Flavour Of The Month

Torquay's appointment of Martin Ling as their new boss has Nobes talking about how quickly a manager's stock can change.

Martin Ling is back in League Two via League One and a spell in the Conference

In a rare expression of humility, new Torquay boss Martin Ling admitted that he still has things to prove to people in the game.

For a man entering a division he's already won promotion out of before, it was a refreshingly honest expression of his own disappointment with an 18 month spell at Conference side Cambridge.

Indeed, it could be argued that in some ways, the 44-year-old is fortunate to have been given the opportunity to succeed Paul Buckle.

His spell at Cambridge was hugely underwhelming, as he failed to hit the heights of play off final appearances his immediate predecessors Jimmy Quinn and Gary Brabin both delivered.

After the way his tenure at Leyton Orient came to a close, coupled with his struggles at the Abbey Stadium, it's entirely plausible that the Londoner could have been waiting much longer for another job.

Now though he has the chance to remind people why he was so highly thought of for the the way his Leyton Orient side played their way out of the basement division in 2006.

In the five years since, he has seen his stock rise to the point where he was being linked with a move to a bigger club in Swindon only to plummet to as low as successive P45s.

It is the nature of the managerial stock where bosses who find themselves the current flavour of the month can soon lose their appeal with a few results going the wrong way.

In many ways it's a sad indictment of the state of today's game, where those both on the inside and outside of football are so quick to rush to judgements - whether positive or negative.

From the striker destined for the top after a good goalscoring run, to the young homegrown manager being tipped as a candidate for the national team job after a couple of promotions.

Then again, on the flip side you have the boss in need of the sack after a sticky spell of form or the player who'll never amount to anything after failing to impress early on.

Such hastiness could have long term negative consequences for the game though. After all, fifty per cent of first time managers never get a second opportunity to prove their worth? How can that be right?

By the same token, countless number of clubs have rushed in to extend a manager's contract after a good spell - only to have to pay out thousands of pounds in compensation when they fire him later on. That's poor business.

Not that it's football's problem, but society's in general. This impulsive way of running clubs - sacking and hiring almost on a whim has helped develop a culture of impatience and a demand for instant results.

Of course, it's true to say that some managers do just prove to be flashes in the pan - over hyped frauds who soon find themselves exposed.

It's easy to forget that, when Aidy Boothroyd took Watford into the Premier League in 2006, the Yorkshireman was being touted for the England manager's job. He's now not even in club management.

Iain Dowie was once a rising star in management, but after enjoying a good spell at Crystal Palace he's flattered to deceive in numerous jobs - particularly at Charlton.

Can Eddie Howe expect to follow Harry Redknapp's path in today's impulsive climate?

Others prove to be managers who struggle to recreate their successful period at one club - where everything seemed to come together - in future posts.

Steve Tilson guided Southend to successive promotions to the Championship and saw his name being linked to the then vacant manager's role at Norwich.

Southend tumbled back down to the basement division though, and he moved on. Now, next season, he'll be managing in the Conference with Lincoln - after failing to keep the Imps in the Football League last season.

It's easy to forget that the likes of Gary Johnson and Paul Simpson were once seen as managers whose career were destined for the top. Both made it as far as the Championship, but have gone backwards ever since.

Johnson is now at fourth tier Northampton, via a short spell at Peterborough, having once been 90 minutes away from the Premier League with Bristol City.

Simpson, in charge of Carlisle when the Cumbrians recorded back-to-back promotions, had Preston in the top six of the Championship for the majority of the 2006/7 season.

His career has nosedived in the following years, and is now out of work after being sacked from jobs in League Two at Shrewsbury and Stockport.

It's an ominous warning to some of the current bright stars of management. Keith Hill has left the comfortable surroundings of Rochdale to test his ability at Championship Barnsley.

Paul Tisdale has remained loyal to Exeter, but his achievements on a budget as well as his brand of passing football has attracted the interest of clubs higher up the football ladder. He will surely move on soon.

Eddie Howe found himself a man in demand by an array of Championship clubs after a remarkable couple of years at Bournemouth. He's now at the helm of Burnley, who will expect a push for the Premier League in the coming season.

Howe may well deliver it, but it's easy to forget that he's only a 33-year-old with just over two years experience in his job. It seems unfair to pick on the genial Clarets boss, but let us use him as an example.

If he was to fail to bring promotion to Turf Moor, what would the verdict be? A young manager promoted too quickly? Or a young manager still learning in his job and whom had shown promise earlier in his career which could still bear fruit?

And here's the crucial point. For those who complain about the fact that the England national team is managed by a foreigner, the reality is that there is a dearth of talented homegrown managers for the job.

That's because too many never get the opportunity to manage in the big time, with their careers snuffed out after a bad turn. They climb so far only to fall back down again.

In all likelihood, it will be the Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp who will take on the job in the near future. It will come almost 30 years after he began, at what is now League Two level, with Bournemouth.

What are the chances that Howe will follow the same course though? Will he be afforded the chance to manage in the Premier League or even England? Or will he, like so many before him, never live up to all the promise and potential?

Or, more accurately, never be given the opportunity to live up to all the promise and potential? That's all any manager - whether they've previously succeeded or failed - can ask for, the chance to prove themselves all over again.

Just ask Martin Ling.

Destiny Calling

With Northampton Town struggling at the wrong end of League Two, Nobes looks at the concept of fate and destiny in football - and whether it's about to catch up with the Cobblers.

Northampton boss Gary Johnson is aiming to keep his side in League Two

Albert Einstein once remarked that: "Everything is determined, the beginning as well as the end, by forces over which we have no control."

It's what we refer to as fate, a pre-determined destiny that, no matter what we do, we cannot prevent. It is inevitable, unstoppable, and is simply a question of 'when' and not 'if.'

Commentators often refer to the "Footballing Gods" which, depending on the luck a side gets, are either smiling on a team, or not. Not even the beautiful game, it seems, can escape the inescapable.

It is, perhaps, the fear that should be permeating through every Northampton Town fan right now. The Cobblers are currently on a run of 13 games without a win, and are struggling to gain any momentum under new boss Gary Johnson.

After Barnet's surprise win at fellow strugglers Burton at the weekend, Town sit just four points above the League Two drop zone, anxiously looking over their shoulder as they get sucked into a scrap for survival.

Tonight they travel to Burton themselves in a crunch game which, if lost, will have Northampton fans of a certain age casting their minds back ago to 1994 when their side finished bottom of the entire Football League.

However, they were granted a reprieve because the ground of Conference champions Kidderminster Harriers wasn't deemed good enough to gain entry to the 92 club.

Ever since, Cobblers have established themselves a yo-yo side between the third and fourth tiers, either battling the drop in League One or making a push for promotion from League Two.

