged a consolation for the visitors at the death. Confidence is oozing out of Brunton Park at the moment.

Bristol City outlined their attacking quality by defeating high fliers Port Vale 2-0 in an excellent away day.

A thoroughly proficient performance by City negated the home side from the off, and although they were helped by some suspect defending, the win was thoroughly deserved.

Scott Brown sent a speculative 30 yarder over a badly positioned Mark Goodlad in the Vale goal on the stroke of half time to open the scoring, and Phil Jevons got in the way of a George Pilkington clearance to send another goal bound effort over Goodlad to complete the scoring with 15 minutes remaining.
City look mighty impressive at the moment.

A torrid first half at Chesterfield produced four goals, three for the home side, and one in reply from visitors Brentford.

Caleb Folan continued his goalscoring exploits after helping to despatch Manchester City from the Carling cup in midweek, with another two goals.

His first opened the scoring on the half hour mark, when his pace took him clear of the Brentford defence to apply a cool finish uncontested.

A concentrated spell of pressure by the home team brought another two goals before half time, with Paul Shaw applying the finish for the second and Folan side footing a third.

The Bees looked in disarray and a real battering looked on the cards, until Adam Griffiths steadied their nerves with a bundled goal on the stroke of half time.

Chesterfield did just enough to ensure an easy ride in the second half, and Brentford never looked like staging a comeback.

Darren Anderton scored his first Bournemouth goal on Saturday, but it was only enough to equalise Neil Mackenzie's earlier strike for visitors Scunthorpe.

Mackenzie profited from space in the box to unleash an unstoppable shot to stun the hiome side on 19 minutes, but Anderton was on hand to add his own brand of magic just minutes later.

Anderton sent a curling free kick in off the bar from fully 30 yards to delight the home fans and leave Joe Murphy looking a little foolish in the Scunny goal.

Doncaster produced an insipid home display to match that of their visitors Blackpool in what can only be described as the dullest of dull 0-0 draws.

What more can I say, other than I expect more from Rovers, and Blackpool really do appear to be struggling badly this time round.

Yeovil continued their good progress with a 2-0 home win against Crewe, helped more than a little by a bizarre bit of goalkeeping from Crewe's Ben Williams.

On the stroke of half time Williams contrived to throw the ball over his shoulder into his own net, in a move that would have made Jack Douglas proud.
Who's Jack Douglas? Ask your dad.

Yeovil had been finding the Crewe defence hard to break down until that point, but came out with renewed vigour in the second half and doubled their lead thanks to Paul Terry's scrambled effort.

The ball may have already been over the line following Marcus Stewart's header, but Terry made sure. One for the dubious goals panel.

Finally, Oldham produced an excellent home display to rout Gillingham 4-1. They literally laid seige to the visitors goal all afternoon, and although Scott Flinders didn't have a good game in the Gills net, the victory was well deserved.

Will Haining opened the scoring after just four minutes when his shot found the roof of the net and Chris Porter doubled the lead twenty minutes later when he ended a fine move sidefooting Richie Wellens' through ball past Flinders.

Flinders was embarassed in the first minute of the second half when Simon Charlton placed a clearance cum shot over his head from at least one and maybe two post-codes away.

Porter ended the Gills misery with a last minute strike to give the result a realistic feel.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 18th:
Brighton Rocks

Brighton & Hove Albion emerged from the League One pack this weekend with a 4-1 annihilation of Leyton Orient at the Withdean.

Things started badly for the visitors when John Mackie was given a straight red for tugging at Gary Hart when the striker was running on goal. It looked slightly harsh, but today's rules back the referees decision.

A minute later, the O's were one down after a half cleared corner was despatched with a low drive through a crowd of players by Paul Reid.

Brighton continued to attack and were 2-0 up on the half hour when full back Adam El Abd produced a rare goal. His screaming left foot shot from almost 30 yards finished high in Glenn Morris's net, and would indicate that he should probably try his luck more often.

The tie was effectively put to bed on the stroke of half time when Dean Cox sent home a good low finish accross Morris to put the Seagulls 3-0 up.

Matt Lockwood reduced the arrears with an 83rd minute penalty, but the home side had the last say with Doug Loft's last minute header.

A day to forget quickly for the O's, whilst a welcome purple patch seems to have taken residence for the Seagulls.

How hard is it to take a penalty?
Perhaps we should address that question to the Nottingham Forest players who seem to be taking it in turns to miss them with frightening regularity this season.

After Jack Lester's early season gaffes, Grant Holt had taken up the duties, but sent a woefullly tame effort at Keiron Westwood in the Carlisle United goal in Saturday's 0-0 draw at the City ground.

A good evenly matched game between two good sides ended level, but produced some good goalmouth action. Forest had the better of the chances, but Carlisle were at times electric on the counter.

Huddersfield's demise in the last few games was highlighted by a 2-3 reverse at home against steady improvers Yeovil Town.

Lee Morris had the Glovers in front early on after racing onto a through ball and slotting confidently past the advancing Matt Glennon, but the Terriers quickly replied through Mark Hudson's quality strike from distance.

This seemed to settle the home side who looked comfortable up to the half time break.

Yeovil again took the lead early in the second half when Arron Davies caught the home defence square and raced clear to slot home right footed. Again, the lead did not last long when Gary Taylor-Fletcher was given an easy header by the excellent cross of Danny Schofield.

The remainder of the game was in the balance until Chris Cohen arrived at the edge of the box to seal an excellent away win with a good low finish from the edge of the area.

Huddersfield seem to be in freefall at the moment.

Scunthorpe left it late, but thoroughly deserved their second win of the week, thanks to sub Andy Keogh's late solo goal against Cheltenham.

Scunny had most of the possession and Shane Higgs in the Robin's goal had an inspired afternoon keeping out several goal bound efforts. Billy Sharp, in particular, tested him on several occasions, but Higgs could not keep out Keogh's excellent late strike.

A jinking run from the left took Keogh clear of two defenders and his low shot from the left corner of the six yard box was almost unstoppable.

Three more well earned points for Scunny.

I claimed last week that Port Vale were in a false League position, and they again came up short on Saturday losing 2-0 away at Bradford.

To be fair, their cause was not helped by Colin Miles getting himself sent off for a rediculous over the top challenge on Stephen Schumacher, and they did manage to keep the Bantams at bay for an hour, but there was an evident class gap on the day.

A good sliding near post finish from in form Marc Bridge-Wilkinson put Bradford in the lead right on the hour, and four minutes later David Graham scrambled one home from a couple of yards out to put the game out of Vale's reach.

A comfortable victory for a Bradford side that is beginning to look the part.

Calvin Zola produced a fine all round display in Tranmere's superb 3-1 away win at Northampton, bagging his first goal of the season in the process.

His turn and curled right foot shot from just inside the box had Cobblers keeper Mark Bunn scrambling across goal, but unable to get near it as Rovers took an early lead.

Tranmer's slick finishing was the difference between the two sides, and a glancing header from Gareth Taylor doubled the lead from Chris Shuker's cross, to take Tranmere 2-0 up before half time.

A penalty, well slotted by John Mullin, gave the visitors an easy last half hour, coasting at 3-0 up, and Scott McGleish completed the scoring with a consolation goal for the home side.

Ronnie Moore's men look like they'll take some beating at the moment.

Crewe's Luke Varney (son of Reg) notched his second in as many games to take his side into 7th place in the table after a 1-0 win at home to Millwall.

Varney's exocet of a shot after a scintillating speedy counter attack beat Chris Day at his near post, to put a real damper on an industrious display by the visitors.

Millwall enjoyed most of the possession all afternoon, but one moment of quality was good enough to take all the points for Crewe.

Millwall are now looking over their shoulder at Rotherham, who have already reduced their 10 point deficit. At least Spackers can be happy with his side's application this week, after some pathetic showings of late.

Rotherham earned another gutsy point after being forced onto the back foot for virtually the whole 90 minutes by their visitors Doncaster Rovers, but managing to hold out for a 0-0.

The Rovers side showed much more neat passing football than they have of late, but could not find a way past the staunch Millers rearguard.

The home side were totally dominated on the day, but dogged determination ground out another massively important point in their battle for survival.

Swansea capitulated away at Gillingham, where unlikely marksman Ian Cox scored twice for the Gills. The 7th & 8th goals of his 250+ game league career helped the home side ease past the mighty disappointing Swans.

Cox applied the first finish from a Clint Easton corner, and the Gills never looked back. Matt Jarvis doubled the lead after half an hour when he beat his defender and unleashed a fine strike from the right corner of the area, high into Willy Gueret's top right corner.

The Gills will have welcomed a relatively easy canter for the remaining hour, and Cox certainly welcomed his second goal. Unmarked 10 yards out, he lashed home with great authority when Easton's cross was allowed to travel over a crowded box.

A late consolation for in form striker Leon Knight cannot disguise the ineptitude of Swansea's performance.

Brentford and Bournemouth both produced an excellent display of poor finishing to ensure a 0-0 scoreline. Some good build up play by both sides, and in particular the visiting Cherries was spoiled by the lack of cool heads in front of goal.

