Oxford United 2 Yeovil Town 0

Danny Rose picked up the sponsor's champagne, but accepted it could have been chilling in a team mate's fridge.

Former Manchester United reserve team skipper Rose, 27, pulled the strings from midfield as Oxford ran Yeovil ragged, but admitted six or seven players could have won the bubbly including goal scorers Danny Hylton and Callum O'Dowda. He said:

"Danny's relentless and horrible to play against. He's always happy and it's hard not to love him when you see his work rate.

"Callum's also got the work rate required and his quality is showing through because of it. He got four goals last year and has two already this season, so that's good. He's a year older and definitely a year wiser."

But Rose feared for his Oxford future last term. He revealed:

"I was an un-used sub for about ten games and so you're thinking you're probably not going to be wanted. Fortunately I had a good last eight games and I'm delighted I was able to stay."

Hylton even had time for a joke at referee's expense after when  picked up whistler Kevin Johnson's yellow card and waved it at him. Hylton said:

"I just had to do it. It's been shown it to me often enough, so I thought I'd get my own back! I always play with a smile on my face. There's no better job in the world. You're playing football, playing with your friends and doing well."

O'Dowda picked out Hylton for the opener in the fourteenth minute.

Keeper Artur Krysiak failed to collect O'Dowda's chipped cross from the right side of the box and striker Hylton found himself unmarked at he far post to nod in his fourth goal of the season.

In the 75th minute Hylton returned the favour to help O'Dowda to his second of the campaign.

Hylton surged into the box and put a low pass into O'Dowda's path for the easiest of tap-ins from a couple of yards.

Oxford boss Michael Appleton was delighted with the performance and joked:

"I'm happy and that's all that matters.

"We're eight points better off than we were last year. We're in a good place and on target after five games and have so many good, young energetic footballers."

Appleton was especially pleased for O'Dowda and said:

"He hears, sees and breathes everything because he's a local lad. We just try to remind him to relax and trust the people around him."

Oxford signalled their intent in he first six minutes when Hylton fired a shot straight at Krysiak from the edge of the box and the former Poland U-19 stopper did well to save from full back George Baldock and then get up to immediately shut out striker Kemar Roofe. 

In the dying minutes Roofe rattled the bar with a 25 yard shot and midfielder Liam Sercombe forced Krysiak to save with his feet as Oxford continued to press for more goals.

Town boss Paul Sturrock has six first team players out injured and could only name six on he bench. He groaned:

"Defensively we were shocking right through the team. They are all young lads. What can I do? Well if I had a shotgun I might be able to scare a few of them. The fear is that when you are that young, confidence can erode very quickly. To play how we played is mind-boggling."

Blog Catch Up: Bristol Rovers 3 Barnet 1

Lee Brown got Rovers rolling as they easily took the sting out of the Bees.

Skipper Chris Lines picked out unmarked Brown from a corner on the right in only the second minute and the left back opened his account for the season by drilling home a low 25 yard strike through a crowded area.

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke was pleased with the win, but admitted to being unimpressed with his players before the break. He revealed:

"I had a go at the lads at half time. We had a bit of a heated discussion. We changed things and then looked a lot more comfortable.

"I thought it was an entertaining end-to-end game."

Jermaine Easter sealed the win from twelve yards in the 77th minute with his first of the campaign when he belted the ball in after substitute Matty Taylor's shot from distance was deflected into his path.

Barnet captain Curtis Weston gave them hope briefly in the 86th minute when he fired in a low shot from the edge of the box.

But within one minute Taylor had restored Rovers two goal cushion with his first league goal when he slotted in skipper Chris Lines's pass from eight yards.

Both teams were promoted back into the Football League last term, but Play-Off winners Rovers always looked the better side.

Brown, Lines and midfielder Ollie Clarke all tested Barnet keeper Graham Stack early in the second half, and on the hour Easter rattled the post and midfielder had the follow-up ruled offside. 

Barnet manager Martin Allen admitted:

"I thought they deserved to win. They were sharper, brighter and better than us. It's my responsibility though. The players give everything and work hard. We now have to dust ourselves down, get our shoulders back and our heads up."

Blog Catch Up: Bradford City 1 Gillingham 2

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh was delighted with his young guns as they continued their unbeaten start to the season. He said:

"It was a very much deserved win and probably our best performance to date.

"I don't think you'll find a younger starting eleven in any league - the oldest out there was only 24. There's going to be some bumpy rides and there's naivety, but they'll learn quickly. There's a great spirit about this group."

Manager Phil Parkinson was left fuming as bottom club Bradford were jeered off at the final whistle, but he said:

"I'll take the flak. There are no excuses from me and I take responsibility for the second half. I've had plenty of plaudits at this club over the years, but tonight I have to take the criticism.

"We had a soft centre tonight. We didn't play with any quality. Our execution of a pass wasn't good enough and it cost us. We need to be tougher. I didn't like what I saw."

Blog Catch Up: Oldham Athletic 1 Middlesbrough 3

Cristhian Stuani opened his Boro account in style by grabbing a brace to see off Oldham.

Stuani signed for the Championship club in a £3.7m deal from Espanyol in the summer and scored in each half of his full debut.

But former Den Haag winger Yanic Wildschut struck first in the 23rd minute.

Skipper Albert Adomah split the Latics defence in the 23rd minute to pick out Wildschut and he raced on to the pass before sliding the ball past helpless keeper David Cornell.

Stuani added the second four minutes before the break when he outjumped a static Latics defence to head co-striker Diego Fabbrini's cross past the stranded Cornell.

Uruguay international Stuani finished off the League One outfit on the hour.

Oldham's defence stood and watched a low cross from left back James Husband fly across the face of goal and Stuani pounced from three yards out at the far post.

Striker Danny Philliskirk scored a 93rd minute consolation with a curling shot fro. The right angle of the area.

Cornell had gone from zero to hero in the seventh minute when he raced from his line to bring down Watford loanee Fabbrini before picking himself up to save Adam Clayton's penalty.

Blog Catch Up: Walsall 1 Oldham Athletic 1

Jonathan Forte grabbed a late point and then claimed it was the least his team mates deserved.

Super sub Forte, 29, converted a cross from former Wolves striker Jake Cassidy in the 83rd minute before admitting:

"There was a fair bit of relief when I scored because the boys had worked so hard, but I wasn't after the glory and I'd have been just as happy with an assist."

And Forte paid tribute to man of the match summer signing Cassidy. He said:

"He put in a real shift and is going to be an important player for us this season. He's big, strong and powerful and he takes a lot of pressure off the other lads."

Midfielder Romaine Sawyers opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but admitted:

"Their goal was Premier League quality from the cross to the finish so we can't beat ourselves up too much about it.

"We've set a high standard for ourselves because we've branded ourselves as a footballing team. At times we weren't up to those standards, but it's the first game of the season so we've got a long way to go."

St. Kitts and Nevis international Sawyers, 23, revealed he and boss Dean Smith had agreed a goals target for the season. He said:

"I'm not saying what it is, but I know I've got goals in me and so does the gaffer, so it's a good way to start."