However, this term, despite upsetting Liverpool at Anfield in the League Cup, Town have endured a tough campaign. It saw playing legend Ian Sampson removed as manager last month, with the experienced Gary Johnson brought in to replace him.

The former Bristol City and Peterborough boss, who won the basement division with Yeovil in 2005, has struggled to turn around fortunes at Sixfields though. Relegation cannot be ruled out.

Enter fate to play its part in a surprisingly intriguing fight against relegation into the Non Leagues. History does not make pretty reading for the Northamptonshire outfit.

Northampton were one of five sides in the '90s who, because of other clubs going bust or Conference Champions denied promotion, despite finishing bottom of the Football League weren't relegated.

In 1991, the demise of Aldershot spared Wrexham the drop. Twelve months later and bottom placed Carlisle were thankful for Maidstone's financial woes causing them to have to exit the League instead.

Then Torquay and Exeter, like Cobblers, were saved from the drop because Stevenage and Macclesfield's respective grounds weren't considered up to Football League standards.

After a lucky escape in 1995, Exeter were relegated from League Two in 2003

Come the Noughties, and fate caught up with all four though. Exeter were the first when, in 2003, they became the first side to be relegated in 23rd after the introduction of two-up-two down between the Football and Non Leagues.

Carlisle, so often the experts at the great escape, finally fell through the trapdoor in 2004, having given themselves one too many a mountain to climb.

In 2007, it was Torquay who slumped to a miserable relegation and a year on Wrexham took the plunge in the Conference - where they remain to this day. Is fate now about to catch up with Northampton too?

It may sound slightly surreal, does fate really play a part in football? However, sport, like life, has a funny way of evening things out.

Having been denied promotion, Macclesfield, Kidderminster, and Stevenage all eventually made it to the Football League. They weren't to be denied the second time they won each won the Conference title.

Indeed, there are many superstitions surrounding the transition between the Football and Non Leagues in recent years.

Kidderminster's spell in the Football League lasted exactly five seasons, between 2000 and 2005. The side that succeeded them as Conference Champions, Rushden & Diamonds, also lasted just five years before relegation in 2006.

My own club, Boston United, also spent five years in the Football League, between 2002 and 2007. Chester City likewise with five years between 2004 and 2009.

Even forgetting the "five year curse" as it became known, there was a feeling when my club were on the brink of relegation that the Footballing Gods were exacting some karma into proceedings.

The irony wasn't lost on us that our place in the 92 was taken by the club we so controversially pipped to the Conference title, Dagenham & Redbridge. They had to take our place, it was written in the stars.

As it had been 12 months previously when Oxford United were relegated to the Conference. When they had joined the Football League in 1962 it had been because of the demise of debt-ridden Accrington Stanley.

Forty-four years later, and the phoenix club from the Lancashire town were on hand to swap places with Oxford again. You can't write scripts like that.

The first ever year of two-down from League Two saw Exeter and Shrewsbury drop down. The two had faced one another on the opening day.

The following season it was Carlisle and York who were facing up to life in the Non Leagues. They had begun the campaign against one another too.

Cobblers can at least console themselves with the fact they lined up on the opening day against Torquay rather than face the seemingly doomed Stockport.

However, when they take to the field on the final day at Morecambe, they will hope in the resort of the notorious quicksands to not experience a sinking feeling of their own. Time to prove Einstein wrong.

Big Match Review - Torquay 2 Cheltenham 1

Torquay United 2-1 Cheltenham Town

Tuesday March 22, Plainmoor, (Att: 2,186)

Promotion-chasing Torquay moved up to fourth in League Two as their fine recent form continued with victory over Cheltenham in this game postponed from Boxing Day.

The Gulls had already had a goal disallowed before they took the lead just before the half hour mark. Defender Guy Branston powering in a header from a Craig Stanley corner to put the Devonians ahead.

Town tried to respond, but chances for Matt Green and Wes Thomas were both spurned as they went into the break behind.

Paul Buckle's men went in search of a second after the interval, eventually doubling their advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Ronan Murray took advantage after Cheltenham failed to deal with a cross in the box to finish put the ball in the net and put Torquay out of sight.

With injury time looming, the Robins did reduce the deficit courtesy of keeper Scott Bevan's error in allowing Danny Andrew's long range free kick to beat him.

However, they couldn't find a leveller and returned to Gloucestershire empty handed. In-form United appear to be peaking at just the right time though.

Three Is A Magic Number?

As Bristol Rovers appoint Stuart Campbell as their third manager of the season, Nobes looks at how other sides who went through as many bosses during a campaign fared.

Dave Penney has been shown the exit by Bristol Rovers after two months

When Dave Penney reflects on his managerial career, it will include a tale of two Rovers. At the first, Doncaster, he established his reputation as a promising young coach.

He led Donny back into the Football League in 2003 before taking them to the League Two title a year later. He then consolidated the Yorkshire side in the third tier.

At Bristol Rovers, however, he hardly had time to get his feet under the desk. The 46-year-old took charge of just 13 matches at the Memorial Stadium as he struggled to turn around the League One outfit's fortunes.

Just two wins and nine defeats - conceding 28 goals along the way - later and the Gas had shown him the door, handing senior player Stuart Campbell the job until the end of the term.

He began his reign with a 1-0 win at Tranmere in midweek, taking the West Country outfit to within a couple of points of safety.

Not that having three different managers during the campaign is an ideal scenario. It paints a picture of instability and panic, pinning blame on one man rather than looking at collective responsibility.

Rovers are banking on their latest switch making the difference though, but what do the history books tell us about sides going through three different bosses in just one season?


Exeter City 2002/3

He now drives a milk tanker around Devon but, at the start of the 2002/3 season, John Cornforth [pictured] was in charge at Exeter.

As boss at St James Park though, he failed to deliver, and was removed from his position at the start of October.

The Grecians, just three points above the drop zone, turned to rookie Neil McNab.

However, the Scot managed just three wins from 20 games and with City rock bottom at the beginning of March he was axed.

Former Preston boss Gary Peters was drafted in for the last 13 games to try and save the Grecians.

Result: Despite collecting 20 points under Peters, City ended up 23rd, just a single point off safety, and were relegated to the Conference.



Northampton Town 2002/3

Cobblers had only narrowly avoided the drop the previous year - when they had turned to Kevan Broadhurst to replace Kevin Wilson.

However, the boot was on the other foot a season later, when Broadhurst was given the push and in came former England international Terry Fenwick [pictured].

His reign lasted just seven games though - five losses and two draws - dumping Town to a point off the bottom of League One.

Chief Scout Martin Wilkinson then assumed control for the last 13 matches of the season.

Result: Wilkinson hardly fared any better. Cobblers finished bottom of the division, a full 11 points from safety.



Macclesfield Town 2003/4

Macc began the season under the stewardship of David Moss, but after a third of the campaign found themselves only out of the drop zone on goal difference.

