Football Round-up: Admirable Nelson in full sail

DISREPUTABLE travellers were swept aside by Charlton Athletic and Tranmere Rovers as both moved above Leicester, playing today, at the top of the First Division. After two defeats, the Robins reclaimed their lofty perch by steam-rollering Notts County, who have now gone 29 away matches without a win. Tony Agana gave the Magpies an early lead, Carl Leaburn equalised just before the break and it was one-way traffic thereafter, Garry Nelson scoring twice in a 5-1 thrashing.

Tranmere's prolific striker John Aldridge returned after a seven-week absence and disappointed only Sunderland. But substitute John Morrissey's appearance for the second half really turned the game. With Rovers one down, Aldridge converted Ged Brannan's cross, Morrissey's goal put the Merseysiders in control and Pat Nevin scored twice to leave the Wearsiders without an away win in nine months.

The leading five in the Scottish Premier all drew. At Pittodrie, Aberdeen, top, and Motherwell, second, completed their scoring in four minutes. Scott Booth headed home from Paul Kane's cross to put the Dons ahead but a poor punch by Michael Watt allowed Steve Kirk to equalise. Mark Skilling's last- minute equaliser for ten-man Kilmarnock deprived Celtic of a win-bonus.

To end on a suitably international note at this time of great destiny, gossip in the Netherlands has not been of the point needed from Wednesday's final World Cup group match against Poland to qualify ahead of England, but of who will coach the squad in the finals next year. 'Away with the bullshit,' Ronald Koeman proclaimed. 'Cruyff has to accompany us to America.'

A hint of the complacency England hope for? Sadly, no. 'We are not there yet. They (Poland) have a new coach, there are difficulties with their foreign- based players so they may have new players in their side. But that is not to our advantage.'

Blackburn Rovers have sold their Swedish international, Patrik Andersson, to Borussia Monchengladbach for pounds 425,000.