By Paul Holmes
September 29 2002

Results round up from Saturday 28th September as Portsmouth and Norwich continue their march up the division and Sheffield Wednesday's run of draws is ended Nottm Forest 3 Rotherham 2

A unexpected top 6 clash between these two with both managers fast earning reputation's as shrewd managers. Paul Hart and Ronnie Moore are names that can be expected to be associated with any big club vacancies as the season goes on.

The division's top marksman David Johnson continued his immaculate start to the season with the opener after just 3 minutes. Ricky Scimeca's free-kick was deflected on to the cross bar only for the Jamaican to slot home. Forest then started to take control with Michael Dawson just heading over before the second goal.

Johnson's cross deflected off Miller's defenders Chris Swailes, the knockdown fell kindly for Eugen Bopp who finished well. Darren Byfield went close for Rotherham but Forest were in a rampant mood and on 39 minutes the game seemed over. Bopp crossed into the box for Johnson to head home his 12th goal of the season.

Marlon Harewood almost made it 4 but his effort slammed against the crossbar. Rotherham then gave their fans some hope with Richie Barker heading home Chris Sedgwick's cross.

No doubt that Ronnie Moore threw a few teacups at half time and it had a strong effect. The Millers came out for the second half ready to attack. Paul Warne twice wasting good chances. On 59 minutes it was 3-2. Rob Scott's long throw was headed on by Martin McIntosh for Darren Byfield to score at the far post.

From now on it was back to the walls stuff for Forest as Rotherham drove forward in attack after attack with Chris Sedgwick seemingly unstoppable down the flanks. Forest held on though to move above Rotherham into 4th. Ronnie Moore's men can take heart in the fact that this time last season they were rock bottom of the division without a win to their name.

Portsmouth 3 Bradford 0

After last week's defeat to Norwich, Portsmouth were keen to get back on track and did so in impressive fashion against Bradford.

Midfielder Nigel Quashie set the ball rolling after 17 minutes after Svet Todorov clever layoff. The lead was doubled 4 minutes later with a glorious goal. Paul Merson played a one-two with wing-back Matt Taylor before his delightful 40-yard chipped pass found Vincent Pericard, who controlled on his chest before shooting past Steve Banks.

Portsmouth were stamping their authority on the game with Taylor and Quashie causing havoc for The Bantams. Banks and co. managed to keep the score at 2-0 until 58 minutes. Merson's clever through ball was met by Quashie who slammed home past Banks.

The game could have been 10-9 with Bradford unlucky not to score in the second half and Portsmouth wasting plenty of chances. The game highlighted Portsmouth class and how far Bradford have come since the dark days of the summer when the club's future was in grave danger.

Preston 1 Norwich 2

3 valuable points for Norwich in their promotion quest against a Preston team that appear to be struggling with out the guidance of David Moyes.

Norwich took the lead on 35 minutes. Danish striker David Neilsen using his pace to latch onto the Phil Mulryne's pass before thumping home. Preston fought back and deservedly equalised 6 minutes after the break. Good work by Erik Skora allowed Richard Cresswell t o make it 1-1.

The Canaries went straight up the other end and secured the points though. Neil Emblem's long throw was deflected into the path of Paul McVeigh who's clever overhead-kick flew past Tepi Moilanen. Norwich remain in 3rd place, just 2 points off second placed Leicester.

Reading 1 Stoke 1

Both teams were in the Second Division last season and had to share the points on offer at the Madejski yesterday.

The home side took the lead in the 12th minute when John Salako's cross was dummied by Jamie Cureton before Anthony Rougier slammed home past Neil Cutler.

Stoke's equaliser had a hint on fortune about it, Jurgen Vandeurzen was credited with the goal but his shot took a wicked deflection of Adrian Williams to leave Marcus Hahenemann stranded 5 minutes before the break. The home side almost regained the lead on 52 minutes but Peter Handyside cleared off the goal-line from Andy Hughes.

Sheff Utd 1 Watford 2

High flying Sheff Utd were brought down to earth with after their controversial home defeat to Watford.

Loan signing Michael Boulding could only manage a place on the bench and at first The Blades seemed to be heading for 3 points. After just 10 minutes Wayne Allison had taken the lead after Peter Ndlovu's cross.

The game was turned on its head on 35 minutes though, Sheffield United youngster Phil Jagielka was adjudged to have brought down Heidar Helguson inside the box, the referee issued a penalty and harshly sent Jagiekla off. From the spot-kick Neil Cox converted to level the scores.

2 minutes later Watford took the lead, Paul Robinson broke away down the left and crossed for Helguson who side-footed past Paddy Kenny in goal. Watford's Micah Hyde was also shown red in the closing stages of the game after bringing down Michael Tonge.

Walsall 1 Sheff Wed 0

Sheffield Wednesday ended their run of draws, but it was a defeat that ended it - courtesy of Colin Lee's Walsall.

The Saddlers bossed Wednesday in the first half with Aussie David Zdrillic going close on several occasions. The only goal of the game on the half hour. Fitzroy Simpson won possession in midfield and ran forward, mainly unchallenged before his low curling shot beat Kevin Pressman.

The Owls introduced Leon Knight at half-time and his pace caused problems for the Walsall defence but they held out. Lloyd Owusu wasted a great chance when one-on-one with Jimmy Walker but the former Brentford man blazed over.