Bristol City continued their recent good spell with a comfortable 3-1 home victory at the expense of Chesterfield and climbed to 3rd in the table as a result.

Louis Carey produced an unstoppable header from Lee Johnson's corner gave City the lead after just four minutes, but the visitors got back on terms with Colin Larkin's 20th minute equaliser. Larkin tapped in at the back post after Kevan Hurst's run had caught the City defence square for once.

Scott Brown put City ahead just before half time with a nice shot across keeper Barry Roche. The goal was more notable for Brown's first touch, cushioning the ball with his instep allowing him to strike without breaking his stride. Good skills.

The third wasn't bad either, Jennison Myrie-Williams exploited an uncertain Chesterfield back line and found himself well in the clear. His deft lob was enough to leave Roche hopelessly stranded.

City continue to appear exellent attacking outfit.

Finally, a scrappy four goal draw saw Blackpool again fail to take more than a point in another home tie with Oldham.

Ex Oldham player Scott Vernon got Blackpools first, just before half time, although I don't think he should be allowed to claim it. Oldham defender Will Haining was attempting to blast the ball into at least row X from a teasing cross, but hit Vernon square in the back and the rebound looped agonisingly past Oldham keeper Rhys Evans.

Not to be outdone, the former Seasider Richie Wellens levelled for Oldham with a more conventional goal after 17 minutes of the second half. Wellens struck a decent low strike from outside a crowded box, to nestle in the keepers bottom left.

Poor defending from Blackpool allowed Chris Porter to head home a ball that should have been wellied up the park, to put Oldham in front, but Andy Morrell popped up to square the game in the last seconds with an easy side footed chance after Claus Jorgensen had done all the hard work to get to the bye line and cut the ball back.

A fair result between two evenly matched sides, but Blackpool will want to find a winning habit sooner rather than later.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 14th:
And all the world is upside down...

Just when I thought I was beginning to get a grip on this season's League One and the likely chances of the teams in it, the midweek games made me look very foolish indeed. The division was turned on it's head in a most dramatic fashion and I'm now left feeling as I did for almost the entire season last year.

Brilliant! League One is still producing the most unexpected and fascinating footy around.

Oldham went to Forest and inflicted a quite remarkable 2-0 defeat, rock bottom Rotherham beat second placed Tranmere and now look a good bet to stay up, and lowly Scunny completed a 3-0 mauling of high flying Port Vale.

Bristol City and Swansea have ominously hit good form and look to be contenders while Millwall are in disarray and Blackpool, who many tipped for promotion, just seem to be shite at the moment. It really is a funny old game.

Ok, so off to the City ground for tales of heroics from the Latics.

Sometimes in football you can win a game by motivating yourself that little bit more than the opposition, or lose by being over confident & underestimating your opponents. It would appear that a little of both occured on Tuesday night.

Oldham started brightly and looked up for it, whereas Forest seemed to be expecting the victory to just happen. Normally you get one outcome in this situation.

The visitors were sharp in the tackle in the centre of the park and kept possession well, while restricting Forest's attacks to a few glimpses of trickery from Southall or hopeful balls up to Lester & Harris.

Richie Wellens and Gary McDonald became more increasingly influencial in the middle for the Latics and it was McDonald who created the first goal with a fierce shot on target. Home keeper Paul Smith made a good stop, but the ball fell for Chris Porter to apply a simple finish.

A subdued crowd of over 17,000 sensed a defeat. Oldham again looked the better in possession, and unusually solid at the back - well marshalled by the experienced Simon Charlton.

A killer blow was dealt on the stroke of half time when Porter again struck. An excellent run and cross from Paul Edwards was well anticipated and presented another easy chance for the young striker to double his tally.

After the break the expected onslaught from the home side never came, and Oldham remained cool under what little pressure was applied. A deserved victory for the Latics, and perhaps just an off day for Forest.

Scunthorpe United must be delighted they have Billy Sharp amongst their ranks. His goals may well be the single biggest factor in keeping them out of relegation trouble this season.

Two more from the Sharpster in the first half against Port Vale engineered a good victory in which the home side were rarely troubled.

Sharp lived up to his name from the off by causing problems with his speedy runs and notched the opener after just 10 minutes when he followed in from Steve Foster's headed attempt from a corner, which hit the bar. Sharp snaffled the rebound like the true poacher he is.

Leon Constantine, who has been prolific for Vale this season just appeared lumbering in comparison, and made little impact when starved of support. His strike partner Akpo Sodje however, did appear more threatening, but was again exposed due to lack of possession.

Scunthorpe just basically outplayed their visitors in every department on the night and when Sharp bagged his second just before the half time whistle it was on the back of some decent pressure.

Another corner found it's way, via a head or two, to the far post, where Sharp was poised to volley in from about 10 yards. A very classy strike indeed.

Ian Morris finished the scoring midway through the second half with a shot from about 15 yards which wrong footed the keeper, and the job was done.
Vale look to be in a false position on this evidence.

Rotherham again showed their battling qualities with a fine 2-1 win at home to difficult opponents Tranmere.

A very solid battling performance from the Millers which stifled the attacking efforts of Tranmere, and restricted them to just 1 shot on target, was just what was required to get the result.

Lee Williamson produced a thundering strike from an acute angle to put the home side in front after 17 minutes, but disappointingly for the home fans, they were not in front long. A swift move on the counter gave Kevin Ellison an easy finish to level at 1-1 ten minutes later.

It is perhaps a sign of the character of Rotherham that they continued to dominate the game and believe in themselves. A well deserved victory was set up when Will Hoskins dropped a shoulder and surged forward to belt a low scudder past Gavin Ward in the Rovers sticks. On this evidence Rotherham will not go down.

Nigel Spackman will probably be thinking things cannot get much worse, but Millwall's defeat away at Gillingham probably indicates that Spackers is in for a rough ride in the short term.

His side didn't play badly, but were beaten by two absolute stunners that were unstoppable. Sometimes everything seems to go against you doesn't it?

The fullback with the almost film star name Clint Easton unleashed a mighty piledriver to score the first from 30+ yards. Truly unsaveable.

The second was just a good move. The excellent Matt Jarvis and Mark Bentley combined to leave the Millwall defence in their wake, and Jarvis advanced and slotted a superb finish past Chris Day in goal. Good goal.

Millwall battled hard and forced a few good chances in the remaining half hour and gave the Gills a test to the finish when Poul Hubertz, the Polish Dane, got one back with a header.
Not much to choose between the sides, but that's no consolation for Spackers is it?

Carlisle showed some of their battling qualities in coming from behind to take a point from a difficult away fixture at Bradford.

Football England's second favourite fatty, Dean Windass, was again on the scoresheet as the home side took a deserved lead after early pressure.

The portly, but classy striker was more than happy to belt the ball into an open net after a right royal moment of confusion by the unsure Cumbrian defenders.

Other, less determined sides may have withered after going down in such a tough fixture, but Carlisle's application on the night is testament to their own belief.

The equaliser was more due to good luck than judgement, but nevertheless it was deserved on balance. Kevin Gall's atttempt at goal was well off target until the unsuspecting Chris Lumsdon turned it in.
What wouldn't Spackers give for luck like that?
Both these sides look equipped to have a good season.

Blackpool had to settle for a point at home to Chesterfield all though they hit the target first. Simon Gillett's first half header was cancelled out by Kevan Hurst's strike midway through the second half. All in all, a fairly even game.

A similar thing happened at the ixfields where Northampton took the lead but shared the points with their visitors Yeovil. Jason Crowe put the home side ahead only for Marcus Stewart to level in the second half. Again an even contest.

Remember me saying last week that the Leyton Orient & Brentford game was unusual for having no cards shown? Well, the Northampton game repeated the same feat. Strange eh?

Swansea confirmed that they have got motoring now after a poor start by winning convincingly 2-0 at Brentford, thanks largely to an excellent performance by Leon Knight.

Knight bagged a goal either side of half time and his finishing was impressively good. The first was a neat turn and shot curling around keeper Stuart Nelson, the second a speedy break and turn finished with a thumping shot.

Swansea look the business going forward, but will be tested more by sides that can counter well.

Bristol City produced a good first half performance to take a 2-0 lead and although they did concede in the second half, they deserved their three points at home to Leyton Orient. Phil Jevons & Enoch Showunmi did the damage for City with Matt Lockwood getting a penalty consolation.

Bristol are certainly looking good up front, and this week's release of Stephen Brooker from prison can only enhance their goal threat.

When was the last time you saw a goalie subbed for being crap?
At the Galpharm, Huddersfield and Doncaster fought out a 0-0 draw, but the Terriers, and particularly Andy Booth, will be rueing a host of missed chances.

However, redit must go to Doncaster's substitute goalie Jan Budtz who did well to keep out a few efforts in the second half, and Donny manager Sean O'Driscoll will be well pleased to have made the switch at half time.
Alan Blayney, may not be Donny's no1 any more.

A slick performance from Crewe brought them another three points with a 3-1 home defeat of Cheltenham, with Nicky Maynard again enhancing his reputation as the next great talent off the Gresty Road talent conveyor belt.

His opening goal on 23 minutes was levelled by Kaye Odejayi's easy chance just before half time, but Crewe dominated the second half and wound up cruising to victory.