Smith said:

"It turned into a chess game at times. It was important we got our wing backs out and we did for the first period but they stifled us as the game went on."

Oldham's Darren Kelly was pleased with a point in his first game as a manager and delighted with Cassidy. He said:

"Jake's fantastic and his attitude is superb. People see a big man, but he's more than that. He's quick and as the season goes on you'll see his true quality."

- ends -

Walsall: Etheridge 7, Demetriou 5, O'Connor 6, Downing 6, Taylor 6, Henry 6 (Forde 87, 5), Chambers 6, Mantom 6, Sawyers 7, Cook 5 (Lalkovic 66, 5), Bradshaw 6.
Subs not used: MacGillivray, Preston, Flanagan, Morris, Baxendale.
Entertainment value: 3

Oldham Athletic: Coleman 6, J. Wilson 6, B. Wilson 5, Burn 6, Mills 6, Kelly 7, Winchester 5 (Dunn 66, 5), Jones 6, Croft 6 (Philliskirk 75, 5) Turner 5 (Forte 63, 7), Cassidy 8.
Subs not used: Cornell, Gunning, Brown, Poleon.
Entertainment value: 3

Referee: Mark Brown (Humberside) 6

Sun star man: Jake Cassidy (Oldham Athletic) Never gave up and his work rate paid off with Forte's leveller.

Blog Catch Up: Bristol City 8 Walsall 2

Aden Flint was a hat trick hero as League One Champions City finished the season in style.

Flint risked being drummed out of the Central Defenders Union though when he cancelled out Walsall winger Jordy Hiwula's thirteenth minute opener with a stunning strike three minutes later.

Midfielder Marlon Pack picked out 6' 5" Flint with a cross from the left flank and he curled home a sweetly struck fourteen yard left foot volley to leave rookie keeper Craig MacGillivray, 22, no chance in only his second league game.

Robins boss Steve Cotterill joked:

"I said the strikers they should be ashamed of themselves when someone like Aden scores hat tricks. When he hit that volley I knew it had been a special season."

Striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas put City ahead from the spot in the 20th minute after winger Kieran Morris handled a cross from defender Derrick Williams.

Walsall looked determined to ruin the Champion's party when Hiwula drilled a low shot through the legs of defender Luke Ayling and under the body of Fielding for his ninth goal in seventeenth starts.

But City took full control after the break when they rattled in four goals in ten minutes.

In the 57th minute Emmanuel-Thomas cleared a Morris corner and midfielder Korey Smith raced from his own half before teeing up striker Kieran Agard to net from the right side of the box.

Five minutes later Emmanuel-Thomas cut the ball back from the byline for midfielder Pack to side foot home his third of the campaign from fourteen yards.

Within one minute Emmanuel-Thomas burst past two defenders into the box and smashed in his twelfth goal of the campaign with a fierce eight yard shot from a tight angle on the left.

Flint then claimed his brace when he stabbed Luke Freeman's right wing cross past MacGillivray at the near post to leave Walsall reeling.

In the 85th minute Flint sealed the game of his life when he belted in his third at the far post after reaching a left wing ball cross from substitute Wade Elliott.

Agard completed the rout with his fourteenth of the season from twelve yards from the right side of the area in the 91st minute.

Dean Smith was left embarrassed by the biggest defeat of his managerial career and groaned:

"We conceded from four corners and one of them was our corner! I thought we were very good for an hour until they scored their third.

"It tells me an awful lot about players I've got and next week we've got contract discussions. I felt for the kid MacGillivray. None of the goals were his fault - I hope he's not scarred."

Cheltenham Town 0 Shrewsbury Town 1

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro clinched promotion for the Shrews before leading the tributes to boss Micky Mellon.

Former Toulouse striker Akpa Akpro, 30, called his deflected winner "the best goal of my career" before adding:

"The gaffer is one of the best managers I have worked with. He makes everything easy to understand - until he gets angry and then I find his Scottish accent difficult.

"The organisation of the team is down to Micky and his staff. He's the most honest manager I've had in my career and that's important to a player."

Akpa Akpro's goal dumped Cheltenham out of the football league and he revealed he felt for them as he celebrated with his teammates. He revealed:

"I was trying to enjoy it, but you also have to respect them. I know how they are feeling as I was relegated with Tranmere last season. It's horrible for them, but we'll be at home next week when the real party can begin."

Keeper Jayson Leutwiler, 26,  claimed a 23rd clean sheet of the season and also praised Mellon. He said:

"It's so simple playing for him. Black is black and white is white, there's no grey. You know that you will always get the truth from him so you aren't left wondering what he really means. He's a very honest man."

Central defender Mark Ellis, 26, set up Akpa Akpro's clincher and revealed Mellon's growing reputation convinced him to sign for the Shrews last summer before they had even met. He said:

"I'd never come across Micky before, but knew all about him so didn't think I needed to meet him before I signed the contract."

And Ellis now hopes to beat his boyhood heroes next week to win a League winners medal. He revealed:

"We've got Plymouth. I supported as a kid and always will do, but we've got a job to do next week and I'll make sure we do it"

Delighted Mellon also turned his thoughts to the final game and said:

"We're going to have a big Scottish promotion party and then we go into next week’s home game trying to give it our best shot at winning the title. Let’s go for it! Let’s just go for it and give it everything we’ve got with a fantastic promotion under our belts already."

Cheltenham dropped out of the league after a sixteen year stay despite bringing in Gary Johnson as their fourth manager of the season six games ago.

Furious fans hurled abuse at the Robins players and called them "bottlers" and "cowards" as they left the ground and Johnson also questioned the professionalism of some of them. He said:

"There's a fitness level that professionals have to maintain. They have to live like professionals and act like professionals - some of them found it very hard to do that.

"Hopefully the club's strong enough to come back quickly because it's got a good academy and it's got some good youngsters who wouldn't be ready this year, but I'm sure will be ready next year."

Bristol City 0 Coventry City 0

Aaron Wilbraham has tipped the Robins' rookie champions to step up a gear next season.

Bristol City skipper Wilbraham added a League One winners' medal to the silverware he picked when MK Dons clinched the League Two title in 2008. He then said:

"It's a young and exciting squad. They're more than capable of holding their own and don't fear anything. We have the momentum from winning this league, so if we take it on into next season, there's no reason why we can't catch teams cold next year and keep that winning mentality.

"We've been up there since the start of the season, there's been a lot of pressure and they've handled it really well. They're still learning and the likes of Joe Bryan and Luke Freeman have improved unbelievably. It's a great young squad, they'll have learned a lot and the manager will bring in more good characters like he did at the start of this season."

Striker Wilbraham last won promotion from League One with Hull ten years ago and has also helped Norwich and Crystal Palace win promotion to the Premier League. He is now looking forward to another challenge after securing a new contract and said:

"I had to play a certain number of games and I did that by the end of December. Obviously with me being thirty-five the club have to look after themselves and not go offering 35 year olds five year contracts, but I played enough games to get an extra year and I was delighted with that." 

