Sunday's football as it happened

Another weekend of football draws to a close. Today alone we've had 13 goals, three sendings off (all in the same game), one trophy won and another denied. Congratulations to Rangers, Chesterfield and Newcastle, commiserations to Celtic, Swindon and West Brom and an offering somewhere in the middle for Birmingham and Cardiff. Join Johm Stanton for live text commentary of Manchester United v Fulham tomorrow night. I'll see thee.

Remember to watch MOTD2 tonight on BBC Two at 2200 BST, followed by highlights from the JPT final in the Football League show at 2320 on the same channel. There will be further reaction to today's games on the BBC Sport website.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson: "The major fault for our side is that we went 3-0 down. We were mugged on two very good, quick counter-attacks. Those goals came when we had the ball and we really should have been doing something with it.

"The players, in the second half, had a good go at trying to retrieve the situation and get a bit of pride back. We won the second half, but that's the only minor consolation that I can take from the game. This is a setback and a major disappointment, and we knew today wouldn't be easy. Newcastle have been exceptional this season.

"I'm very satisfied with our season though, and I think today's is a lesson for us and we will certainly learn something from it. James Morrison has suffered a nasty injury, hurting ligaments in his knee. He will be out for the rest of the season, I would think."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew: "First half we played some really fantastic stuff. I said before the game that at the training ground there was a new buoyancy after the win against Norwich and today it was champagne stuff. Demba,[Ba], Papiss [Cisse] and [Hatem] Ben Arfa are a real front three.

"After their goal we started to get a little bit nervous but we managed to see it out. We had chances to get the fourth goal, we knew that would seal it and that was my half-time message. But we managed to see it out with the three goals.

"We've been phenomenal all year, the players have worked so hard and deserve all the plaudits they get. This is a tough place to come and they've won with something to spare. You don't amass those points without quality. Today I was pleased with our control of the game, our passing and with players like we have at the top of the pitch you're going to score goals."

An entertaining afternoon of football that. And to top it all off it's still nice and bright outside, not that I've taken a lung-full of fresh air in about eight hours. Manager reaction coming up.

Newcastle go level with fifth-placed Chelsea on 50 points (separated by the Blues vastly superior goal difference). Alan Pardew's men are five points behind Tottenham in fourth and eight ahead of seventh-placed Liverpool. West Brom remain 14th with 36 points, three ahead of Aston Villa in 15th. They have a cushion, but will want to get another win under their belt sooner rather than later to dismiss any potential relegation talk.

Well into that seven minutes of injury time now. Newcastle look to have seen this out. It will be a deserved three points for Alan Pardew's men. West Brom simply couldn't live with United's front three in the first half and saw any potential comeback halted when injuries took them down to 10 men.

Marc-Antoine Fortune looking to spark something for West Brom but James Perch clears his cross. The same defender then does superbly from another cross to head clear with Shane Long lurking behind him.

West Brom really don't look like they have enough to cause a major shock in these last few minutes. Newcastle are looking calm and keeping the ball in the Baggies half.

And West Brom are threatening. Shane Long finds space in the box but the ball is not quite under his control. A cross does finally come but Newcastle are able to bundle the ball from danger. We are going to have seven minutes of injury time. It's a tall order for West Brom, even with that added.

Newcastle, with the luxury of an extra man, are looking comfortable now. A West Brom goal would change that, though.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "It's a shame, really. We could have a grandstand finish, but Roy Hodgson's made all his three changes and his team are now down to 10 men, through no fault of his own."

Newcastle with a chance... Shola Ameobi rises to head across goal, but Demba Ba is offside. Doesn't matter, though, as Ba cannot reach the ball.

Paul Scharner finds himself in a good position to cross from the right but he over-hits it terribly with team-mates waiting in the box and the chance is gone. Very wasteful from the substitute.

And West Brom have another man down now. It is Liam Ridgewell, who appears to have been caught by Shola Ameobi's forearm on his nose. Thankfully, for West Brom, he will be able to continue. One thing is for certain, there'll be plenty of added time. But can West Brom put themselves in a position to use it to a positive end?

