By Longsider
December 8 2003

Draws at the top of the table mean no real changes at the top. Franchise are becoming more and more distant at the bottom after they suffered another defeat against lowly Rotherham. First Division leaders West Brom got a point against West Ham, who once again allowed a lead to slip away against The Baggies. Alan Pardew's team, who were beaten 4-3 by Albion last month having led 3-0, took the lead in the second half through Brian Deane, before Hayden Mullins sent a header past David James to enable Albion to remain top.

Norwich once again missed the chance to go above West Brom as they were held to a goalless draw at Millwall, who had controversial defender Kevin Muscat sent off again. I really have no idea why this man even tries to play the game as he seems to have spent his career off the pitch due to his suspensions.

Ipswich have moved up to third place thanks to their 2-1 victory over Derby at Portman Road. Darren Bent put Ipswich in front after just 24 seconds against Derby and Youl Mawene's second half own goal stretched Ipswich's advantage and although Marcus Tudgay made the scoreline look a little more respectable. Burley criticised his defence after the game for gifting the Home side the points.

Two goals by Nicky Forster gave Reading their second victory over Wigan inside a month, as Steve Coppell's side won 2-0 at the JJB Stadium, and they have now gone above the Lactics in the table.

Former Stoke striker Peter Thorne put his old club to the sword with a hat-trick at the Britannia Stadium to keep Lennie Lawrence's Cardiff high up the table. The £1.7 million signing was in electric form and gave the Bluebirds the lead before the Stoke equalized through John Eustace. Thorne added a second before half time and then completed his hat trick 18 minutes from time. Ade Akinbiyi gave the Potters some hope but the Welshmen hung on.

Ricardo Fuller gave Preston the lead, in their match against Crystal Palace, Kit Symons was sent off for a professional foul which led to Graham Alexander's goal for North End from the spot. Eddie Lewis and David Healy added further goals as Preston went on to win 4-1.

Andy Reid struck a minute from time to earn Nottingham Forest a point at Watford, who had gone ahead through Scott Fitzgerald.

Bryan Robson claimed his side were unlucky not to get something out of their game against Walsall. Gary Birch got the late winner for the Saddlers who continue to climb away from the danger zone.

David Perpetuini rescued a point for Gillingham after Steve Jones had fired Crewe into an early lead.

Rotherham's excellent form continues as they claimed their fourth win in five games, beating Wimbledon 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium. Shaun Barker and Martin McIntosh put The Millers two goals up and Dean Holdsworth's penalty was not enough for Franchise who look destined to play 2nd Division football next season.