Manager Steve Cotterill paid tribute to the support he had received from owner Steve Lansdown and Chairman Keith Dawe, but when it was pointed out that he might attract interest from other clubs, he said:

"It's up to the Chairman and the directors isn't it? While I'm in charge, I'll do my best. The support I've had from the boardroom has been magnificent.

"Football's a transitional sport. These days players come and go, managers come and go and even owners come and go. The one thing that stays is the football club and its supporters."

And Cotterill believes the club have what it takes to reach the Premier League. He said:

"It just needs all the ingredients to drop into place at the right time. Whether I'm part of those ingredients, you never know, but the city can host a Premier League club. The city's fantastic. There's well over half a million people here, there will be a brilliant new stadium by the end of next season, so why not?"

Coventry boss Tony Mowbray was delighted with the point that eased his club's relegation worries, but paid tribute to Cotterill and his team. He said:

"They warrant being champions by going out against teams and attacking. I could see a well coached team in front of my eyes. They've got a system and style of play that's very brave."

Walsall 1 Fleetwood Town 0

Tom Bradshaw hit the goal trail again before making a case for the defence.

Bradshaw's stop-start season has been interrupted by several hamstring injuries, but he hit his seventeenth goal of the season to ease Walsall's relegation worries before saying:

"I think that we've now kept twenty clean sheets which is an incredible performance at any level. If you add up the points they've earned us, they're every bit as important as my goals.

"I set a target of fifteen for the season and would like to reach twenty now, but you shouldn't underestimate how well we've defended this season."

Wales U-21 striker Bradshaw, 22, has only played 24 league games this season due to four hamstring injuries, but will be working with Saddlers' physio Jon Whitney this summer to resolve the issue. He said:

"It's something I have to strengthen. Whits has been great to get me back four times, he really has and its massively appreciated. We have a plan to sort it out this summer so hopefully it's something we can nip in the bud."

Walsall boss Dean Smith was delighted with Bradshaw's contribution and said:

"We're not just a one-man team - but we're a better team when he's in it, there's no doubt about that. His injuries have been frustrating for all of us but we`re just glad that we've got him here."

Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander has not given up on a play-off berth, but was disappointed his side had not taken something from the game. He groaned:

"We should have seen the game out and been happy with a point, and I guess that’s been our achilles heel this season. Bradshaw’s found half a yard and it was a good finish from a striker who has scored lots of goals."

Cheltenham Town 0 Stevenage 1

Super-sub Ben Kennedy eased Boro into the play-offs and piled the pressure on relegation threatened Cheltenham.

Northern Ireland U-19 striker Kennedy stroked in his fourth goal of the campaign from the spot in the 78th minute after he had been clumsily bundled over by defender Jack Deaman.

Boro manager boss Graham Weston said:

"On the balance of chances we deserved it and their goal lived a very charmed life. We're eleven unbeaten in twelve and have improved as the season has gone on."

Robins keeper Trevor Carson put on a super show with a string of top class saves.

In the ninth minute Carson did well to palm behind a shot at his near post from left winger Dave Martin and then acrobatically tipped over midfielder Dean Wells header from the resulting corner.

Minutes later Carson needed midfielder Joe Hanks to clear a Simon Walton header off the line before he dived to turn a fourteen yard effort from right back Chris Whelpdale past his upright as Boro peppered his goal.

Stevenage could have lost their own stopper in the eighteenth minute when Chris Day raced out and floored wide man Shaquille McDonald with his arm.

Cheltenham started the second half brightly and full back Craig Braham-Barrett rifled a low shot against the post from the edge of the box thirty seconds after the restart before central defender Will Packwood nodded narrowly wide three minutes later.

Carson was back in action in the 70th minute when he dived to push away a vicious twelve yard goal bound strike by substitute Bruno Andrade.

And he stopped Kennedy from netting a brace by blocking a close range injury time shot minutes after substitute Roarie Deacon had rattled the outside of his post.

New boss Gary Johnson has now overseen two defeats since taking control at bottom club Cheltenham last week and he fumed:

"We had twenty shots to their seven and so a few of them have had a few home truths from me. They know how I feel. They have to grow up very quickly and become more professional."

Walsall 0 Notts County 0

Roy Carroll and his woodwork kept County in with hopes of survival - and left Jordan Cook cursing his luck.

Winger Cook should have had a hat trick in two second half minutes.

In the 66th minute midfielder Romaine Sawyers cut the ball back from the byline, but 37-year old former Manchester United keeper Carroll turned back the years to claw away Cook's point blank strike.

Cook then hooked header from James Chambers onto the post from six yards before drilling a shot from the same distance against the bar.

County were left in the drop zone, but caretaker boss Paul Hart said:

"We've got to think we can do it. I'm not a prophet, but I think both these teams deserve to stay up.

"I thought our keeper was excellent. That's what he's there for, but he showed great levels of desire and fitness."

Cook should have put Walsall two goals up in the first five minutes.

After only 29 seconds defender Haydn Hollis misjudged the bounce of the ball and Cook nipped into the right side of the box to lob Carroll, but saw his effort fly inches wide of the far post.

Hollis then produced another gaffe when he misplaced a pass on the edge of the area, but Cook dragged his low shot wide from the same position.

Walsall are now only three points above the relegation places, but boss Dean Smith said:

"We're in a better position than eight other teams around us, but it's about what we do. Two more wins should see us safe. It's always an opportunity missed when you have that many chances."

"The only thing missing was composure in front of goal and maybe better finishing. We can't buy goals at the moment, but we're getting in the right positions."

Cheltenham Town 0 Plymouth Argyle 3

Zak Ansah will be digging out his contract to see whether a Wembley date is on the cards.

Former Arsenal youth prospect Ansah, 20, took only ten minutes to nod in a goal on his debut after coming off the bench, but the Charlton loanee striker admitted he was unsure whether he will be involved if Plymouth stay in play-off contention. He said:

"I only signed on Wednesday night, trained for ninety minutes on Friday and so hadn't really thought about it. I'll have to take a look now. I'm just really pleased to have scored and won in my first game. It's got to be the best feeling I've ever had."

Argyle boss John Sheridan was delighted with Ansah and said:

"He joined up with us on Friday and he had two great strikes, scored one and he is a very intelligent footballer, which you'd expect from Arsenal."

Reuben Reid, 26, scored a brace to move Plymouth into the play-off places before revealing that fatherhood has made him focus more on his game. He explained:

"I wasn't too clever at the start of my career. My kids are two and years old and have helped me settle down. I'm on a nine-to-five shift now, doing things properly and trying to give myself the best possible opportunity.

"When I was about nineteen Ian Holloway told me he hoped the penny would drop before it was too late. Hopefully it's not. I wasn't living right. There were too many late nights and long drives to training from Bristol where I lived. I wasn't looking after myself.

"I've settled down in Plymouth now and stopped bickering with people as well. I guess I grew up."

