It had basically become inevitable but it was still somewhat disappointing to see Wrexham relegated out of the Football League after their defeat at Hereford on Tuesday night.

Wrexham have been continuous members of the Football League since being elected into the first ever Division Three North in 1921 and the club has contributed much to the league in that time.

It is a while now since Mickey Thomas's free kick knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup but the memory is still fresh and I vividly remember the outstanding Wrexham team of the late 1970's which stormed to the third division championship while enjoying long runs in both cup competitions.

Down the years the club also had one or two notable European nights with their most notable scalp being Porto who they knocked out of the Cup Winners Cup on away goals in the mid 1980's after a thrilling 3-4 defeat in Portugal.

It is probably because my formative years as a football fan coincided with the Wrexham teams of Arfon Griffiths, Joey Jones, Mickey Thomas, Billy Ashcroft and Dixie McNeil et al that I retain a soft spot for the club.

As a supporter of a lower league team myself the games against Wrexham were always important affairs with bigger than normal crowds, higher than usual excitement and generally good games with plenty of goals.

I suppose it's a while since the neutral has regarded Wrexham as that kind of a club, however, and the writing has pretty much been on the wall for a few years now. Wrexham slipped into League Two three years ago after being deducted ten points for falling into administration and they have never really recovered.

They managed a mid-table finish in 2006 but only avoided the dreaded drop on the final day of last season with victory over Boston. This season has proved an equal struggle and relegation was confirmed at Hereford on Tuesday night.

Wrexham have struggled consistently this season and although the appointment of Brian Little as manager initially brought some respite this improvement was not lasting.

Under Little the club showed decent form from January through to the middle of March with several new faces joining the club and a home win over MK Dons being particularly morale boosting.

Such form could not be maintained, however, as the teams' shortcomings remained impossible to fix. The most damaging of these has been a chronic shortage of goals. The inability to hit the net not only made relegation look a certainty for some time it has ensured that the season has been just about as miserable as it could be for the clubs' supporters.

Only one man, Michael Proctor, has managed double figures on the goalscoring front and even he, strangely, has spent half his time on the bench as the club chopped and changed in the vain search for a winning formula.

Even after their best run of the season the club found themselves four points short of safety, albeit with a couple of games in hand. There were obvious games which had to be targeted for three points against other teams in danger but when the crunch games came around victories were not forthcoming.

The home draw with Dagenham was crucial as was defeat at Mansfield. The home draw with Macclesfield was another missed opportunity. Although Wrexham did then manage to sneak a victory over Notts County this had really come too late and it was defeat in the following game that confirmed Wrexham's fate.

Victory at promotion chasing Hereford was always a big ask and although Wrexham battled hard the quality, once again, simply wasn't there. Gary Hooper's goal on the stroke of half time pushed Wrexham to the very edge of the precipice and Theo Robinson's second on the hour pushed them over the edge.

Almost five hundred fans had travelled from North Wales to observe the last rites and they, along with the clubs' other hard core fans, have reason to wonder why the club has fallen so far.

Can Wrexham return? You get the feeling that it won't be easy and significant improvement will be needed in the playing staff. Knowing where to start the rrebuilding might not be an easy task. The club have used a whopping 41 players this season but very few have inspired any real optimism. Yet making further wholesale changes carries its' own risks.

It would appear that the club have done well to secure manager Brian Little for a further two years although sections of the crowd, almost inevitably, are not convinced by the new man.

Little has been around, however, and it gives a positive impression that he is keen to commit to the club for the immediate future. He has a reputation to restore in the game and will want to do so by restoring Wrexham's.

You would also think that he is better equipped to attract players to the club than anyone else Wrexham could realistically bring in as manager at the moment.

How far the club can go to bringing in any players Little identifies has also got to be a concern, however, and it may well be harder attracting decent players to the club now that they are in the Conference.

Extra quality is certainly needed to help out as the club hopes to see a new batch of youngsters emerge.

Wrexham continue to develop and blood young players but recent newcomers have not been of the standard of player the club nurtured in the seventies, eighties and nineties.

In the 70's the club were blessed with the likes of Niedzwiecki, Joey Jones, Thomas, Whittle, Smallman and Ashcroft coming through the ranks and this tradition was carried on by players like Barry Horne, Karl Connolly and Bryan Hughes in subsequent decades.

It is also possible that Wrexham is suffering from a general footballing malaise in its' region. Football seems to be like that. If one or two clubs in an area are doing well it tends to stir the others into action. If a couple of teams start to slide then they seem to take a couple more with them.

Chester and Shrewsbury, perhaps Wrexham's two closest rivals, have both been relegated from the league in recent years and now Wrexham have joined them.

Wrexham can take heart from the fact that both Chester and Shrewsbury have regained their league status but, in general, the area is beginning to look like a backwater and this is something else that will make Little's task more difficult as he tries to bring in the right calibre of player.

It is exactly thirty years ago that Wrexham took the old third division by storm and made the whole of the country sit up and take notice of them. This has been a sad way to mark the anniversary but hopefully this latest fall from grace can shock the club, the town and the whole region into a positive response.

A few years ago Carlisle United found themselves in the same situation and they have been moving forwards ever since. Wrexham would appear to have the potential resources of a club like Carlisle and it must be hoped that their reaction will be equally stirring.

The alternative for Wales's oldest club is not worth thinking about. The alternative is oblivion.

Monday, March 31
Strange Week For Stockport

Last week was certainly an eventful one for Stockport County. The play off contenders, who still have a chance of automatic promotion, managed a decent goalless draw away to Wycombe before making the shorter trip to Chester on Saturday. This was anything but a run of the mill game from start to finish, well, I say finish.

As kick off approached two things became very apparent. One was the fact that the pitch was holding a lot of surface water and the other was that Stockport had brought with them a lot more fans than the home club were expecting.

There was evidently serious danger that the game would not go ahead but the referee finally decided to start on time. In retrospect the official might have been better advised to use the situation with the Stockport fans as a reason for delaying the kick off and giving the groundstaff more time to work on the pitch.

As it was the game kicked off in almost farcical circumstances both on and off the pitch. Conditions were atrocious for the players with the ball holding up on several parts of the drenched surface and it was hard to remain focussed on the game as visiting fans continued to gain entry all around the ground.

The specified away enclosure was patently over populated with people having to stand in the seated area and the situation finally came to a head when the stewards and police began squashing the home supporters into a smaller section of their stand to allow an overspill of Stockport fans to take up residence there.

No doubt the Stocky fans were enjoying the fact that they had basically taken over the ground but on the pitch the going remained tough with both sides struggling to fashion chances.

As the second half got under way the situation seemed to be finally sorting itself out. Having re-housed the Stockport fans the situation in the stands was settling down and the pitch now appeared to be playing better than at any time.

Stockport also appeared to be getting a grip on proceedings. They had just spurned the best chance of the game when, on 62 minutes, the referee suddenly decided to abandon the match.

Conditions were still bad enough to justify the decision but it seemed strange to have started at all only to call it off at that point with the pitch appearing to be playing better and certainly no worse than at kick off.

Stockport should have no problems securing a play off place. They have a ten point cushion as the season nears its' end and they could still force their way into automatic contention. They are five points adrift at the moment but still have to play Peterborough, MK Dons and Darlington before the season is over.

For a team with so much still to play for the decision to send their centre half and captain Ashley Williams on loan to Swansea City last week was one of the more baffling.

The loan move is with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of the season and it has to be assumed that this is a done deal but it still seems strange that the club couldn't have held out until the summer and just done the deal then.

Williams is a highly promising defender who made his full debut for Wales last week in the victory over Luxembourg and there had been previous interest in him which Stockport had resisted.

Cardiff were thought to be keen and Luton failed with a bid of £500,000 last year. Quite how Luton were in a position to make such a bid is now something of a mystery of course.

Having played hard to get until now it is difficult to see why Stockport were not prepared to wait until the summer before cashing in on their prize asset. Surely Swansea's interest would have stood a couple of months delay and Stockport already knew that the player had caught the eye of other clubs.

There was no reason to believe that there would have been no takers for the player had they held on a little longer.

Perhaps the deal offered by Swansea was simply too tempting to turn down, the details have yet to emerge, but with the club so close to the play offs the timing of the move is hard to comprehend.

Williams sat on the bench during Swansea's win at Hartlepool at the weekend and if he fails to break into the Swans' first team before the end of the season the deal will look even more bizarre.

Wednesday, January 16
Posh Go Mental

The most remarkable scoreline of the season was racked up at London Road last night as Peterborough United went goal crazy against visiting Accrington Stanley.

These two sides have very little "previous". Peterborough only gained entry into the Football League in 1960 and, after pitting their wits against each other for one season, Accrington resigned from the league the following year because of financial problems and only managed a return last season.

In the 1960-61 season, when The Posh took the fourth division by storm as they won the divisional championship, the two teams met twice within the space of four days late on in the campaign with Stanley winning 3-2 at Peel Park before Peterborough won the return 3-2. Last season Peterborough won 4-2 at London Road while Stanley again managed a home victory by a 3-2 scoreline.

In this seasons' first meeting Peterborough clocked up a routine 2-0 victory at the Fraser Eagle but all previous encounters were totally eclipsed by the manic goings on in their most recent encounter.

Indeed this was a night that recalled the heady days of 60-61 when Peterborough slammed in 134 league goals during their first season in the Football League, Terry Bly banging in 52 of them. With the chances created last night Bly may well have got close to that total in one go. As it was a final scoreline of 8-2 in favour of The Posh was excitement even enough without the rash of missed chances and close calls that went with the goals.

Despite a convincing 3-0 away win to Championship strugglers Colchester United in the 3rd round of the FA Cup ambitious Peterborough's recent league form had been poor. The culmination of this was a hugely disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Macclesfield at the weekend which was the clubs' fourth defeat in five matches.

Whether Posh boss Darren Ferguson is as combustible as his old man Alex in such times we don't really know yet but the younger Fergie will be feeling a lot better after seeing his side blitz Stanley, a result which really sets themselves up for a promotion push as well as a tilt at West Bromwich Albion in the next round of the cup.

