The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThe opening weekend of League Two action has been and gone, and here at The Sports Lowdown we bring you a full league review of all the action.
Cambridge United 3-0 Newport County
Cambridge United lead the pile (on alphabet order) after a comfortable win over Terry Butcher’s Newport County at the Abbey Stadium. Debutant striker Barry Corr, who netted 14 for Southend United last season as the Shrimpers won promotion, netted twice in the game; his first a header midway through the first half before slotting home his second 20 minutes into the second half after a one-on-one situation with Exiles keeper Joe Day. The visitors then had the opportunity to pull one back from the penalty spot, but the effort was saved by U’s keeper Sam Beasant. The hosts then added a third late on as Robbie Simpson struck home to give the home side a comprehensive victory.
Portsmouth 3-0 Dagenham and Redbridge
Pre-season promotion favourites Portsmouth recorded a comfortable victory at Fratton Park against Wayne Burnett’s Dagenham and Redbridge. It was a debut to remember for former Doncaster Rovers winger Kyle Bennett as he assisted Gareth Evans’ header five minutes into the second half, before the 23 year old netted twice himself with two spectacular efforts. It was a positive start to life on the south coast for new boss Paul Cook, whilst Burnett will regroup his side for next weekend’s home tie against Leyton Orient.
Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 York City
Wycombe, who were the losing side in last year’s play-off final, began this season in positive fashion as the Chairboys netted three against York. The hosts found two early goals as an Anthony Stewart header and Aaron Holloway strike gave the Chairboys the half time lead. The day got worse for the Minstermen when defender Stephane Zubar’s back pass lobbed debutant goalkeeper Scott Flinders, compiling a miserable afternoon for the visitors.
Hartlepool United 2-0 Morecambe
Hartlepool made a positive start after Ronnie Moore’s men completed the great escape last season by beating Morecambe at Victoria Park. New signing Billy Paynter gave the Pools the lead midway through the first half, heading in his 100th career league goal, before Rakish Bingham doubled the hosts advantage in the second half. It was a disappointing start for the Shrimps who will be hoping to mount a play-off push this season, but the win for Hartlepool is just what Moore wanted.
Leyton Orient 2-0 Barnet
Two sides that were back in League Two met at Brisbane Road where Leyton Orient beat Conference champions Barnet. Two goals within one second half minute from Jay Simpson and Paul McCallum gave the O’s their first win in the league after suffering relegation last season. The defeat will be disappointing for Martin Allen’s Bees, but they welcome Wycombe next week at The Hive.
Stevenage 0-2 Notts County
Teddy Sheringham’s first game in charge at Stevenage ended in defeat against one of last season’s relegated side, Notts County. The Magpies took the lead ten minutes before the break after Curtis Thompson finished following an incisive counter attack, before Mawouna Amevor doubled the visitors lead just before full time. But both sides ended the game with ten men as Amevor and Boro’s Tom Hitchcock tussled deep into injury time, with both being dismissed as a result.
AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth began the season with a confident performance against Neal Ardley’s Wimbledon. New signing Gregg Wylde gave the Pilgrims the lead just before the break, before Graham Carey added a second for last season’s beaten play-off semi-finalists early in the second half. The Dons ended last season unbeaten in ten at Kingsmeadow, so the defeat will be a disappointment for Ardley and his side, but a strong start for new Plymouth boss Derek Adams.
Exeter City 3-2 Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town began life back in League Two with a defeat, despite levelling the game after coming from two goals down. The Grecians took a two goal advantage going into the break as a Tom Nichols penalty and David Wheeler strike gave Paul Tisdale’s men the initiative. But the Glovers pulled one back through Marc Laird, before Matthew Dolan completed the comeback from the games second penalty. But with time running out, debutant striker Will Hoskins slotted home the winner to give the Grecians the early season West Country bragging rights.
Bristol Rovers 0-1 Northampton Town
Newly promoted Bristol Rovers ended their first game in defeat as they lost to the one goal against Northampton Town. Midfielder John-Joe O’Toole headed home from six yards five minutes into the second half to give Chris Wilder’s side all three points at the Memorial Stadium.
Accrington Stanley 1-1 Luton Town
There was late drama at the Crown Ground as Luton rescued a late point against John Coleman’s Accrington. After some clever play on the left by Stanley’s Josh Windass, Jonathan Smith fouled the midfielder in the box, conceding a penalty. Windass stepped up and converted in the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. But deep into stoppage time, debutant Craig Mackail-Smith’s effort deflected off Smith and into the net, giving the Hatters the point. Luton will be disappointed by the outcome, but a good start for Stanley.
Mansfield Town 1-1 Carlisle United
Two first half goals at Field Mill saw Mansfield and Carlisle take home a point a piece. A brilliant free-kick from Stag’s player Malvind gave the hosts the lead, but Jabo Ibhere leveled on the stroke of half time to send Keith Curle’s Cumbrians home with one point.
Oxford United 1-1 Crawley Town
Oxford will be disappointed after ending a game in which they controlled large spells of the match with a draw. The U’s dominated the first half in possession and opportunities, but it was the Red Devil’s that struck against the run of play early in the second as Gwion Edwards headed past debutant Sam Slocombe to give the visitors the lead. But shortly after, U’s top scorer from last season, Danny Hylton, latched on to a perfectly weighted pass from Danny Rose before striking past Freddie Woodman.
