League One Review - January 15th

Last updated : 16 January 2006 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator
Just before Christmas, Southend United were in danger of dropping out of the play-off place all together. But 2 weeks in to the New Year they are sitting on top of the pile, 2 points clear of their nearest rival! Their latest victom was Brentford at Roots Hall as the Bees were demolished 4-1! Sodje (18), Gower (30) and Barrett (62) had already given the home side a commanding 3-0 lead when Campbell pulled back a consolation. That's all it proved to be as Wilson restored the 3-goal advantage in the 77th minute. Southend United 1st, Brentford 5th.

Swansea City were held to a draw by Bradford City at Valley Parade. Monk had put the Welshmen in front 2-minutes before the break. But it was not enough to retain top spot as Windass levelled in the 79th minute. Bradford City 13th, Swansea City 2nd.

Huddersfield Town managed to take advantage of Brentford's slip as they ran out 2-0 winners over hapless Blackpool at the Galpharm Stadium. Clarke gave the home side an 8th minute advantage, but were then made to work until the 72nd minute when Schofield out the game beyond Blackpool. Huddersfield Town 3rd, Blackpool 21st.

Colchester United's fine run continued with a 2-0 away win over Walsall at Bescot. Their goals came in the final 15 minutes as Danns put the visitors ahead in the 75th minute, with Iwelumo securing the 3-points with 3 minutes to spare. Walsall 16th, Colchester United 4th.

Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield had to make do with a share of the points at Belle Vue. Heffernan gave the home side the lead a minute before the break, but the lead only lasted 17 minutes in to the second half as Allison levelled. Doncaster Rovers 15th, Chesterfield 6th.

Of the 'top' sides, Barnsley were another to slip up as they went down 3-2 against Port Vale at Vale Park. Sonner and Constantine gave the home side a quick 2-0 lead with goals in the 23rd and 26th minutes. Burns and Carbon then put Barnsley back level with goals in the 55th and 66th minutes. But it was not enough as Vale regained the upper hand (and 3-points) through Togwell in the 72nd minute. Port Vale 12th, Barnsley 7th.

Oldham Athletic's recent good form came to an abrupt end at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest. Holt gave Forest a first half lead in the 24th minute. But Tyson and Southall ran in 2 quick second half goals in the 62nd and 66th minutes respectively to wrap up the win. Nottingham Forest 10th, Oldham Athletic 8th.

AFC Bournemouth did something they've not achieved all season ..... score in the opening 11 minutes of a match. Not once but twice did they do that against Rotherham United at Dean Court. Foley fired home from close range after 90 seconds, which was then followed by Hayter scoring his 14th of the season after the ball pin-balled round their area before hitting the back of the net in the 11th minute! AFC Bournemouth 9th, Rotherham United 22nd.

Franchise FC were made to work for their point by Yeovil Town at the National Hockey Stadium. Skiverton had put the Somerset side ahead in the 12th minute, but that was cancelled out with a goal from McLeod in the 73rd minute for a share of the points. Franchise FC 24th, Yeovil Town 11th.

Possibly a unique football event took place at Priestfield. The three Gillingham goal scorers in the 3-0 win over Swindon Town, were also the same three Gillingham players to be booked! Byfield got the scoring underway in the 19th minute, but the home side were made to work for their other goals as Flynn had to wait until the 72nd minute, and Harris had to wait until the 82nd to secure the 3-0 home win! Gillingham 17th, Swindon Town 23rd.

Bristol City are being made to work for their points if they are to escape the drop to League Two. Scunthorpe United scored forst at Ashton Gate through Keogh in the 4th minute. City then had to wait until the 61st minute for Savage to level. Bristol City 20th, Scunthorpe United 18th.

The only other game in League One saw Hartlepool United draw 0-0 with Tranmere Rovers leaving both clubs in 19th and 14th respectively.