Ian Cox smashed home Crewe's second and the scoring was finished when Luke Varney (son of Reg) finished from close range.
If Crewe can match their obvious talent with some consistency, they may yet go back up.

Finally, Brighton and Bournemouth finished equal in the battle of the Southern seaside resorts after an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Steven Foley-Sheridan put the visitors ahead from a James Hayter cross on 35 minutes, but the away side lost Marcus Browning to a straight red on the stroke of half time to indicate an uneasy second 45 was in prospect.

Dean Hammond headed the sides level early in the second half and Alex Revell finished in the six yard box to seemingly make the comeback complete.

Eddie Howe popped up to snatch an unlikely, but welcome, equaliser with 15 minutes remaining and the Cherries hung on for a point.

Football League Division One Review: Sept 11th:
Steady Eddies Tranmere making good progress

This seasons Tranmere Rovers look already to be a different proposition under Ronnie Moore than last years inert outfit under Brian Little. Ronnie has certainly been around a bit, and it would seems he knows how to motivate and get the best out of players at this level.

This was emphatically confirmed on Friday night with a last gasp win at home over difficult visitors Bristol City.

Where last season Rovers were lightweight all over the park, there now seems a definite spine to the team, with Goodison & Sheriff providing a solid platform at the back, the experience of Mullin in the centre of the park and the very lively Greenacre and Shuker up front.

The 1-0 win over City came with just 5 minutes remaining, but Tranmere were well worth the points. Bristol's keeper Adriano Basso was probably the best player on show, whilst his opposite Gavin Ward had little to trouble him all night.

A workmanlike Tranmere just did not allow City any chance to build play, and when in possession they kept the ball well and picked their way through the visitors defences. The best way to describe them was solid.

Basso made good saves from Greenacre, Goodison and Taylor before finally being beaten by Mullin, who finished well after good work from Gareth Taylor.

Tranmere are in second spot and look like they will take some shifting.

Top spot in League One is still occupied by Nottingham Forest who produced a similar late winner on Saturday away at Yeovil Town.

Grant Holt was again Johnny-on-the-spot for Forest to despatch Nicky Southall's late corner, giving the home side a crushing blow after a good performance.

Both sides produced some excellent football. Forest, with Nicky Southall again in fine form with the ball at his feet and Holt, Lester and Harris menacing up front, looked to have the bigger goal threat.

Steve Mildenhall in the home goal was certainly the busier and produced a fine display in keeping the scores level for 88 minutes, but could do nothing about the winner.

Bournemouth continued to sneak up the table and finished the day in 8th place after a narrow 1-0 home victory over Crewe.

Leon Best stooped to head a neat finish to Stephen Purches cross and put the home side in front after some good early pressure, but Crewe came back at them and dominated much of the remainder, but without unduly troubling Gareth Stewart in the Cherries goal.

Darren Anderton was paraded to the crowd at half time to the delight of the Dean Court faithful. Will he be a success at this level? Will he play more than a handful of games before a twisted sock brings his career to an end? Only time will tell.

Northampton Town escaped from Brunton Park with a point after taking the lead against Carlisle United, but being forced to hang on after a quick riposte and ferocious backlash by the home side.

A mistake by the home defence gifted the Cobblers the lead just moments into the second half, when indecision left Scott McGleish unmarked at the far post to tap in.

Carlisle took less than 10 minutes to get back on terms. A neat turn and finish from a tight spot in the box gave Karl Hawley his third goal in five games, and prompted an uneasy half hour for Mark Bunn in the Northampton goal.

Bunn was up to everything that came his way for the remainder, but on another day, with better finishing, the Cumbrians could well have finished 2 or 3 goals to the good. 2 points dropped for the home side.

Millwall also succombed to this weeks curse of the late goal, losing 1-0 at home to Brighton, who finished with 10 men after a shocker of a tackle by Richard Carpenter was punished by a red after just 34 minutes.

Misery is piling up at the new Den, and was compounded by Marvin Elliot's own goal on 89 minutes after a scramble in the Millwall box. Spackers must be dreading going to work at the moment.

Port Vale continue to be League One's surprise package, and sit in a healty third spot after a comfortable 2-1 victory at home to Blackpool.

Leon Constantine was again the man to break the deadlock, with a emphatic finish from Danny Sonner's cross at the end of the first half.

Akpo Sodje doubled the lead with a fine strike from distance on 68 minutes to effectively take the three points. Blackpool were rewarded for their efforts with a last minute consolation as Keith Southern headed home, but Vale's winning habit continues.

Swansea City have made an unsure start to this season, but produced a quality display to defeat their visitors Bradford City by 1-0.

Akinfenwa and Trundle created a constant menace for the visitors all afternoon, but it was substitute Andy Robinson who grabbed the game's only goal on 74 minutes. Robinson lashed home from close range when the ball fell kindly amongst players in the Bradford area.

It was a well deserved goal, and the Swans certainly showed a lot more going forward than they have done in recent weeks. They will be a force to be reckoned with if that attitude continues.

Gillingham produced the shock of the day by taking all three points away at Doncaster Rovers. This was made all the more impressive by the Gills playing with 10 men for almost an hour after Danny Jackman was sent off for two yellows.

A powerful header from Andrew Crofts after just 10 minutes stunned the home side, and they never seemed to regain their composure all afternoon. Doncaster's usual slick passing was not in evidence, in part due to the excellent work rate of the Gills, but also due to an apparent lack of real enthusiasm, or belief. Or both.

Perhaps it was just an off day for Donny, but it got much worse for them when Steve Roberts clumsily felled Matthew Jarvis to allow Michael Flynn to score from the spot.

Doncaster did test visiting keeper Scott Flinders in the second half, but their only reward was a jammy own goal by Sean Clohessy after his team mate Duncan Jupp had belted the ball against him.

Huddersfield had another out of sorts day on the road, and were comfortably beaten by Cheltenham 2-1. The Terriers goal came as a late consolation by Pawel Abbott after a goal each for the formidable midfield pairing of Grant McCann and J.J.Melligan for the home side.

McCann's came after a nice passage of play early in the game, and Melligans was a classy stike from the edge of the box midway through the second half.

Cheltenham look good value for their current sixth position.

Chesterfield sneaked the three points from their visitors Rotherham with a 2-1 victory at the Recreation Ground.

Caleb Folan headed the home side in front after just 7 minutes, but the millers quickly levelled as Will Hoskins poached a close range equaliser after a shot was blocked.

Paul Shaw restored the lead for Chesterfield when he calmly rounded Neil Cutler and found the empty net.

Rotherham battled well for an hour, but it was always the home side who looked more likely and certainly more deserving of the points.

Leyton Orient and Brentford drew 1-1 in a game which was notably unusual for the fact that not a single card was shown in the game. When did that last happen?

An early Michael Simpson strike put the Orient in front, only for Sam Tillen to share the points with a late equaliser.

Finally, Oldham took a well needed three points at home beating visitors Scunthorpe 1-0 thanks to Gary McDonald's headed goal.

The win lifted the Latics out of the relegation places, for Scunny to replace them. Both sides may well be frequenting this area of the table on a regular basis.

Football League Division One Review: September 5th:
Smash and Grab by Donny leaves Vale stunned

Port Vale suffered one of the worst sorts of defeats at home to Doncaster Rovers on Sunday when the visitors were outplayed for much of the game, but scored twice at the death to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Vale dominated much of the first half and went in 1-0 up through Danny Whitaker's close range finish, but other good chances went begging. They would rue not converting their possession later.

A similar story in the second half saw the Vale defence hardly troubled at all, but Doncaster began to win more of the ball as the tie progressed and were given a penalty with over 20 minutes remaining when keeper Mark Goodlad clumsily challenged Lewis Guy.

This was Donny's chance to get back in the game, and when Guy himself stepped up and sent a tame strike straight at Goodlad the feeling was that Rovers had missed their chance.

Then Paul Heffernan was introduced for Mark McCammon. He would ultimately turn out to be the match winner, although Doncaster's laboured efforts still looked unlikely to cause an upset.

The match turned with just 2 minutes left on the clock when Guy was again fouled in the box for a second penalty. Heffernan stepped up this time to confidently despatch the kick, and Donny were back in the game.

A final flurry from Rovers provided a half chance for Heffernan to strike again in injury time, his low shot just creeping under Goodlad for the most unlikely of victories.

The other Sunday game produced another fine home performance by Carlisle United to comfortably overcome Cheltenham Town by 2-0. The damage was done by a superb first half performance by the Cumbrians, and some clinical finishing from their seemingly formidable strike pairing of Kevin Gall & Karl Hawley. Who needs Michael Bridges?

Gall pounced first to head home Simon Hackney's cross on 26 minutes and Hawley struck a sweet strike past a helpless Shane Higgs in the Cheltenham net.

The scoreline could well have been higher if not for Higgs' eforts in keeping out several good efforts fromm the Carlisle forwards in the second half.

I keep saying it, but Brunton Park is not an easy place to go to & take points. I suspect that the longer the season progresses, the more that will ring true.

On Saturday:
Nottingham Forest reaffirmed their obvious quality with a spanking 4-0 win at home against Chesterfield.

