Division Two Play-Off Semi Final First Leg Kevin Keegan's return to front-line management did not go to plan as his expensively-assembled Fulham side failed to overcome Grimsby to round off a miserable week at Craven Cottage. Ray Wilkins was sacked as manager three days ago, to be replaced by Keegan, but King Kev failed to inspire the players to a victory in the first leg of their Second Division play-off semi-final. Their Wembley hopes now hang in the balance, although it could have been a lot worse for Keegan's side. The Cottagers were reduced to ten men for most of the match after Paul Moody was sent off after 40 minutes and they can count themselves lucky they are not taking anything worse than an away goal against them into Wednesday night's second leg at Blundell Park. Moody's dismissal, for a vicious lunge on Mark Lever, set the tone for an edgy second half littered with errors and infringements. Fulham had enjoyed all the early advantage with the inspirational Peter Beardsley masterminding their campaign from midfield, but despite his efforts and the commitment of striker Paul Peschisolido, the hosts failed to turn their pressure into goals and it seemed it would be goalless at the break. However, Moody's red card seemed to galvanise Fulham, who overcame their one-man shortage and took the lead deep into first-half injury time. The hosts found a way through Grimsby's previously water-tight defence and Tony Gallimore conceded a penalty which Beardsley duly converted. But Fulham were always going to struggle after the break as Grimsby pushed forward in search of an equaliser, although the Cottagers held firm until a defensive howler gifted Town the simplest of levellers. Paul Trollope passed the ball across the face of his own box and he could only watch in horror as David Smith collected the ball and calmly slotted it past keeper Maik Taylor to leave Grimsby as firm favourites to complete the job and reach Wembley in the second leg on Wednesday night. However, Keegan remained defiant. He said: We've still got a chance of going to Wembley, although a lot of people will disagree with that. The lads showed a lot of character and you need that. Money is not enough.

COBBLERS CONFIDENT OF ANOTHER PROMOTION   Bristol Rovers v Northampton Town; Second Division Play-Off Semi-Final Northampton Town boss Ian Atkins is determined to repeat last year's play-off success and continue his side's rise through the Nationwide League. The Cobblers have enjoyed a memorable season after winning the Division Three play-offs last year, and boss Atkins is confident his side which finished fourth in the table can win a second successive promotion. Atkins, likely to recall defender Charlie Bishop and big striker John Gayle, said: We really enjoyed last year's success and it captured the town's imagination. We've had the same this week with supporters queueing round the block for tickets. These are exciting times for the club. We've been there before and know what to expect and it would be lovely to think we can win the play-offs again this year. Bristol Rovers are expecting an 8,500 sell-out crowd for Sunday's showdown at the Memorial Ground and they will make just one change to their side, with either Frankie Bennett or Matt Hayfield replacing the luckless Jamie Cureton who broke his leg against Brentford last Saturday. Boss Ian Holloway said: "It's heartbreaking for Jamie because he's had a great season and it's a major blow to us because we'll miss him. But we have to make sure that we take advantage of being at home in the first leg and hopefully our supporters will get right behind us.

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