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Your support makes all the difference.With the First Division leaders Barnsley inactive because of international call-ups, Stoke City went top but failed to take maximum advantage when they could only draw 2-2 with Reading at Elm Park, losing their 100 per cent record in the process.
Trevor Morley put Reading ahead from the penalty spot after seven minutes when Ian Cranston brought down Martyn Booty. Stoke's equaliser, on 25 minutes was a spectacular affair. Paul Holsgrove pulled down John Gayle 30 yards from goal and Mike Sheron exacted full punishment with a powerfully driven free-kick. It took his season's tally to five goals in four games, or 20 in 30 matches since arriving from Norwich City.
When Richard Forsyth put the Potters ahead for the first time in the 76th minute it looked as though they would make the most of Barnsley's inactivity, but Holsgrove volleyed a close- range equaliser three minutes later. Reading had made a point.
Steve McMahon, the Swindon Town manager, ruled himself out of the vacant Manchester City managerial role before Town's match at Roots Hall by agreeing a new five-year contract. He was further rewarded when the Robins won 3-1 at Southend.
Speaking of the Maine Road job, Crystal Palace's manager Dave Bassett reiterated that he had had no contact with the Sky Blues after seeing his side draw 1-1 at Huddersfield. "I cannot stop people linking me with jobs. They can link me with Cindy Crawford if they like. I think that my wife might have a laugh about that." Ah, but would Ms Crawford?
Of his team's performance, Bassett said the goal conceded was a "a Monty Python cock-up" but was in conciliatory mood. "I always have to temper what I say because this is a very young side learning all the time. If we can keep them together and they gel as a unit just imagine what they will be like in two years' time."
After three defeats, Oldham picked up their first point of the season in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town at Boundary Park. The fun was started by Paul Rickers' goal for the Latics after only 15 seconds.
In the Second Division, the bunting is out at Griffin Park to welcome Brentford who went second thanks to Carl Asaba's hat-trick in eight first- half minutes at Shrewsbury where it stayed 3-0. Another hat-trick, this one by Graeme Jones, was the highlight of the Third Division leaders Wigan's 4-2 home win over Chester.
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