Cheltenham manager Russell Milton looked ahead to Good Friday's relegation battle at York after watching his team sink to the bottom of the table, but said:

"I don't think anyone can feel their place is safe. I said to them to make my decision hard for Friday. It's not going to be as hard as it could've been."

Meanwhile it announced via its website on Saturday evening that Wales Under-21 international Eliot Richards is to undergo treatment for testicular cancer.

Former Bristol Rovers striker Richards, 23, signed from Tranmere on an eighteen month deal in February and appeared as a half-time substitute against Plymouth.

Richards' diagnosis comes a month after Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez made his return to action after treatment for testicular cancer.

Former Millwall striker - and current boss - Neil Harris have also made a full recovery after being diagnosed with the illness.

The club statement read:

"Cheltenham Town player Eliot Richards has this week been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The appropriate treatment has been arranged, which will include surgery early next week.

The club will of course ensure that every assistance is offered to Eliot and his family to help them through this difficult time.

Testicular cancer is not common but each year around 2,300 men in the UK will be diagnosed. It usually affects younger men and, thankfully, is one of the most treatable types of cancer with over 95% of men being completely cured if diagnosed early enough.

Regular self-examination of the testicles is recommended for all men. Any persisting ache or the appearance of a lump or swelling should be brought promptly to the attention of your GP, as Eliot did.

In due course we expect Eliot to make a full recovery. In the meantime we know that all Cheltenham supporters will want to join us in wishing Eliot and his family well in the days and weeks ahead."

Cheltenham Town 1 Exeter 2

Graham Cummins provided the knock out blow before having a humorous dig at his flatmate.

Cummins shares a home with keeper James Hamon who was withdrawn during the warm up with a suspected broken nose and concussion on the advice of the Exeter physio.

But after scoring a late winner Cummins joked:

"As far as Hammy goes, it couldn't have made him look any worse to be fair. He just took a ball to the face before the game."

But Cummins, 27, thinks that the Grecians play-off hopes might still be alive after an up and down season. He said:

"We kind of blew it at the start, then came back into it and blew it again. A couple of weeks ago we probably thought 'that's it, we'll just play and enjoy the end of the season'. I don't think there's any pressure on us because we were so far behind. 

"A win next week could make April a massive month and a great end to the season."

And Cummins revealed that turning into Mr. Angry might just have spurred him on.

Substitute Tom McCready and co-striker David Wheeler failed to tee him up earlier in the game to add to Tom Nichols first half opener and Cummins admitted:

"I don't get angry much. I don't like getting angry with people, but maybe I should congratulate Dave and Tom for getting me a bit wound up."

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale revealed his whole squad appreciated Cummins effort. He said:

"Graham got a round of applause from the lads in the dugout and then from everyone in the dressing room which was nice."

Central defender Jordan Moore-Taylor turned the ball into his own net in the 89th minute to set up a nervy finish, but Cheltenham boss Russell Milton said:

"It wasn't a must win game. There are still eight games to go and 24 points to play for." 

Walsall 1 MK Dons 1

Sam Mantom has set his sights on Wembley glory after finally putting months of misery behind him.

Mantom, 23, made his first start since suffering knee ligament damage last May as Walsall held the promotion chasing Dons and the midfielder now hopes to play in next Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Bristol City. He admitted:

"It has been the toughest time of my life. Our physio Jon Whitney has kept me going and worked with me in the gym long after everyone else has gone home. We've used the final as motivation.

"When the lads beat Preston to get there I was standing on the sidelines with my crutches not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I didn't know what was going to happen.

"In the darkest days it was a slog coming in, but some of the more experienced players like the Chambers brothers kept me going and have been absolutely brilliant. I can't thank them enough."

But Mantom revealed his return to action just before the Wembley trip has not gone unnoticed by joking team mates. He said:

"When they found out I was playing in a reserve game last week the banter started. Richard O'Donnell and Andy Taylor were giving me grief about my timing, but it's great to be involved in that sort of stuff again."

Striker Tom Bradshaw gave the Saddlers the lead and former Walsall hit man Will Grigg levelled before the break.

Dons manager Karl Robinson was furious with the officials for not giving his side a first half penalty, but said:

"There are still so many positives to take from the game. It's a tick in the box in the right direction."

Walsall boss Dean Smith said:

"Without the ball, you have to be very good in this league and we were. We restricted a team that is usually free-scoring to a few efforts."

Cheltenham Town 1 Mansfield Town 1

Billy Kee is following orders from Scunthorpe and it's paying dividends for Mansfield.

Striker Kee, 24, came off the bench to earn the Stags a valuable point and ease their relegation worries before revealing:

"I'd had some some injuries and personal issues which have been sorted out now, so Scunthorpe just told me to go to out on loan, get some games under my belt, score goals and enjoy myself. I'm definitely doing that.

"I'd love to go back and be successful, but at the moment I'm focussed on the job I have to do for Mansfield. We have lads here who were in the play-off last season and the good thing is that we're able to bounce back if we have a bad result. No-one lets their heads drop in this squad."

Mansfield manager Adam Murray said:

"We hit our goals for February and the players have raised the bar for March which shows confidence and optimism. Our main aim remains to stay in the League."

Meanwhile Danny Haynes is hoping to repay Cheltenham and his best mate for bringing him in from the cold.

Former Charlton striker Haynes, 27, was released by Notts County in January and played his first full game of the season thanks to Robins full back Craig Braham-Barrett. Haynes explained:

"I've know Craig since we were about thirteen. He told the gaffer I didn't have a club and so Cheltenham gave me a lifeline last week. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to do my bit and help them stay up."

Winger Wes Burns scored the opener for Cheltenham just after the break and boss Russell Milton was pleased to see his side move out of the drop zone. He said:

"We lost momentum a bit, but came back into at the end."

Bristol City 1 Rochdale 0

Aaron Wilbraham dished out another pizza magic as promotion favourites City try to get pasta finish line.

Striker Wilbraham, 35, served up his fifteenth goal of the season with a superb glancing header before revealing the players' dinner dates are whetting appetites for the title at Ashton Gate. He explained:

"We're a tight knit group and have got into the habit of going to an Italian restaurant before home games. At the start of the season we went out and Aden Flint scored so we thought we'll go again. We went the next week and Greg Cunningham scored. Then Matt Smith scored after coming last week and so he made us go on Friday and now I've scored. It seems like every time we've done it someone scores, so we don't want to change it. It's become a bit of a superstition."

Wilbraham won promotion to the Premier League with Norwich and Crystal Palace, but says this season is set to eclipse anything else he has achieved in the game. He said:

"If anything, I've felt more involved this season. I'm not saying we're going to get promoted by any means as there's a long way to go. We're in a good position though and if we were to win the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley in a few weeks, it would probably be my best achievement."

Keeper Frank Fielding, 26, also pointed to the close bond among the City squad as a reason for their successful season so far. He said:

"Team spirit's there in abundance and it's the best I've ever known it. That started in pre-season in Africa and carried on from there. It's really quite special to be honest. We go out for meals and coffees and everyone just enjoys everyone else's company."

Robins manager Steve Cotterill said:

"We're focussed on crossing the line. We don't want to give it up."

