Warnock told 'you're not alone' in row over fixtures

The Football League have hit back at criticism from Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock (below) over his club's fixture schedule.

Palace begin a 1,200-mile odyssey when they meet Burnley tonight, with further away games at Swansea and Barnsley scheduled over the next six days. But League fixtures secretary David Cookson said: "I understand the frustration and it's not ideal. But Crystal Palace are not the only club this has happened to."

Charlton boss Phil Parkinson admitted his rock-bottom side needed more than a 2-2 draw at Reading last nigh. He said: "It was an excellent performance but we needed a win."

Boss Paulo Sousa challenged Queens Park Rangers to show their character after the 2-0 defeat at Doncaster, saying: "If you want to achieve, you need players who have personality. It's a good moment to analyse that."

Malky Mackay has tipped Watford for a barn-storming end to the season after their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. "It's great to get five wins out of six and we can feel the confidence now," said the assistant manager.