In came club legend and assistant boss John Askey into the top job.

However, he struggled to lift the Cheshire side out of relegation danger.

With seven games of the season remaining, and the Silkmen three points adrift of safety, he was moved back down to assist veteran manager Brian Horton [pictured].

Result: Collecting 13 points from 21, the experienced hand of Horton ensured Macc beat the drop comfortably in the end.



Millwall 2005/6

The Lions had already got through one manager before pre season had even ended.

Steve Claridge was swiftly removed after 36 days over concerns about his managerial style and the club's prospects for the season.

Ex-Wolves boss Colin Lee was drafted in, but Millwall struggled towards the bottom.

When he left just before Christmas the club were bottom of the Championship and five points from safety.

His assistant, and former Lions player, David Tuttle [pictured] then took over the reins with more than half the season to keep them up.

Result: That worrying pre-season proved correct, with Millwall finishing the season second bottom, and relegated with two games of the season still to play.



Torquay United 2006/7

Only a late great escape had saved the Gulls from relegation to the Conference in the previous campaign.

It had been engineered by Ian Atkins, who led the side into the new season.

However, a bright start soon evaporated and he was given the boot by new owner Chris Roberts with United just outside the bottom two.

Roberts hired former Czech Republic international Lubos Kubik to take over, but his disastrous reign saw the Devonians collect just a single win from 12 matches.

By the time Keith Curle [pictured] took over in February, Torquay were rock bottom and five shy of safety.

Result: Curle guided the side to two wins from 15 as they crashed to a dismal relegation to the Conference.



Leicester City 2007/8

Milan Mandaric hailed the summer appointment of Martin Allen [pictured] at the Foxes - then parted company with him after just three games.

Next up was Gary Megson, but it was roles reversed when Megson walked out on the club after just 40 days to join Bolton.

Mandaric then turned to Plymouth's Ian Holloway to bring some much needed stability.

With more than 30 games of the campaign remaining he was charged with guiding the club up the league table.

Result: Only he didn't. The goal-shy Foxes were permanently staving off the drop until, on the final day, slipping into the bottom three and being relegated.



Bournemouth 2008/9

A ten point deduction had resulted in Kevin Bond's men being relegated to League Two in 2008.

They then had the daunting prospect of beginning the season on minus 18 points.

Failure to win in their first four games saw him axed and ex-Cherries striker Jimmy Quinn being brought in to win their fight against the drop.

By the end of 2008, although back in positive numbers, they still sat seven points adrift of third bottom with half of the season remaining.

Popular former player and Quinn's assistant Eddie Howe [pictured] was thrown into a baptism of fire to keep the Dorset side up.

Result: The rest is history. The 29-year-old rookie garnered 39 points in the second half of the campaign as Bournemouth comfortably stayed up in the end.



Queens Park Rangers 2009/10

The revolving door was in full spin at Loftus Road as Rangers kept up their extraordinary managerial turnover last term.

Jim Magilton [pictured] began the campaign, with the Rs picking up after a slow start to be in contention for the play offs.

An alleged dressing room bust up saw Magilton leave and Paul Hart in as his replacement.

Hart's reign lasted just four matches though before he resigned.

Caretaker Mick Harford presided over Rangers slumping into the bottom five and were just three points above the drop zone when Neil Warnock was appointed.

Result: The outspoken Yorkshireman quickly turned things around in West London, and QPR ended up in 13th - well clear of any relegation danger.



Peterborough United 2009/10

Posh had just won back-to-back promotions into the Championship under Darren Ferguson's management.

A poor start that saw them bottom after 16 games led to the Scot being fired.

He was followed by Kettering boss Mark Cooper, [pictured] plucked from the Non Leagues.

His nightmare tenure only produced one win from 12, and he was given the push in January.

Jim Gannon was the next in the hot seat but, despite a relatively productive spell, he turned down the chance to stay on at London Road.

Result: Gannon's final game saw Peterborough condemned to relegation and Gary Johnson took over for the last four matches of the season.



Notts County 2009/10

Big-spending County were everyone's tips for the League Two title last term.

An inconsistent start saw the club's ambitious owners axe Ian McParland with the club only in the play offs.

They brought in Swede Hans Backe, [pictured] a close friend of Director of Football Sven-Goran Eriksson.

However, after a similarly erratic tenure, he was gone by the time the club's ownership fell through and a new regime turned to Steve Cotterill.

Result: Cotterill picked up the pieces, got the best squad in the division to play to their maximum, and an incredible late run took them to the predicted title.


Sheffield United 2010/11

Like Rovers, United are onto their third manager of the campaign.

The early sacking of Kevin Blackwell [pictured] was then followed by a four-month spell at the helm by Gary Speed.

When he quit for Wales though, they turned to Port Vale boss and proud Sheffielder Micky Adams.

He has struggled to turn around the club's fortunes though, and they currently look likely to be relegated to League One.

The Gas will hope to not suffer a similar fate.

The Great Escapees

After Crystal Palace earn a precious win over drop zone rivals Sheffield United, Nobes looks at the clubs who have made escaping from relegation a habit.

Darren Ambrose's goal helped keep Palace up at Sheffield Wednesday's expense

Battling a team from the Steel City to avoid relegation to the third tier isn't new territory for Crystal Palace.

Last season, amid their financial meltdown, the Londoners sent Sheffield Wednesday down after a final day shoot out between the pair at Hillsborough.

Their 1-0 win at the weekend over Sheffield United opened up a five point gap between themselves and the Blades, and could prove crucial in maintaining their Championship status after a poor start to the campaign.

Palace also staged a great escape in 2001 to avoid relegation from the Championship, and will be hoping to make it a hat trick of successes come May.

Here's my rundown of some of the other teams who have made a habit out of fighting - and usually winning - battles against the drop.


Portsmouth - 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2006

Three times in the 1990s, Pompey survived relegation to the third tier of English football on the final day of the season.

Firstly in 1996, a 1-0 win at Huddersfield along with Millwall failing to beat Ipswich saw them finish above the Lions on goal difference.

Two years later, and they were at it again. It had been a disastrous season with Terry Venables ending his involvement at Fratton Park and Alan Ball returning to the club to take over from Terry Fenwick.

Once more a final day win in West Yorkshire, this time 3-1 at Bradford, helped stave off relegation and send Manchester City tumbling down to League One.

Twelve months on, and Portsmouth went into receivership and would later only just avoid going out of business. On the pitch, Pompey finished the season in a four way tie on 47 points with Port Vale, QPR, and Bury.

However, it was the latter - with the worst goals scored record that took the tumble and Portsmouth were once again saved.

In 2001, they dropped into the relegation zone in the final week of the season and had to beat Barnsley in their last game to give themselves a shot of survival.

Fortunately, the Reds rolled over and Pompey's 3-0 win was enough to guarantee them a place in the Championship as Huddersfield went down instead.

