Division 1 Round Up

By Longsider
February 9 2004

Nottingham Forest have sacked Paul Hart following their defeat against Coventry. The result means that Burnley are now 5 points above the relegation zone after we beat Gillingham on Saturday.

Norwich have extended their lead at the top of the Division following their victory over Wimbledon at Milton Keynes. Darren Huckerby scored the only goal of the game before Steve Banks and Mark Williams were given their marching orders to leave the home side with just 9 men.

West Brom were soundly beaten at Preston with Eddie Lewis, David Healey and Graham Alexander all on the scoresheet for North End. Sheffield United were unable to take advantage of Albion's slip up as they were also beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane. The win was the 5th away win on the trot for Palace with the goals coming from Andy Johnson, Tony Popovic and Neil Shipperley.

Sunderland came back from a 2 goal defecit to earn a share of the points at Watford. Gavin Mahon and Neil Cox had given Watford a comfortable lead before Marcus Stewart and debutant Darren Byfield levelled for the visitors late on.

Wigan are now upto 3rd in the table after their impressive 3-1 victory at Ipswich. Jason Roberts, Nathan Ellington and a cracker from Gary Teale gave them a 3 goal cushion before Shefki Kugi pulled one back for Ipswich. West Ham go above Ipswich after they recovered to beat Bradford at Valley Parade. Peter Atherton gave the home side the lead but 2nd half goals from Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood gave the Hammers the victory.

Rotherham hammered Reading at Millmoor 5-1. The Goat had given the visitors the lead against his former club before Michael Proctor levelled 4 minutes later. Andy Monkhouse, Martin Butler, Proctor(again) and Richie Barker all scored to ease the Millers relegation worries.

Stoke maintained their unbeaten run with a draw at Millwall, Clive Clarke opened the scoring before Daniel Dichio levelled for the Lions. Steve Foster got a late goal for Crewe in their draw at Walsall, Jorge Leitao had given the Saddlers the lead in the 1st half.

Derby got a point against Cardiff at Pride Park following an injury time goal from Leon Osman. Derby had gone ahead in the 1st half through Ian Taylor before Rob Earnshaw and Graham Kavanagh gave Cardiff the lead going into the final mintues of the game.

Nottingham Forest were beaten by Coventry at the City Ground and as a result they sacked Paul Hart after the match. Their defeat means Burnley are now 5 points above the relegation zone.