The visitors made the first half hour a contest, but were overwhelmed after Jack Lester headed Forest's first on 35 minutes. Ten minutes later Neil Harris added a second, and Forest were almost assured of the points.

Grant Holt & Lester were very much a handful again, and expertly supplied by the buzzing Nicky Southall.

A second half penalty by Holt kept up his impressive scoring record and a divine curler from man of the match Southall finished the rout.

Keeper on the scoresheet, I know it's serious...
Tranmere Rovers continued their impressive climb up League One with a 3-0 home defeat of Leyton Orient that was kick started by a bizarre opening goal by Tranmere keeper Gavin Ward.

A huge punt upfield by Ward gave his Orient counterpart Glen Morris a red face as it agonisingly evaded his desperate lunge to keep it out. It was windy, but come on!

Chris Greenacre provided a precise finish to put Rovers 2-0 up after just 12 minutes and Tranmere did go on to control the game well afterwards. They also produced the better football and by far the better chances.

The influencial Greenacre grabbed a well deserved second with 10 minutes left. The win leaves Rovers in second spot.

Crewe continued to get their act together with a 2-0 home win over Huddersfield. The visitors did have their fair share of the ball and had good chances to score before the home side had netted.

Andy Booth proved to be having an off day with his shooting boots.

The same can not be said of wonderkid Nicky Maynard, who bagged a brace to settle the tie in Crewe's favour. Two good finishes either side of the break did the damage and deflated the Terriers early optimism.

Oldham Athletic scored twice away at Bournemouth but still travelled the considerable distance home without a point.

A spirited fight back by the Latics brought them back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2, only for the Cherries to go and snatch it in injury time.

James Hayter emphasised Bournemouth's superiority in the first half with two excellent goals to add to his ever increasing tally. The first, after half an hour was a spanking right footer, followed by a powerful header just before the break.

Oldham certainly bossed the second period and Andy Liddell's penalty in the second minute gave them an early boost. The Latics then layed siege to the home side's goal and were rewarded when Liddell's second snook in from a strike outside the box.

Oldham went after the victory and dominated the play but were hit by a counter that forced a corner. The resultant set piece was bundled in by Marcus Browning in stoppage time.

Bradford City started well and took a goal lead early on at Brentford but succombed to two late goals to go down 2-1.

City, inspired by the tubby Dean Windass played some fine attacking football and were well worth their lead, following confusion from a free kick. Mark Bower was on hand to get the decisive touch.

The visitors continued the stronger until half time but could not stretch their lead, but it was a different story after the break. Brentford pressed for an equaliser from the off, but took half an hour of the second half to get it. A powerful header by Kevin O'Connor got them back on terms.

From then on, there was only one likely winner.

The decisive goal was worthy of winning the game too. A crowd pleasing overhead by Jo Kuffour slammed past Donovan Ricketts in the Bradford goal.

Brentford seem to have found some resilience to move on from the disappointment of losing Martin Allen at the start of the season.

Bristol City's win at home against Brighton will come as a relief to the club & it's fans after the events off the pitch recently.

With Bradley Orr, Steve Brooker & David Partridge all jailed on Friday following a court case prompted by a night club fight, City would certainly have been at a low ebb.

A tight 1-0 victory for the home team was sealed by Scott Brown's tap in after Phil Jevons's shot was parried by the keeper.

Scott Brown is currently on Community Service for his part in the same offence that his three team mates were jailed for.

A comment is probably warranted about the attitude of such privileged young men with too much money and too little respect for anything else. That may come at a later date...

Finally, Millwall and Blackpool, both in dire need of a performance and some points to get their respective seasons moving along, fought out a bore draw 0-0.

It's not diffuicult to see why these sides are placed where they are in Division One.

Football League Division One Review:
Wednesday, August 30th: Amazing Stuff from Bristol City

Bristol City staged a remarkable 10 man comeback to take all three points away at Northampton on Tuesday night in a game that had just about everything.

The 1-3 scoreline was a testimony to the razor sharp attack of the visitors, with Stephen Brooker and Phil Jevons well supported by the excellent David Cotterill & Enoch Showunmi.

A very attacking formation indeed employed by manager Gary Johnson.

It all started badly for the Robins when Andy Kirk was best placed to profit from Adriano Basso's failure to hold a deflected shot. Kirk's easy finish put the home side 1-0 up after just 17 minutes.

Cotterill produced a dazzling moment to force Chris doig to bring him down in the box for a penalty and Jevons calmly slotted home to give the score parity just after the half hour.

All pretty standard stuff.

The game ignited with a brawl on the stroke of half time. Unusually it was the City players brawling amongst themselves, and as a result Bradley Orr was sent off for hitting Louis Carey.
Shades of Batty & Le Saux.

Bristol did not implode, but looked very motivated for the second half and seemed out for the win. Basso made several important stops to thwart Northampton, but Brooker looked dangerous whenever in possession and Cotterill seemed to have the beating of everybody with the ball at his feet.

Brooker got the important second goal when he cut inside and unleashed one at the near post, with Mark Bunn unable to keep it out.

Another penalty at the death converted by Cotterill gave a nice gloss on it for City, but their attacking intent on the night probably merited it.

More of the same from them in future should ensure a torrid time for League One defenders.

Football League Division One Review:
Monday, August 28th: Wrecking Crewe

It's taken a little while for Crewe Alex to get used to life in League One, but Sunday's demolition job at the Withdean over Brighton must surely give the Railwaymen a timely boost of confidence.

Brighton in fact took the lead on 40 minutes when Dean Cox applied a quality finish to Richard Carpenter's through ball, with Alex's back four too square.

The visitors didn't waste much time in replying when Billy Jones was quickest to react to a parried effort in the box. This would be the start of Brighton's demise, and the hesitancy of their back four would become increasingly evident.

Crewe took a one goal advantage to the break, as well as a one man advantage, when Nicky Maynard was impeded by Kerry Mayo in the Brighton area.

Ryan Lowe's penalty hit the net and the sending off of Mayo, which looked a little harsh, put the home side in serious disarray.

There was only going to be one outcome in the second half as Crewe played some excellent possession football, and had their opponents defence at their mercy.

Two goals from youngster Nicky Maynard finished off a polished performance to win 4-1.

The other Sunday game saw the increasingly impressive new boys Carlisle take a point home from Oldham after laying siege to the Latics goal, but not putting the ball in it.

They were unable to take full advantage of their numerical superiority after keeper David Knight was sent off in the first half. Sub keeper Terry Smith made a couple of telling contributions in keeping the Cumbrians at bay, but Oldham did have break away chances of their own.

Cheltenham produced a fine comeback on Saturday to beat the hapless Millwall 3-2. Nigel Spackman must be wondering what else can go wrong after seeing his side come from behind to take a 2-1 lead after going down to ten men, but still ending up pointless.

With John Melligan and Grant McCann again in good form in midfield, Cheltenham had the best of early exchanges and were rewarded for their pressure with a penalty, despatched by McCann on 13 minutes.

The Millwall response was very positive and a deserved equaliser came from Derek McInnes's thundering strike ten minutes later.

Millwall's joy was short lived however, with keeper Lenny Pidgely being ordered off for a deliberate handball on 36 minutes. Still, Millwall went in a goal to the good when Marvin Williams muscled through to belt home in first half stoppage time.

The stout resistance of the visitors was broken with still over 20 minutes remaining when Kayode Odejayi's speed got him an opening to slot home one on one with the keeper. From this point on there was only going to be one outcome.

Perhaps fittingly it was Melligan who followed up on McCann's shot to provide the vital third goal.

Port Vale's fairy tale start to the season was ended in stubborn fashion by a very well drilled Yeovil side at Huish Park.

This game became a war of attrition, but was ultimately settled by a superb strike from Paul Terry after just five minutes. Terry drifted through the Vale's centre, dropped a sholuder and planted an unstoppable shot past Mark Goodlad. Nice.

Both defences gave few chances, but Yeovil deserved the points for a well organised display.

Two of League One's big hitters met at the Galpharm and although visitors Forest took the lead in the first half, the home side Huddersfield dominated the game from there and will be a little disappointed at not inflicting Forest's first defeat.

Grant Holt continued his own brilliant season when he reacted quickest in a crowded box to poke Forest 1-0 up, just after the half hour.

The second half saw the Terriers in the ascendancy with several efforts at goal, but it took a bit of class from Danny Schofield to even the game. His curling shot had Paul Smith at full stretch, and although Smith got enough of a hand on it to turn it onto the bar, the rebound fell nicely for Gary Taylor-Fletcher to score.

Forest will be the happier with their point.

Fatty Windass again came to Bradford's rescue as they drew 1-1 with local rivals Rotherham.

After a good spell in which they were well on top, Will Hoskins put the visitors ahead with a calm finish after beating the offside trap. Rotherham went in 1-0 up at the break.

The second half was a real battle, and the home side really rolled up their sleeves and grafted to get back into the game. Bradford struck the woodwork twice and Windass's leveller came after a good spell of pressure.

Tense moments followed for the visitors as Hoskins was sent off for a second yellow, but they hung on for another well deserved point. Blackpool continued to make hard work of home fixtures this weekend, only taking a point from visitors Gillingham in a 1-1 draw.