The first incident of note on an incident packed night was a sour one for Peterborough as Jamie Day was forced off in the opening minutes with a nasty looking injury but things started to turn for the better when Craig Mackail-Smith opened the scoring on 12 minutes.

There was a clear sign of the generous defending Accrington were going to exhibit all night as the forward ran comfortably onto a long ball from the back to nudge the ball past advancing keeper Ian Dunbavin before tapping home.

The Stanley defence was agian AWOL for the second Peterborough goal, tucked into an empty net by George Boyd after Dunbavin had got down well to save from Mackail-Smith.

This goal saw Peterborough end the first half with their tails well and truly up and by half time the damage was up to four.

The third came when Boyd, enjoying the freedom of the penalty area, teed himself up a juicy volley after a cut back from near the right hand corner flag and duly despatched his drive inside the near post. Then Aaron McLean joined in the fun by slotting inside the same post after holding off a half hearted challenge.

The visitors might have gone in at half time shellshocked but they came out for the second half determined to put in an improved performance and actually brought themselves just about back into contention.

Paul Mullin slid in at the far post to finish off a neat left wing move and when Shaun Whalley did likewise to capitalise on a similar right wing attack the arrears had been halved.

Peterborough had never stopped making chances, however, and it was hard to believe that they would not convert one of them sooner or later. When Boyd finally did so to complete his hat trick, neatly sidestepping a defender before shooting home emphatically from the edge of the box with fifteen minutes remaining, it was the signal for the floodgates to well and truly open.

Floodgates was by now a very appropriate word as the rain continued to lash down and the pitch was swiftly degenerating into a bog. In fact a mischievous referee might have thought about calling a halt to proceedings as the ball began to hold up in the lying water but Mr Whitestone was not so inclined and The Posh were able to wade through the drowning Stanley defence on three more occasions to take the final score to 8-2.

United's sixth goal was my personal favourite because of the valiant, but unavailing, part played in it by Stanley defender Phil Edwards.

Edwards slid in desperately in front of goal to clear a low centre from the left but could only send the ball back across the six yard line to a waiting Posh forward. He knocked the ball back towards the postrate Edwards who stuck up a boot to attempt a second clearance but this simply put the ball on a plate for McLean who duly slotted home.

The seventh saw Adam Newton aqua planing down the right to send in a juicy low centre which McLean finished neatly and the scoring was wrapped up by Mackail-Smith, thus completing his hat trick as well, who also scored from close range after a fine centre from his partner McLean.

There is no doubt that Accrington will never be able to look back on their defending in this game with any sense of pride but credit must always go to any team rattling in eight goals, especially given the numerous other chances they created besides.

It was good to see so many goals coming from balls pulled back from close to the goalline, traditionally the most dangerous place to get to in football, and also nice to see players so willing to get into the box to take advantage.

Such virtues are often overlooked by todays' "master" tacticians but it remains desperately difficult to defend such situations as well as being hugely exciting and enjoyable for the spectator.

The win leaves Peterborough 5th in the table and just three points behind an automatic promotion place.

There is plenty left to play for for The Posh this season and hopefully this win might see the spirit of 61 return to London Road over the coming weeks and months.

It will be a breathless time for all concerned if it does.

Saturday, December 15
Bees Decline Continues

Automatic relegation from the Football League makes League Two a pretty scary place to spend your time these days. If you are bad enough to drop into that section then there are no guarantees that you will be good enough to stay clear of relegation trouble. There are some clubs which you don't really expect to see struggling at the wrong end of that division, though, and Brentford are one of them.

To the outsider Brentford come across as a solid little club who always produce a competitive side capable of giving anyone at their level a decent game. And it basically goes without saying that their level is League One, the old 3rd division.

After winning promotion to the old Division Three in 1978 The Bees stayed put at that level for 27 of the next 29 seasons. They were promoted once and were instantly relegated and they dropped into the basement on one occasion only to immediately win promotion.

During this period Brentford built a succession of tidy teams mixing steel with a dash of flair and tended to provide a benchmark for the other teams in their section. If you got the better of them head to head then you could probably esxpect to have a good season, lose to them and you might just be in for a struggle.

It was appropriate, looking back to the start of their long run in the third tier, that the club should draft in the experienced Stan Bowles and Ron "Chopper" Harris. Chalk and cheese those two but they provided a useful guideline for the balance that would serve the club well over the next few decades.

Over that period attacking flair and power was provided by the likes of Andy Sinton, Keith Jones, Dean Holdsworth, Gary Blissett, Marcus Gayle, Robert Taylor and Nicky Forster while players such as Terry Hurlock and Chris Kamara added real steel.

Latterly the club were blessed with the defensive talents of players of the calibre of Hermann Hreidarsson, Ivar Ingimarsson and Ibrahima Sonko. There was little suggestion that the club was about to hit freefall.

The precursor to Brentford's dramatic slump was, inevitably, financial problems although at first it looked as though the club had emerged relatively unscathed.

When the club was in distress in 2005 it was taken over, early in 2006, by a Supporters Trust which had a high profile frontman in the former head of the BBC, Greg Dyke.

With the club going well in both League One and the FA Cup there was a genuine feelgood factor around Griffin Park at that time which peaked with a comprehensive 2-1 beating of Premier League Sunderland in the 4th round of the cup.

The two goal hero of that game, Dudley "DJ" Campbell, was then sold to Birmingham City which suggested the clubs' finances were still bleak. With a scarcely impossible 5th round tie to come at Charlton and an outstanding chance of automatic promotion before them this decision looked timid at best and depressingly shortsighted. It is possibly fair to say that the selling of Campbell marked the start of the alarming decline which the club still seems to be in.

Brentford missed out on automatic promotion at the end of that season by three points and then lost in the play off semi finals to Swansea City.

It was significant that the manager, Martin Allen, then left the club to take over at MK Dons in the division below them. Allen probably gained a pay rise but will surely have also seen a club with more financial clout and ambition.

It was not just a manager that The Bees lost around this time. As well as seeing Campbell leave the club were forced, or decided, to cash in on Sam Sodje and Jay Tabb. Recently the experienced goalscorer Lloyd Owusu moved on a free to Yeovil Town.

Allen has never been adequately replaced as manager and it has been impossible to replace such quality players on a shoestring.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but I honestly don't think it is necessary when talking about the next matter. Martin Allen was always going to be a tough act to follow, especially as his team was already being broken up, and the appointment of his successor was obviously going to be of vital importance to Brentford's future.

I think most people were surprised when Leroy Rosenior was given the job.

Rosenior had been sacked the previous season by Torquay United as the club was lurching disastrously towards the Conference. Under his management the Gulls had provided entertainment but mainly in a Keystone Cops sort of way.

After a bright start Rosenior saw his new club collapse into a shambles and, having taken over in the summer, he was sacked in November.

Scott Fitzgerald was given the arduous task of turning things around but this was a thankless, if not hopeless, task and when the club were actually relegated at the end of last season Terry Butcher had taken over in the increasingly hot seat.

With a generally inexperienced squad Butcher also found it impossible to inspire a revival. The Bees managed a couple of early wins as they began life in League Two this season and revived hope with a couple more as October turned into November.

Since then, however, performances and results have been dire. The club have lost their last six games and these defeats have included a 7-0 drubbing at Peterborough along with demoralising home defeats to Morecambe and Lincoln.

This sequence ended with Butcher becoming the latest managerial casualty at Griffin Park and Andy Scott has been installed as caretaker until some other fall guy is found.

Butcher's departure was quickly followed by that of the Chief Executive Keith Dickens and with the supporters showing increasing dissatisfaction with Dyke and the awful spectre of relegation from the league now a genuine issue the club would appear to be at an all time low.

Whoever takes over will obviously have their work cut out and a pertinent question must be who would want the job at this time?

The most pressing immediate concern has to be results on the pitch and the club faces a massive game this afternoon when they visit fellow strugglers Wrexham. They follow this with a trip to high flying MK Dons and then plunge into the busy Christmas period.

Results over the next few weeks could dictate the way Brentford's season goes. Pick up a couple of wins and the club will probably be sitting reasonably comfortably in mid table. Struggle and a relegation dogfight is definitely on the cards.

In another week of turmoil at the club, however, not all the news has been bad. It has been announced that the club have secured an option to buy land within Brentford to build a new 20,000 seater stadium.

The idea is to sell Griffin Park for housing development, share the new ground with a rugby union club and generate money from it in other ways as well as a multi-purpose modern arena.

The scheme is a popular one with the local community at all levels and offers a real ray of hope for the future. The plan is to be in the new stadium by 2012. The obvious question is where exactly will the football club be by that time?

I think most football followers who have ever come into contact with the club will hope that the answer is safely within the Football League structure, maybe in League One.

That would seem appropriate.

Thursday, November 8
Lincoln Staring Into The Abyss?

Lincoln City are the holders of one unwanted claim to fame. When automatic relegation from the Football League was introduced for the 1986-87 season they were the first team to bite the dust. On that occasion they returned to the league straight away but now, twenty years later, they are in danger of falling from grace again.

Just like twenty years ago it is unlikely that anyone could have seen this coming either. In 1986 the Imps had just been relegated from the old Division Three and went into the season as favourites for promotion only to end it relegated. This time they came into the present campaign having reached the play offs in each of the past five seasons.

Having suffered a comprehensive 4-2 home defeat to Chesterfield this week, however, Lincoln find themselves bottom of the table having played fifteen games.

How and why have things gone so wrong?

This is a very difficult question to answer. The squad is not so very different from the one which took the club to the play offs last season but the signs were possibly already there at the end of the last campaign.

In the final thirteen games of last season Lincoln only managed two wins and were then beaten in both legs of their play off semi final by Bristol Rovers.

In the first fifteen games of this campaign they have only managed two more wins.

Worryingly these two wins came early on when, having been hammered on the opening day by Shrewsbury, they got the better of Mansfield and Accrington in successive games.

In the next twelve games they have managed just three draws and were also thumped 5-2 at home by Hartlepool in the Johnstone Paints Trophy.

