BILLY DAVIES’ best laid plans flew out of the window after just 23 minutes but the Nottingham Forest manager was delighted with his players after the battling 1-1 draw at QPR yesterday.

Cardiff, Norwich and Swansea all scored late goals today to boost their respective bids for automatic promotion from the npower Championship.

THERE was no romance in the FA Cup third round tie between Championship sides Ipswich and Blackpool as the latter were reduced to nine men and had manager Ian Holloway dismissed to the stands as they were beaten 2-1 on home turf.

Alain Perrin will feel the pressure of becoming the first Premiership manager in danger of losing his job this season after Portsmouth’s humiliating Carling Cup exit at League One strugglers Gillingham.