League Two Preview: 15 August

After a midweek of Capital One Cup action, League Two returns this weekend. Even though we’ve only had one fixture, sides will be out in search of avoiding back to back defeats, whilst others will be looking for a second successive victory. Here is your League Two Preview:

 

Friday 14 August 

Notts County vs Mansfield Town 

Before it all kicks off again Saturday, the first East Midlands Derby takes place on Friday night as Notts County welcome local rivals Mansfield Town. The Magpies put in a strong performance last weekend, winning 2-0 at Stevenage, whilst Mansfield were held at home against Carlisle United. County have been made one of the season favourites for promotion, and a second successive victory could spell an early sign of intent. As for Adam Murray’s Stags, they’ll be looking for the win, but ended last season with five successive away day defeats.

 

Saturday 15 August 

Carlisle United vs Cambridge United 

Cambridge make the trip north after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Newport County last weekend, whilst Keith Curle’s Cumbrians were held on the road at Mansfield. Carlisle ended last season unbeaten in four at Brunton Park, and they’ll be looking to extend that this weekend against Cambridge, who will be looking for striker Barry Corr to add to his two goals already this season.

 

Plymouth Argyle vs Portsmouth

These two sides both recorded a comfortable victory last weekend as Plymouth won 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon, whilst Pompey put three without reply past Dagenham and Redbridge at Fratton Park. Both sides, both under new management, will be looking to extend their winning run when the sides meet at Home Park, in what could be an enthralling match.

 

Barnet vs Wycombe Wanderers 

Wycombe netted three last time out as they beat York City, whilst Barnet lost on the road at Leyton Orient. The Bees will be looking to bounce back when last season’s beaten play-off finalists visit the Hive, but the Chairboys will be looking to make it two successive league victories.

 

York City vs Hartlepool United 

York will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at Wycombe with a win over Hartlepool. York currently sit bottom of League Two, a position that Ronnie Moore’s side knew an awful lot about last season before completing the great escape. But it’s a new look Pools side now, and they’ll be looking for a second successive win after beating Morecambe last time out.

 

Dagenham and Redbridge vs Leyton Orient 

Another League Two Derby as East Londoners Dagenham and Leyton Orient meet at Victoria Road. Orient recorded an opening day win, whilst the Daggers suffered a heavy defeat at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. Dagenham ended last season unbeaten in three at home, and Wayne Burnett will be hoping last season’s second top scorer Jamie Cureton can open his account this weekend.

 

Northampton Town vs Exeter City 

These two sides both recorded an opening day win as the Cobblers beat Bristol Rovers whilst Exeter needed a late goal to edge psst Yeovil. Both sides just missed out on the playoffs last time around, and they’ll both be in search of going that extra step this season. Grecians striker Tom Nichols, who netted 14 last season, is already off the mark, but Cobblers forward Marc Richards, who scored 17, is yet to find the net.

 

Morecambe vs Accrington Stanley

Morecambe suffered an early defeat, losing at Hartlepool, whilst Stanley were denied all three points as Luton scored a late equaliser at the Crown Ground. These two sides would be happy for a mid-table finish, but the Shrimps will be looking to mount a play-off push despite losing top scorer Jack Redshaw to Blackpool.

 

Crawley Town vs AFC Wimbledon 

Crawley play their first home game back in League Two against an AFC Wimbledon side that ended last season without an away win in 12 games. Crawley held Oxford United to a draw last weekend, but will be in search of their first win this Saturday. The same applies for Neal Ardley’s Dons side, having lost at home Plymouth and failing to score on the opening day.

 

Luton Town vs Oxford United 

Two of the early season favourites meet at Kenilworth Road, with both having been held to a frustrating 1-1 draw last time out. Luton needed a late equaliser to share the at Accrington, whilst the U’s struggled to find a way past a resilient Crawley defence despite dominating the game. That said, the U’s put four past Championship side Brentford in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup clash, so they’ll be high on confidence heading in to this one. A big fixture for both sides, and it could show which one has the better chance of achieving promotion this season.

 

Yeovil Town vs Bristol Rovers 

Having lost their opening fixture against West Country opposition, Yeovil will be hoping to avoid a repeat when Bristol Rovers visit Huish Park. Both sides lost last weekend, with the Glovers being punished by a late goal, despite coming from two goals down to level. Gas lost their opener to Northampton, and will be up against a Yeovil side looking for an immediate return to League One.

 

Newport County vs Stevenage 

Two new managers, and two opening day defeats. Terry Butcher’s Newport suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Cambridge, whilst Teddy Sheringham’s Stevenage lost 2-0 at home to Notts County. Both will be hoping for a play-off finish, or better, this season, but will be determined to put a disappointing start behind them.