Many of the clubs' fans hanker for their former manager Keith Alexander whose work ethic made the club difficult to beat and ensured a physical, committed Lincoln side.

His successor, John Schofield, was dismissed at the end of October along with the clubs' Director of Football John Deehan and the man charged with putting the steel back into the Imps is former Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson.

Jackson will probably want to emulate the hard working approach encouraged by Alexander and looks to have got a good man in alongside him in Neil McDonald, the former Carlisle boss.

If anything positive can be taken from their awful sequence of results it is that the Imps have rarely been beaten out of sight and will feel that they should have taken something from most of the games they have been involved in so far.

That in itself is a bit of a concern, however, and when a team gets stuck in a rut it can be very difficult to get out of it.

The club will be looking to the stars of last season to get things going at Sincil Bank sooner rather than later. Lee Frecklington is a class act in midfield and should be good for some points along the way although whether last seasons' major goal getters, Jamie Forrester and Mark Stallard, have much mileage left in them is more debatable.

This weekend the club have a break from league action and the prospect of a glamour 1st round FA Cup tie at home to Nottingham Forest could be just what the club needs to lift the gloom.

Even if they could pull off a morale boosting victory there is obviously plenty of hard work to be done in the league to turn things around.

When the club suffered relegation in 1987 only one team went down whereas now the danger is double with two teams facing the drop.

At least the Imps are well aware of the dangers on this occasion though. In 1987 the club never hit the bottom of the table until the very last day of the season.

Nobody can say they haven't had enough warning this time around.

Tuesday, August 21
Darlo Lead The Way

It's early days but Darlington lead League Two after their comfortable 3-0 win at Accrington at the weekend. Darlo have flattered to deceive regularly over recent years, however, so Quakers fans won't be getting too excited just yet.

This was a convincing display with Tommy Wright providing a slick finish to give them a first half lead. Pawel Abbott then scored at both the start and the end of the second period to confirm the three points.

There will be sterner tests ahead but at least they have made the best possible start.

Also on maximum points are Shrewsbury Town. The Shrews are managed by former Preston boss Gary Peters and also have five former North End employees on their playing staff.

It was one of these, Dave Hibbert, who fired the only goal of the game against Bradford City from the penalty spot. Most of the credit goes to ex Bury man Marc Pugh, however, who won the spot kick and caused problems throughout with his strong, pacy running.

Promotion favourites Peterborough came a cropper at Rotherham who were worthy 3-1 winners with Derek Holmes getting two as the Millers roared into a three goal lead before half time.

The most exciting game of the weekend saw Paul Ince returning to Macclesfield Town with his new club MK Dons.

The Dons started well but after taking the lead found themselves 3-1 down just past the hour as Macc got stuck into their task, Francis Green grabbing a couple.

Green almost completed his hat trick after Leon Knight had pulled one back for the Dons but saw his fierce effort cannon out from the underside of the bar.

Macc were left rueing this when the Dons grabbed the latest of equalisers as they piled on pressure towards the end.

With the game in its' fifth minute of injury time it looked like Macc had survived when the Dons hit the post but as the ball was half cleared Colin Cameron was lurking to smash it back into the top corner and ensure a share of the points for Incey's men.

Breathless stuff and magnificent entertainment.

Dagenham & Redbridge gained their first league point but were left feeling down after letting slip a two goal lead at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

Sam Sloma scored their first ever league goal and when Chris Moore added to this just after half time three points looked there for the taking.

I suggested fitness could be an issue with the Daggers after seeing them wilt at Stockport on the opening day, however, and Wycombe were able to fight their way back into contention.

Matt Bloomfield pulled one back on 69 minutes and then Jermaine Easter equalised with an injury time penalty after Sergio Torres had been felled in the box.

Monday, August 13
Football England At Stockport County

It is the intention of Football England to get round some of the clubs in the lower divisions this season and provide a review not only of the game watched but the atmosphere and facilities in and around the ground visited.

First up for inspection was Stockport County's Edgeley Park where the home side were playing host to league newcomers Dagenham & Redbridge.

The game itself was a decent affair which was settled in Stockport's favour by a late Liam Dickinson goal.

The home side were the better side throughout and could have put the game to bed early on as Dagenham struggled to come to terms with the pace of league football.

In Matty McNeil and Anthony Elding Stockport have two rangy, mobile forwards and their movement caused plenty of problems in the opening twenty minutes and with Elding, inparticular, showing some deft touches in and around the box several chances came and went.

A couple of angled drives flashed wide and when the home side did find the target Daggers' keeper Tony Roberts showed good positioning and alertness to keep the scores level.

Having survived this testing start the visitors began to get more into the game but although they managed to keep the home forwards at a safer range they rarely threatened themselves against a dominant central defensive pairing of Gareth Owen and Ashley Williams.

On the Dagenham right Sam Saunders displayed a nice touch and looked as though he might create something but never actually did while on the left the combination of Scott Griffiths and Sam Sloma linked with promise on a couple of occasions.

By the end of the first half it was Roberts back in action with a couple of good saves to keep his side in contention, however.

The second half began in more mundane fashion with Stockport struggling to create chances and Dagenham apparently looking increasingly likely to take a point.

Both teams started making their substitutions but it was not so much this that seemed to turn the tide back in Stockport's favour but the dodgy fitness of the visitors.

Several Dagenham players began feeling the effects of cramp and this made their defensive operation more precarious.

Worst affected of all appeared to be the left back Griffiths who had been probably the Daggers' most accomplished performer but who should surely have been replaced after going down for the second time.

Almost immediately he played his side into big trouble with a weak back header that saw Roberts charging from his box to deny Adam Proudlock with a flying challenge that the referee seemed happy enough with but a linesman was convinced had been illegal.

Now there was the prospect of the keeper being sent off but the referee, wisely in my view, deemed a yellow card sufficient punishment and the free kick was wasted.

Stockport were now pushing harder again though and the visitors were visibly buckling as the clock ticked down and eventually, five minutes from the end, they cracked.

The goal was a fine one but again it came down the area patrolled by Griffiths and while he was not at fault it is likely that earlier on he would have been able to prevent the cross that led to the goal.

The ball was pushed up to the substitute Liam Dickinson who swept a lovely ball down the right for Proudlock to run onto and when he centred first time to the near post Dickinson had galloped forward to strike an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.

This was tough on Dagenham after working so hard but the result was undoubtedly the correct one.

Stockport look to be a strong, well organised side who will be hard to beat and if their forwards find any form should be in and around the play offs all season.

The only position where they looked suspect on Saturday was in goal where debutant Conrad Logan did not entirely convince despite having precious little to do. The coming games will give a clearer indication of his ability, however.

Dagenham looked game enough and maintained their discipline defensively but looked, on this evidence, desperately short of firepower.

They can take heart from this performance, however, and will face weaker sides than Stockport during the season.

As for Stockport as a town and a club my impressions were generally favourable. The ground has a capacity of over 10,000 which is perfectly adequate for its' present position but, unlike many of the newly constructed stadiums, has easy scope for improvement if the club did move upwards and need a bigger capacity.

The Cheadle End is the one that generates the atmosphere and there was good noise coming out around the ground from there before kick off and almost constantly throughout the first half.

The mood became more subdued, as did the game, after half time but built again as Stockport began to apply the late pressure which reached a crescendo with Dickinson's goal.

It was disappointing to see that only around a couple of hundred had bothered making the trip from Dagenham. I know it's a long way but this was their first game in league football.

The ones' who had made the trip managed a few chorusses of "Yellows" but they were given little to get really excited about. It is also a fact that the worst part of Edgeley Park is the away end which is uncovered seats behind one goal and does not lend itself to creating much racket.

The Stockport fans had a reasonable range of chants to unfurl although the fact that the electronic scoreboard at the far end seemed to be conducting the choir at times was a little annoying.

"Who needs Mourinho when we've got Jimbo!" seemed a fair question to be asking, however.

Around the ground were a couple of friendly local pubs where the Stockport fans obviously convened in jovial mood and made welcome the pockets of Dagenham supporters who stayed behind for a beer before heading south again but the town centre was not as pleasant.

There were not as many pubs to choose from as might have been expected and fewer still where there seemed any prospect of watching the live game between Villa and Liverpool.

Having located one this was obviously found to contain plenty of people decked out in their replica Liverpool kits and as the game progressed they were joined by the regulation quota of City and United fans.

Whereas the chat in the pubs around the ground had been about the relative merits of and prospects of their two teams between genuine football fans and a lively debate about whether Grimsby was the best away trip in League Two the talk in the town centre pub was simply seperate groups spouting off about how good their team was, nasty digs about the other teams and just the normal pathetic need to feel superior through a club they claim to, and possibly do, actually support.

Nothing at all was said within my hearing in the town centre pub about Stockport County.

Time to go.

One thing I would like to mention about Stockport town centre, however, is that as I wandered back towards the train station I noticed that among the signs erected to direct you towards a range of local amenities was one pointing you to the Air Raid Shelter.

Whisper it gently but someone needs to tell the town council that the war's over.

Summary

Game: 6.5/10
Ground: 6.5/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Town: 6/10
Token Lower League Fatty: Adam Proudlock

Round Up Of The Rest

Elsewhere in League Two the most impressive performance came from Shrewsbury Town. Fears of a play off hang over were quickly dispelled by a resounding 4-0 win at Lincoln. The evergreen Andy Cooke bagged a brace and is now into the nervous nineties as he approaches a century of league goals.

The bookies favourites Peterborough United also won at a canter despatching Rochdale 3-0 at London Road. There was an early setback for Paul Ince and the MK Dons as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bury though.

The Dons led at half time but fell to two goals early in the second half from Andy Bishop whilst also having Drissa Diallo sent off.

The other most notable victory was Accrington Stanley's at Wycombe. Predictably it was Paul Mullin on target with the only goal as the Chairboys carried on from where they left off last season.

Sunday, May 27
Super Richard Walker

Bristol Rovers clinched promotion to League One after an excellent play off final with Shrewsbury Town.

The Shrews shaded an open, entertaining game but were undone by two magnificent finishes from Richard Walker.

Shrewsbury started the game in positive mood. Big and strong all over the pitch they were first to the ball and penned their opponents back with a series of attacks. The Bristol defence looked anything but convincing.

