SATURDAY

Wanderers are involved in a crazy game at Stockport. They're 3-0 down at half-time despite dominating the opening 20 minutes. Sam Allardyce's half-time salvo probably had the paint peeling off the Wanderers dressing room wall but it worked as two goals from Ian Marshall plus another from Michael Ricketts pulled the side level after 84 minutes. Then it all went wrong again as County's Aaron Wilbraham hit a late winner - their first home win of the season.

ALLARDYCE announces he's searching for defensive cover. He's worried that his side may be left vulnerable considering Mark Fish's days at the Reebok may be numbered and Gudni Bergsson carries out his decision to retire at the end of the season. Sunderland's central defender Paul Butler is the first target for the Reebok manager, who hopes to take the former Bury defender on a month's loan.

A DISAPPOINTING day for Wanderers. First they hear that Paul Butler has turned down the chance of a loan move to the Reebok and then they lose out at Watford in controversial circumstances. Watford win 1-0 to go top with the winning goal coming from the penalty spot two minutes from time after Anthony Barness is harshly judged to have handled. The result saw Wanderers slip down to sixth place. The only good news from the game was Ricardo Gardner coming through his first full 90 minutes since returning from his cruciate ligament injury.

ALLARDYCE could be in trouble from the FA after admitting he 'could have strangled' referee Phil Dowd after the ill-fated Watford game. He accuses the ref of not being fair with his side after awarding Graham Taylor's side a winning 88th minute spot kick while turning down two strong Wanderers appeals for penalties. Ian Marshall who missed the game with a groin strain could also be a doubt for the games against Crystal Palace and QPR.

ALLARDYCE is worried over his side's recent slump in form and hopes they can cash in on the misfortunes of others by picking up maximum points from their next two home games against strugglers Palace and QPR.

GUDNI Bergsson says it is vital Wanderers pick up winning points from their next two games if they want to stay in contention for a promotion place. Meanwhile Allardyce puts his side on alert by telling his players not to be lulled into a false sense of security by Crystal Palace's run of six straight defeats. Bad news again from the treatment room when it is confirmed that skipper Mike Whitlow has had surgery on a groin injury and is likely to be out of action in the region of six to eight weeks.