League One Review

By Jackson
January 31 2005

A quieter weekend in League One this week as the Fourth Round of the FA Cup took a front seat but there were still a couple of important matches in League One over the weekend.

What’s Going on In League One?

On Friday night, Chesterfield bounced back from last weeks crushing 4-2 defeat at home to Wrexham and a seven match winless run to beat promotion-chasing Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The Spireites were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes through Hudson and Allison but Bristol City fought back in the second half with two goals in three minutes from Brooker and Smith. But Chesterfield’s Hudson scored his second that was ultimately the winner just three minutes from time to send City to defeat.

On Saturday Tranmere drew 1-1 at League leaders Luton Town and took some consolation from the fact that at the National Hockey Stadium, Izale McLeod scored an equaliser for MK Dons just five minutes from time to ensure a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. That means that Luton are two points ahead of second placed Hull but have played a game more whilst Hull are a point clear of Rovers but have two games in hand on them. Rovers are five points clear of fourth placed Wednesday with Bristol City still just outside the play-offs in seventh place.

Towards the bottom end of the table, Wrexham got the same result as MK Dons after they drew 0-0 at home to Doncaster who now are unbeaten in six games. Stockport are beginning to look doomed after they lost 3-0 at Swindon and are now six points adrift of second bottom MK Dons and ten points from safety. After losing 5-0 to Colchester in midweek, Paul Merson’s Walsall found themselves 3-1 down after half an hour at home to Huddersfield but a second half Fryatt hat trick ensured a 4-3 win for the Saddlers to ease some pressure on Merson.

On the News front in League One, much has been happening this week:

Barnsley:

Goalkeeper Nick Colgan has joined Dundee United on loan until the end of the season and young goalkeeper Paul Jarvie has also been told he can leave the club. Colgan returns to Scotland having joined the Tykes from Hibernian in June following a spell on loan at Stockport.

Blackpool:

After last week being linked with a take over at struggling Wrexham, Peter Ridsdale has now been linked with a take over at Blackpool which the former Barnsley and Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has denied. Ridsdale has confirmed that he is holding talks with an unnamed Championship side.

Chesterfield:

The Spireites have signed Arsenal midfielder Jordan Fowler on a month's loan. Fowler, 20 has not yet made a senior appearance for the Gunners

Colchester:

Colchester defender George Elokobi has moved on a month’s loan to League Two side Chester City. The 19 year old Cameroon born player has yet to appear for the U’s first team since signing in the summer.

Doncaster:

Doncaster have signed Cardiff City striker Andy Campbell on a month's loan deal. The ex-Middlesbrough striker, 25, has so far made only seven first team starts for Cardiff this season. Doncaster are also hoping to sign Fulham goalkeeper Ross Flitney as cover for injured goalkeeper Stuart Jones.

Hartlepool:

Captain Micky Barron has signed an extended contract at the club which will mean a tenth season at the club for their longest serving player.

Hull City:

The Tigers have signed former Gillingham player manager Andy Hessenthaler on a three month loan deal to link up the 39 year old with his former Manager at the Gills, Peter Taylor.

Oldham:

Manchester Utd striker Kenny Cooper has signed for the Latics on loan whilst defender Alex Bruce, has signed for Birmingham City. Alex, son of Birmingham manager Steve will link up with his dad’s side after he finishes his spell on loan from Blackburn to Oldham in March. The 20 year old has made eight appearances for the Latics so far this season.

Peterborough:

Defender Gareth Jelleyman has signed for League Two side Mansfield Town. Manager Barry Fry allowed the 20 year old to leave London Road because is contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Tranmere:

Tranmere midfielder Gary Jones has rejected a move to Chester City.

Sheffield Wednesday:

Wednesday have signed Fulham defender Adam Green on a month long loan deal having started 12 games for the Cottagers.