In Derek Asamoah, on the right flank, Shrewsbury also had a pacy outlet with which to attack Rovers at will.

The opening goal was not long in coming. Neil Ashton whipped in a cracking free kick in the 3rd minute and Stuart Drummond glanced a header beyond Steve Phillips.

Ashton's cultured left foot would be a danger from set plays all afternoon.

Shrewsbury really had the bit between their teeth and looked to press home their advantage. With the Rovers defence looking anything but assured another goal seemed inevitable but somehow they resisted.

One spot of penalty area pinball looked certain to bring another Shrewsbury goal but a series of Bristol limbs kept the ball out, more by luck than judgement.

From almost nothing, however, Rovers struck back in fine style. Criag Disley combined well with Ryan Green who knocked in a low ball to the near post from the right hand byeline.

The danger was not immediately apparent but Walker, getting across his man, glided an instant effort with his left foot which flew past Chris Mackenzie's left hand.

This was an inspired finish.

Better was to follow. With Shrewsbury continuing to do most of the pressing Walker latched onto a long ball over the top with a decent first touch before lofting an exquisite chip over Mackenzie from the angle, the ball dropping into the net just as a player from each side slid in to join it.

Magnificent.

Shrewsbury continued to press after the break with Rovers looking more organised in defence with a lead to protect.

Steve Elliott made one excellent block to deny Drummond and Phillips made a superb save with his feet from Asamoah's crisp half volley to preserve their lead.

The game, not surprisingly, ended in dramatic fashion. Marc Tierney was sent off for a challenge that looked far worse than it actually was and with Shrewsbury throwing every man they had left forward for a corner Sammy Igoe was able to run clear and shoot into an empty net from 40 yards out.

I don't know how long the ball took to cross the line for the hoardes of Rovers fans watching but it seemed an eternity to me sweating on a 3-1 correct score.

Congratulations not only to Rovers for their victory and promotion but to Shrewsbury who contributed to an enjoyable game.

More people need to realise that how the result comes about is just as important as the result itself.

Saturday, May 19
Bristol Rovers & Shrewsbury At Wembley

Either Bristol Rovers or Shrewsbury Town will be playing in League One next season after they progressed to the play off finals this week.

Bristol Rovers went into the semi finals as the form team and confirmed this with a convincing victory over Lincoln City.

Rovers managed a 2-1 victory at home in the 1st leg, a tight game but one in which they always had the edge.

Craig Disley and Jeff Hughes exchanged goals in the first half before Richard Walker struck the crucial blow early in the second with a smart volleyed finish from a quickly taken free kick.

Theoretically the 2nd leg was set up to be a thriller but Rovers scored twice in the first ten minutes at Sincil Bank and in effect the tie was over.

Lincoln gamely tried to get back into the tie which meant the thrills and spills barely stopped but at no stage did Lincoln get back within touching distance.

Stuart Campbell leathered Rovers into their early lead which Rickie Lambert soon doubled.

Hughes replied for Lincoln but Walker scored again for Rovers before the first half ended with Mark Stallard pulling Lincoln back to two down on aggregate.

The next goal was obviously going to be vital and it was actually a long time coming. With Lincoln desperately throwing men forward Rovers struck again on the break in the last ten minutes through Sammy Igoe and Sean Rigg before the scoring was completed by Lincoln's Hughes.

That meant it was 5-3 to Rovers on the night and 7-4 on aggregate.

So the form team going into the play offs remain the form team and few would probably back against them completing the job.

The team with the task of stopping them is Shrewsbury Town.

Shrewsbury were pitted against MK Dons in their semi final, and unusually the two legged game marked the last games at both teams' stadiums.

The 1st leg at Gay Meadow ended goalless. This was a predictably gruelling affair. The direct approach of the Dons dictated much of the game but the Shrewsbury defence was resolute and all the long balls and throw ins were repelled.

The first half of the 2nd leg at the National Hockey Stadium was in the same vein and remained goalless. The catalyst for Shrewsbury's success was the introduction of the experienced forward Andy Cooke at half time.

Cooke showed that he was in the mood to get involved immediately as he picked up a yellow card. His next contribution was more positive, a resounding finish after being played in over the top.

Keith Andrews bundled in an equaliser for the Dons but Cooke was to have the last word. Michael Symes fed him and Cooke fired home inside the near post to send the Shrews to Wembley.

Their progress was ensured by late saves from Scott Shearer who may well be their most important performer when they face Bristol Rovers in the final.

Sunday, May 6
Boston Fall Through Trapdoor

There were matters to be resolved at both ends of the table in League Two on the final day of the season therefore a day of tension was to be anticipated.

At the top the game between Hartlepool and Bristol Rovers would have a profound effect on the destination of the championship and the make up of the play offs.

Hartlepool needed a better result than Walsall to be crowned champions while Rovers needed victory to make the play offs.

Things started well for 'Pool with Joel Porter finishing crisply at the end of a neat move to give them a half time lead but Rovers, one of the sections' form teams, were in determined mood and rallied after the break.

It took a slightly dubious penalty, converted by Richard Walker, to draw them level and with the impetus very much with them they pressed on to grab a late winner when Rickie Lambert powered home a header from Ryan Green's cross.

Lambert made a slow start to his Rovers career after moving from Rochdale but has proved instrumental in their surge into the play offs.

The Gasheads' victory meant that Stockport missed out on the play offs despite winning 5-0 at Darlington. Both Anthony Elding and David Poole notched twice for the Hatters after Darlo had been reduced to ten men.

Walsall would have claimed the title anyway because of Hartlepool's defeat but they finished the season on a high by equalising late on at Swindon through an absolute beauty from Dean Keates.

Swindon, needing a point to be certain of promotion, had led through Jerel Ifil's header and tension in the Walsall ranks was exposed when their manager Richard Money was sent to the stand after getting involved with the officials.

The Saddlers late pressure was rewarded, however, when Keates rocked backwards and smashed a volley with a vertical left peg high into the far corner.

Sweet.

This result meant that the MK Dons' win over Accrington Stanley left them having to be satisfied with a play off place.

At the bottom there were four teams still sweating although theoretically everything could be resolved by the game between Wrexham and Boston United.

A victory here for Wrexham would confirm Boston's relegation and this is how it eventually turned out.

Wrexham's crowd of 12,374 was their biggest in the league since 1980 but although everything worked out fine in the end there was enough nail biting to be done before the job was done.

Boston edged in front during a tense first half when Francis Green finished clamly after a clever through ball to leave Wrexham staring over the precipice.

It took a penalty to get the Welsh side back into things. Their former keeper Andy Marriott spooned a header back into the box following a corner and in the rush for the rebound the referee spotted a push.

Ryan Valentine could not have been as calm as he looked as he stroked home the spot kick.

The game was still on a knife edge, however, and with just over ten minutes remaining Boston had a great chance to retake the lead. A spot of pinball inside the box finally saw the ball drop to Paul Ellender but the defender skied his effort high over the bar from close range.

There would be no recovering from this miss as Wrexham soon afterwards took a vital lead. Mark Jones fed Chris Llewellyn who cut inside from the right hand side to fire home.

Cue suitably manic celebrations. Llewellyn launched his shirt into the crowd and was never furnished with another one, completing the game in his red vest.

This did not hamper his style. The sleeveless wonder soon picked out Michael Proctor with a pin point cross and the header made everything certain. Wrexham were safe and Boston were down.

Hopefully Wrexham can use this brush with oblivion as a springboard for better things while the future of Boston remains shrouded in mystery.

Still mired in financial difficulties with the hint that they cannot satisfy their outstanding football related debts this is a club very definitely looking their maker in the eye.

The result of this game made results elsewhere irrelevent but Bury's draw with Mansfield, thanks to Tom Youngs' equaliser, would have guaranteed their safety whatever had happened at the Racecourse.

The situation was different at Moss Rose, however, where Macclesfield's draw with Notts County left them vulnerable to a Boston victory.

John Miles had the Silkmen ahead in a first half in which they held sway but sloppy defending allowed Andy Parkinson through for an equaliser before half time and the Macc fans were on the edge of their seats for the rest of the game.

With the clock ticking down Paul Ince re-introduced himself to league football and managed to get himself involved in a couple of arguments with the officials before the end of the game.

If Incey is thinking of prolonging this comeback next season I would recommend he re-designs the Macclesfield shirt which is currently in the Italian style and a bit too figure hugging for the Guvnor's good.

Friday, April 27
Squeaky Bum Time

Squeaky bum time? Alex Ferguson doesn't know the meaning of the concept.

Whether or not you win the league, FA Cup and champions league is not a matter for losing control of your bodily functions or hitting the whiskey.

That just happens to you because you're getting on a bit and you were weaned on Glenfiddich, Alex. And the latter probably contributes to the former.

If you want some idea of real pressure in a footballing sense call up your estranged pal Paul Ince, aka The Guvnor, or Chris Casper and ask them what it's like trying to keep a side from falling into the Conference.

Ince's Macclesfield are one of five sides who could still join the long gone Torquay United in falling out of the league this season. Casper's Bury are another.

For everyone involved with these clubs the next nine days will be absolute torture, although theoretically everything could be settled tomorrow if Boston lose and Accrington draw with Macclesfield.

This is not very likely, however, as Boston are able to play their joker tomorrow when they entertain Torquay at York Street. This should provide the opportunity for the Pilgrims to pick up 3 more points and with Accy and Maccy meeting each other at the Fraser Eagle Stadium at least one of these sides will be dropping points, perhaps both.

With Boston currently two points adrift of these clubs victory would see them climb out of the relegation zone, unless their rivals do share the points in which case they will all be level and only seperated by goal difference.

The two other teams involved are Bury and Wrexham who lie one point clear of Accy and Maccy and three points clear of Boston.

Both face tough away fixtures tomorrow, Bury visit Stockport and Wrexham journey to Walsall, and if they both lose, Boston win and Accy draw with Maccy then, lo and behold, all five clubs would be going into the last day level on points.

Confused? You will be.