Dale boss Keith Hill groaned:

"We've come away with nothing other than a little pride in our performance."

Oxford United 3 Mansfield Town 0

Alex MacDonald's double eased Oxford's relegation worries and dragged the Stags into the mire.

Winger MacDonald opened the scoring in the 31st minute with his first goal since signing from Burton two weeks ago.

Keeper Lee Pidgeley flapped at a cross from right back George Baldock when under pressure from striker Pat Hoban and MacDonald pounced to stroke the ball in from four yards at the far post.

MacDonald claimed his second in the 54th minute.

Callum O'Dowda caused chaos in the Mansfield box when he cut in from the left to tee up fellow midfielder Michael Collins, but when his shot was blocked, MacDonald drilled in the rebound from fourteen yards.

Delighted Us boss Michael Appleton said:

"It wasn't pretty at times, but there was quality in the final third and there was a real focus in training this week."

And Appleton was especially pleased for new boy MacDonald. He said:

"He's an infectious person to have around and we knew he had goals in him."

Striker Danny Hylton added a penalty in the 63rd minute.

Central defender Ryan Tafazolli scythed down striker Pat Hoban in the box and Hylton scored his 15th goal of the season.

Disappointed Mansfield manager Adam Murray claimed:

"The effort the lads have put into the last two games was there for all to see today. I'm not sure if it was fatigue. We've played some really good football in the last two months - today was some of the worst. We move on."

MacDonald came close to grabbing another goal in the 50th minute with a low 25 yard strike that Pidgeley did well to turn past his upright at full stretch.

And Hylton should have netted a brace himself, but he lashed a pass from defender Sam Long wide with the goal begging.

Cheltenham Town 1 Bury 2

Cheltenham fans might be spooked at the thought of relegation, but Paul Baker thinks the team will come good in the final furlong..

The Cotswold spa town is better known for GCHQ spies and horse racing, but club Chairman Baker has rallied his troops to make sure their survival odds are slashed before next month's Gold Cup.

Baker called a meeting of players and staff last Friday following the dismissal of manager Paul Buckle and the appointment of academy boss Russell Milton as caretaker boss. He revealed:

"I spoke to everyone at the training ground - the players, the coaching staff, the secretary, the stewards, the groundsman, the ticket and commercial people. The big issue I wanted to talk to them about was the consequences of relegation as it's a very serious situation.

"It would mean job losses, the end of the academy and the training ground. We'll possibly have to go part-time as we couldn't maintain those things on crowds of two thousand, but the focus now is to make sure we don't reach that point and the positive attitude shown by the players and the fans today showed we don't have to."

Despite losing to play-off chasing Bury and seeing the club slip into the relegation places, Baker said:

"There are about eight teams in our position and I bet none of them were applauded off by their fans this weekend like our team was. As a club we've spent the last sixteen years in the league scraping for what we have. We'll continue doing that now.

"Obviously we'd prefer to be mid-table or in the play-offs, but we're all up for the battle."

Former manager John Ward has been linked with a return to Whaddon Road, but Baker said:

"You could see the positive effect Russell had on the team. If he needs it, we may look to appoint an experienced Technical Director who can help him."

Mark Yates lasted five years at the Robins' helm, twice leading the Whaddon Road outfit to the promotion play-offs, but was sacked in November, ending the third longest managerial reign in  the country - behind only Arsene Wenger and Exeter's Paul Tisdale - with Cheltenham 18th.

Less than two months later, with the club sliding to the brink of the drop zone after one win in thirteen games, Buckle was axed after just 79 days.

Milton played under current Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill when the club were first promoted to the League in 1999 and was a member of the squad that won promotion to what is now League One three years later. He said:

"I've been at the club for eighteen years now and feel the time is right for me to step up. I would have preferred to start with a win obviously, but I'm chuffed to get the job and even more pleased to see the spirit shown by the lads. There are definitely worse teams than us in this fight."

Baker also asked player-coach Steve Elliott back to the club to support Milton - only one week after he had been ditched by Buckle. 

Central defender Elliott was given a round of applause by the squad on his return and is now working on a voluntary basis. He said:

"I saw what happened when my former club Bristol Rovers got relegated last season. A lot of very good people and friends of mine lost their jobs - that isn't happening here.

"I had always hoped to return to Cheltenham one day. I love the place, but even I was surprised to be back after one week.

"We have just had three tough games against top sides, but the next few are against teams in the same situation as us. If the boys show the same desire as they did against Bury, we'll do okay."

Birmingham loanee striker Denny Johnstone, 20, scored Cheltenham's 24th minute consolation before saying:

"I was brought up at Celtic where the emphasis was on technical ability, but in the position we're in we'll do whatever it takes to fight our way out of trouble. No one here wants a relegation on their CV - whether they are on loan or not. We're all in this together."

Meanwhile, sources close to Buckle say the former Bristol Rovers and Luton boss is disappointed he could not stop the rot at the Robins, but is looking at several options for jobs in English football rather than returning to the USA where wife Rebecca Lowe is an NBC sports presenter.

Bury raced to a two goal lead in seventeen minutes as they edged to within one point of the play-offs.

Danny Mayor opened the scoring before Danny Rose chested in the second, but boss David Flitcroft was especially pleased with skipper and central defender Nathan Cameron. He said:

"I'm delighted for the two lads who scored, but Nathan led an incredible second half performance. Crosses, long throws - he dealt with them all.

"He looks a different player from a year ago. He buzzes you up. You come in every day wanting to improve people and he's the person who gets better - better as a person, better as a football player. It's a double positive with that kid."

And Flitcroft sees teams like Cheltenham having a say in the promotion race. He said:

"The teams down at the bottom have got new managers and new impetuous and they are really having a go. They'll take points off the middle and top teams and that'll make it a fascinating run in."

Cheltenham Town 1 Burton Albion 3

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink saw his team take top spot and push Cheltenham closer to the trap door.

Albion have lost only once since Hasselbaink took over as manager in mid-November, but the former Chelsea striker said:

"For me it's now all about Wimbledon on Tuesday. We were very professional and that was very pleasing. We're always happy with three points, but we're taking each game as it comes."

Striker Stuart Beavon opened the scoring in the 21st minute with his fifth of the campaign.

Blackburn loaned winger Darragh Lenihan's low shot from the edge of the box was poorly cleared by Robins skipper Matt Taylor and Beavon hooked in a volley from fourteen yards.

Adam McGurk took advantage of a flat-footed defence to add the second in the 36th minute.

Fellow winger Lucas Akins crossed the ball from the right flank and it was flicked on by striker Jacob Blyth for McGurk to nod in unopposed for his fourth goal of the season.

Right back Phil Edwards made sure Burton's unbeaten run stretched to ten games four minutes after the break.

McGurk floated over a corner from left and Edwards found himself totally unmarked five yards out to cooly head in his fourth goal of the season.

Bristol City loanee Wes Burns scored a consolation goal in the 55th minute.

Debutant winger Burns darted into the area from the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot past keeper Jon McLaughlin from twelve yards.