The Gills stunned the home side when Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu was given an easy chance in front of goal to open the scoring after just 3 minutes.

The Seasiders failed to produce a response, and were well off the pace until Scott Vernon's excellent diving header levelled things half an hour later.

Blackool were disappointing in the second half and failed to create against the tentative visitors, and were almost made to pay late on with a Gills breakaway attack. 1-1 is two points dropped for the home side.

James Hayter provided a late equaliser from the penalty spot for Bournemouth to snatch a point away at Doncaster Rovers.

Lewis Guy had earlier put Donny in front with a simple finish after a fine move had carved the Cherries open with ease. However, the home side could not hold on for the last half hour, and Bournemouth were rewarded for perseverance when Steve Roberts handled in the box to give Hayter his spot kick.

In a game of little goalmouth action, there were plenty of frayed tempers as Layton Orient played host to Swansea City.

The visitors took all three points with Leon Knight providing the winner, but having a strange old day along the way.

Knight first missed a penalty after Justin Miller brought down Darren Pratley. Miller was sent off for the offence.

Knight then scored the winning goal early in the second half with a superbly timed header, before himself being sent off for a second booking.

Seven other bookings along with the two reds show this was not a day for the faint hearted. An important away win for the Swans.

Scunthorpe battered Brentford almost to the point of submission after the Bees took a first half lead at Glanford Park, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Joe Kuffour gave the visitors the lead against the run of play, and Scunny wasted several good chances to win the game after John Mousinho's own goal brought them level.

You've got to take all three points from these sort of games, or it will come back to haunt you later in the season.

Tranmere were in inspired mood for their away trip to Chesterfield and came away with a well deserved three points and a 2-0 scoreline.

An own goal by Aaron Downes as he desperately tried to head clear gave Tranmere the lead on the stroke of half time and they never looked back.

A classy second half performance was capped by Gareth Taylor's cheeky lob on 68 minutes. Impressive stuff from Rovers.

Football League Division One Review:
Sunday, August 20th: It's Miller Time

The Millers of Rotherham continued to give hope to their fans with another excellent gutsy performance, to come from a goal behind against Scunthorpe.

Billy Sharp put the visitors ahead with a typical effort, arriving in the right place at the right time. His headed/shouldered effort after just 5 minutes gave Scunny a fleeting lead.

Parity was restored just seconds later when Eugen Bopp lived up to his name by literally Bopping one in on the volley from about 30 yards out. A great strike which lifted Rotherham to a deserved victory, which was sealed by Pablo Mills's glancing header from a set piece just before half time.

The home side fully deserved to take the points, but visiting keeper Joe Murphy must take some of the blame.

I'm reliably informed by our columnist Piranhafish that as a keeper you should never hang a towel in the side netting, or put your bag in the corner of the net. This acts as a magnet for goal bound shots.

Both Bopp and Mills duly obliged by nailing the towel. Lesson learnt I trust.

Another lesson learnt, after last weeks comments in this column was that Jack Lester should not take Nottingham Forest's next penalty.

Forest didn't take long in securing another spot kick, but only after going a goal down to visitors Brighton when Jake Robinson bundled in from close range just before the break.

Forest struggled to make decent chances, but when Jack Lester went to ground under little pressure just after the hour, Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot.

Grant Holt, again Forest's most influencial player took on the responsibility and calmly side footed home after allowing the keeper to dive.

The home side were rewarded for some attacking effort in the last quarter when Nicky Southall's cross evaded the defence for Holt to head an easy winner at the back post. Remember what I said last week about not playing well and winning...

Performance of the week must go to Blackpool for their excellent 4-2 away win over Bristol City. Pool twice went in front and were equalised, before two late goals gave them a well deserved three points.

City produced a dire performance and were at times outclassed by Blackpool, especially in the middle of the park. Scott Vernon opened the scoring with a well taken finish although City's defence parted alarmingly easily.

Enoch Showunmi levelled for the home side before half time, but Michael Jackson restored the lead just after the break. Showunmi again levelled for the home team from the penalty spot, but Blackpool's class told.

Kiegan Parker, on as sub snatched a goal at close quarters on 78 minutes and Danny Graham completed the scoring with a fine curled 20 yard left foot strike.

Fatty Trundle arrived at this years League One party a little bit late, but produced both his sides goals as Swansea scored a good home win over fellow promotion rivals Doncaster.

Trundle proved to be the difference between the two sides, but the Swans left it late, with both goals coming in the last ten minutes.

Trundle showed good strength to surge past two defenders and emphatically finish the first and then showed good composure to beat the offside trap and cooly slot the second. I think there may be a few more where these came from.

Port Vale and their goal hero Leon Constantine continued their brilliant start to the season by again taking maximum points with a 3-2 victory, after being behind at home to Chesterfield.

Aaron Downes caught the home defence napping and headed home from a corner on 23 minutes. Vale were put on the back foot and a bit of good fortune was needed for the leveller.

Akpo Sodje had a great chance in front of goal, but his pathetic attempt luckily squirted off his ankle into the path of the unmarked Constantine for an easy finish.

Chesterfield failed to deal with an aerial ball from Danny Sonner's free kick and George Pilkington applied the headed finish to put Vale in front, but Caleb Folan's brutal header levelled with just five minutes remaining.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Constantine produced a worthy match winner. A low driven shot curled and scudded into Barry Roche's bottom left corner to maintain Vale's 100% record.

Football League Division One Review: Monday, August 14th
Vale sneak to the top

Three games into the season and Division One is already looking to be quite unpredictable to predict. Just ask our tipster Minty.

Port Vale continued their fantastic start to the season and remain in top spot after snatching another 1-0 away win, this time at Cheltenham.

A well organised Vale side were a little lucky to escape with all three points after a well matched contest produced little in the way of quality chances for either side. The match looked set for a draw at half time, but early in the second half Leon Constantine capitalised on a defensive error, to nip in and intercept a backpass and finish with ease.

Cheltenham rallied, with Grant McCann and John Melligan controlling their forward thrusts from midfield, but unable to inflict much damage on a stubborn Vale defence. Once in front they looked very difficult to rattle.

An excellent start to the season from Martin Foyles men must give them the confidence to step on from here and amass a decent points total. They look hard to beat.

At the opposite end of the table, Nigel Spackman must be in turmoil at Millwall. His side sit third from bottom, and were booed by the travelling support, after a resounding 5-1 slapping away at Chesterfield, who moved into third place.

Spackers has not had an easy start to his managerial career at Millwall, with dissent also being shown by the home fans after their opening game draw at home to Yeovil, but insists he will put it right after admitting he was ashamed by this defeat.

This was one of those men against boys sort of games, and when veteran forward Paul Hall put the home side in front after 12 minutes following some shoddy defending, there only looked one outcome. More poor defending allowed the unmarked Wayne Allison to double the lead on 24 minutes, and Caleb Folan's well slotted solo goal just after the half hour prompted a cricket score.

Another goal each for Hall & Allison in the second half made light of the frail defending, and Chesterfield coasted to an easy win. Spackman must turn this around quickly to silence the boo boys.

League One's most troubled side Rotherham gave themselves something to build on with an excellent away win at Blackpool, who have yet to win a single point, but sit above the Millers in the table thanks to the 10 point penalty issued at the start of the season. It will be a long way back from those depths, but Rotherham showed last season that they have the appetite for a struggle, so I am certainly not giving up hope for them yet.

A very tight game was won by Will Hoskins' strike, sweeping home Delroy Facey's cross after a pacy counter attack. It was the best move of the game and a worthy match winner, although credit goes to Neil Cutler in the Rotherham goal who produced some fine stops.

Blackpool must stop the rot soon, and Rotherham must take strength from this.

Nottingham Forest maintained their 100% record with a 1-0 away win at Northampton. Forest should have taken an early lead after Grant Holt won a penalty, only for Jack Lester to again miss from the spot. I don't think he'll be stepping up for the next one, or at least he shouldn't be.

Northampton rattled the visitors a few times in the first half, but chances were always closed down quickly by the Forest rearguard, and Holt always looked dangerous on the break.

Holt created the games only goal just after the restart when his wicked cross caused Chris Doig to bulge his own net.

Winning without dominating is the stuff of champions.

Chubby chappy Dean Windass continued his decent start to the season with a brace against Gillingham in a 4-2 home win for Bradford.

This win was made all the more remarkable by the Gills stunning the Bantams with two early goals. Mark Bentley slid in to put the visitors ahead after 5 minutes and Mick Flynn belted one into the top corner from miles out to put them 2-0 up on 14 minutes.

A goal back just before the break when Mark Bower volleyed home Windass's flick obviously lifted Bradford, and whatever boss Colin Todd did at half time worked, as they roared back to take a convincing victory.

Windass provided the equaliser after winning a penalty. He despatched the rebound from his own penalty kick after it was saved by Kelvin Jack.

Bradford totally dominated the last half hour, and after Windass had bundled in his second, Jermaine Johnson ran in a fourth in stoppage time.

Another thrilling comeback gave Leyton Orient a 3-2 win over strugglers Bournemouth.

