Sheffield United kept the Christmas cheer going at Bramhall Lane with a 3-0 win over struggling Scunthorpe United as goals from Miller (4th min), Kitson (56th min) and a Blackman penalty (84th min) sealed the win to keep the Blades at the top. Sheffield United 1st, Scunthorpe United 23rd.
After their recent slips, Tranmere Rovers got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over near neighbours Crewe Alexandra at Prenton Park, despite going behind from an Inman goal in the 12th minute. Two quick goals from McGurk and Power in the 58th and 63rd minutes turned the game around to seal the points. Tranmere Rovers 2nd, Crewe Alexandra 13th.
Brentford are hot on the heels of the leading 2 with a 3-1 away win over Colchester United at their Community Stadium. Trotta gave the Bees the lead in the 4th minute, with Forshaw doubling the advantage 8 minutes later. Wright pulled one back for ColU in the 23rd minute, but any thoughts of comeback were snuffed out when Dean restored the 2-goal cushion with 5 minutes left. Both ides were reduced to 10-man. Colchester United 20th, Brentford 3rd.
Doncaster Rovers left it late to claim victory over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park after Jones gave Donny the lead in the 3rd minute. M'Changama levelled in the 27th minute, leaving it to Syers to score a late late winner for the visitors in the 91st minute. Oldham Atheltic 17th, Doncaster Rovers 4th.
Franchise FC came a cropper at home against Walsall as the Saddlers eased any thoughts of relegation with a fine 4-2 win at Stadium:Franchise. Lowe have given the home side the lead in the 6th minute, with Brandy (15th min) and Grigg (25th min) turning the game in Walsall's favour before Bowditch levelled 6 minutes later. Grigg gave the Saddlers a half time lead with a 2nd strike in the 43rd minute. Paterson sealed the win in the 92nd minute. Franchise FC 6th, Walsall 16th.
Sneaking up on the rails are AFC Bournemouth following a 3-0 win over Yeovil Town at Dean Court. Goals from Grabban (32nd min), Arter (73rd min) and Pitman (86th min pen) sealed the win to extend the Cherries unbeaten run to 14 matches. AFC Bournemouth 7th, Yeovil Town 12th.
After a recent slip, Crawley Town got back to winning ways, to avenge their home defeat to Portsmouth earlier in the season, with a decent 2-1 win at Fratton Park. Benson gave Pompey the lead in the 11th minute, but goals from Adams (28th min) and Clarke (73rd min) ensured that the points were heading back to Sussex. Portsmouth 21st, Crawley Town 8th.
Stevenage Borough came a cropper against Coventry City at Broadhall Way as the midland giants ran off woth a decent 3-1 win depsite the home side taking a first half lead, from the penalty spot, through Akins in the 32nd minute. Goals from Wood, Baker and McGoldrick in the 79th, 89th and 91st minutes respectively turned the game on its head. Stevenage Borough 9th, Coventry City 11th.
Honours even in the midlands derby between Shrewsbury Town and Notts County as the two sides battled out a 2-2 draw at the New Meadow. Rodgers gave the Shrews the lead in the 19th minute, with L Hughes levelling 5 minutes later. Campbell-Ryce netted to give County the lead going in at the break, only to see team mate Bialkowski put past his own keeper to level scores in the 81st minute. Shrewsbury Town 24th, Notts County 10th.
Surely at the half way stage of their season, Hartlepool United, on just 9 points, 16 away from safety, are doomed to League Two? The latest defeat came at the hands of Carlisle United at Brunton Park who managed to arrest a poor run of form at home themselves with a 3-0 win over their visitors. Goals from Collins (own goal 23rd min), Robson (27th min) and Miller (73rd min) sealed the win the win for the Cumbrians. Carlisle United 18th, Hartlepool United 24th.
The other game played on Boxing Day saw the Lancashire derby between Preston North End (14th) and Bury (22nd) finish 0-0 at Deepdale.
The game between Leyton Orient (15th) and Swindon Town (5th) was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Source: Cherries MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