Finally, during their top flight spell in the previous decade, Harry Redknapp engineered a stunning late rally in 2006 to keep Pompey in the Premier League. Where they remained until last season.


Carlisle United - 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009

No club masters in brinkmanship like the Cumbrians. It's an expertise only rivalled by their special ability to perform in the Football League Trophy.

The first of their great escapes came in 1992, when they finished bottom of the entire Football League yet avoided demotion to the Conference after Aldershot went out of business.

Their next great escape, and possibly the most famous of all, came in 1999. A 95th minute winner from emergency loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass kept the Cumbrians in the Football League at the expense of Scarborough.

Twelve months later and they did it again, this time edging out Chester City by virture of goals scored to retain their place in the 92.

With finances biting and the club coming close to going out of business, Ian Atkins's side survived by three points in the 2000/1 campaign despite winning the fewest matches in their division.

Two years later and, in the first year of two-up-two-down between the Football and Non Leagues, the Cumbrians finished 22nd, just a point above relegated Exeter.

They had won a vital relegation decider 3-2 against Shrewsbury in their penultimate match to secure their Football League place.

Finally their luck ran out in 2004 though. An horrific start to the season saw them lose 18 of their first 21 games. Paul Simpson's men staged an heroic second half revival, but this time fell through the trapdoor by just four points.

Their most recent escape came in League One in 2009 when they went into the last game of the season needing a win and other results to go their way. They duly beat Millwall 2-0 at Brunton Park to edge out Northampton by a point.

The most famous great escape of all? Jimmy Glass for Carlisle in 1999

Hartlepool United - 1997, 1999, 2009, 2010

Towards the end of the last Millennium, Pools were fighting relegation battles towards the bottom of the basement division. Now it's the third tier where they try and stave off the drop.

In 1997, they ended up just four points above bottom place Hereford. No League Two side lost more games than United that term and with three games left they sat 23rd.

However, successive wins ensured they were safe going into the final day of the season.

Two years later, and Pools were propping up the rest of the Football League at Easter and looking doomed to relegation. New boss Chris Turner inspired his team to 11 points from their last seven games though to retain their spot in the division, ending up 22nd.

More recently, they have found themselves towards the wrong end of League One, including suffering relegation from the third tier in 2006. In 2009 an end of season slump saw them avoid the drop by just a single point.

Last term, Hartlepool were safe going into the final game until a points deduction for playing an ineligible player earlier in the campaign saw them thrown back into the relegation mix.

There they battled hard to gain a 0-0 draw against Brentford and avoid relegation by virtue of a superior goal difference to Gillingham.


Torquay United - 1987, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2006

The Gulls had finished bottom of the Football League for consecutive seasons in 1985 and 1986 but twice won their re-election bid.

The last side to finish bottom in back-to-back years, Workington, hadn't, so United were fortunate to still be in the Football League when automatic relegation was introduced in 1986/7.

They were even more fortunate when, on the final day, a police dog, Bryn, bit a Torquay player, producing enough injury time for them to score a dramatic last gasp equaliser against Crewe.

It secured the point they needed to stay up and send unlucky Lincoln down.

In 1993 they were indebted to a short spell in the dugout from Neil Warnock to guide the Devonians to safety in the basement division, but in 1996 they were struggling once more and finished bottom of the entire pack.

However, Conference winners Stevenage Borough were denied promotion because of the condition of their ground, and Torquay were given a reprieve.

In 2000/1, their fight against the drop went down to the very last game of the season in a final day shootout against Barnet with the losers going down to the Conference.

They raced into a 3-0 half time lead and withstood a second half comeback to see the match out 3-2 and send the Bees down.

Finally, in 2006, United sat six points short of safety with just five games remaining. However, Ian Atkins masterminded four wins and a draw to ensure they finished three points clear of the drop zone in 20th.

A year later, and the Gulls - mismanaged both on and off the pitch - finally took the plunge and spent two years in the Conference after finishing bottom of the division.

Gulls fans invade the pitch after securing survival yet again in 2006

Exeter City - 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2010

The 1990s had begun brightly for Exeter City - they won the League Two title to gain elevation to the third tier.

However, once there, they struggled and twice came close to taking the drop.

Firstly, in 1992, they went into the final day of the season still in danger of relegation. Fortunately, while they were thumped 5-2 at Darlington, rivals Bury lost as well to go down by just two points.

The following season they finished just three points clear of relegated Preston. However, they were not so lucky in 1994 and did eventually drop down to the basement division.

There they ended up rock bottom of the entire Football League at the end of the 1994/5 season.

The Grecians almost went of business during the campaign, but were spared the Non Leagues after the Moss Rose ground of Conference champions Macclesfield controversially failed to meet the Football League's requirements.

They were not so lucky in 2003 though, as, in the first year of two-up-two-down, Exeter became the first side to finish 23rd and be relegated from the basement division.

Having bounced back to the Football League, last season Exeter staged another escape from the drop when a late winner in their final game against Huddersfield saw City stay in League One by a single point.


Crewe Alexandra - 1999, 2004, 2005, 2008

Dario Gradi's distinguished reign as Crewe boss has become synonymous with unearthing talented young players, an attractive brand of football, and the Alex punching above their weight.

Inevitably therefore, they have been involved in the odd battle against the drop, some won successfully and some not.

In 1999, the Railwaymen finished just a point above the Championship relegation zone in 18th - inspired by a late rally of ten points from their last four games to ensure their safety.

Just two points separated Alex in 18th from third bottom Walsall in 2004 as Gradi once again managed to defy the odds to keep the Cheshire club in the second tier.

Twelve months later and they staged a dramatic last day escape as a 2-1 win over Coventry, coupled with Gillingham drawing 2-2 at Nottingham Forest, saw Crewe finish above the Gills thanks to a one better goal difference.

They weren't so lucky in 2006, finally succumbing to the drop. And in 2008 they fought to retain League One football at Gresty Road.

Alex finished up just two points clear of relegated Bournemouth, despite the Cherries being deducted ten points for entering administration. A year later though, and relegation did catch up with them.

A clear warning to any side constantly flirting with the drop. One year, it will catch up with you.

Let Me Hear Your Trumpets Ringing Out

Nobes salutes some of the clubs and managers who, despite staying out of the spotlight this season, deserve recognition.

Barnsley boss Mark Robins has overseen a year of progress at Oakwell

They say no news is good news. Find that your club is constantly overlooked and fails to grab the national media's attention, and you can count on that being because things are ticking along just nicely.

No manager being sacked and, although not involved in the race for promotion, there's no relegation battle to be fought either.

It's all too easy to gloss over such clubs and the work of their managers. However, they are often the bosses who consistently do the best jobs without receiving the recognition they merit.