Cheltenham boss Paul Buckle started with five transfer deadline day signings as he tried to arrest the club's slide and he said:

"To get out of trouble or be a top team you need to do your jobs and then a little bit more. At this stage if we finish third from bottom it'll be a successful season."

Walsall 1 Gillingham 1

Ashley Grimes scored a rare goal to keep the Saddlers dreams of a Wembley double on track.

Walsall set up a Johnstone's Paint Trophy final clash with Bristol City when they beat Preston last week and are only five points off the play-off places.   

Substitute Grimes last found the net for Rochdale in April 2013, but grabbed a scrappy equaliser in the 75th minute.

Full back Andy Taylor's free kick caused chaos in the Gillingham box and Grimes pounced to net from two yards after a snap shot from central defender Paul Downing bounced off the chest of keeper Stuart Nelson.

Frustrated Walsall manager Dean Smith admitted: "I'm disappointed a wee bit. We were well on top in the first half and then it got sloppy. You have to credit their keeper though. We worked him."

Bradley Dack had opened the scoring six minutes earlier as the Gills made a rare venture forward.

Central defender John Egan picked Dack out with a long ball forward and the midfielder raced into the area before nutmegging keeper Richard O'Donnell for his sixth goal of the campaign.

Gillingham are now unbeaten in three league games under caretaker boss Andy Hessenthaler and assistant Darren Hare said: "Good runs are all about self belief and confidence. We now have a very noisy dressing room. The players have worked hard recently and deserve a lot of credit."

Nelson had to stay alert in the first fifteen minutes to keep out long range efforts from strikers Romaine Sawyers and Tom Bradshaw and a curling twenty yard free kick from Taylor.

In the sixteenth minute Walsall peppered Nelson's goal and he was forced to claw away a stinging shot from Taylor and gather a Bradshaw header before midfielder Josh Pritchard helped him out by clearing a twelve yard effort from midfielder Michael Cain off the line.

In the second period Walsall picked up where they left off and Nelson was forced to save from Egan after he turned winger Anthony Forde's low cross towards his own goal.

Bradshaw blew a great chance to put Walsall ahead ten minutes before Dack's winner when he scuffed a shot wide from fourteen yards with only Nelson to beat. 

Cheltenham Town 1 Luton Town 1 (old reports - catch up)

Kevin Stewart is backing a 'little rat' to lift Cheltenham up the table.

Midfielder Stewart, 21, watched fellow Liverpool loanee Jack Dunn tee up local lad Zach Kotwica for the opener before revealing:

"We call Dunny the little rat. He gets everywhere and he's a real goal poacher. He's similar to Michael Owen in the way he plays. He's either 'little rat' or 'pocket rocket'.

Stewart,  Dunn, 20, and defender Lloyd Jones, 19, have helped the Robins to five points from the last four games since being brought in by boss Paul Buckle on loan from the Premier League club.

And the Anfield outfit and one of their all time greats are keeping a close eye on the highly rated rookies. Stewart explained:

"We text and talk on the phone after games and a few times each week and get little pointers. Steve McManaman also called and told me he's there if I ever need advice which is great."

Striker Shaun Whalley, 27, grabbed the equaliser for the promotion chasing Hatters and said:

"We're still in the chasing pack. There's always been a winning mentality at the club and most of that is down to the gaffer. He's a real straight talker and a great motivator.

"We came looking for a win, but it was a fair result. We don't shirk away from a battle which is what we got."

Luton manager John Still has been linked with a transfer window move for two players including 33-year-old former England striker Andrew Johnson, but said:

"We’re hoping in the next day or two that we might find a way forward with one or both of them. They’ve got to be the right ones."

Buckle said:

"It's good to be disappointed not to have won against a team like Luton."

Oxford United 2 Southend United 3 (old reports - catch up)

Phil Brown was given a rough ride by Oxford fans before being rescued by an Eastenders cabbie.

Southend boss Brown reacted to abuse given to him by the home support and was then sent to sit WITH them by referee Christopher Sarginson where the hostility continued until actor, comedian and Shrimpers fanatic Terry Alderton offered him a place in his box.

Alderton, 44, played Eastenders cab driver Terry Spraggan in the soap, but was on Southend's books as a youngster and was signed as emergency cover during a goalkeeping crisis by former manager Steve Tilson in 2004. He said:

"Phil got sent to the stands and he's sitting there like a naughty schoolboy surrounded by their fans, so I went all tribal and shouted 'come up here Phil'. 

"He was so blind with rage or panic, or just didn't know who I was, so I just waved my Southend hat so he could see I was friendly.

"It was funny just watching him for the last few minutes living every moment and kicking every ball as we clung on. Having him there was like watching Frank Bruno on the ropes just getting battered and you're thinking, 'hang on Frank, just hang on in there'.

"I follow them everywhere and it was exciting all round for me as a fan. Very dramatic and I half expected the Eastenders theme tune to kick in at the end.

"I've now got to go and do a charity gig in Oxford so maybe I'll get abuse as well!"

Former Hull chief Brown was furious with fourth official Gary Muge and revealed:

"He forced the referee's hand, but what happened was so, so wrong.

"I was sent up to the stand and I was as nervous as hell up there because I was getting abused again, it wasn't safe.

"It was bang out of order. The game's got it wrong when a supporter can give you abuse, if you're not allowed to at least respond to it. And I've not abused anybody.

"The fourth official was after me all game because I was six inches over the line in my technical area."

Brown's dismissal came shortly after substitute Barry Corr's 82nd minute winner. Striker Corr, 29, admitted:

"I scuffed it, but I'm happy with that. I've played here four times and scored four goals. I also get to go and see my kids who only live twenty minutes away. I normally only get to see them twice each week and it's a two and a half hour drive, so that will cap a perfect day."

Midfielder Callum O'Dowda gave Oxford the lead and David Worrall equalised before Southend midfielder Gary Deegan was dismissed by Sarginson after picking up a second booking in the 34th minute.

Rookie defender Sam Long put the Us ahead just before the break with his first senior goal, but Charlton loanee striker Joe Piggot levelled again two minutes into the second half.

Honest Oxford skipper Jake Wright called on Oxford's fans to blame him and not manager Michael Appleton for the defeat. Central defender Wright, 28, said:

"The manager's picking the right team, but if individuals like me make mistakes, there's not much he can do. I apologised to everyone at the end and owned up. I could've done better for all three goals and it's definitely ruined my weekend."

Appleton said:

"This is a real low point for me. Some of our senior players had a bad day today, but we've got to take responsibility as a unit and as a group."

Oxford United 2 Southend United 3 (updating old reports)

Barry Corr gave gutsy ten-man Southend the win, but Phil Brown also saw red before blasting the officials.

Substitute Corr stroked in Ben Coker's cross from eight yards for his his sixth goal of the season in the 83rd minute, but Brown was sent to the stands one minute later after reacting to abuse from the home support.

