Keeper Robbo’s a goal hero

Monday, 21/11/2011

Premier League

by Daniel Tyler

PAUL ROBINSON, Blackburn Rovers

After just 11 matches the clash between Wigan and Blackburn had relegation six-pointer written all over it.

The league’s bottom two already found themselves four points from safety after dismal starts to the season.

But in a match that a point wouldn’t really help either side it ended in an exciting 3-3 draw.

Former England keeper Paul Robinson was Rovers hero in an afternoon that looked destined to go the Latics way.

Yes, he made a mistake for Crusat’s grass-cutter, but put his head in where it hurts from an injury time corner, to win Steve Kean’s men a dramatic 97th minute penalty.

Earlier the 32-year-old saved magnificently from Jones and Rodallega to keep his side in the contest.

Championship

RICKIE LAMBERT, Southampton

Southampton continued their impressive start to the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over South Coast rivals Brighton.

The Seagulls beat the Saints to the League One title last year, but on this evidence there is no doubting who are superior now.

Rickie Lambert proved one of many differences between the two sides with a hat-trick, in a 20th successive home win for Nigel Adkins' side.

After threatening in the first-half Albion did not read the warning signs by giving the striker space to head home the first.

The number 7’s second and third were debatable penalties, but he calmly finished both to take his tally to 14 for the season which maintains Saints five point lead at the top of the Championship.

Leagues 1 & 2

League One

JORDAN RHOHDES, Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield’s number 17 earns this title for the second time in three games after his brace against Notts County.

The striker’s goals secured a 2-1 victory, taking the club's unbeaten league run to a record 43 games, surpassing the previous Football League best set by Nottingham Forest in 1978.

Newly capped by Scotland the hitman now has 18 goals in ten games for club and country, the kind of form which has reported to have alerted a number of Premier League clubs.

The 21-year-old's finishing was of the highest quality and proved to be the difference in a close contest.

The victory keeps The Terriers five points behind leaders Charlton, who they face a week Monday.

League Two

KANE FERDINAND, Southend United

Southend maintained their two-point lead at the top of League Two with a 3-2 win at strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge.

The result also stretched the Shrimpers' unbeaten run to 14 games and secured a fifth consecutive away league win.

The hero of the afternoon was attacking midfielder Kane Ferdinand

The cousin of England defender Rio scored two goals, the first a poacher's finish from six yards followed by a cool finish after skilfully passing Dagenham keeper Chris Lewington.

The 19-year-old's brace takes his tally to six for the season and keeps the Seasiders on track to promotion.

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