Crucial contributions

Monday, 01/11/2010

Premier League

Joey Barton (Newcastle): While Kevin Nolan's hat-trick and Shola Ameobi's brace grab the headlines from Newcastle's emphatic 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Sunderland, it was the former Man City schemer at the heart of the Toon Army's impressive performance. Surely close to Fabio Capello's England thoughts, Barton has been a real powerhouse so far this term.

Championship

Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff): The in-form striker, who spoke to Shoot exclusively this month, continued in his rich vein as he scored one and set up another in Cardiff's 3-1 victory over Norwich. That result lifts the Bluebirds two points clear at the top of the table, with the league's top scorer looking in unstoppable form.

Leagues 1 & 2

League One:

Ashley Barnes (Brighton): The young forward marked his 21st birthday in style, grabbing a brace as Brighton thumped promotion rivals Peterborough 3-0 away from home. The result means that the Seagulls are now a remarkable eight points clear atop League One. It means the Austria Under-20 starlet has scored five times for the club since joining permanently in the summer.

League Two:

Rob Purdie (Hereford): What a homecoming! Having re-joined on loan from Oldham the previous day, Purdie struck twice as lowly Hereford recorded a devastating away victory – defeating Stockport 5-0. The result lifts the Bulls off the bottom of the Football League, and means that caretaker boss Jamie Pitman looks increasingly likely to make his step up from physio to manager permanent. 

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