This is all conjecture of course but that is part of the fun. It's torture on those involved but great fun for the neutral.

If it did all come down to the wire in that way how much pressure would there be at the Racecourse Ground on the final day when Wrexham are entertaining Boston.

That's "Sqeaky Bum Time", Sir Alex.

You'll just be quaffing another quart of Laphroaig just because your team's cocked up the Premier League by losing at Man. City.

You really need to get a sense of perspective, chief.

Bury look the best bet for safety, and not just because they are in the best position at the moment. They will feel they can get something out of their local derby at Stockport and then have the prospect of a home game with Mansfield to complete their fixtures.

Wrexham, level on points with Bury, but with a worrying goal difference, are in graver danger. They travel to Walsall who need a point to ensure promotion and they might hope that the Saddlers are content with such an outcome.

This is unlikely, however, and anything Wrexham gain at the Bescot will be well earned. Then they host Boston.

Having played each other Accrington have to visit the MK Dons while Macclesfield host Notts Co. on the final day.

This would make it seem as though Accrington need a win more urgently than Macclesfield tomorrow.

Macclesfield have done remarkably well under Paul Ince to put themselves even into this fighting position but the strain seems to have been telling recently.

They suffered a damaging 4-1 defeat at Boston and have also lost their last two, 5-0 at Rochdale and 1-0 at home to Bristol Rovers.

The Silkmen need to rediscover their steely side quickly and it is no surprise that Incey is contemplating donning the boots again. His experience, and quality, could prove invaluable.

Boston might have to win both their games to survive but the opportunity is certainly there and they have shown decent form recently, backing up their thumping of Macc with a narrow victory over Chester.

The two certainties are that one of these teams is definitely for the chop and all the managers' involved would gladly swap the "pressure" Sir Alex Ferguson is facing at the moment for their own.

Wednesday, April 18
Hartlepool & Walsall Promoted

Both Hartlepool United and Walsall clinched promotion back to League One at the weekend with victories. Both clubs are promoted at the first attempt following relegation last season and with Swindon Town strong favourites to join them and MK Dons certainties for the play offs at least it is possible that all four clubs relegated last time around could return together at the first time of asking.

Surely this would be a first.

Hartlepool head the table after a phenomenal run of form. After losing at Barnet at the start of November the club went on a remarkable unbeaten run which saw them win 19 games and draw 4 before finally losing, again to Barnet.

This setback has also been shrugged off and with successive 1-0 wins in their last two games against Accrington and Wycombe the Monkey Hangers have sealed an instant return to the next level.

Richie Barker provided the goals in both of these games and has managed 9 in 16 games since joining in January while the undoubted highlight of this magnificent sequence came with a 3-0 win at neighbouring Darlington.

Almost 4,000 Hartlepool fans were present to see Eifion Williams grab a couple of goals in the resounding defeat of their arch rivals.

Walsall have always been in and around the promotion places although a trio of defeats in February then as many draws in March threatened to undo the good work of earlier in the season.

Since then, however, the Saddlers have rallied. Not much has come easily of late but after managing to win the last four games, each by a single goal, Walsall are now celebrating promotion as well and still have eyes on the championship.

Swindon, unbeaten in six games, look odds on to clinch the final automatic spot although they have a couple of tough games to finish the season as they face in form Bristol Rovers and Walsall.

Lincoln City and Stockport County look good bets to join MK Dons in the play offs while Shrewsbury Town currently lie 6th and also have games in hand on those around them.

The two other sides that could force their way into the shake up are Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol Rovers.

Our last report from this section which detailed Stockport's incredible run of wins and clean sheets ensured that the sequence was abruptly ended when they travelled to Barnet for their next game.

The Hatters almost made it to half time a goal up before Oliver Allen breached their defence with a deflected shot that Wayne Hennessey was powerless to stop, the first time he had been breached in Stockport colours.

Second half goals from Dean Sinclair and Liam Hatch then gave Barnet the victory and having been watertight for so long Stockport then conceded 3 at home to Hartlepool in a drawn game before capitulating to an astonishing 7-2 home defeat to Rochdale a couple of games later.

Talk about swings and roundabouts.

Stocky's unpredictable form was highlighted over Easter when they managed a 2-0 victory at home to Chester before falling meekly to defeat by the same scoreline at Macclesfield Town.

I wouldn't like to predict what the rest of the season has in store for Jim Gannon's men.

Wednesday, March 7
Frugal Hatters

Sometimes things happen in football that are truly remarkable, totally unpredictable and without warning.

Stockport County's current winning run is one of these phenomenon.

When Andy Cooke's injury time goal on New Years Day confirmed his own hat trick and Stockport's 4-2 defeat at Shrewsbury there was little reason to believe that the Hatters were about to embark on a record breaking winning run and even less to suspect that they were about to turn inpregnable.

That is what has happened, however. After an FA Cup defeat at Watford Jim Gannon's men have now won nine games in succession and, remarkably, not conceded a goal in any of them.

This has set a record. No other team in the history of the league has won so many games in a row without conceding a goal.

If the club can keep their goal intact a couple of games longer then Steve Death's record of minutes without being breached will be under serious threat, just weeks after we did his profile as well.

This run began with a home game against Boston United and coincided, also remarkably, with the debut of a young keeper brought in on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wayne Hennessey might have had mixed feelings about being shunted out on loan to Edgeley Park. He certainly couldn't have thought that within a couple of months he would be breaking records and finding himself the centre of national media attention. Hennessey has already been voted the League Two player of the month and now stands on the threshold of immortality.

Sometimes, Greavsie, football really is a funny old game.

Hennessey had an encouraging debut in Stockport's 2-0 win over Boston and he has continued in the same vein ever since, frustrating Peterborough United, Wycombe Wanderers, Wrexham, Hereford United, Mansfield Town, Accrington Stanley, Walsall and Swindon Town in turn.

More importantly this magnificent sequence has seen the Hatters move from 11th in the table to 6th and from a position of being 15 points shy of an automatic promotion place to just 2 points off the pace.

Credit has to be liberally spread about the club for this current run and it is certainly good to see Stockport resurgent after a harrowing few years which have seen the club plummet from the second tier of English football to the verge of oblivion.

Hennessey is obviously attracting the attention at the moment but it is only fair to include the ever present defence in the plaudits. Michael Rose, Gareth Owen, also on loan, Ashley Williams and Rob Clare can also take a bow.

This truly has been a team effort, however, with the 16 goals scored during the run being shared around 7 different players.

Only one of these has scored more than twice and, again remarkably, Anthony Elding the scorer of seven of them also made his debut for the club in the first match of the sequence against Boston.

Elding arrived from Boston in the January window in time to play against his former club and although he failed to find the net against them he has been prolific since.

Having struggled to make an impact in league football with the Pilgrims after serving an apprenticeship in non league Elding was another player who could hardly have envisaged such a fantastic start to life at Stocky.

One man who might reasonably expect to be showered with praise is manager Jim Gannon who has put this side together and guided it through its' present run.

Most remarkably of all, perhaps, is the fact that Gannon failed to win the Manager of the Month award in either January or February.

At least he has been left free of the dreaded curse, however.

The next team on the fixture list is Barnet. Whether they can stop Stockport winning, or even just score against them, this has been a fantastic effort from all at the club and meriting the highest praise.

Of course it will mean all the more if it proves the springboard to a promotion.

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, January 3
Hartlepool On Record Breaking Run

Hartlepool United are not a team generally associated with long winning runs but at the moment Danny Wilson's men can do no wrong.

Since losing at home to Barnet at the beginning of November Hartlepool have won nine league games on the trot. The best the club have ever managed before was seven.

In the last eight of these games they have not conceded a goal. This means it is now 772 minutes since the ever present Dimitrios Konstantopoulos has had to pick the ball out of his own net.

Some going although he still has plenty of work to do if he is to beat Steve Death's record breaking 1103 minutes during which he went unbreached for Reading in the late 1970's.

The real "glass half empty" man, and Hartlepool might have a few of those among their support, could still point out that the team have hardly set pulses racing during this outstanding run and it is true that the biggest winning margin in the nine games is a modest 2-0.

This should not be a time to quibble, however. After all, this is the best sequence of results the club has managed in its' entire history and has moved the team up from 16th in the table to 5th.

The club record for straight wins was equalled on Boxing Day at home to Grimsby Town when goals from Jon Daly and Andy Monkhouse went unanswered in front of 5,500 fans.

It looked as though the current team were going to have to settle for a share of the record when the next game against Peterborough went into the final minute still goalless.

Victory number eight was secured by a last gasp Darryl Duffy goal, however, and another hard fought single goal success at Mansfield on New Years Day, courtesy of another Monkhouse goal, made it nine on the bounce.

If The Monkey Hangers are going to stretch this fantastic run even further they will have to dig even deeper for after a visit to Shrewsbury Town this Saturday they then host MK Dons.

Tough fixtures but confidence must be sky high and with a proven manager like Danny Wilson at the helm the club have put themselves in a great position to claim a play off spot at least.

Thursday, December 28
Macclesfield Resurgent Under Ince

There is no question that the appointment of Paul Ince as manager at Macclesfield Town has provided football with one of its' major talking points this season.

It might have been expected that the services of an ultra competitive former England captain who has experienced life with a string of top clubs both at home and abroad would have been highly sought as a potential manager.

This did not prove to be the case but Ince apparently had no qualms about taking on the unenviable task of trying to salvage Macclesfield Town's season when they offered him the job.

Macc were adrift at the foot of the table when Ince took charge and with just about the smallest support in the Football League and one of the least inspiring stadiums it seemed as though Ince had landed himself just about the biggest challenge available in the domestic game.

Nobody can suggest that Ince was ever one to shy away from a battle as a player, however, and he has wasted no time in making his influence felt at Moss Rose.

His very presence must have given everyone at the club a massive lift but this alone would not transform surely the most bedraggled defence in the league into one that, while still nowhere near watertight, now displays the basic organisational qualities conspicuously absent before and certainly offers every last ounce of effort to the cause.

Having given themselves some kind of platform from which to build the team is now looking more of an attacking threat by the game and the introduction of loan signings John Murphy and Matthew Tipton has sharpened the teams' cutting edge considerably.