Take Barnsley's Mark Robins, for example. When the Reds turned to the 41-year-old last term, they found themselves struggling at the foot of the table after a poor start to the campaign.

However, the former Rotherham manager soon turned things around and, at one point in the spring, the Oakwell outfit were even on the cusp of the play offs.

A late dip in form eventually saw them finish 18th in a congested mid-table. However, he has built on that first season with a term of solid progression and development.

Saturday's 4-1 defeat to resurgent Leicester left the Tykes in 13th, a full 13 points clear of the bottom three. Also, since a 4-0 loss at QPR on the opening weekend, they haven't dropped lower than 18th all term.

For a club who fought the drop for three successive seasons under his predecessor, Simon Davey, it's clear that Robins has moved the team on to another level.

Not that he's had the greatest resources available to him. Indeed, Barnsley are outperforming sides with higher wage bills who have spent more, and that is testament to the manager.

Coaxing consistently fine performances, as well as goals, from winger Adam Hammill also earned the club £4 million from Woverhampton Wanderers in the January transfer window as they sought to secure his services.

He will undoubtedly be a loss to the Reds for the remainder of the season, but they were quick to replace his goal threat with the signing of Bristol City striker Danny Haynes.

The summer captures of centre half Jason Shackell and Serbian midfielder Goran Lovre have also been astute moves, and Garry O'Connor from Birmingham is a proven forward in the Championship.

Robins, who notably had to overcome financial problems, points deductions, and a temporary home when in charge at Rotherham, is proving himself to be a young manager of increasing capability - who gets the best out of what he has available.

Not that he's the only one. Indeed, across South Yorkshire, Sean O'Driscoll continues to establish Doncaster in the second tier, as well as furthering their reputation as purveyors and protectors of the beautiful game.

It's earned the boss himself admirers - he was strongly linked with the Sheffield United job over Christmas. Perhaps that has proved a distraction, with Rovers losing four of their last five games to drop to 15th.

However, they still remain secure in the middle of the table, which is no mean feat for a side on modest resources with some of the smallest attendances in the Championship.

It is also a sign of the job the Irishman performs at the Keepmoat that pundits were all confident that Rovers wouldn't figure in the fight for survival at the bottom.

Although not advocating the same footballing principles as O'Driscoll, Millwall boss Kenny Jackett also deserves praise for the way his side have adapted to life in the second tier.

Kenny Jackett is ensuring promoted Millwall make a bright return to the Championship

I spoke after their opening day 3-0 win at Bristol City that the Lions were in good hands under Jackett's guidance. A hard-working pragmatist, opposition managers always speak in glowing terms about his team's endeavour and the danger they pose.

While they may not be the prettiest team to watch in the Championship, they also don't have the money of some of their rivals. Fine recent form has even propelled them up to 7th - albeit having played more games than some of the sides around them.

However, successive promotions aren't out of the question should the London side repeat their exploits of 2002 in qualifying for the play offs the season after coming up from the third tier.

It is a tier itself which is home, too, to managers quietly and efficiently going about their business.

Take Exeter City's Paul Tisdale, a manager who has rejected offers from other clubs to remain in Devon.

The Grecians are one of the smallest clubs in League One, but Tisdale has stayed loyal to them to help further his managerial education while competing against most illustrious opponents.

After a last gasp escape from relegation on the final day last season, City have held a place in mid table since August.

Not only that, but he guided them through to the regional final of the JPT this season - the run ending with an aggregate defeat to Brentford over two legs to deny them an appearance at Wembley.

They also continue to play the brand of fluid passing football which the manager has implemented since their days in the Conference. It's the mix of style and substance on a limited budget that so often eludes other bosses.

Keith Hill is not one of them though. The Rochdale supremo wrote his name into the Lancashire outfit's history books when promotion last term ended more than 35 years spent in the basement division.

However, after a poor sequence of results at the end of last season, allied with a difficult time in the summer transfer market, Dale fans were concerned their stay in League One would be a brief one.

They currently sit in 9th though, and continue to adhere to playing the game the right way.

The boss has also shown great character and nerve to turn around a worrying slide down the table from the dizzy heights of 4th to just above the drop zone in 18th. Even if Dale do end up in the bottom half, they have been one of the season's surprise packages.

As have Milton Keynes Dons. Indeed, naming the then 29-year-old Karl Robinson as manager last summer was a surprise in itself.

The youngest manager in the Football League was also taking over at a tricky time in the short history of the club. Paul Ince brought an end to his second spell at stadium:mk last season citing budget cuts and differing ambitions for his departure.

It appeared as though the ambitious Dons, who reached the play offs in 2009, would now have to scale back their dreams. However, Robinson has them competing once again for the top six.

To be doing so in his first job, as well as outperforming Ince despite less money to work with, is an achievement which should not be overlooked. You may not like the Dons, but the manager deserves some kudos.

The experienced Paul Sturrock is giving a masterclass in crisis management at Southend

While they profit under the leadership of a rookie, it's an experienced pro who is once again proving his worth in League Two at Southend United.

The Shrimpers went close to going out of business during the summer after relegation from League One, and a transfer embargo was only lifted days before they kicked off their season against fellow financially-troubled Stockport.

However, unlike the currently flailing Hatters, United boss Paul Sturrock used his many years in the game, as well as his various contacts, to fashion together a team that, while quickly assembled, currently sit just three points off the top seven.

It's no mean feat to bring a large collection of players in all at the same time and gel them into an effective and winning unit in a matter of months.

While promotion via the play offs may well prove beyond them this term, the Scot, who has previously guided both Plymouth and Swindon out of League Two, will be a good bet to lead the side from the Essex coast up next season.

Down on the South Coast, another boss who consistently does his job well - without receiving the recognition he deserves - is Torquay United's Paul Buckle.

During their time in the Conference he guided the Gulls to Wembley on three occasions - including winning the play off final in 2009 to return to the Football League.

Last season, he established them back in League Two and the Devonians have kicked on from there, comfortably sitting in mid table and earlier in the campaign went nearly 1000 minutes without conceding a goal.

It's not just their league form which should be praised though, but their recent record in the FA Cup also tells the tale of a manager who treats the competition with respect - not afraid to progress at the cost of not playing in the league.

They've reached the third round in three of the last four seasons, twice making the fourth round, and claimed the scalps of Blackpool and Coventry along the way.

Buckle has also earned praise for the way he conducts himself, including the dignified manner in which he dealt with their disappointing FA Cup exit amid the antics of Crawley last month. No surprise bigger clubs are already sniffing around the 40-year-old.

It's a mystery why John Coleman continues to be overlooked for positions though. There is arguably no manager in the Football League who so regularly gets his side to punch above their weight than the Accrington Stanley boss.

No club in the Football League attracts smaller crowds or works with an inferior budget than the Lancashire outfit. However, they are well on their way to securing a sixth successive year in League Two.

