League Two Preview: 12 September

Into September now and the League Two table is starting to take shape. Leyton Orient lost their perfect record after a heavy defeat last weekend, whilst there were first wins for both Dagenham and Redbridge and Luton Town respectively. Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United and Portsmouth are the only sides that remain unbeaten as we head into the seventh set of fixtures. Here is your League Two Preview:

 

Cambridge United vs Leyton Orient 

League leaders Leyton Orient remain top despite suffering a heavy defeat on the road at Exeter last weekend, and the O’s travel to face a Cambridge side that have failed to win in three games. Cambridge lost last weekend at home to Luton, their second defeat in three games, which has seen the U’s drop to 12th after a positive start to the season. As for Leyton Orient, they’ll be looking to bounce back immediately with Wycombe, Plymouth, Oxford, Portsmouth and Morecambe all hot on the leaders tail.

 

Wycombe Wanderers vs Plymouth Argyle 

2nd placed Wycombe welcome 3rd placed Plymouth to Adams Park in a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final clash. The Chairboys progressed to the Wembley final after overcoming the Pilgrims 5-3 on aggregate, and it’s the home side that have looked strongest so far this season as Gareth Ainsworth’s side remain unbeaten. Plymouth have already lost twice at the hands of Portsmouth and last week’s loss at Stevenage, but Derek Adams side remain on course for promotion in the early stages, and they’ll be looking to put a dent in the Chairboys positive start.

 

Northampton Town vs Oxford United 

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder prepares his side against his former club Oxford with his Northampton side having failed to win in four games. Wilder’s side made a good start to the season, but two successive defeats at Sixfields has seen his team drop to 16th. As for Oxford, they’ve been extremely positive and are the in-form side in the league. They remain unbeaten after last weekend’s win at Bristol Rovers, and Michael Appleton’s side look a force to be reckoned with in the early stages of the season.

 

Portsmouth vs Barnet

Portsmouth are the other unbeaten side but have relied on late goals rescuing them points in recent weeks. Paul Cook’s side came from three goals down to earn a draw against Morecambe before a late goal earned all three points at Kenilworth Road against Luton, and last weekend’s goalless draw with Accrington will frustrate the south coast club. Their opponents Barnet too will be frustrated. Having won just once all season, the Conference champions will be looking to cause an upset when Martin Allen’s side travel to Fratton Park in search of just their second league win of the season.

 

Newport County vs Morecambe 

Newport can’t seem to find a win from anywhere at the moment, and they face a Morecambe side that have scored eleven goals from their last three games. Terry Butcher’s Exiles have picked up just one point from their opening six games, and performances have emulated their league status, but Morecambe, who have scored four goals in each of their last two games, will travel to South Wales high on confidence as Jim Bentley’s squad look to close the gap on the league leaders.

 

Exeter City vs Hartlepool United 

Ronnie Moore’s Hartlepool make the long trip south to Exeter on the back of a three game losing streak, and face an Exeter side that comprehensively beat Leyton Orient last time out. Paul Tisdale’s Grecians began the season inconsistently, but the side occupy a play-off place despite this. As for Hartlepool, they won their opening three games, but three successive defeats have seen the Pools drop to 9th, and Moore will be keen to ensure his traveling fans will make the long return a happy one.

 

Mansfield Town vs Crawley Town 

Mansfield have drawn their last three games 1-1, and remain in search of their first win at Field Mill of the season. Despite that, the Stags sit just outside the playoffs, and welcome a Crawley side that are unbeaten in three. However, the Red Devil’s didn’t play last weekend, and that could have a negative effect on the players in terms of match practice.

 

Bristol Rovers vs Accrington Stanley 

Bristol Rovers suffered their second successive defeat last time out, and they’ll be looking to bounce back when Accrington visit the Memorial Stadium. Stanley however have drawn four of their six games, but have caused problems for Portsmouth, Luton and Notts County amongst others as John Coleman’s side look to continue to cause upsets this season.

 

Carlisle United vs Dagenham and Redbridge 

Back to back wins have seen Carlisle move up the table, and this weekend they welcome a Dagenham side that recorded their first win of the campaign last weekend at Northampton. Carlisle have goals aplenty this season, with forward Jabo Ibehre netting seven league goals already. Daggers will be hoping that last season’s top scorer Jamie Cureton can start to find the net having only scored once so far this season.

 

Yeovil Town vs AFC Wimbledon 

After suffering back to back relegations, Yeovil Town were widely expected to begin life in League Two positively, but one win and five defeats leaves Paul Sturrock’s side in the bottom two, and having thrown away a two goal lead last weekend, they’ll be in for another tough test when Neal Ardley’s Wimbledon travel to Huish Park. The Dons themselves have began the campaign inconsistent, but a three game unbeaten run leaves them in mid-table.

 

Stevenage vs York City 

Two sides in the wrong half of the table but recorded vital wins last weekend meet at the Lamex Stadium where Stevenage host York. Teddy Sheringham’s side are unbeaten in three after home wins against Hartlepool and Plymouth respectively, whilst the Minstermen, who are unbeaten in their last two away games, will be full of confidence when they travel south, particularly after last weekend’s 3-0 win.

 

Notts County vs Luton Town 

Two of the pre-season favourites meet at Meadow Lane when Notts County host Luton, but neither side have began the season convincingly. The Magpies have failed to win since the opening day, whilst Luton only recorded their first win last weekend at Cambridge. There’s still a long way to go this season, but both will need to show significant signs of improvement of they’re to gain promotion from League Two.