The impressive Gary Alexander powered in a header and converted the rebound to put the home side seemingly in control after dominating the early exchanges.

Bournemouth were happy to go in just the one down at half time and threatened to steal the points after first James Hayter, and then Stephen Cooke got on the scoresheet.

With almost half an hour remaining Orient had plenty of time to redress the balance and did so just 5 minutes later through a Lee Steele header.

It took until the last minute for Orient's pressure to tell, with Steele again on hand to provide a precise finish for the well deserved winner.

Fatty Trundle summed up Swansea's erratic start to the season by missing a penalty in a 1-0 away defeat at Oldham.

Maheta Molango the Swiss import, scored his first goal for the club with a close range header to take all three points and kick start the Boundary Park clubs season.

Swansea must start winning soon to justify their billing as title contenders.

Carlisle United were made to pay for a mistake after playing well, but losing at Yeovil. A long punted ball from the halfway line was allowed to travel too far by the Cumbrians defence and allowed Chris Cohen an easy headed goal to put the Glovers in front.

Carlisle, to their credit, produced a spirited reply with Kevin Gall providing a neat finish to Michaels Bridges' precise through ball after 22 minutes. Just before half time, a half chance dropped to Ishmael Welsh who spanked the ball high into the Carlisle net with great authority to leave the visitors wondering what hit them.

Carlisle pressed well in the second half with Bridges instrumental, but could not find an equaliser, and Yeovil always looked dangerous on the counter with the pacy Welsh looking like a good aquisition. Doncaster Rovers spurned several chances to allow the other League One Rovers Tranmere to take a point for a 0-0 draw. Patient build up play and the hogs share of the posession could not break down the visitor's defence, expertly marshalled by Shane Sheriff and Ian Goodison.

Sean Thornton was again dynamic in Doncaster's midfield and James Coppinger always a threat when given width, but the pressure exerted failed to make Tranmere cave in. A good point for the visitors.

Huddersfield came back from a goal down at home to Bristol City to secure a 2-1 win in a very close game of few chances.

Phil Jevons put the visitors ahead early in the second half when he pounced on his own rebounded shot to prod home City's first real effort at goal.

Luke Beckett, who looks a real threat in this division, equalised with a stunning curler just after the hour and Pawel Abbott won the game for the Terriers with a snapshot in the dying seconds.

This game will also be remembered for an unsavoury incident involving Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson, who scuffled with City player Lee Johnson after refusing to give him the ball on the touchline. Players from both sides got involved and Jackson was banished to the stands.

I hope he got his Armani suit ripped.

Scunthorpe United fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw, twice coming from behind to equalise visitors Crewe.

The home side in fact had chance after chance, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Ben Williams made sure the points were shared.

A Luke Rodgers penalty put Crewe in front, only for Billy Sharp to equalise with a well taken one on one, and David Vaughan's strike was matched by Gary Crosby's 66th minute penalty.

Finally, another 2-2 saw Brentford stage a second half revival to come back from the dead and steal a point from Brighton.

Dean Hammond's penalty and Gary Hart's close range finish put the home side 2-0 up with just 12 minmutes gone, and you feared the worst for the Bees. It took a moment of inspiration from Kevin O'Connor to spark Brentford. His curled free kick was too good for both the defensive wall and the keeper, and lifted Brentford's spirits before half time.

Brighton looked as though they could hang on as the second half progressed with both sides struggling to control the play, but a long punt converted by Chris Moore in the last minute gave Brentford an unlikely point.

Football League Division One Review: Thursday, August 10

Watertight defence.

Carlisle continued their good start to the season with another point in a 0-0 away at Chesterfield.

Keiren Westwood again produced a fine display in the busier net as Carlisle held on for a precious point, but were never outplayed. Both defences had the better of the evening and real chances were very hard to come by.

Hawley and Bridges both missed half decent chances for Carlisle as did Larkin, Shaw & Allison for the home side as the match failed to ignite.

The clean sheet pleased both managers, and both of these sides have yet to concede this season.

Whether or not either of these sides can continue to hold their lofty League One positions in the weeks and months to come may well be due to more of the same.

Football League Division One Review: Wednesday, August 9

Forest on an early roll.

A definite signal of intent was given out at Bloomfield Road last night as Nottingham Forest produced a dominant display to defeat Blackpool 2-0 in front of a large 7,635 crowd.

Both Grant Holt and Jack Lester were again in fine form at the spearhead of Forest's attack, and each bagged a goal to put Forest equal on top of the table.

Lester got the first just before half time after Forest had negated any Blackpool attacking threat, to allow their own midfield to dictacte play. Nicky Southall's cross was expertly slotted by Lester from the edge of the box.

More of the same in the second half saw Forest continue to have the better chances, and they should have made it 2-0 when Lester uncharacteristically ballooned a penalty over the bar.

The scoreline was given a more realistic appearance when Holt arrived to finish Lester's cross-shot after the Seasiders had again been carved asunder on 72 minutes.

Bloomfield Road will not be an easy place to take three points from this season, but Forest did it with consummate ease. A real class performance.

Port Vale sit above Forest after a 1-0 smash and grab at Oldham. Akpo Sodje, who has looked impressive since his move from Darlington provided the winner with a close range header.

Chances were hard to come by and both keepers were hardly tested until late on. Goodlad produced one fine save at the death to deny Oldham a point. A superb start to Vale's season.

Not quite a bore draw, but nevertheless a predictable one took place at Huish Park as Yeovil and Bournemouth took a point each for a 0-0.

It was in fact the visiting Cherries that had by far the better chances to steal all the points, but finishing was very definately poor on the night. James Hayter, so often the man to find the net in the past had an off night and spurned several chances.

Yeovil also had their fair share of luck as the woodwork helped them out, and a couple of good Bournemouth penalty shouts were denied.

Both these sides are still finding their feet this season, but they'd better not take too much time to do it, as a battle to achieve a safe points total looks to be on the cards.

Huddersfield completed a 3-0 rout over local rivals Rotherham who are having a thoroughly miserable time at the moment.

The scoreline flattered the Terriers, but the difference on the night was the quality of finishing on display. The Rotherham display was encouraging, and Dave Hibbert, the loanee from Preston looks like an excellent aquisition.

Huddersfield had Abbott, Beckett & Taylor-Fletcher on hand to apply the clinical touches, but Rotherham either miscued their own attempts, or didn't enjoy the roll of the ball.

It's a mighty long way up for Rotherham now, but if they show a fighting spirit like last night throughout the season, the Miller's fan's will not be disappointed.

Two goals inside a minute by their two class act forwards gave Bradford a 2-1 comeback victory over Bristol City, who had gone ahead in the second minute.

Bristol's first attack caught the Bradford defence totally off guard for Scott Murray to head home at the back stick from Woodman's cross.

Stung into action, Bradford grasped the game and played some excellent possession football, but only levelled just before half time thanks to a bit of quick thinking from Fatty Windass. After being fouled, Windass spotted his chance to take a quick free kick, and curled one neatly past Adriano Basso into Bristol's net.

Straight from the restart, David Graham bombed forward and intercepted a Bristol pass to get a shot away at goal. A deflection ensured Basso had no chance, and the scoreline was now in Bradford's favour. A sickening blow.

Bristol came out in search of an equaliser and the second half produced a good flowing game but neither keeper was beaten again, although Ricketts did produce a couple of good stops for Bradford.

Nigel Spackman's Millwall succombed 2-0 to near neighbours Leyton Orient to continue their poor start to the season. In truth, Millwall's indiscipline handed an easy ride to Orient, with Tony Craig leaving his 10 team mates to battle on for nearly the whole game, after being sent off for a diving challenge in the third minute.

Lee Steele opened the scoring right on half time with a cool finish after racing through uncontested onto Michael Simpson's pass. The impressive Gary Alexander finished Millwall off with just over ten minutes remaining.

Even worse for Millwall, Darren Byfield picked up ligament damage and will be out for about a month.

Cheltenham Town continued their dream start with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Tranmere in an evenly contested game.

A fine finish from Kayode Odejayi after just 8 minutes was the difference between the two sides. A quality allround performance from the big, pacy Nigerian was the highlight and League One defenders will certainly be seeing a lot of this guy this term.

Brighton picked up their second win as well, also with a 1-0 scoreline, at home to Gillingham. A Jake Robinson volley was enough to take all three points in a close game where the Gills pressed a lot, but didn't test Wayne Henderson in Brighton's goal unduly.

Brentford continued to make Martin Allen a distant memory by winning 1-0 at Northampton to keep up their 100% record.

The points were presented on a plate by home goalie Lee Harper, who allowed Chris Moore to nip in and nick the ball off him for the only goal. Northampton battled well throughout and had more attempts, but the one lapse of concentration cost them dearly on the night.

Doncaster produced a quality display to thoroughly outplay Crewe after being stung into action by an early goal from the visitors.

Nicky Maynard produced his own impersonation of German World Cup star Philipp Lahm's wonder goal to put Alex in front after 10 minutes, but the initiative was soon with the home side.

Bruce Dyer finished a spell of Doncaster passing to level after 20 minutes, and Doncaster fully bossed the rest of the half. More of the same came after the break and Kevin Horlock put them ahead with a good run & shot before Coppinger sealed a well deserved 3 points. Rovers' midfield were awesome on the night.