Angry Shrimpers boss Brown fumed:

"With Nigel Pearson getting done for what he did I think it's almost given the supporter the licence to slag me off when I'm standing there and I can't retort. And for the fourth official to get involved, do me a favour. It's an absolute embarrassment. The referee's hand was forced and I was put in the stand with the very people who were abusing me."

Brown continued:

"I was getting abused in no uncertain terms and I replied to the abuse and the fourth official said I'm not allowed to do things like that. I said 'Do things like what?' and he hadn't a quote for me and he said it was some sort of signal to the supporter. He's got it so wrong, he absolutely has got it so wrong and and he's forced the referee's hand and he's put me in the stand.

"Now there's no facility for a manager so I'm sitting with the supporters who've been abusing me and that is not safe. And then I got rescued by a Southend supporter who's from Eastenders. I'm sitting in a box with him and I was as nervous as hell in with the supporters.

"The game's got it wrong. It's got it wrong. When a supporter can give you abuse.

"Oxford United have got good supporters, I believe that and the ones around the touch line and the dugout in particular have got to hold their abuse for want of a better word. It's abuse, end of story and if we're not allowed to protect ourselves, the game's going the wrong way.

"I'll stand hand on a bible if necessary in a court of law - I've not abused anybody. It's provocation.

"I have to conduct myself in the right way. Supporters can get together and conjure up a story if they want to, but the fourth official is bang out of order. And I mean bang out of order.

"If I'm going to get fined for that then fine me, but he's bang out of order for what he did. He was after me for the majority of the game because I was maybe six inches, a yard, half a yard, six inches - he kept on about the white line in front of me. I'm not saying 'get a life' or anything like that because they've got a difficult job, but the fourth official's bang out of order and needs to take a long hard look at himself for forcing the referee's hand to send me to the stands for something as trivial as what's happened. And it was provoked by the supporter."

Midfielder Callum O'Dowda had put Oxford ahead in the thirteenth minute with his second of the campaign after Danny Hylton combined with co-striker Will Hoskins to give him space to slide a low shot past helpless keeper Daniel Bentley.

Southend replied twelve minutes later when winger David Worrall found himself unmarked six yards in front of goal and nodded in a cross from left back Coker for his fifth goal of the season.

In the 34th minute when midfielder Gary Deegan rashly scythed down opposite number Michael Collins to earn a second yellow card and defender Sam Long took advantage on the stroke of half time when he met O'Dowda's right wing corner to bury a bullet header from six yards.

Striker Joe Pigott equalised three minutes into the second half with a diving header from four yards to convert another Coker cross.

Disappointed Oxford manager Michael Appleton said:

"We got ourselves into a winning position, made positive changes and then gave away a sloppy goal after half time."

Bristol City 4 Notts County 0 (old reports - catch up)

Joe Bryan helped City to top spot and sent a message to the chasing pack: Catch us if you can.

Winger Bryan, 21, opened the scoring as the Robins ripped County apart before saying:

"It puts the onus back on Swindon and two other teams dropped points so we just need to keep doing what we're doing.

"We don't need to focus on the other teams. We know we're good enough to see out the season and keep winning."

Striker Matt Smith, 25, added the second - his ninth in five games - before revealing he would like to extend his loan deal from Fulham. He said:

"I'm really enjoying it. They're a brilliant set of lads and the manager's been great with me. I'd like to stay, but I genuinely don't know what's going to happen. It's up to Fulham. It's their prerogative. If they want me back, I have to go back."

Full back Derrick Williams, 21, wrapped up the rout after man-of-the-match striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas had added a third. 

Emmanuel-Thomas has warmed the bench for most of the campaign, but Williams said:

"When he's on his game, he's pretty much unstoppable and I'm happy for him. He hasn't had the easiest of seasons, but now he's back on track."

Robins boss Steve Cotterill revealed the attention he is getting from the Ashton Gate faithful is making him blush. He said:

"When they sing my name I have a little bit of banter and say they're not singing it loud enough. I keep it going and it keeps the buoyancy going around the ground, but it's a bit embarrassing really. If they want to sing someone else's name I'd be happy with that as well."

County chief Shaun Derry admitted:

"We were left wanting a little bit at times."

Who's really out of Toon?

Newcastle fans seem to sum up a change in the mindset of football fans across the land in recent years. A noticeable shift from passion to outright bitterness. A move from support to hostile attack on their own clubs and representatives both on and off the field of play.

It could be that in a world that depends increasingly on electronic or virtual communication, people now see little difference in venting their frustration at the TV or via online outlets and spewing hatred in the faces other human beings.

The Geordies are a case in point as the club continues to underachieve. Some of them are even  cheering on Rangers as they try to get back into the Scottish Premier League - the sooner that happens, the sooner owner Mike Ashley is likely to sell up and ship out. 

But will that ultimately benefit the Magpies? And is their current plight all down to Ashley? Should those fans take a long look at their own behaviour and ask what sort of negative contribution they've made themselves?

Ashley (via a club statement) stated earlier this season that he has no intention of selling the Tyneside outfit for at least two years. The statement read:

“The truth is Mike Ashley remains committed to Newcastle United. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that for the remainder of this season and at least until the end of next season, Mike Ashley will not, under any circumstances, sell Newcastle United at any price. The club cannot be stronger in stating its position on this matter.”

Coincidentally The Gers should be back in the Scottish Premiership by then. They may have problems at the moment (and over-turning the thirteen point lead promotion favourites Hearts have over them is a massive one), but assuming they can keep their financial heads above water, there is no doubt they can again become the sort of cash cow Ashley loves.

Imagine it. One other major rival for the title and the two domestic cup competitions each year. Guaranteed Champions League pay-outs every season and a home support that are every bit as loyal and nutty as the mugs on Tyneside ... oh, and a chance to start again in an industry in which he has developed experience and understands a little better.

Newcastle is a cash cow itself of course. 

More than 50,000 turn up at St. James' Park and while they are in the Premier League the money will continue to roll in. All Ashley has to do is ensure the club's status in the top flight by buying players of sufficient quality to stay there.

There is also the odd possibility of improving the balance sheet by selling on staff who exceed expectations. 'Staff' because it's not just selling players like Andy Carroll or Yohan Cabaye that add to the coffers - the compensation paid for the services of long-suffering manager Alan Pardew won't have done any harm either.

Palace have reportedly shelled out in excess of two million quid for Pardew, although Ashley might well feel it's not enough - given that he now finds himself on the front line again as his former manager had been taking a lot of the vitriol that would have otherwise been directed at him.

And maybe it's the abuse he received from the Toon Army that is the root cause of the owner's seeming lack of desire to win things.

Ashley famously started his tenure standing in the Gallowgate and downed pints in local pubs with the fans, naively believing he could be one of the them. 

Owners and directors of professional football clubs can never take on that mantle. 

As soon as things go awry - as they inevitably will for every team at some stage - the punters look for someone to blame and the suits from the boardroom are usually next in line to be targeted after the manager.

Pardew himself cited unacceptable abuse aimed at his family during a lengthy losing streak this season and if anyone believes that sort of treatment can be easily shrugged off and forgotten, they are fooling only themselves. 