Coleman is the architect behind it and, although he can sometimes let his passion overtake him, it is impossible not to admire his achievements and longevity at the Crown Ground.

Basement division rivals Lincoln were rumoured to be interested in the Liverpudlian earlier in the campaign, but he eventually signed a new deal to remain with Stanley.

While it would be a wrench to leave the club after 12 years though, it is remarkable that more clubs haven't tested his loyalty by giving him the chance to prove what he can do at a bigger club with greater resources.

If only he could afford a bigger trumpet.

Classic Campaigns - League Two 1986/7

Our series reflecting on classic Football League seasons from the past continues.

With Torquay hosting Crewe in League Two this evening, Nobes looks back on when the pair met in the basement division 24 years ago. A final day like no other, for so many reasons.

The Orient Game: 1987 was an emotional year for all Burnley followers

Every dog has its day. So goes the old saying, anyway. For one, it came on May 9 1987 - the final day of an historic season in the basement division of English football.

Twenty four years ago, Torquay United against Crewe Alexandra was both sides' final game of the 1986/7 season - a match that was of vital importance to the home team whose very Football League existence hung in the balance.

The Devon side were one of three clubs who could end the day bottom of the old Fourth Division - or League Two as it is now called - and slide into the Conference.

This, too, was the first season of automatic promotion and relegation between the Football and Non Leagues, with Scarborough, managed by Neil Warnock, ready to take their place in Division Four as the newly crowned Conference winners.

At the other end of the Fourth Division, one of the biggest stories came at Preston North End. One of the most historic clubs in the country had finished second bottom of the entire Football League 12 months previously.

However, after winning a re-election vote, North End bounced back to finish as runners-up and gain promotion to the third tier.

They weren't able to match the form of Champions Northampton though, who blew their opponents out of the water, including winning 20 and losing just one of their home games all season.

Graham Carr's side with the attacking talent of Richard Hill and Trevor Morley were too hot to handle as they racked up 99 points and over 100 goals. The Cobblers and North End were joined by Southend in winning automatic promotion.

At the wrong end of the table, for much of the season it was the the North West duo of Rochdale and Stockport who were battling to avoid becoming the first side to be automatically relegated from the Football League.

However, as the second half of the season progressed others began to plummet into the relegation mix. One of them was Burnley, one of the original 12 members of the League in their second year in the Fourth Division.

Torquay - who had finished bottom in 1986 - were again in contention for the drop, and Lincoln City had nosedived from 7th at the beginning of January to find themselves in a dogfight.

In the penultimate weekend of the campaign, Burnley suffered a 1-0 reverse to Crewe and hit rock bottom. The Clarets were staring down the barrel of a gun.

Things were to get worse, Rochdale won their game in hand in the midweek before the final day to ensure their safety. Then Tranmere were allowed to play their final match on Friday evening - the Wirral club won to keep themselves up.

That left three in the mix - Burnley, Torquay, and Lincoln. The stage was set for a dramatic final day.

Fixtures:

Burnley vs. Orient
Swansea vs. Lincoln
Torquay vs. Crewe

Table:

.....................P...GD....PTS
22. Lincoln.....45....-18....48
23. Torquay....45....-16....47
-----------------------------------
24. Burnley.....45...-22.....46

Burnley knew that only a win against Orient at Turf Moor would do. If they managed it, then Torquay and Lincoln - the only side travelling - would then come into the picture if they failed to win their respective games.

For the Clarets, Champions of England as recently as 1960, they could scarcely believe the position they found themselves in.

Ask a Burnley supporter now, and they will tell you those 90 minutes in May '87 - known simply as 'The Orient Game' - were arguably the biggest in their club's history.

The prospect of losing professional football from the town - combined with the rise of upcoming neighbours Colne Dynamoes - threatened the very existence of the club.

Over 15,000 crammed into Turf Moor - delaying the first half by 15 minutes - to see if Burnley could pull off a great escape.

Goals from Neil Grewcock and Ian Britton either side of the break put the Lancashire outfit 2-0 up. Alan Comfort pulled a goal back for Orient, but the Clarets held on for a 2-1 victory.

The defeat for Orient cost them a place in the play offs - with Aldershot securing the final birth. The Shots would then go on to beat Bolton and Wolves in the end of season lottery to secure promotion.

The three points were enough for Burnley to survive, too. Emotional scenes at Turf Moor ensued after news had reached them from South Wales - Lincoln City had been beaten 2-0.

However, the story of that day was just of Burnley's great escape - but that of another team.

Burnley's win meant Lincoln and Torquay were in trouble, but the Imps would be safe if the Gulls failed to pick up anything against Crewe.

Things had certainly looked good for City at half time. Crewe, under the management of Dario Gradi, were 2-0 up against Torquay, with one of the goals coming from a young midfielder called David Platt. The Gulls were heading down into the Conference.

Then, early in the second period, Jim McNichol pulled a goal back for the hosts from a free kick. Torquay had hope - another goal would save them from relegation.

Into the last ten minutes and, with the Devonians still seeking a second goal, a police dog called Bryn, in attendance at Plainmoor, reacted to a close challenge by McNichol on his handler.

McNichol sustained a nasty thigh injury from the dog's bite - holding play up by four minutes. They were to prove four crucial minutes.

Deep into added time, a mistake in the Alex backline allowed Paul Dobson to smash home an equaliser for Torquay. Just like at Turf Moor, fans invaded the Plainmoor pitch in joy and relief. The Gulls were staying up.

Torquay's Jim McNichol with unlikely hero Bryn - the dog who bit him

Dobson's goal, however, meant Lincoln, who up until that point had not been bottom of the table all season, had been condemned to relegation.

Final table:

.....................P.....GD....PTS
22. Burnley ...46...-21.....49
23. Torquay...46...-16.....48
-----------------------------------
24. Lincoln.....46...-20.....48

The intervention of Bryn had been crucial. Torquay were safe thanks to Devon's most famous dog since the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Almost a quarter of a century on and Gradi and Crewe return to Plainmoor this evening in much less dramatic circumstances.

Despite his lengthy tenure at the helm, you imagine the events of that May day ensure that it is one game the Alex's long serving boss will never forget.

Big Match Preview

Torquay United vs. Cheltenham Town

Sunday December 26, 15:00, Plainmoor

It's a localish affair down on the English Riviera this Boxing Day as Torquay United host Cheltenham Town with both sides gunning for a place in the League Two play offs.

The two teams are separated by just a single point and place as they lie either side of the cut off point for the end of season play offs in 7th and 8th place respectively.

For the visitors from Gloucestershire, manager Mark Yates celebrated a year in charge at Whaddon Road this week and things couldn't be more different from when he first took over.

Twelve months ago, Cheltenham sat in 21st, and were fighting relegation. Now they travel to the South West challenging to reclaim the place in League One they lost in 2009.