Roy Hodgson is clearly unhappy down on the touchline. It's unsurprising. His team may be about to find themselves a man light for the remaining nine or so minutes. Morrison is helped from the pitch and straight down the tunnel.

Speaking of which, James Morrison is down following a collision with Demba Ba. He caught his foot as Ba challenged him. This is worrying for the home side, who still trail by two goals.

That is all the substitutions for both sides. Any further injuries will leave the teams a man light for the remainder of the game.

Papiss Cisse is down and looking hurt after diving in for a tackle. Looks like his game is over. In fact, the stretcher is used to carry him off. Hopefully, that is just a precaution.

Paul Scharner enters the fray. No stranger to a new haircut the West Brom man. He appears to be going for Don Draper at the moment. And to be fair, Alan Pardew is not unlike Roger Sterling.

Free-kick to Newcastle. Yohan Cabaye fancies it, but he curls his effort from 30 yards over the bar.

Hatem Ben Arfa is some player. He skips away from a couple of West Brom players in midfield and then almost feeds in Papiss Cisse, but a West Brom defender clears just ahead of the striker.

I'm cursing it now, but there are definitely more goals in this. Both sides look more than capable of getting more. Youssouf Mulumbu cuts in from the right but his shot from the edge of the area is blocked by Mike Williamson.

West Brom coursing with belief now. Peter Odemwingie drives a cross over from the right but it is too powerful for anyone to get on the end of and danger is averted.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "I think this is going to be a very good second half. You can sense there is a greater belief around the Hawthorns now."

Ben Foster keeps West Brom hopes alive as Hatem Ben Arfa drives into the West Brom box. The Frenchman's low shot is destined for the bottom corner until Foster gets down to palm it behind. Nothing comes from the resulting corner.

West Brom look to keep the momentum going as Peter Odemwingie shoots from a tight angle on the right. Tim Krul is well-placed at the near post to block behind, though. Newcastle rocking a bit now.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "Alan Pardew, having lost five of his last six away games, has freshened things up here. They have been very positive and started the game really very well. Ben Arfa has really run the show."

Newcastle again under pressure as Youssouf Mulumbu's shot is deflected wide of goal. Then, down the other end, the away side could wrap things up as Papiss Cisse finds himself clean through but has his shot saved by Ben Foster.

Early chance for West Brom as Youssouf Mulumbu passes square to James Morrison on the edge of the area but his shot is sliced wide of goal. Newcastle will be aware that an early storm is coming from the home side this half. It is up to them to weather it.

So West Brom make two changes in the hope of getting their way back into the game, while Newcastle make an enforced substitution with Davide Santon on for the injured Coloccini.

So, as it stands, Newcastle are going to get a very satisfying revenge for the Baggies 3-2 win at Sports Direct Arena earlier this season. The teams are making their way back out on to the pitch. I imagine the West Brom players' ears are still ringing from Roy's team talk.

That was as comprehensive as you get from Newcastle. They tore into West Brom early on, defended superbly to keep out the response and then struck with a classic counter-attack. Things will feel prety good in the visitors dressing room right now. A word of warning, though. Newcastle were 3-0 up against West Brom at what was then St James' Park on the last day of last season and ended up drawing 3-3.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "It doesn't get better than that as an away performance. Newcastle have totally dominated this game."

West Brom looking for a late goal in the half. A long ball forward is too far ahead of Peter Odemwingie, though, and, after hesitating for a second, Tim Krul gathers.

Two minutes of added time now being played.

No need to rush now on Newcatle's part. Their lead is substantial. West Brom haven't recovered from the third goal, which was a big, big blow after the Baggies had enjoyed a decent spell.

Fabricio Coloccini is being a soldier. Looks like he wants to try and see it through to the break. There are only a few minutes until that comes.

Fabricio Coloccini is limping. Looks like he won't last the half. Davide Santon is being warmed up.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "Great play from Ben Arfa and Ba and Cisse just whips it in. Game over, I'd say."

The ball is in the net courtesy of a West Brom boot from close range, but it will not count as the supplier, Marc-Antoine Fortune, was offside when he was put in by Jerome Thomas down the left.