The seeds of revival were sown with morale boosting victories in the FA Cup against Walsall and Hartlepool United and Ince's men have carried that form forward into their league programme and have so far collected 13 points from a possible 15 in December, a run which has seen them climb off the bottom of the table.

Last Saturday Macc backed up a fine home win against Swindon Town with another massive confidence booster by winning their local derby at Chester by 3-0.

This game highlighted the areas which have improved so dramatically since Ince's appointment. Tipton fired the side ahead early on with a clinical drive and after both sides had been reduced to ten men in a fiercely contested first half the Macc defence stood up to some intense Chester pressure after the break.

Although their defending was not always totally convincing the attitude and application of the men at the back could never be doubted.

When the chances came along to clinch victory they were taken in style with Kevin McIntyre and Murphy also finding the target.

With 665 fans lording it over their local rivals the feelgood factor surrounding the club was impossible to miss.

Ince's efforts have already been recognised by the League Managers Association who have voted this victory the performance of the week and there has to be an excellent chance that the fledgling manager is in line for an early manager of the month award.

While the clubs' awful start means there can be no room for complacency or a let up in commitment levels you can hardly imagine these things proving a problem under Ince's leadership.

There follows a massive couple of weeks for the club as Macc travel to Torquay on Saturday to face the side they have left at the bottom of the pile and then there is the prospect of a trip to Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Who knows, after recent results Incey might just be sniffing an upset.

Somehow I doubt it but a positive result at Torquay would certainly mark another huge step on the path to salvation.

Wednesday, November 29
Shocker For Macclesfield Town

This has already been a trying season for all concerned with Macclesfield Town and it has certainly not taken Paul Ince long to establish that life at the bottom end of the Football League is a different kettle of fish to life at Machester United, Liverpool or Inter Milan.

Fair play to Incey, though. He's obviously up for a challenge and there have been some signs of an improvement since he took over at Moss Rose.

While Saturday's game at Stockport gave him more reason for optimism in the shape of another decent performance it also provided him with a shattering piece of misfortune which took all the gloss off his sides' efforts and made his seemingly impossible task still more difficult.

Although Stockport have been in good form recently Macclesfield settled down quickly at Edgeley Park and bossed much of the first half.

Jim McNulty saw a header come crashing back out off the crossbar before the visitors took a deserved lead through Kevin McIntyre's penalty with half time approaching.

With confidence soaring the interval lead could have been doubled as John Ruddy was forced into a fine save from Andrew Teague's volley.

Stockport responded vigorously after the break to put pressure on the Macc defence but Ince will have been pleased to see his side produce a solid display. Inept defending has been their main weakness this season.

Adam Proudlock was the man to whom most of the chances fell and although he was mainly wasteful Jonathan Brain was called upon to make one quality save.

When John Murphy then headed wide of an open goal with the chance to put Macc two up, however, it was the sort of moment that you felt might come back to haunt the visitors.

Nobody could have predicted the dreadful consequences of Stockport's equaliser, however.

Brain made a rash decision to challenge for possession as Proudlock and Teague chased a ball towards the edge of the penalty area.

The Macc keeper missed the ball and Proudlock but made sickening contact with his own defender.

As Proudlock walked the ball into an empty net both Macclesfield players were left grounded with broken legs.

Although Macclesfield went home with a well earned point the incident was a real kick in the teeth for everyone associated with the club, most notably Brain and Teague of course.

You cannot help but wish the players involved and the club as a whole well but their chances of survival seem bleak.

At the top of the table Walsall continue with their steady though unspectacular progress.

They conceded their first home league goal of the season against Notts County but ran out winners anyway having scored twice before half time.

Tommy Wright lashed home the first after being cleverly supplied by Mark Kinsella and Dean Keates got the second with an inswinging free kick that evaded everyone to sneak in at the far post.

There can be no doubt who carries the can for the first goal to enter the Walsall net in the league at the Bescot this season, however. Clayton Ince's defenders will surely have been ribbing him for his bar of soap effort from Ian Ross's free kick.

Having said that, he's a big lad Clayton, they might have let him off.

Swindon also won 2-1 against Bury but they did it the other way round, coming from behind.

Paul Scott headed the visitors in front from a corner but the lead did not last long before Christian Roberts nailed a sweet drive into the top corner from a low ball cut back to him from the left hand side.

Swindon could not find a way through a resolute Bury defence again until the final minute when the visitors suddenly did it for them.

Roberts put in a low ball and John Fitzgerald stabbed it home for a sickening own goal.

Lincoln remain well placed but their form has completely deserted them and they lost again at the weekend at Wrexham.

Wrexham's opener came at the end of a neat passing move but required a huge slice of luck as Mark Jones' shot ballooned up off a defender and looped perfectly into the net.

Chris Llewellyn doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time with an instictive close range finish through the keepers' legs after a soaring header down on the edge of the box.

Mark Stallard slotted one into the top corner when the ball broke into his path following a meaty challenge but the Imps were unable to complete the comeback.

Wycombe also had a setback on the road being well beaten by Hartlepool.

Both goals in this one came from Darryl Duffy and both came as the result of exquisite control.

For his first a magnificent first touch took him clear of not only the last defender but the advancing keeper as well to leave him with a tap in and his second was a low drive set up by another lovely piece of control.

Peterborough took exception to falling behind early at home to Torquay United and promptly spanked five goals past their hapless visitors.

Lee Mansell was the man to blame for scoring too early for Torquay. Only seven minutes had gone when he smacked a peach into the corner when a corner was cleared to him lurking beyond the penalty area.

Shane Huke nodded home from point blank range when the ball lobbed goalwards after Nathan Abbey had blocked from Aaron McLean and then Lee Thorpe showed that he would still rather play up front by knocking in an unnecessary own goal to give Posh the lead.

It was three before half time as Ben Futcher's looping header looked to be on its way even without the help of a teammate on the line.

After half time it was the turn of McLean to be allowed a free header at a corner and then Richard Butcher made it five with a tap in at the far post following a neat right wing move.

Torquay completed the scring with Jordan Robertson showing good composure to dummy the last defender before slotting home but this barely mattered in all honesty.

Torquay need another victory sooner rather than later.

Darlington had to do it the hard way to defeat MK Dons but managed it through Neil Wainwright's goal, the only one of a feisty encounter.

Dave Penney's men have been in good form and this showed as they tested their visitors from the off. Lee Harper saved from Michael Cummins when clever approach play by Brian Close and the impressive Simon Johnson opened the way to goal but Darlo's positive start suffered a setback when Clark Keltie was shown a second yellow for a straight forward trip.

Surely a player can be allowed a cautionary word rather than expulsion for what was not a dangerous or malicious foul. It was simply mistimed.

Darlington refused to let the setback deter them, however, and took the lead shortly afterwards. Harper made a meal of a routine save from Johnson and then his defence failed to take two opportunities to clear before Wainwright punished them with a crisp drive at the far post.

The Dons felt obliged to remove Izale McLeod before half time as, with a booking to his name, he seemed likely to follow Keltie down the tunnel but his replacement Scott Taylor was the man mainly at fault as a string of second half chances came and went.

Credit to Darlo keeper Sam Russell and also the staunch central defenders Paddy Collins and Mark Albrighton for seeing the rearguard action through but the visitors should have got something from the game.

As well as Taylor's multiple chances Drissa Diallo contrived to miss a sitter.

Boston United and Hereford shared the points although Hereford will be wondering how after a remarkable late miss.

Andy Williams opened the scoring for Hereford when he knocked in a cracking right wing centre from Rob Purdie. It was impossible not to wonder where the Boston keeper Alan Marriott was at the time but more of that later.

Boston got level when Jamie Clarke whipped his free kick across the face of the wall and into the bottom corner with the keeper clearly anticipating him going for the other post.

Onto the last minute and a carbon copy right wing centre from Purdie with Marriott again apparently stranded beyond his near post.

In trying to get across his goal this time the keeper even slipped to make Alex Jeannin's task simpler but to his teammates dismay Jeannin sent his shot back across goal and straight into the midriff of the sprawling keeper.

Bad miss Alex.

Shrewsbury managed to get their notoriously soggy Gay Meadow pitch in a fit state to take on Chester and were rewarded with a win.

Chester enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with Gregg Blundell especially lively. Blundell had already forced Scott Shearer into one fine save when he opened the scoring in style.

A superb touch on his chest took him round the advancing keeper and his shot back across goal skidded neatly behind the sliding defender trying to block and the ball nestled in one corner while the drenched defender landed in a huge puddle at the other.

Chester continued to press and Shearer made a fine save to deny Kevin Sandwith while Jon Walters shot into the side netting with only the keeper to beat.

There had, however, been a sign of things to come when Chester's lumbering defender Phil Bolland had been cautioned for a foul on the livewire Derek Asamoah.

Asamoah's pace would be crucial in turning the game around after half time. First he nipped along the byeline with Bolland not daring to intervene to supply Ben Davies with a tap in against his former club and then he made another burst into the box to win a last minute penalty when his cross/shot was handled.

This was an extremely harsh decision by the ideally placed referee as the guy handling the ball was no more than two yards away and had no time to move his arm either towards or away from the ball.

Michael Symes slipped the penalty into the bottom corner and the heated atmosphere boiled over when David Artell took an ugly lunge at Asamoah right on the final whistle and both camps got involved in an hostile exchange.

It was somewhat surprising that only one man was shown a red card and that was Shrewsbury's captain Sagi Burton who, according to manager Gary Peters, reacted after having his privates squeezed in the melee.

Bristol Rovers continued their good run with a 2-0 win over Barnet on Sunday. Stuart Nicholson got the first after charguing down the keepers attempted clearance when an Andy Hessenthaler back pass played him into trouble and Rickie Lambert produced a classy finish in the last minute to confirm a deserved victory.

Rochdale will be happy with their 2-0 win over Mansfield, Chris Dagnall heading home after perfect service from the right wing and John Doolan drilling a free kick into the bottom corner for the second.

Grimsby also won by a 2-0 scoreline against Accrington who look likely strugglers after losing their two best players in the past few weeks.

