We usually focus on the Championship here at Tales From Not The Top Flight but it would be wrong if we were to look past Luton vs Yeovil in League 2 this weekend. Luton started the season as one of the favourites for the title and Yeovil were expected to be in the relegation mix but no one quite expected this. Yeovil actually went 1-0 up and before conceding SIX goals before half time. SIX. The games contained 10 goals, but sadly could not quite eclipse the famous 7-4 between Reading and Portsmouth. Yeovil’s travelling fans have been refunded but more performances like this one and the players will soon be earning no money at all.
Right back to the Championship and Jorge Mendes FC’s bizarre transfer policy of spending loads of money on quality players seems to have worked as they edged a close encounter with Middlesbrough, winning 1-0. Boro should be right up there come the end of the season, although considering I support them do not be surprised if by March we are 13th and being managed by Steve McClaren.
Aston Villa and Hull clashed in the Steve Bruce Derby which resulted in a 1-1 draw. 56 year old Gabby Agbonlahor, Aston Villa’s answer to Totti, scored the opener in record time but Hull came back in the second half to tie things up. John Terry, who signed for Villa this summer in a move that definitely hasn’t been overhyped by certain media outlets, made his debut and looked ok but its clear that JT probably would be a bit out of his depth in the Prem.
The most entertaining match of the weekend took place between Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United as it finished 3-2 to the Yorkshire side. Bolton striker Gary Madine won a penalty in bizarre fashion as his shirt was pulled over his head, something I have never seen before. Leeds also probably took loads of away fans, something they never ever mention. In fact I think Leeds should talk up their away support even more.
Substitute Nelson Oliveira grabbed an 88th minute equaliser away at Craven Cottage before taking off his shirt and showing it to his manager. I’m pretty sure his manager knows who he is, but apparently it was an act of protest about not being named in the starting XI. This might seem a bit excessive but when Cameron Jerome is getting into the team ahead of you, you probably should be annoyed.
Down in League One Charlton striker Lee Novak got sent off after six minutes against Bristol Rovers, making him the first man to be sent off this season. Of course this was actually all part of Novak’s master plan as Charlton went on to win the game 1-0. Novak should probably get sent off more often if Charlton want to get back to the Championship.