Finally, Swansea again failed to capitalise on taking an early lead and ended up all square at 2-2 away at Scunthorpe. Andy Robinson, again inspirational for the Swans fired home a belter to take them in 1-0 with the last kick of the first half.

Scunny's reply was swift after the break from the spot. Andy Crosby converted the kick after Cleveland Taylor had been felled in the box.

Scunthorpe will probably be kicking themselves for not taking all 3 points after Billy Sharp poached a 2-1 lead, but Rory Fallon's counter attack goal as Scunny went for a third shared the points.

Football League Division One Review: Monday, August 7
Carlisle rolling back the years.

The season kicked off this weekend, with a few sides giving us a glimpse of what we have in store this season. Nothing is ever decided on the first day, but sometimes you can tell the good sides from the bad ones. I do predict that this season will be very tight, and it is unlikely that any one side will dominate this league. A lot of sides are capable of gaining a top 6 place this time out. It should be fascinating.

Carlisle United kicked off their season in front of a bumper 12,031 crowd and produced a fine 1-0 win over Doncaster to send the home fans away happy, and perhaps dreaming of a return to the club's glory days of the 1970's.

Head and shoulders above their League Two opponents last year, Carlisle may well turn out to be possible play-off candidates this term, but they will certainly be tested more sternly by League One opposition.

A clinical finish from Paul Murray after just 4 minutes was enough to prise all three points away from Doncaster, who in truth dominated much of the game. Murray's volleyed finish from Hawley's cross was Carlisle's only clear cut chance, and the real hero of the day turned out to be home keeper Keiren Westood, who frustrated Donny with several first class saves.

The Doncaster midfield totally dominated, especially after the break, but good build up play was let down by bad finishing on several occasions, Bruce Dyer being the main culprit.

A fine start to Carlisle's season, and expect their fervent fans to be filling away enclosures wherever they travel. Doncaster, although disappointed today, do look to have a quality side and will undoubtably challenge for a play off spot.

Surprise result of the day must go to new boys Cheltenham for their superb 2-1 away win over Swansea City. The Swans seem to have started where they left off last season, when they couldn't put a foot right in the closing weeks.

Swansea produced plenty going forward, with Andy Robinson lively down the left and Falon & Knight looking ominous up front, but they could not find a finish with several attempt on goal. Cheltenham made them pay dearly with two goals in the first 9 minutes of the second half.

Kayode Odejayi took the Robins' first one with a classy chest trap and finish then Swansea presented a gift for Grant McCann to bulge an empty net, after keeper Gueret had misread the situation.

Swansea did produce a spirited display, and created plenty of goal attempts, but always looked shaky when Cheltenham countered. A 75th minute consolation from the head of Knight didn't take the gloss off Cheltenham's dream start to the season.

Another fine away performance saw Chesterfield thrash a dismal Bournemouth side at Dean Court. A lack lustre first half produced little of note, although the home team seemed to be denied a penalty for a handling offence.

The Cherries didn't create much of a goal threat all afternoon, and after the break Chesterfield appeared to grasp the nettle and really go for the win. They were well rewarded for their attacking endeavour.

Derek Niven's opener for the Spireites, spanked in from 20 yards, seemed to visibly shake the home side, and they struggled to put passes together. A few half chances created by James Hayter amounted to their sum total of attacking thrusts.

A fatal mistake by Cherries 'keeper Gareth Stewart then handed the three points to Chesterfield. A rush of blood to the head left Stewart looking extremely foolish, stranded outside his area, as Colin Larkin strolled through uncontested to make it 2-0.

A third goal in the final minute, nicely slotted by Paul Shaw, only served to show that Bournemouth's season already looks like being a long one. Chesterfield will enjoy being top of the League for as long as it lasts.

Rotherham United fans will also be priming themselves for a season of struggle after losing their first home game to a plucky Brighton side. Already 10 points behind the rest of League One, due to the penalty handed out for going into administration, The Millers must be thinking it can't get any worse.

Brighton, on the other hand, will be delighted at hanging on for all three points after playing the whole of the second half with ten men. A delightful finish on the turn from Alex Revell, a non league recruit, put Albion ahead just before the break. Dean Cox of Albion was booked in the celebration of the goal and then was sent off for a second yellow with his next tackle.

Although Rotherham came out with more intent in the second half, they did not trouble Brighton's keeper Wayne Henderson unduly, and Joel Lynch proved to be Brighton's rock in defence. A well earned victory for Mark McGee's men and an early disappointment for Rotherham, who have it all to do.

New boys Leyton Orient found their first taste of League One to be a little bitter with a 3-0 thumping at Port Vale, who were inspired by Leo Constantine.

The powerful striker was in determined mood and bagged a brace in a virtuoso performance that was well supported by his new strike partner Akpo Sodje, who got the third.

After an early flurry of pressure from the visitors, it was all Vale, with Sodje & Constantine clearly unsettling Orient's defenders. The break through came just before half time when Sodje headed down for Constantine to apply the finish.

A second for Constantine in the 73rd minute was quickly followed by Sodje's finish, when he was put clear by Harsley.

A steep learning curve for Orient perhaps, and Vale will be hoping for more performances like this from their front men.

Brentford without their talismanic manager of last season Martin Allen, provided a performance which probably would have met with his approval by beating Blackpool with a single Oli Skularson goal.

In an evenly matched contest throughout, Blackpool may feel a little unlucky not to get something from the game after hitting the woodwork and provoking good saves from Clark Masters in the Bee's goal. Kiegan Parker continued his good form of last season with a fine allround display, and Pool's veteran defender Michael Jackson hit the right note, putting in a good solid display.

In the end, the game was settled by a scrambled goal by Skularson after a period of Brentford pressure finally broke Blackpool's resolve on 75 minutes. Although Blackpool went after the equaliser, Brentford were rarely seriosly troubled.

Football England's second favourite fatty Dean Windass turned in a fine display for Bradford away at Notts Forest, but couldn't prevent his side from losing by a single goal.

Forest looked edgy, and were perhaps a little burdened by their favourites for promotion tag, but settled after an early goal from Julian Bennett who finished comfortably at the back post from a Grant Holt cross.

Bradford were stung into action and tested home keeper Paul Smith on several occasions, but were also guilty of firing off target when good chances came.

Windass carved out a couple of chances for himself in the second half, but Forest did look menacing on the break, and should have double their lead after Holt was brought down in the box for a penalty. Neil Harris took the spot kick, but Rickets pulled off a fine save.

With time running out Windass almost got the equaliser, but Smith again denied him with a superb save.

A good result for Forest.

Bristol City lived up to their billing as promotion candidates with a comfortable 1-0 win at home to Scunthorpe. City's defence kept the prolific Scunny strike pairing of Sharp & Keogh quiet all afternoon and had much the better chances for themselves.

City struck woodwork twice in early attempts, and could easily have gone in two or three to the good at half time, but had to wait until 70 minutes for their goal. New strike pairing Jevons & Showunmi combined to take the points for City, as Jevons' flicked header was slotted coolly by the giant forward.

It was a lead they fully deserved, and City cruised to a comfortable victory. They look to be a very competent outfit. A late sending off for Scunny's Steve Torpey ended their dismal day.

Millwall are also being touted as potential promotees, but will have to do better than their opening day draw with Yeovil to make that a reality.

Only a late equaliser by Darren Byfield spared their blushes against a well organised Yeovil side. A defensive mix up gave Wayne Gray an easy chance to open the scoring for Yeovil and silence an agitated home crowd.

Byfield's headed leveller came with just 8 minutes remaining, and new Millwall boss Nigel Spackman must be glad it did, judging by the crowd's obvious displeasure at their teams display.

There is a lot of work to do for both of these sides on this performance.

Gillingham produced a fine display at home to Huddersfield, and two goals either side of the hour ensured a well deserved three points.

Lively midfielder Matthew Jarvis capped a fine individual performance with an accomplished finish to open the scoring with a near post drive.

Dean McDonald doubled the advantage with a classic stikers finish, turning in the six yard box to blast home.

Huddersfield were provoked into a rearguard and attempted a comeback, but Taylor-Fletcher's late tap in was only ever going to be a consolation.

An early season setback for the Terriers, but a sign of things to come from Gillingham's young side.

Finally, Crewe Alexandra had to settle for a draw at home to Northampton Town after twice being in front at Gresty Road.

A stirring contest, with both sides attacking freely was sparked when Ryan Lowe volleyed home Alex's first after just 6 minutes.

An end to end game developed, with Crewe threatening every time they rested possession, but it was Scott McGleish who levelled for Town after good work from Bojic.

David Vauhan reasserted Crewe's lead with a powerful header, but again Town got on terms through Andy Kirk's close range effort.

Some good attacking stuff on display from both teams, especially from Crewe who play a nice passing game.

Football England League One Team of the Season 2005-06

All the League One club pages have been updated to include Football England's appraisal of the good and bad of their season and here is our very own League One Team of the Season. The first one ever, it's a mighty honour to be included.