Martin Paterson pounced for the first after Iain Dunbavin had saved well at full stretch from Gary Croft and Gary Jones flicked in the second with the outside of his right boot after all kinds of carnage had ensued in the Accrington defence as they looked to clear the danger in Keystone Cops fashion.

Saturday, November 25
Miserly Saddlers

Walsall are basing their promotion push on an extremely mean defence. The Saddlers are yet to be breached at the Bescot Stadium this season and were just as frugal last weekend when they went on the road to Hereford.

There was seldom much hint of Hereford penetrating the Walsall back line and with Dean Keates pulling the strings in midfield it was always likely that the visitors would nick the goal that would be likely to bring another victory.

It was goalless at half time with Walsall aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty to Hector Sam but the decisive goal did arrive just past the hour. Mark Kinsella picked out Chris Westwood following a short corner and his header did the rest.

Three more points for Walsall as they continue to set the pace in League Two.

Behind them Lincoln City slipped up at home to Darlington who have returned to better form of late and were worthy victors in this one after a thoroughly positive display.

Alun Armstrong had gone close on three occasions and Clark Keltie had also put one just wide before Darlo went ahead shortly before half time courtesy of a blunder by keeper Alan Marriott.

Marriott managed to punch a corner backwards towards his own goal and Darren Holloway blasted in with a vengeance.

Lincoln began the second half in more positive mood but were rocked back on their heels when Michael Cummins drilled home through a sea of bodies after his initial free kick had been blocked.

Victory was confirmed when the Lincoln defence failed miserably to clear a Martin Smith cross and Simon Johnson was the man heading the queue to knock in the sitter.

Lincoln grabbed one back through Paul Mayo who smacked in a nice one from the edge of the box but this was of no consolation to the Imps after being thoroughly outplayed.

Swindon Town won on the road at Torquay who are sliding down the table after a promising start and have apparently forgotten where the nets are.

Although Torquay carved out more chances than Swindon they never looked convincing in front of goal while the visitors looked dangerous when within range. They were indebted to a dicey penalty decision for the only goal, however, when the referee decided there had been a push on Lee Peacock. Christian Roberts made no mistake from the spot.

The main reason there were no further goals was Torquay keeper Nathan Abbey who made several fine stops to keep his side in contention.

The game ended in ugly scenes as the assistant referee was spat on from the stands as the sides left the pitch at the end. Passions run high but spitting on people is pretty unpleasant behaviour.

Wycombe and Grimsby were involved in a real battle at Adams Park and it was no surprise that Tommy Mooney and Justin Whittle both needed treatment for head wounds after an early full blooded collision. Both carried on after being patched up.

Grimsby took the lead with twenty minutes left when Gary Croft and Danny North combined nicely to present Gary Jones with an easy chance but Scott Golbourne levelled things up quickly with a fine goal, beating a couple of men before smacking one into the top corner.

The game remained deadlocked despite the fact that Grimsby finished a man short after Tom Newey was dismissed for a professional foul on Kevin Betsy who once again was a constant threat for Wycombe.

MK Dons gave one of their most dominant performances of the season in beating Shrewsbury Town 2-0.

Gareth Edds slapped home a splendid volley after nifty chest control had taken him beyond a defender from Clive Platt’s nod down and Platt got the other after half time with a routine header from a quality assist by Izale McLeod.

Notts County were less convincing against Wrexham but picked up three more points after goals from Andy Parkinson and Jason Lee.

Chris Llewellyn pulled one back for Wrexham but despite some strong late pressure this was another damaging defeat for the Welsh side who are in a real slump at the moment.

Peterborough won a lively encounter at Mansfield. The Stags came closest through Mullins with a header against the bar but with a strong wind blowing the Posh always looked dangerous from set pieces. It was from a corner that Aaron McLean opened the scoring with a meaty header and Danny Crow confirmed victory when reacting quickest to a flick on from a huge throw in.

Bury’s good run came to an end at home to Bristol Rovers who are showing signs of a consistent improvement. Bury applied plenty of pressure but came no closer than Andy Bishop’s header against the bar.

The Pirates plundered the loot with second half goals from Lewis Haldane, slamming home a centre from the right, and Richard Walker who escaped the offside trap as the home side threw men forward with abandon in search of an equaliser.

Chester and Stockport shared the points after a well contested game at the Deva on Friday night. David Poole put Stocky ahead with a neat volley from Jason Taylor’s cross but Jon Walters ended a spell of concerted Chester pressure with a low drive from close range for the equaliser.

Accrington had a bad weekend. They lost at home to Hartlepool after taking the lead through Andy Todd who notched with a low drive after a run across the face of the box.

The game changed with twenty minutes left when Stanley’s James Harris was sent off apparently for spitting at an opponent.

It took two cracking strikes to turn the game around. Eifion Williams found the top corner from just outside the box and then Ritchie Humphreys surged forward from deep inside his own half before swerving home a lovely drive from 25 yards out. Sweet.

Stanley then also saw Ian Craney depart for Swansea on loan with the possibility of the move being made permanent in January. Having seen Gary Roberts leave for Ipswich on the same terms it is hard to see how the club can prosper in the Football League on such a footing.

There were two high scoring games at the foot of the table.

Barnet and Rochdale served up a real end to end encounter which the Bees eventually won 3-2.

This game was ebb and flow from the word go with neither defence looking secure. Darrell Clarke put the visitors ahead midway through the first half from point blank range after Chris Dagnall headed back across goal but goals either side of half time from Tresor Kandol put Barnet ahead.

The first was thanks to good work by Nick Bailey but the second owed everything to pathetic defending as Kandol ran through onto a punt down the middle from keeper Lee Harrison to head over the vainly advancing keeper.

Glenn Murray put Dale back on terms with a guided header from Alan Goodall’s cross but Kandol ensured victory with his hat trick goal in the last minute. This was another header, this time from an Andy Hessenthaler cross.

Macclesfield look doomed as their defensive incompetence continues to contribute greatly to their own downfall.

Paul Ellender was able to tap Boston into a third minute lead at Moss Rose when the home defence remained static twice as the ball bobbled around their box from a free kick.

Colin Heath got Macc level from the penalty spot following a silly foul by Mark Greaves but woeful defending then saw Drewe Broughton and Greaves scoring to give the visitors a two goal half time lead.

Rob Scott stood appealing for offside when he could have just cleared and then missed another chance to get rid before Broughton scored and there were further appeals for a non existent offside before Greaves headed in Francis Green’s centre.

Carl Regan notched after good work by Martin Bullock right at the death but this was a truly damaging defeat against the team nearest to them at the bottom. The truth is everyone is disappearing over the horizon and without a run of victories soon Macclesfield will be doomed by Christmas.

Thursday, November 9
Shakers Six Of The Best

After a dreadful start to the season when they lost their first four games, and seven out of the first nine, Bury are now flying and after completing their sixth straight win they now lie in 8th place just two points off the play off positions.

The Shakers latest win was a 1-0 success at home to Wrexham. The only disappointing aspect for the Gigg Lane club is that after such a fine run, in which four of the victories have come away from home, only 2,500 fans were present to see them make it six out of six.

The real drama of the night came before kick off with a floodlight failure delaying the start by 25 minutes. When the game got under way Bury were clearly ready to go as they swept into the lead on six minutes.

Dwayne Mattis made no mistake when Andy Bishop's miss hit shot fell into his path, lashing into the bottom corner.

The first half was mainly Michael Ingham in the Wrexham goal against the Bury attack and he prevented further damage with saves from Bishop, Marc Pugh and Glynn Hurst.

After the break Wrexham came more into matters and had spells of possession without unduly troubling Kasper Schmeichel in the Bury goal. Even after a determined late assault the on loan keeper had seen nothing to really test him.

A solid display to continue Bury's surprising run of form. Whether Chris Casper can maintain this present run is debatable but if he was to guide Bury into the play offs it would represent a remarkable achievement.

The Shakers are a club who have to sell to survive and while they are making their presence felt towards the top end of League Two they have also made a mark at the top of the Championship.

Preston North End's excellent start to the season which has taken them to within a point of the top of the table owes much to the quality of ex Shakers David Nugent and Simon Whaley.

Wednesday, November 8
Boston Get Out Of Jail

It was get out of jail free cards all round at Boston United this week. Not only were manager Steve Evans and former chairman Patrick Malkinson allowed to retain their liberty after admitting their part in duping the taxman of hundreds of thousands of pounds but the Pilgrims were let off the hook by Notts County to gain a valuable point from 3-1 down.

Jamie Stevens, a 17 year old defender making his debut, put Boston ahead with a strong header but Jason Lee soon levelled for County with a low drive from the edge of the area.

When County came out after half time to score two quick goals it looked like game over. Alan White will have been more than happy with his dipping volley from the right side of the penalty area while Lee repeated his earlier effort from the edge of the box.

Anthony Elding got Boston back into contention with a slightly scruffy close range finish before Francis Green grabbed the equaliser with a tap in following excellent work down the right by Jamie Clarke.

This culminated a fine display by Clarke who assisted on all three Boston goals.

It was not particularly gratifying to hear Evans interviewed afterwards when he started thanking his friends, family and the club for all their support as though he was some sort of Oscar winner and not simply a criminal.

It reflects no credit on him or the people he mentioned that his actions seem to have no consequences or provoke any genuine remorse.

At the top of the table Walsall saw off Torquay United with a simple headed goal from three yards by Ian Roper.

Walsall have still to concede a league goal at the Bessie this season while Torquay haven't scored in ages. No surprises about this outcome therefore.

Stockport County are having a great time at the moment and continued to climb up the table after a well earned victory over second placed Lincoln City.

This was an exciting encounter and the first half was end to end with the visitors perhaps shading the action.

Liam Dickinson saw an early volley drop just wide for Stockport but Mark Stallard was unlucky for the Imps with a clever effort which dropped onto the roof of the net with John Ruddy struggling and the Stockport keeper had to be at his best to deny Nat Brown from close range.

After the break Stockport really took over, however, and it was no surprise when Michael Rose put them ahead with an inswinging free kick from out on the right which evaded everyone and crept in at the far post with Alan Marriott waiting to react to a touch that never came.

