It is ironic that Chesterfield, Lee's former club, are riding high at the top of the Third Division under the control of the Football League's youngest Chairman while Bury will be delighted if 70+ Lee sees fit to rescue the Shakers whose performances on the pitch look like the only lifeline out of the financial mess they are in. Yet on the same evening that he entertained Bury's potential saviour, Robinson also felt confident enough to dampen rumours of a move to Arsenal for Patrick Kenny.

On the field, Shakers manager Andy Preece recognised how tough it had been for his team to take all three points off a powerful and aggressive Rovers team. "This was a very good three points because Bristol had a very good side and will be up there at the end of the season" he told the Bolton Evening News. He added, "I thought one goal would settle it and that's the way it turned out."

His opposite number, Ian Holloway, the Bristol Rovers manager, was less than happy with the refereeing display, however, and blamed Rovers' defeat on man in the middle Jones. He has demanded video evidence be used to clear his players of any disciplinary charges after Steve Foster was red carded in the second half. Preece though defended youngster Jason Jarrett, who was involved in the dismissal. "There was no malice in Jason's challenge. He saw the ball and slid in to get it." "And I don't see how Paddy [Kenny] could be sent off when there were three men behind him."

Goalscorer Nick Daws completed a good evening for the Shakers when he finally shelved a move to Stan Ternent's Burnley - "they've got 25 midfielders already so why would they want another old one like me" he admitted to the Manchester Evening News.

For a round-up of all the weekend's Second Division action, click here.
To see the updated Second Division league table, click here.