English Football League / Alan Dudman / 12 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman on coal-carrying competitions, having to cover for his left-back and the small matter of crucial League one encounters Leicester v Leeds and Millwall v Peterborough live on TV on Monday afternoon.

The Easter weekend always throws up some superb sporting action - and this coming Monday we are in for a treat....well you are if you live in Gawthorpe (in West Yorkshire).

That's right, it is of course the World Coal Carrying Championships. An event that always reminds me of my former team-mate Mani who played left-back behind me in my footballing heyday - as I often found myself carrying him at the weekends.

Coal carriers flock all over the world to run the 1,108 yard course with a sackful of the stuff on their backs. Apparently the men's record is just four minutes and six seconds, whilst the women's record is just a minute more. I must admit I have never met a coal carrying woman, but I am certainly open to any offers. Actually, any offer for that matter.

The real wedge of course is the League One action for the Bank Holiday, and yes folks we are in for a right treat. Two humdinging table-topping games, and they are both live on Sky! Glory be!

Leicester City [2.26] versus Leeds United [3.25], the draw [3.40]

Live on Sky at 12:15 BST

Well my friends (I think I can call you friends), this is probably the game of the season. A match that would have graced the Premier League a decade ago - and now we can see for ourselves how good these two are, plus a chance to have a look at some real emerging talent outside of the top flight.

I mentioned in my last article that Leicester were running through a bit of a wobbly patch at the top of the table, and luckily for them a run of three games without a win was ended on Saturday with a 3-1 victory away at Hereford. Late goals from Lloyd Dyer and Steve Howard secured three points against a brave and courageous Bulls side.

The Foxes weren't at their best, but boss Nigel Pearson felt his team were fairly comfortable throughout. Even the most turgid of games can turn in an instant - and Leicester have tonnes of quality - and those moments have shone throughout the season. Not many teams have that ability in the division.

If Leicester beat Leeds on Monday, and results elsewhere go their way, then promotion will be certain, as well as deserved, for a team that have been leading the pack for the whole campaign.

Their defence has been ultra-miserly. Just 14 goals conceded at home is a quite amazing stat. Yes they have experience, and yes they can call upon loan players from the big boys. But have a look at the likes
of Joe Mattock, Andy King and Matt Fryatt on your screens, all players that are capable of playing a lot higher.

Leeds in the meantime have totally transformed themselves in the last two months under new boss Simon Grayson. Saturday's 1-0 home success against Stockport really flattered the visitors. Leeds dominated an insipid opponent, the scoreline could have been four or five, and Leeds weren't at full strength!

With an unbeaten record now running at 11 games, the mighty Whites are buzzing. Unfortunately we won't be able to see teeenage sensation Fabian Delph, his ten bookings warrants a two-match suspension now, but Jonny Howson and Ben Parker are names to look out for.

Leeds will hopefully have the country's leading scorer fit for Monday - Jermaine Beckford has missed the last couple of games with a thigh injury - I think he'll be fit to boost the visitors' chances, but Leicester just look too strong, and they can all but secure promotion.

Recommendations:

Back Leicester City to win @ [2.26]
Back over 2.5 goals @ [2.04]
Back Leicester to win 2-1 @ [10.5]

Millwall [2.50] versus Peterborough [2.62], the draw [3.25]

Live on Sky 19:45 BST

The second helping of live action comes later in the evening, and as much as I wanted Millwall to get a result on Friday at Yeovil - a game in which they choked - I just cannot have them for this encounter.

I was gutted the Lions lost, as they have been grand on their travels all season. Boss Kenny Jackett admitted his team deserved to lose at Huish Park - where their passing and defending were abysmal - and with that fresh in the mind, I will have to take them on at that price.

If it were anyone else I would back them to bounce back, but they face the potent Peterborough, who still can land the title if Leicester slip up.

Posh have to win to keep up with Leicester, simple. And despite a 1-1 draw with down-but-not-out Cheltenham, I am confident they can get a result in London.

A Joe Lewis howler cost them victory on Saturday, as did their profligacy in front of goal. But Darren Ferguson's team are special away from home, and his comments praising his team's efforts were in stark contrast to Jackett's.

Recommendations:

Back Peterborough to beat Millwall @ [2.62]
Back Peterborough to win 0-1 @ [9.4], 1-2 @ [12.0]

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