There appears to be problems with the 5 live commentary on this game at the moment. Apologies for that. We are working to get it right ASAP.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "This has actually been a very good game. Newcastle dominated the early stages but now we're seeing a good West Brom response."

Hatem Ben Arfa, the impressive scorer of Newcastle's second goal, is limping. He doesn't look comfortable. Play continuing, though.

After showing their attacking prowess early on, Newcastle are having to demonstrate their defensive quality now. They are doing well too. Soaking up what West Brom throw at them and then looking to hit on the break. Decent game this.

West Brom continue to edge back into the game. They've not tested Tim Krul properly yet, though. Liam Ridgewell's cross is met well by Marc-Antoine Fortune but the header goes harmlessly over the bar.

A lot of the damage is done, but West Brom have at least responded to going two down. Marc-Antoine Fortune is just unable to work anything in the box before Newcastle clear. It is a toe-hold in the game, nothing more.

West Brom looking to hit back after Newcastle's pening two-goal salvo. They have a corner. It is headed behind by Yohan Cabaye giving the home side a second go. This one is overhit but salvaged and returned to the middle to give James Morrison a chance to fire at goal from the edge of the area. It is powerfully hit but wide.

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "That was a great counter attack. Ben Arfa managed to shape onto his strong left foot, and it's a top drawer footage. 2-0, and a well-deserved 2-0. An outstanding start by Alan Pardew's side, and he'll be delighted."

Newcastle have made a really good start. They look very lively and with Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba up front they are a real threat. Cisse's goal was his fourth for United since joining in January.

First chance at the Hawthorns goes to Newcastle as Liam Ridgewell's headed clearance from a Papiss Cisse cross is hammered back by Demba Ba. His effort is into the ground first, though, which takes the sting out of it and allows Ben Foster to tip over.

So, with a doff of the cap to Chesterfield I turn to matters in the Premier League, specifically the Hawthorns, where West Brom are taking on Newcastle.

Christopher Kapilan on Twitter: "Ben Arfa, Ba and Cisse. As good a strikeforce as any in the Premier League…"

Former Newcastle assistant manager Iain Dowie is at the Hawthorns for BBC Radio 5 live: "I think these are two well-discipline sides. I don't this will produce a glut of goals, but I'm fascinated to see Roy Hodgson's defensive setup, which can be very resolute. But Newcastle's forward's, Ba and Cisse, can cause problems for any defence in this league."

The Chesterfield players look equally spent, but the smiles on their faces tell the story. Jack Lester leads his team up the stairs. The Spireites fans wave their flags as Lester accepts the trophy and lifts it into the air.

Swindon players head up the steps at Wembley to receive their runners-up medals. Paolo Di Canio accepting handshakes from the crowd. They look flat out to a man.

The teams are coming out at the Hawthorns, all sporting "Get well soon Fabrice Muamba T-shirts".

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "I feel desperately sorry for the Swindon fans. It's a club that deserves success. But the effort and work rate of the Chesterfield players made it an unbelievable performance. It's just a brilliant day for Chesterfield's supporters. Swindon must now focus on League Two, dominate it and win it."

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "That's a way to celebrate a goal! The top comes off and the crowd go absolutely crazy. This time Craig Westcarr made no mistake and it was a great finish."

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: "This is a tough place to come; they've romped home here against top opposition. But we've got a good side today and there's been a good feeling about the training ground all week. We hope to use the ball better than we've done in recent weeks. The wide players will be key today - theirs against out full-backs and ours against there. That match-up will decide the game. The beauty of our particular team is that we can adjust quite quickly - switching between 4-4-2, 4-3-3 as quickly as we like - so we'll see how the game unfolds. The first 15 minutes are important here because it's a noisy place and we want to quieten them down."

Richie is back up and the game continues. Two minutes to go.

Paolo Di Canio is not happy as Nathan Smith goes in hard on Matt Richie. It is a strong but fair tackle that leaves Richie hurt.

We will have four minutes of injury time at Wembley and we are into it now.

What a save by Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee! Lee Holmes whips in a cross that is met by the head of Alessandro Cibocchi and seems to be heading for the goal until Lee tips it over.