Manager: Steve Tilson (Southend United)

Jason Brown (Gillingham)

Brown was nigh on faultless between the sticks for the Gills despite the fact that there was little consistency or durability in front of him.
Not the biggest but doesn't get bullied, expert positionally and lightening reflexes. Just a top class keeper.

George Pilkington (Port Vale)

Goes about his business in an organised manner and is generally in control of things. Tall, imposing full back who is just as neat and tidy in his use of the ball.
Oozes confidence and is able to instill this virtue into those around him.

Sam Sodje (Brentford)

Sodje is highly athletic but does not rely on this to stop opponents. He can sense danger and loves to attack the ball, knowing he has the pace to recover if he is beaten.
Also offers a considerable goal threat from set pieces.

Peter Clarke (Blackpool)

Clarke has responded to the disappointment of being shown the door by everton in the best possible manner and has been a fine servant for Blackpool.
He was outstanding during this campaign, powerful in his defensive duties while ofetn helping out his attack to good effect. A real action man.

Gareth Roberts (Tranmere Rovers)

Roberts is a really dynamic sort of player, eager in his defensive duties and always keen to bomb forward.
He packs a surprisingly stiff challenge and offers real quality with his delivery in the final third. Basically a good player.

Mark Gower (Southend United)

This genuinely gifted flank player turned on the style consistently as Southend hunted down the League One championship. Kept a hungry forward line well supplied and helped earn himself a more fitting stage for his talents.

Neil Danns (Colchester United)

Danns was one of the more exhilarating sights in this division. His long striding run gobbles up the ground and he has the energy to go box to box for 90 minutes.
More importantly he has genuine quality when he gets into the last third and is always looking to get beyond his forwards. His 16 goals from midfield came as no surprise.

Richie Wellens (Oldham Athletic)

Wellens is a fine all round midfield player who is always willing to help out at both ends of the pitch. He is an effective user of the ball and is always willing to take possession.
Although he generally keeps things simple he has the ability to play the killer ball and also knows where the net is. What more do you want from a midfield player?

Michael McIndoe (Doncaster Rovers)

McIndoe was perhaps the most notable player in Rovers outstanding League Cup run and scared the life out of a few Premier League defenders with his fearless dribbling.
Offered a dangerous outlet for his side and was one of the most exciting players to watch in the section.

Lee Trundle (Swansea City)

The remarkable Lee Trundle bandwagon continued to roll on this season with the plump striker bagging another 21 goals, most of them completely out of the ordinary.
His touch and vision make his arrogance understandable and he should release a video of his own 100 greatest goals. I would challenge anyone to better it.

Freddy Eastwood (Southend United)

I think a few people would have been surprised that Eastwood simply carried on scoring having stepped up from League Two the previous season.
The quantity remained and the quality probably got even better, Eastwood also scored several real belters although he is more interested in the bread and butter than his partner in this team. Can he carry on in the Championship?

Subs:

Nick Colgan (Barnsley)
Greg Halford (Colchester United)
Chris Brandon (Huddersfield Town)
Andy Keogh (Scunthorpe United)
Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe United)

Manager: Steve Tilson (Southend United)

Leading a club like Southend to successive promotions is a magnificent achievement, more so because this success has been achieved playing fine, attacking football with the emphasis on pace and skill rather than the more usual physical approach favoured in the lower divisions.
His signing of Shaun Goater proved inspired as he helped Eastwood take League One in his stride and he presided over a compact, efficient defence.
Whatever happens from here on in Tilson has written his name large across the pages of his clubs' history.

Tuesday, May 9
Ups, Downs & Play offs

The final day of the season proved to be a little bit of an anti climax, with 8 out of the 12 games drawn, and few unexpected twists at either end of the table.

Southend made absolutely sure (mathematically) of the League One title with a single goal victory at home to Bristol City, who finished a creditable ninth. The party atmosphere was enhanced by 500 visiting Man City fans there to pay homage to Southends ex City star Shaun Goater, who was kicking his last balls in anger before retirement.

Joining Southend as automatic promotees to the Championship were Colchester United, whose point in a 0-0 at Yeovil was comfortably enough on the day. Both Southend & Colchester should be able to contend next year, and both their sets of fans will hope to spend more than just a fleeting visit to the next tier.

Brentford & Huddersfield finished in 4th and 5th respectively after final day draws. The Bees 2-2 at Bournemouth, the Terriers 0-0 at relegated Swindon.

Barnsley and Swansea both had good away wins to secure the final two play off spots. The Tykes at Walsall 2-1, the Swans 4 -0 including a Leon Knight hat trick, at Chesterfield. This left Nottingham Forest just missing out on a play off berth after a fine late surge. They drew 1-1 at Bradford.

At the more depressing business end of Division 1, none of the three possible relegation candidates for the final two places could manage a win, thus the table remained the same and Hartlepool went down along with the MK Dons, and the previously relegated Walsall & Swindon. Rotherham live to fight another day.

The 0-0 draw fought out between Rotherham & the Dons was just about as tense an affair as is humanly possible. Rotherham's nerves just held out as MK provided more of a goal threat, but were unable to break the deadlock.

A 4-0 win would have kept Hartlepool up, and although they tried valiantly all afternoon at Victoria Park, 4-0 was never a likely outcome. The final score of 1-1 against Port Vale was a little flattering to the visitors, but 'Pool could not finish. A very sad end to a horrible second half of the season for Hartlepool.

On a subdued day there was little else of note, with the other fixtures being fulfilled rather than contested. The one exception being at bloomfield Road, where Blackpool and Gillingham shared the points in a six goal thriller.

Elsewhere Oldham drew 1-1 with Scunthorpe and Doncaster comfortably won away at Tranmere 2-0.

The League One season continues with the play offs Brentford v Swansea and a local derby between Huddersfield & Barnsley to see who gets a day out in Wales.

Tuesday, May 2
Champions & who can argue?

Southend got the final point they needed to clinch the League One title with a 2-2 draw away at Swansea City. Rory Fallon twice put the home side in front, but the inimitable Freddie Eastwood twice equalised to delight the travelling support and seal the title. Eastwood, who has been the difference for the Shrimpers on many occasions this term, stole the points from the Swans, who played the better on the day, but did not finish their multitude of chances.

Steve Tilson's side have now achieved successive promotions, an astounding feat, accomplished by good old fashioned hard work and perseverance. We wish them well in the Championship next year. Swansea will hope to follow them via the play-offs, one more win for them prolongs their season by at least two more games.

Colchester are almost there too, after a 2-0 home vistory over Rotherham, who could very well be going in the opposite direction. A stubborn Millers side were never going to be a push over, and certainly came for all three points, but after Shaun Barker put through his own goal in the first half the outcome was seldom in doubt. Mark Yeates sealed the three points with powerful finish.

Rotherham now face a final day visit to MK Dons which could see one or both teams relegated. Not a game for the faint hearted.

Brentford will probably have to make do with the playoffs as well, after being held 1-1 at home by Hartlepool. Hartlepool can now stay up on the final day, but must win and hope MK Dons overcome Rotherham. There are other permutations at the bottom, but Hartlepool know they must win.

Unfortunately there are no further permutations for Swindon. They went the same way as Walsall and their point from their away 1-1 draw with Bristol City was only good enough to deny the home side any lingering hope of a playoff spot. A good end to end game, which both sides tried to win ended in stalemate.

A frenzied last 2 minutes at the National Hockey stadium saw Tranmere come out on top in a relagation dogfight. With the score at 0-0 and both sides seeking a precious winner, a Dave Partridge own goal looked to have given Rovers the three points. However, Izale McLeod, on as substitute for the Dons equalised with a superb over-head goal in stoppage time looked to have salvaged a draw until Delroy Facey bagged a dramatic winner. Partridge, who did not have his best day, allowed Facey to nip in and prod past Matt Baker with almost the last kick.

This cruel blow means the Dons must beat Rotherham next week to have any chance of survival, but makes Rovers safe for another season.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest failed to capitalise on Swansea dropping points by drawing 1-1 at home to Bournemouth. Forest dominated proceedings, and Bournemouth only managed a solitary shot on goal. A chance missed by Forest I feel. Now they need to win next week and hope.

A similar state of affairs at Huddersfield saw the visitors Yeovil emerge with all three points to frustrate the home followers. Two quickfire goals from Phil Jevons became a sucker punch that negated David Grahams' early Huddersfield opener, and belied all the home teams pressure. The Terriers still need a point from next weeks trip to relegated Swindon to make sure of a playoff berth.

Barnsley also failed to make home advantage pay after totally dominating local rivals Bradford, but ending up locked at 0-0. The Tykes need to equal or better Forest & Swansea next week to make the playoffs.

Oldham Athletic were also under par and surrendered their last hope of the playoffs. Visitors to Doncaster, they emerged with a 1-0 defeat. Doncaster, as a result, could themselves make the playoffs with a last day win. James Coppinger capped a good performance for Donny with the vital goal.

In the other, less significant games; Scunthorpe were 1-0 winners over Blackpool thanks to Billy Sharp's goal, Port Vale had a thumping 3-1 victory, coming from behind to thwart Chesterfield and Gillingham succombed 1-0 to already relegated Walsall.

Next week could yet throw up some more unexpected events.