It's been a dramatic turn around in fortunes in the Cotswolds - and they have impressed on their travels this season, too.

Indeed, only Bury have scored more goals on the road than Town this season, with 17 notched up in their 10 away games. Wins have been attained at Aldershot, Accrington, and Macclesfield.

They also come into the game four games unbeaten away from home. However, they have tasted defeat on the road at Barnet, Chesterfield, Bradford, and in an extraordinary 6-4 loss at Rotherham.

Key for the Robins has been striker Wes Thomas. The bargain buy from Dagenham during the summer is the club's top scorer having found the back of the net on nine occasions.

Mark Yates has turned Cheltenham from strugglers into play off candidates

Hosts Torquay have enjoyed a strange season to date, but the Devon side find themselves in the top seven in their second season back in the Football League.

Paul Buckle's men topped the table in the early weeks of the campaign, however a nine match winless streak saw them slide down the standings.

Just one defeat in their last six has seen them recover though, and the Gulls will be hoping to maintain their fine form to ensure they remain in the race for a place in the end of season play offs.

For that to happen, they'll need to improve upon a record at Plainmoor which has been patchy at best. Wins have been achieved over Northampton, Bradford, and Morecambe.

However, Macclesfield, Aldershot, and Bury have all returned home from a trip to United with maximum spoils.

Outstanding performers for Torquay this term include striker Elliot Benyon, whose ten goals has seen him attract interest from clubs higher up the pyramid. Chris Zebroski also has six to his name and is another goal threat for Buckle's side.

With Cheltenham's decent away form and Torquay's erratic record at Plainmoor, this is a difficult game to call. Throw in a big Boxing Day crowd and the recent postponements both sides have suffered, who knows what to expect?

Will one side come out fresh and the other rusty? Will the game even go ahead and beat the snow? If it does, then I think this one has 'draw' written all over it.

Nobes' Prediction: Torquay United 1 Cheltenham Town 1

Big Match Review - Port Vale 1 Torquay 2

Port Vale 1-2 Torquay United

Saturday August 28, Vale Park, (Att: 5,750)

Torquay failed to keep an eleventh straight clean sheet, but maintained their 100 per cent record - and top spot in League Two - with victory at Vale Park.

Paul Buckle's side got off to a dream start when taking the lead within the first five minutes.

Sloppy play in midfield saw Chris Zebroski seize the ball and his surging run into the box was only stopped by a foul from home keeper Stuart Tomlinson.

Nicky Wroe stepped up to send Tomlinson the wrong way and put Torquay 1-0 up.

That advantage was soon doubled. The Valiants failed to deal with a long throw into the box and the ball broke for Zebroski to poke home with just 28 minutes played.

However, their long stretch without conceding was finally ended as Vale pulled a goal back before the break.

Anthony Griffith's long range screamer from 30 yards beat keeper Scott Bevan down low to his right as the Devon team conceded their first league goal since April.

However, a resolute defensive display in the second period ensured the Gulls weren't to be denied a fourth straight win as they inflicted a first loss of the season on Vale.

Big Match Preview

Port Vale vs. Torquay United

Saturday August 28, 15:00, Vale Park

It's still very early days, but two of the frontrunners in the embryonic League Two standings meet in the Potteries this weekend.

Both Port Vale and Torquay have made promising starts to the new campaign, with this game pitting 4th against 1st. It also gives the away side the chance to write their names into the footballing history books.

Torquay have kept clean sheets in their last 10 league games - stretching back to April last season. An 11th at Vale Park would see them match Millwall's record dating back to the 1925/6 campaign.

That defensive solidity has been at the heart of Paul Buckle's side's impressive beginning to the season. As well as not giving anything away, the Gulls have taken maximum spoils from their first three games.

A crushing 3-0 victory over Northampton on the opening day was followed by a 2-0 win at Lincoln. Then, last weekend, pre-season favourites Bradford were swept aside by the same scoreline at Plainmoor.

The Devon side travel to the West Midlands brimming with confidence therefore, as they look to maintain their excellent early form.

Central to their rock solid backline has been the influence of experienced centre half Guy Branston. After making his loan move from Burton permanent in the summer, he has once again helped United look resolute at the back.

Alongside Mark Ellis, Chris Robertson, and Kevin Nicholson, and with the very able Scott Bevan in goal behind them, Buckle will be confident he has the unit to frustrate their hosts.

With strikers Elliott Benyon and Chris Zebroski both in goalscoring form, too, the Gulls will hope to cause a threat of their own down the other end of the pitch.

Can Micky Adams and Port Vale end Torquay's clean sheet run?

In their way stand Micky Adam's Vale side - looking to bounce back from last night's 6-0 thumping against Fulham in the League Cup.

Despite that heavy loss, they had progressed through to the tie at Craven Cottage after a shock win at Championship leaders QPR - a sign of their credentials.

In the league, the Valiants remain unbeaten having taken seven points from nine. That includes two away wins from two at Bury and then last weekend's 3-1 success at Southend.

Their one home match so far saw a 1-1 draw with Chesterfield, and the former Leicester boss will be looking to secure their first triumph at Vale Park - where they struggled to win at times last term.

Up front, Vale boast the Richards double-act with strikers Justin and Marc scoring three and two goals respectively to date.

The Staffordshire outfit have also looked solid at the back, with just two goals conceded in their three league games.

Goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson, a summer signing from Barrow, is protected by defenders John McCombe, Gareth Owen, and Lee Collins - who grabbed Vale's winning goal on the opening day.

It promises to be a tight encounter between two well organised sides who look to build from the back. It's difficult, therefore, to see too many goals.

Vale are a difficult team to beat, although they may well suffer for their midweek cup excursions. The first goal will be vital, and if Torquay get it they can hold on to make history.

Nobes' Prediction: Port Vale 0 Torquay United 1

Something to Torq About

With Torquay riding high at the top of League Two, Nobes looks at the miserly defence helping the Gulls upset the odds.

Plenty to celebrate: Torquay are enjoying a fine start to the season

It's not the kind of thing a professional footballer wishes to be reminded of. Putting the ball into your own net can be embarrassing at best and, at worst, very costly to your team.

Pity poor Chris Zebroski, then, who holds the unfortunate tag of being the last man to score a league goal against his own team - Torquay United.

Particularly unfortunate given the goal came all the way back on April 3 last season. Thankfully, on that occasion, it wasn't to prove costly, with United beating Shrewsbury 2-1.

Since then though, the Devon club haven't conceded in 871 minutes. A run of nine clean sheets on the trot - with seven victories in those matches.

Number nine came in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Lincoln. It was a result which saw the Gulls maintain the top spot in League Two they gained after an opening day 3-0 success over Northampton - the team their clean sheet run began against.