Who among us would shake the hand of someone who had spat venom at our loved ones? Family comes first for all of us surely?

The feelings of those particular Newcastle fans certainly won't have registered with Pardew when Palace came calling and they may also have soured his feelings towards the vast majority of the club's support.

Maybe it's a similar situation for Ashley. 

Having spent over one hundred million pounds bailing the club out and getting it onto a sound final footing, the fans turned on him because the team wasn't living up to expectations. 

Expectations of what? 

Newcastle have been one of - if not THE - biggest underachieving clubs in English football since the mid-1950s. One 'real' trophy in 1969 when they won the Inter City Fairs Cup - the weaker (if you can believe it) fore-runner to the UEFA Cup.

So again; expectations of what? 

Coming second in the Premier League as they did under Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish in successive seasons in the nineties? Losing the four FA Cup finals or the one League Cup final they have appeared in since that 'heady' European win in 1969?

Don't misunderstand. If the Toon actually won something, there will be one hell of a wonderful party and they'll drink the city dry. It would be great to see that happen, but have they hindered their own success to a certain extent?

Ashley may well have been in it for the long term when he took over. He may have been thinking logically about building for the future. Unfortunately football fans are merely a microcosm of the rest of society - a society that expects instant gratification - and when you mix malice and vitriol to unrealistic, immediate expectation and serve it up to men like Ashley, don't expect sweetness and light in return.

The Sports Direct chief may not be able to walk away as easily as Pardew, but he has a history of serving up cold dishes to business rivals and this is what the Toon Army may have been feasting on and might continue to munch on for some time yet.

And will the players themselves fancy rising to the challenge of Premier League games after facing the hostility thrown their way following Saturday's FA Cup exit at Leicester? The club is still thirteen points from avoiding relegation if the forty point benchmark is to be used.

Mike Ashley knows how to make money, of that there is little doubt. He has a dazzling reputation in the City for turning tat into gold and knows his own worth, but he may well have lost any interest in turning football's pig's ear into a silk purse.

Mismanagement of Newcastle from the boardroom and selling supporters short is a tradition and has been since Wor Jackie Milburn hung up his boots. In fact even the great Milburn (a loyal Newcastle legend who has arguably done more for the Toon than any other man) advised his young nephew Bobby Charlton to give the club a body swerve! 

How things could have been so different if Milburn had persuaded the Charlton boys to pull on the black and white stripes. But Milburn was no mug and he too put his family first.

A long line of club custodians have been happy to pick the pockets of the faithful and misguided supporters while offering little in return. Only Sir John Hall (in tandem with Keegan) showed what the club is capable of achieving - his son was the polar opposite of his father and Ashley in a business sense. 

So why should Ashley be any different to those who preceded him? Especially if he feels his initial 'generosity' was thrown back in his face.

The Toon Army might be eagerly anticipating the day Ashley sells up and buys Rangers, but they should be careful what they wish for as he may not have their best interests at heart given the way he feels they have treated him and - more importantly - his family.

Who knows? If he sells the club to people with the financial acumen and ability of the characters who ran Portsmouth and Leeds into the ground, the Geordie faithful may just look enviously to regular Champions League football in Glasgow and wonder what could have been if they had been a little less hostile.

  

Walsall 0 Coventry City 2

Jim O'Brien was Captain Fantastic as he scored a belter before setting up another to seal a derby win.

Skipper O'Brien scored his fourth goal of the season with a screamer in the sixth minute when he  fired in from 25 yards shot to the right of the area past helpless keeper Richard O'Donnell and into the far top corner.

O'Donnell was a Saddlers hero for less than one minute before O'Brien's stunning opener.

Winger O'Brien was sent sprawling in the box by back-tracking striker Romaine Sawyers, but O'Donnell saved Marcus Tudgay's penalty with his feet.

But Tudgay made amends in the 87th minute when he sealed the win by heading O'Brien's corner past a static Walsall defence from ten yards for his first Sky Blue's goal since joining the club from Nottingham Forest in the summer.

Delighted Coventry boss Steven Pressley was delighted said:

"The mentality of the group was outstanding. It wasn't just a great performance, it was a wonderful result and both sides played with a real intensity."

Skipper O'Brien turned defender in the tenth minute to deflect a twenty yard shot from opposite number James Baxendale safely into the arms of stopper Ryan Allsop.

And within one minute Allsop did well to save a 22 yard free kick from winger Andy Forde at the base of his right post.

Allsop produced two great saves within seconds of each other in the 52nd minute when he beat away Baxendale's low shot from the edge of the box before getting up to block striker Tom Bradshaw's attempt to turn in the rebound.

Furious Walsall manager Dean Smith blasted:

"The way we started the game meant we ended up chasing it. It's disappointing, but it doesn't kill the season.

"We'll talk to the players on Monday, iron it out and start again."

Cheltenham Town 0 Newport County 1

Chris Zebroski returned to haunt his old club and keep County's promotion push on track.

Striker Zebroski had an unhappy six month spell at Whaddon Road two years ago, but was all smiles after netting his seventh goal of the season in the eleventh minute.

Midfielder Adam Chapman laid the ball off to the unmarked Zebroski in a central position just outside the box and he drilled a well placed low shot past helpless keeper Trevor Carson.

County have now won five from their last six games as they edge closer to the automatic promotion places, but manager Justin Edinburgh said:

"We had to put our bodies on the line today.

"I thought we rode our luck slightly in the first half, but we were resilient in the second half and once we get in front we're hard to beat."

Cheltenham should have taken the lead in the third minute.

Striker Terry Gornell hit the inside of the post from twelve yards and as winger Omari Sterling-James dithered with the ball stuck under his feet inches from the line, keeper Jamie Stephens fell on it to snuff out the danger.

County responded one minute later, but former Robins hitman Shaun Jeffers curled his fourteen yard strike over the bar from the left side of the box. 

Stephens pulled off two more great saves in the first half as Cheltenham pressed for an equaliser.

In the 20th minute Gornell shrugged off two defenders to dart into the area only to see the alert Stephens save his close range effort with his feet. 

And six minutes before the break the keeper needed to beat away a stinging twenty yard drive from the nippy Sterling-James.

Ten minutes after the restart the Robins were fortunate not to go further behind.

Chapman saw a goal bound 22 yard drive deflected inches wide and central defender Ismail Yakubu had a header cleared off the line by midfielder Matt Richards.

On the hour both teams came close to scoring.

Zebroski had a dipping shot saved by Carson and Sterling-James raced past three defenders, but saw his effort fly narrowly wide of the upright.

In the 91st minute central defender Darren Jones sealed a man of the match performance by timing a last ditch tackle perfectly as striker Harry Williams ran in on goal.

Cheltenham boss Paul Buckle is still waiting for his first win six games after taking over from Mark Yates, but said:

"I'm absolutely gutted because I thought we were very good today.

"I'm thrilled with the players and their work rate. There were pluses all over the field.

"They're fifth and we're nineteenth, but there wasn't a gulf between the sides."