League Two Review: 20 October

A full set of fixtures took place on Tuesday night, and as usual there were some cracking games in League Two. 3rd placed Oxford United were at home against league leaders Plymouth, whilst bottom club Newport travelled to Wycombe. Here is your League Two Review

 

 

Oxford United (3) 1-0 (1) Plymouth Argyle 

Oxford United closed the gap on league leaders Plymouth to just two points after a former Exeter City midfielder scored the games only goal. The U’s dominated in the first half, and hit the post twice through Alex MacDonald and Ryan Taylor, but took the lead after 32 minutes when Liam Sercombe latched on to George Baldock’s cross to scored his fifth goal of the season. Plymouth came close in the second half but Graham Carey’s free kick sailed just wide, before U’s substitute Patrick Hoban saw his late effort tipped on to the bar by Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormack. The defeat was the first in eight for Plymouth, while Oxford are now unbeaten in seven games in the league.

 

Portsmouth (2) 1-1 (20) Stevenage 

Teddy Sheringham’s return to Fratton Park ended in delight s his Stevenage side snatched a late point at high flyers Pompey. The hosts dominated large spells of the game, but weren’t clinical enough in front of goal,notably Gary Roberts missing a duo of chances. But the south coast club took the lead with under fifteen minutes remaining when Conor Chaplin sailed past Fraser Franks before striking past Boro keeper Jesse Joronen. But deep into stoppage time, Charlie Lee’s long throw was met by Brett Williams who’s glancing header found it’s way in, earning Sheringham’s side a point. Pompey remain 2nd and are unbeaten in four, whilst Stevenage are unbeaten in three following draws at Exeter and Portsmouth and a win at Wycombe.

 

Yeovil Town (23) 0-1 (4) Mansfield Town 

Yeovil have dropped into the League Two relegation zone after defeat at home to Mansfield. Shaun Jeffers saw his first half effort go wide for the hosts, before Glovers keeper Artur Krysiak suffered a head injury during a goalmouth scramble, resulting in ten additional minutes. And Yeovil couldn’t hold on as in the tenth minute of added time, Stags midfielder Reggie Lambe nodded in Mitch Rose’s free kick to earn Adam Murray’s side all three points. The win was Mansfield’s third in succession on the road, whilst Yeovil, who haven’t won in five at Huish Park, drop into the bottom two following a run of six league games without a win.

 

Northampton Town (5) 3-2 (9) Carlisle United 

Northampton extended their unbeaten home record to four after victory over Carlisle. But the Cumbrians took the lead when on loan Newcastle winger Alex Gillied netted his second goal in as many games with a low strike, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin leveled for the Cobblers with a header. The hosts took the lead early in the second half as Sam Hoskins deflected effort went in, before Calvert-Lewin netted his fourth league goal with a volley. Charlie Wyke reduced the deficit in injury time but it wasn’t enough as the Cumbrians suffered their second defeat in three games.

 

Luton Town (12) 1-1 (6) Leyton Orient 

In a game of successfully converting chances, Leyton Orient left Kenilworth Road the happier side after picking up a point. Hatters forward Jack Marriott saw his first half effort saved by Alex Cisak, but the striker found a way past the keeper shortly after as he turned in Dan Potts’s cross. Marriott could have doubled the hosts advantage, but he wasted the opportunity from inside the box, before Jay Simpson’s fifth goal in four games leveled for the O’s. Marriott then squandered further late chances as John Still’s side had to settle for a point, and are now without a win in three, as are Leyton Orient, who are also without a win in five on the road.

 

Morecambe (7) 3-1 (18) Crawley Town 

Morecambe made it three wins in succession with their first victory at the Globe Arena in four attempts. The Shrimps were ahead early after a mistake from Red Devil’s keeper Darryl Flahaven allowed Kevin Ellison to score, and Shaun Miller added a second midway through the second half with a low drive. Rhys Murphy pulled one back for the visitors, but a Paul Mullin penalty late on sealed the points for Jim Bentley’s side. Despite back to back home wins, Crawley’s wait for an away win this season stretches to seven games.

 

Accrington Stanley (8) 3-4 (13) AFC Wimbledon 

At the weekend, AFC Wimbledon were on the wrong side of a seven goal thriller, but came out on top against Accrington after another seven goals at the Crown Ground. Stanley were two goals up after ten minutes thanks to a brace from Billy Kee, but Danny Bulman’s 20 yard effort reduced the deficit before Lyle Taylor turned in George Francombe’s cross to level for the Dons. Sean McConville regained Stanley’s lead, but Bulman leveled again just before the break to end a thrilling first half. Midway through the second half, Taylor netted his second and Wimbledon’s fourth to secure all three points for Neal Ardley’s side, their first win in three, whilst Stanley have suffered back to back defeats and dropped out of the playoffs.,

 

Wycombe Wanderers (10) 0-2 (24) Newport County 

Newport County remain bottom of League Two despite picking up just their second win of the season at Adams Park against Wycombe. The Exiles took a second half lead in unfortunate circumstances as Chairboys midfielder Marcus Bean was hit hit by an attempted clearance, before Lenell John-Lewis and Zak Ansah both went close for their respective sides. But John Sheridan’s wait for a first Newport win was ended late on as Scott Boden’s low drive earned all three points for the Welsh side. Wycombe have now suffered three successive defeats, and drop to 10th as a result.

 

Bristol Rovers (11) 0-0 (15) Notts County 

Two divisions sepearated these sides last season, but both Bristol Rovers and Notts County shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Memorial Stadium. Billy Bodin had the hosts best chance but he blazed over from twelve yards, before Izale McLeod was denied for the Magpies. Gas striker Jermaine Easter, who had Saturday’s red card overturned, hit the woodwork late on, but both sides claimed a point. Rovers haven’t won at home in four attempts, but are unbeaten in their last four league games, whilst County are without a win in six on the road.

 

Hartlepool United (17) 1-1 (19) Barnet 

Barnet picked up their first away point of the season after drawing at Hartlepool. But it was the hosts that took an early lead after Rakish Bingham broke clear before setting up Rhys Oates, however the Bees came close to leveling but John Akinde’s goal was adjudged to be offside. Undeterred by his goal ruled out, Akinde capitalised on a mix up between Pools goalkeeper Trevor Carson and defender Dan Jones to equalise. The Pools have failed to win at Victoria Park in five attempts, and despite picking up their first way point, Barnet are yet to win on the road all season.

 

York City (21) 2-2 (22) Dagenham and Redbridge 

Dagenham have moved out of the League Two relegation zone after picking up a point at York. Vadaine Oliver gave the hosts an early lead, but Ashley Hemmings leveled for the Daggers soon after. Talisman striker Jamie Cureton gave the visitors a second half lead, but Michael Coulson’s 20 yard curler leveled the game again. Both sides are without a win in eight games, and both sit precariously close to the drop.