Adie Moses cleared off the line to deny Tes Bramble but the points were secured when Marriott made a complete mess of a clearance having come out towards the left wing and Michael Malcolm slapped the loose ball straight into the unguarded net from 35 yards out.

Good stuff from the Hatters who are showing welcome signs of revival after several depressing seasons.

Shrewsbury Town and Wycombe Wanderers battled their way to a goalless draw which had little to recommend it. Ricardo Baptista produced one telling double save to keep Wycombe on terms but the chief incident was the sending off of Will Antwi for a rash aerial challenge that brought him his second yellow of the afternoon.

A game to forget, which shouldn't prove too difficult for those involved or present.

Swindon's season is in danger of drifting away and the Wiltshire club mustn't allow themselves to start feeling sorry for themselves after the departure of Poyet and Wise.

Despite taking the lead at home to Hereford through Christian Roberts' strong header two goals by Andy Williams gave Hereford victory.

The first was a beauty. Stuart Fleetwood hared down the left to cross and Williams launched himself into a half volley at full stretch that he controlled superbly into the corner.

The second was more jammy. Cutting in from the left Williams aimed a shot for the far post which the keeper seemed to anticipate perfectly but his contact had been scruffy and the ball bounced in obligingly at the near post instead.

MK Dons heaped more misery on Grimsby Town with a 3-1 win at Blundell Park where all the goals came after the interval.

Izale McLeod is not exactly a secret weapon for the Dons but Grimsby weren't paying him much attention as he headed home the opener from just two yards out and an Aaron Wilbraham brace secured victory.

Wilbraham wandered through the vast open spaces of what should have been the Mariners defence to lob home the second and knocked in the third from about a yard out after one effort had been saved and another blocked following a corner.

Ricky Ravenhill's sweet left footed volley from the edge of the box was the goal of the game but this was little consolation to Grimsby who would have expected to be challenging near the top end of the table, not languishing towards the bottom.

Peterborough United came from behind to blitz Accrington after receiving the boost of a dodgy penalty award.

Ian Craney had driven Accy ahead in the first half after holding off a defender but when the referee adjudged a spot of jostling between Michael Welch and Ben Futcher to be worthy of a penalty Posh went into overdrive.

Trevor Benjamin's emphatic penalty was the first of three goals in four minutes. Danny Crow followed up swiftly to poach the second after a shot had been parried and then Aaron McLean showed great determination to stay on his feet under severe pressure before slipping his shot underneath the keeper.

Craney got Stanley back into things with a corner that swung straight in at the far post but Crow wrapped things up for Posh with a bouncing volley which was helped into the roof of the net by a desperate defender on the line.

Darlington beat Chester in a mundane game on Friday night. Michael Cummins knocked in a loose ball for the only goal while Ashley Westwood was sent off for Chester after a pointless elbow on Simon Johnson when it appeared as though the defender simply couldn't be bothered chasing his forward any longer.

Bury won their derby game at Rochdale 3-1 to maintain steady progress up the table.

Dale went ahead through a fine strike by Chris Dagnall who reacted sharply near the left hand byeline to sweep a shot into the far corner when the ball was inadvertantly knocked back into his path following his initial cut back.

Bury were not behind for long, however, as John Fitzgerald hammered an arrow like drive into the corner when the ball fell his way at a corner.

Bury's victory then came courtesy of two penalties despatched by Andy Bishop.

Both were for fouls on Dwayne Mattis and the second saw Jon Boardman dismissed for a professional foul.

Never has the term been less appropriate. The incident was a catalogue of incompetence.

There was no Rochdale defence at all as Mattis was played through the middle as the home side threw men forward in desperate search of an equaliser.

Mattis then produced an awful touch which was an open invitation for Boardman to come across and take possession but the lumbering defender did not take the hint and finally produced the most awkward sliding challenge imaginable to upend his opponent.

Bristol Rovers are hardly convincing at the moment but their results have improved of late and offer something to build on.

Craig Disley got the only goal late on to defeat his former club Mansfield Town. Sammy Igoe produced a telling chip into the centre and the timing of Disley's run was perfect as he arrived to head home from point blank range.

There was only one goal in the game at Hartlepool as well and it went to the visitors, Barnet. This was a neat effort from Barry Cogan whose smoothly meandering run was a little reminiscent of Bobby Charlton and his crisp drive into the far corner would not have disgraced the "comb over king" either.

The game between Wrexham and Macclesfield ended goalless and although Paul Ince took the available positives (what else can he do?) there was little to inspire confidence in the supporters of either club.

The lack of confidence of both sides in front of goal was painfully evident although Macc were somewhat unfortunate to see Martin Bullock's drive rebound from the foot of the post and John Murphy's header, both late on, cleared off the line.

Ince has to instil self belief and some defensive stability quickly if his side are to have any chance of surviving although loan signing Murphy is normally good for a few goals.

Sunday, October 29
Not So Good, Pretty Bad, Down Right Ugly

This was a weekend on which League Two did not cover itself in glory. There were not many goals around and most of those scored came from poor defending, flukes or penalties.

In among the dross was a fair degree of nastiness as red cards were brandished with more regularity than usual in this division.

With four of the top six teams facing each other there was a change in leadership after two extremely tight contests.

Lincoln City take over at the top after their 1-0 win at Swindon Town.

With Dennis Wise having bailed out of the County Ground veteran defender Ady Williams has been put in temporary control. It was a crucial error by Williams the player which helped decide the game.

Williams should have made a strightforward interception from Mark Stallard's flick but he missed it completely to leave Jamie Forrester clear.

In his present form Forrester was never likely to miss and he made no mistake, burying a confident finish to send the excellent away following, just shy of 1000, home happy.

Walsall and MK Dons could not find a goal between them in an especially rugged encounter.

Walsall still haven't conceded a goal at the Bescott but came mighty close here. Clayton Ince was the busier keeper and made a handful of decent saves as the Dons looked the stronger outfit. He was lucky when a Lloyd Dyer centre flew over his head only to rebound into his arms from the inside of the far post.

Overall Ince deserved this stroke of luck and a draw was perhaps, just about, the right result.

Wycombe Wanderers edged a scrappy, ill tempered game at Boston thanks to a late, late Matt Bloomfield goal.

There were three sendings off here, two for players and another for Boston boss Steve Evans.

Evans became involved in a petty squabble with Wycombe's Tommy Doherty as the ball ran towards the dug out area for a throw. The referee seemed to indicate that Evans had left his technical area as he banished him to the stands.

The trouble is that at Boston the technical area is about as big as a standard size 30cm ruler. Anyone with a shoe size of 6 or above would struggle to remain inside it unless they had feet like Charlie Chaplin.

The ref perhaps was looking to get even with Doherty for his part in the altercation because he soon sent him packing too after showing a few studs too many in a challenge.

Boston's numerical advantage, on the pitch, didn't last long as Drewe Broughton was then shown a second yellow, neither of which incidents involved any real sign of malice.

Football was at a real premium throughout although Wycombe took the points home after Bloomfield scored in the 3rd minute of 7 in stoppage time. Bloomfield was surely intending to centre from way out on the left touchline but saw the ball disappear into the far corner of the Boston net.

Notts County were brought back down to earth after their Carling Cup heroics in midweek by Bury.

The only goal here was the result of another defensive howler, this time by Alan White, who missed the ball completely to leave Andy Bishop running through on goal.

Bishop rounded Kevin Pilkington before firing home before two retreating defenders could intervene.

County rallied after half time but found Kasper Schmeichel in fine form in the Bury goal.

Peterborough and Grimsby shared four second half goals after an opening period notable only for the sending off of Grimsby's Gary Jones for a lunging challenge that did not seem to really connect with anything.

Grimsby twice took the lead despite their disadvantage. Ciaran Toner netted on the rebound after Peter Bore's effort was parried and Bore restored their lead later on after latching on to a truly awful back header by Guy Branston.

Posh levelled through Ben Futcher's towering far post header and then with Trevor Benjamin's close range effort.

Anything less than a point would have been unfair on Grimsby, however.

It was a goalkeeping howler that settled the clash between last seasons' promoted sides, Hereford and Accrington.

With the game apparently deadlocked at 0-0 Stanley's Ian Dunbavin somehow managed to throw Alan Connell's meek effort into the roof of his own net. A slight deflection on the original effort was no real excuse.

Torquay and Shrewsbury could not find a goal between them at Plainmoor. Ben Davies saw his powerful penalty saved by Nathan Abbey after Lee Andrews was pulled up for handball while the closest Torquay would come was a long range effort from Adam Murray which cannoned off the crossbar.

Hartlepool and Darlington also ended a stalemate in front of a packed Victoria Ground.

Hartlepool did most of the pressing but could not unlock a stubborn Darlo defence. There was one massive scramble late on when Michael Nelson's header was cleared off the line and Sam Russell managed to scoop away the follow up effort but in general there was little sign of a breakthrough.

If Paul Ince didn't realise that an astonishingly generous defence was his biggest problem as the new Macclesfield manager then he does now after his first game in charge.

His team twice took the lead against Mansfield but still ended up defeated.

All the goals came after half time the first going to Macc when a Colin Heath centre (surely) flew like a bullet into the far corner.

Giles Coke brought Mansfield level after Jon Brain made a hash of collecting Richie Barker's header but David Morley restored Macclesfield's advantage with less than ten minutes to go with a sweet finish from around the penalty when a cross was nodded down in his direction.

Barker had Mansfield quickly level again with an all too easy far post header before Morley turned villain by handballing for a last minute penalty which Barker slotted without fuss.

It is hard to see how Ince can turn things round at Moss Rose in such a short space of time. We wish him well, however.

Stockport enjoyed a 3-1 win in their derby game at Rochdale.

Ashley Williams broke the deadlock with a sweet 35 yard strike which flew right into the corner of Matt Gilks' goal. The keeper could have made an effort, however.

Yet another handball offence allowed Mark Robinson to increase the lead on the stroke of half time before a penalty for a good old fashioned foul saw Gary Jones get Rochdale back into it ea