BBC Sport reporter Caroline Chapman at Wembley: "Blue and white scarves are flying high in the Chesterfield end. Swindon fans continue to look dejected."

Can John Bostock start something from deep? No. His long ball forward is too far ahead of the Swindon attack and straight through to Tommy Lee. We're into the last five minutes.

In the last 10 minutes Swindon have had 80% oF possession at Wembley. They are not doing anything productive with it, though. Chesterfield holding out superbly.

The attendance for this final is 49,602. They are all watching a game that is heading in Chesterfield's direction unless Swindon can muster something in this last eight minutes.

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Swindon are simply throwing on more attacking bodies. They haven't really created much in this second half. Swindon's possession has been excellent, but the players that have done it for them all season haven't quite had the right touch at the right time today."

Swindon have another chance to deliver something to threaten the Chesterfield goal but substitute Alessandro Cibocchi curls his free-kick from 25 yards into the top of the Spireites wall before the ball is cleared.

Swindon look to make Chesterfield pay for that miss as Lee Holmes shoots low from 20 yards out, but it is tame and easily saved by Tommy Lee.

Chesterfield could have just won the game. A slip in defence allows Craig Westcarr to run clear on goal. The striker opts to shoot instead of taking it round keeper Wes Foderingham but drags his shot wide of goal. Manager John Sheridan holds his head in his hands. He knows how big a moment that could be.

Swindon have a great chance to deliver something threatening, but from a good position on the right Ronan Murray overhits his cross by some distance. That is the trigger for a Swindon change as on-loan Tottenham midfielder John Bostock enters the action.

Ally McCoist on BBC Radio 5 live after Rangers' 3-2 win over Celtic: "I am so, so pleased for the players and the supporters. We have so many problems off the park but we wanted to win so much and it was a game we thoroughly deserved to win. Apart from the crazy five minutes at the end, which I can't get my head around, we were fabulous."

Paolo Di Canio is doing some good poised crouching in his technical area. He looks very concerned. As well he might as his side are making little impact in the Chesterfield area. Just over 20 minutes to go, 1-0 to the Spireites.

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Swindon can't sit back. They must be proactive and try to snatch a goal. Chesterfield haven't really been put under any real pressure."

Alex Mendy set up the first goal for Chesterfield and he has a half-chance to put the game further out of Swindon's reach, but his over-head kick from the edge of the area goes over the bar.

Long range shot from Matt Richie for Swindon. It's way out and optimistic at best and it flies way over the bar.

Chesterfield could have strengthened their grip on the trophy just then, but Craig Westcarr's drags his shot from the edge of the area wide of goal.

Just over half an hour to go at Wembley. Chesterfield in control but while it remains just 1-0 Swindon know they are still well in this game. They have ammunition on the bench as well. Midfielder John Bostock, who joined on loan from Spurs on Thursday, is one option.

Swindon on the attack. Matt Richie crosses from the right but Tommy Lee claims superbly amongst a group of Robins forwards.

Stuart in Falkirk texts: "When I usually watch football and see all these managers getting sacked I'm usually furious that the players get no blame. With Celtic it is the first time I'd like to see the manager getting sacked. The squad is brilliant, he is not."

Swindon looking to hit back. A short corner gives Lee Holmes space to cut in from the right, but his cross to the near post is blocked behind. The resulting second corner comes to nothing.

BBC Sport reporter Caroline Chapman at Wembley: "Chesterfield fans now in fine voice. Swindon fans stunned."

BBC Radio 5 live presenter Ian Payne at Ibrox: "That's the first time I've ever been to a football match and not been able to hear the person next to me. That's why this game must, must continue."

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Now we'll see whether Swindon really do have the mettle…"

"I am confused. The Celtic fans are enjoying the moment here. Rangers have won but more Celtic fans are celebrating than Rangers. It's weird. I've never known anything like this."

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Chesterfield should be in front, there's no doubt about it. I'm not sure if they provide teacups at Wembley, but if they do Di canio will be smashing a few at half-time. He looked furious as he stormed off down the tunnel. Chesterfield have defended excellently too."