A 0-0 draw against the Cobblers was followed by a remarkable 5-0 crushing of soon-to-be-promoted Rochdale before Aldershot, Grimsby, Macclesfield, and Bury were comfortably seen off without reply.

A final day goalless draw against free-scoring Champions Notts County was further proof of the mettle of Paul Buckle's men. It has not been a run built on the good fortune of the fixture list.

Nor has it been a backs to the wall job with United sitting men behind the ball. The impressive way they demolished Dale before hitting three past both Grimsby and play off chasing Bury evidence of their attacking intent.

Indeed, the hard work and tireless running of their forward men - Zebroski and the free-scoring Elliott Benyon - has been key to a team who put into practice the idea of defending from the very front.

Benyon, in particular, has thrived with the confidence surging through the Torquay team - with three goals to his name already, including both in their weekend success at Sincil Bank.

It's form which has seen links of a move to Championship side Swansea renewed. Although he is out of the contract at the end of the season, manager Paul Buckle will be keen to retain his services a little longer at Plainmoor.

That's because Torquay's solid defence has given the Devon club, in their second season back in the Football League, a chance to compete for a top seven spot - something most fans would have felt was beyond them just a couple of weeks ago.

After consolidating in mid table last season following winning the Conference Play Off Final in 2009, Buckle's side seem to be one moving in the right direction.

Torquay boss Paul Buckle is the architect of their impressive defence

Twelve months ago they struggled on their return to the big time. Having decided that some of the players who helped them to promotion needed to be moved on though, the manager re-structured his team in the January transfer window.

Their improvement has not gone unnoticed either, with the boss himself linked to the vacant post at Colchester last term. However, he was expressed his desire to continue his work in the South West.

Much credit must rightly go to the manager. Organising a solid defence is no mean task. It requires time and patience spent on the training ground. It needs time spent drilling into players team shape, keeping a tight line, and defending balls into the box properly.

Not only has his work on the training pitch paid off, but his efforts in the transfer market also seem to be paying off.

The capture of experienced centre half Guy Branston on loan from Burton last term may have risen some eyebrows, but it proved to be the catalyst behind shoring up the United defence.

A typically uncompromising lower league defender, the 31-year-old's organisational and leadership qualities have been central to helping younger players like Chris Robertson and Kevin Nicholson improve their defensive game.

Now signed permanently, his partnership in the middle with Mark Ellis has also given the Gulls a dominant presence in the air against the many high balls lofted in their direction by League Two opponents.

Torquay's impressive defensive run is made even more remarkable, though, by the fact the Gulls have, for one reason or another, been forced to field three different goalkeepers during their long shutout.

Scott Bevan began the run before injury saw loanee Michael Poke take over responsibility.

Even an injury to Poke and the emergency drafting in of Bristol City's Steve Collis for the final game of last term didn't disturb United's defensive solidity though.

Now with Bevan back in goal behind a settled back four, and with a striking force proving ruthlessly efficient, Buckle will hope further clean sheets will be the basis for an assault at the right end of the table.

Not only that, but Torquay's form has seen Millwall's 85-year old record of 11 consecutive clean sheets firmly enter their sights.

Shut outs in their next two games against Bradford and Port Vale would ensure this Gulls team enter the record books. You'd think even Zebroski won't mind if that happens.

Big Match Review - Rotherham 1 Torquay 1

League Two

Rotherham United 1-1 Torquay United

Friday February 19, Don Valley Stadium, (Att: 3,339)

Elliot Benyon's goal five minutes from time rescued a point for struggling Torquay and put a dent in Rotherham's promotion hopes.

Paul Buckle's visitors actually began the stronger of the two sides and could have taken the lead when Mark Ellis's header forced Andy Warrington into a diving save.

The Millers responded, and Adam Le Fondre was unfortunate not to find the back of the net when his curled effort came back off the upright with Scott Bevan beaten.

However, the South Yorkshire team did take the lead not long after, Danny Harrison popping up at the back post to steer Nicky Laws's cross into the net.

They could have extended their advantage in the second half, but Le Fondre could only scoop an effort over the bar when through on Bevan's goal.

And they were made to pay for that missed opportunity when Chris Robertson's long throw caused panic in the box and Benyon bundled the ball in from close range.

There was still time for Gary Roberts to earn a second booking that saw him sent off in stoppage time to compound Ronnie Moore's team's woes.

However, for the away side, a valuable point to take back to Devon in their fight against relegation from the Football League.

Big Match Preview

League Two

Rotherham United vs. Torquay United

Friday February 19, 19:45, Don Valley Stadium

Two basement division sides will be hoping for precious points for very different reasons on Friday evening as Rotherham take on Torquay at the Don Valley Stadium.

The home side, currently sitting in 4th, are hoping to close the gap on the three sides in League Two's automatic promotion places. For their opponents though, its league survival that's on their mind.

The Gulls, promoted via the Conference play-offs last May, have struggled on their return to the big time and currently lie just five points off the relegation places.

It's been a difficult transition to oversee for their young boss, Paul Buckle, who has enjoyed great success at Plainmoor since taking charge in 2007.

And the Devon club are on a poor run of late - without a win since Boxing Day and having lost their last three home games.

However, in a strange twist, the club decided to allow experienced campaigners Chris Hargreaves and Tim Sills - both instrumental in last season's promotion - to leave the club during the January transfer window.

United also missed out on the signing of Crawley's hotshot striker Charles Ademano but were able to add Wycombe's Chris Zebroski to bolster their attacking options.

Zebroski, with five goals, is one of Torquay's biggest threats going forwards.

Along with Scott Rendell and Elliot Benyon - seven and six league goals to their names respectively - he will be expected to find the goals needed for survival over the next few weeks.

Torquay United boss Paul Buckle has a relegation battle on his hands

They might be in for a tough test on Friday evening in South Yorkshire though as they face a Rotherham side with one of the strongest home records in the division.

The Millers have suffered defeat on home soil just twice this term - however, both of those losses have been suffered in their last four games in their temporary home.

The fact one of those surprisingly occurred against rock-bottom Darlington means Ronnie Moore's high flyers will have to be cautious not to underestimate another lowly opponent.

Moore, in his second spell at the club, took over from Mark Robins in the autumn has kept Rotherham in contention for the top three - and the side have two games in hand on 3rd placed Bury.

The leading light in the home side's team is striker Adam Le Fondre - a signing from promotion rivals Rochdale - the young forward has found the back of the net 19 times in League Two this term.

That includes three goals in his side's last two games - wins against Lincoln and Dagenham - so the Millers come into the game with confidence and back in good form.

Considering the two sides contrasting form, Rotherham will be firm favourites to boost their promotion hopes and deepen Torquay's woes with another win.

And although surprises can happen, their Darlington-debacle means it's hard to see the home side taking the Gulls lightly.

Nobes' Prediction: Rotherham United 2 Torquay United 1