David, a Chesterfield fan, texts: "Di Canio and Swindon have dominated the pre-match talk, but Chesterfield can do something special if they keep this level of performance up."

We are into the last minute of the first half at Wembley. It has not been a belter of a game so far, but it is neatly poised. Swindon come forward late on looking to score the most timely of goals but Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee gets down well to save a low shot from Matt Richie.

BBC Sport reporter Caroline Chapman at Wembley: "Following Alan Connell's mistimed volley, Di Canio runs the length of the technical area and considers kicking over a microphone in disgust."

Swindon with a chance at Wembley. A header in the box falls invitingly for Alan Connell in the box but his acrobatic overhead kick is poorly struck and goes tamely wide. It remains 0-0.

"The Celtic fans have come to party regardless of the score. They would have been louder had they been winning but they are trying not to let Rangers fans enjoy it as much as they'd like by reminding them that they are going to win the league."

Former Torquay player Chris Hargreaves is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "If I was Chesterfield boss John Sheridan I would be screaming at my players. Whenever it's a Swindon corner it's always short and Chesterfield are giving Swindon the freedom of Wembley in which to do it."

I was just saying Lee Holmes looks dangerous. Simon Ferry passes wide left for the winger, but his shot is palmed just past the far post by Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee. The Robins are enjoying their best period of the game now.

Lee Holmes looks the best attacking option for Swindon so far. He is seeing plenty of the ball down the left and earns his side a corner. It comes to nothing, but Chesterfield need to be wary of the threat the on-loan Southampton man poses.

"This is almost a hopeless scenario for Celtic. Strange things are happening in this game, but Rangers are playing really well, as they were when Celtic had 11 men."

It would be an understatement to say the Rangers fans are enjoying themselves at Ibrox. The noise is deafening.

BBC Sport reporter Caroline Chapman at Wembley: "Compared to the technical area at the County Ground, Di Canio's got twice the amount of room to move today. He's still just outside the lines, though..."

Swindon threaten at Wembley as the on-loan Lee Holmes cuts in from the right and curls a shot narrowly over the bar. It is a fairly even contest so far.

In contrast to the wrapped up Paolo Di Canio, Chesterfield boss John Sheridan is jacketless. Clearly Sheridan's time in Yorkshire has toughened him up to the weather - which to him is positively balmy.

It appears that Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been sent to the stands at Ibrox, apparently for something he said to the referee. It remains 1-0 to Rangers, eight minutes into the second half.

Chris Hargreaves, who lifted the Conference National play-off final trophy for Torquay United in May 2009, is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Chesterfield have got some good players and Swindon are certainly not infallible. Every Chesterfield man playing today will be expecting to win."

Chesterfield have the ball in the net, but it will not count. The assistant's flag is up as Jack Lester puts the ball in the net after the ball hits the bar. Replays show that was a dubious call. Difficult to make when it is second phase of play, but Chesterfield will feel aggrieved.

Swindon's Matt Richie drives forward, as he has done so often to great effect this season. Unfortunately for the Robins, after his pass inside, they try a pass too many and the eventual effort from Alan Connell is wide. Then, down the other end, Chesterfield's Jordan Bowery has space to run in on goal but fluffs his shot.

Chris Hargreaves, who lifted the Conference National play-off final trophy for Torquay United in May 2009, is at Wembley for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "This game is so important for these two clubs. Chesterfield have started so brightly, even though they are in the division below Swindon, but they have to be the underdogs."

Chesterfield hit back at the other end as a cross from the right is headed at goal by Jack Lester. Swindon keeper Wes Foderingham saves comfortably at his near post.

Swindon the first to come forward at Wembley. Lee Holmes cuts in from the right and curls over what starts as a cross but ends up being a threat to goal. It just swings past the far post though.

Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "A draw is a fair result. You can see why both teams are up near the top of the division. I would say that both sides have a good chance of making the play-offs this season."

You would think Chesterfield were favourites for this match, but with them rooted at the bottom of League One and Swindon toping League Two, that's not so solid a theory. It is a warm day in London, but Di Canio wraps his scarf up like it's the middle of winter.

The national anthem is over at Wembley and we are a minute away from kick-off. We're going to have a new name on what is, to be honest, a pretty bland looking piece of silverware. Not that either Chesterfield or Swindon will care. They'll kiss it and lift it like it was the Jules Rimet.

BBC Sport reporter Caroline Chapman at Wembley: "Electric atmosphere at a rather tropical Wembley. The red and white army of Swindon supporters - complete with Paolo di Canio paper masks - are out-singing their Chesterfield counterparts so far."

There are five minutes of injury time to go at St Andrew's. Can either team find a winner to boost their play-off hopes.

The teams are out at Wembley. Paolo looks in the mood.

"That's probably the best 45 minutes I have seen Rangers play this season. They have all been up for it but Sone Aluko, I'm not going to get carried away, but has he been watching videos of Lionel Messi? He's been fantastic."

Chesterfield's Jack Lester can complete a He was part of the Grimsby squad that edged Northampton in the old Second Division play-off final in 1998.

Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "A great finish from Mark Hudson, who had stayed up for the long throw set-play. It was a first-time, right foot volley and a great finish from a centre half. Cardiff will be delighted that they are back in it and will think they can go on and win this now."

During his playing days, Swindon boss Paolo di Canio has won Serie A and the Uefa Cup and has a runners-up medal for the Champions League. But where would a JPT win rank? "I won Serie A with Juventus, the Uefa Cup with AC Milan as a player, important trophies and I felt like I was the most beautiful boy in the world, but the emotion that you feel inside as a manager, the emotion you give to others makes me feel like a general in a battle a thousand years ago. I hope we can win on Sunday because then I will maybe do something that you have never seen in your life. I don't know what, but I do know myself. I could do anything."

Spanish football news now, and Lionel Messi scored the 55th goal of what has, let's be honest, a fairly drab and avaerge season for the Barcelona forward. His goal helped his team beat Mallorca 2-0 for their seventh consecutive league win. That takes Messi to 35 for the league season. However, two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo also means he has 35 for the season and has also become the fastest to score 100 La Liga goals (92 games - surpassed Real legend Ferenc Puskas, who scored 100 in 105 games.)

Rangers pour forward again at Ibrox with Sone Aluko on the ball again. He plays a neat pass out wide to Lee Wallace but his shot is way over the bar from an angle.

Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Saves win matches, and that great guess by David Marshall could swing this in Cardiff's favour. This is a better game now!"

Giorgios Samaras almost does an Aluko down the other end for Celtic. He sprints deep into Rangers territory and cuts inside a couple of challenges before shooting at goal, but Alan McGregor saves superbly. Anthony Stokes is presented with a near open goal from the rebound but he strikes the ball into the ground and on to the top of the net.

Yesterday was another good day for Arsenal, who beat Aston Villa 3-0 at the Emirates to strengthen their grip on third place after London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham battled out a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger was understandably delighted after his side extended their winning run of league games to seven. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp isn't throwing the towel in, though, as his side look to claim third. Far from it.

The teams are on their way out at Ibrox to 'Simply the Best'. Needless to say, both fans are belting it out as if it was written for them. Thousands of Celtic flags wave in unison. There may be a back story to why Celtic can win the title at the home of their fiercest rivals today, but Bhoys fans realise how big a day this could be for them.

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle revealed that his players received a message of support from Fabrice Muamba before their crucial win against fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers at the Reebok. It certainly worked to inspire them as they beat Blackburn to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.

Our chief football writer Phil McNulty was at the Reebok Stadium yesterday to witness the emotional scenes and has paid testimony to a "pitch-perfect tribute".

Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "For all Cardiff's good approach play they have not actually worked Boaz Myhill in the Birmingham goal. I just wonder whether Cardiff will rue that at the end of the game. The one positive Birmingham can take from that first half is that the score is still 0-0. They can play a lot better."

It was an extremely emotional day at the Reebok Stadium yesterday as Bolton played their first game after Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the field against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Thankfully, Muamba is recovering well and the Bolton fans (and Blackburn... and indeed football fans across the world) were able to celebrate this fact yesterday.

Still 0-0 at St Andrew's. Cardiff still the better side, although Birmingham are striving to get a foothold in the game. Birmingham boss Chris Hughton might already be looking to half-time to get stuck into his side.

In contrast to the Liverpool gloom, Wigan's players and staff positively bounced out of Anfield after their win*. Manager Roberto Martinez hailed the win - the Latics first at Anfield - as a "special moment". Damn right Roberto. It keeps your side well in the race for Premier League survival.

*Possibly. Although it would be a bit weird. I was aiming for something descriptive of elation. Oh, you get the idea.

Dalglish has blamed tiredness among the Liverpool players and a lack of luck for their lacklustre display at Anfield. "Every single one of them is capable of passing to someone in the same colour shirt," Dalglish told BBC Sport. "But I think the toll of three games in six days took the edge off them a little bit. It doesn't matter how good you are, you still need to have a bit of bounce of the ball with some decisions." Regardless of the reasons, judging by the response on Twitter last night, the pressure is growing on King Kenny.

There was notable concern among City fans after yesterday, but there was outright anger coming from the Liverpool fans following their 2-1 home defeat to Wigan. The defeat means the Reds have now won just 5 of their 15 home matches this season, which is their fewest in the top-flight at this stage since 1953/1954. Kenny Dalglish has picked up just 8 points in his last 10 Premier League matches, which is five less than the amount Roy Hodgson picked up in his last 10 top-flight matches in charge of the club before he was sacked.

Ah, but, you see, dropping points at Stoke doesn't show that the pesky title run-in "mind games" of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United are working, says Man City assistant manager David Platt. "It is not about winning leagues because of mind games, it is about players going on to a pitch to play football and gain points," said Platt, before staring into the camera and saying, "Sir Alex, look into my eyes, look into my eyes, the eyes, the eyes, not around the eyes, don't look around the eyes, look into my eyes."*

*Not really.

Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Cardiff have been the better side, and they have imposed their formation on Birmingham. They look very comfortable for the away team."

Of course, we can't talk about the Stoke v Man City game without mentioning THAT goal from Peter Crouch. In case you missed it, it was a 25 yard+ angled volley into the far corner of the net. The big striker admitted afterwards it was "probably my best" goal. I concur.

Still little to speak of at St Andrew's. Cardiff are shading the opening exchanges but Joe Mason and Ben Turner fail to control their efforts on goal from the edge of the Birmingham box.

The live text for the Old Firm derby at Ibrox is now under way, with my esteemed colleague Keir Murray in the commentator's seat. It is guaranteed to be a fiery affair, so keep yourself across it.

One-time Premier League winning goalkeeper Tim Flowers is at St Andrew's for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "Cardiff looks as though they've settled into this game nicely. They're the team on top at the moment and they're playing some good football."

Manchester City did their title challenge little favours with a 1-1 draw at Stoke, thus handing the Premier League initiative to rivals Manchester United. City boss Roberto Mancini was not happy with the physical treatment his side received from the Potters and apparently refused to shake the hand of Stoke boss Tony Pulis at full-time. Has Mancini never seen Stoke play before?

I'll keep you updated with the major incidents and chat from St Andrew's but for now let's have a little look back over some of yesterday's big talking points from the Premier League...

The clock change appears to have caught the sides out at St Andrew's as it has been a relatively tame start. No chances to speak of yet.

Remember, as always, you can Tweet us using the hashtag #bbcfootball or texting us on 81111 (UK). Make sure YOU PUT YOUR NAME on those texts though.

Let's get straight in with some team news for that first fixture, which is due to kick off shortly after a minute's applause for Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who remains in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch against Tottenham in the FA Cup...

Here then is today's Bully's prize board of football fixtures:

In 1, there's a Championship play-off place up for grabs as Birmingham take on Cardiff.

In 2, off-the-field matters are put to the side as Rangers look to prevent Old Firm rivals Celtic winning the SPL title at Ibrox.

In 3, expect plenty of Italian passion/madness as Paolo Di Canio's Swindon take on Chesterfield in the JPT final at Wembley.

In 4, will the Baggies be boing boinging or the Toon Army march on as West Brom host Newcastle in the Premier League.