League Two Review: 12 December

After the FA Cup second round last weekend, League Two returned this time around and despite two games being postponed due to poor weather, the remaining games saw lots of goals, action and excitement. Here is your League Two Review:

 

Luton Town 3-4 Northampton Town

Northampton moved to the top of League Two after an enthralling game at Kenilworth Road. But it was the Hatters that took an early lead as Paul Benson saw his bicycle kick fly in, however the Cobblers leveled shortly after when John-Joe O’Toole finished a cleverly worked free kick. Northampton headed into half time with a two goal advantage after Lawson D’Ath struck home before Marc Richards added a third, but Luton bounced back with two more goals to level; first Benson added his second before Danny Green successfully converted his penalty after Craig Mackail-Smith was fouled. Despite clawing their way back into the game, the Hatters were unable to find another and it was Northampton substitute Ricky Holmes that raced away before striking home what proved to be the winner.

 

Oxford United 1-1 Carlisle United

Oxford United let slip of top spot after they were held by Carlisle at the Kassam Stadium. In a week where Cumbria, and Carlisle in particular, saw horrendous floods, it was the visitors that fell behind after Alex MacDonald struck home from 20 yards after clever play from full back George Baldock, but the Cumbrians were level in first half stoppage time after Joe Skarz saw his clearance hit fellow U’s defender Chey Dunkley before going back goalkeeper Benji Büchel. Despite hitting the woodwork twice in the second half through strikers Chris Maguire and Kemar Roofe, Oxford were unable to find a winner, but remain unbeaten in seven league games.

 

Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Cambridge United

Plymouth were unable to capitalise on Oxford dropping points as they suffered a rare home defeat against a resurgent Cambridge side at Home Park. The U’s took an early lead through Ben Williamson, but the Pilgrims were level with over fifteen minutes to play when Greg Wylde headed in. But Cambridge, who’ve won three games in succession, won the game when midfielder Luke Berry struck from 20 yards.

 

Portsmouth 4-0 Hartlepool United

Portsmouth recorded a comfortable victory as they smashed four past struggling Hartlepool. Caolan Lavery saw his curling effort fly in before an Adam Jackson own goal doubled the hosts advantage. Second half goals from Gareth Evans and Mark McNulty sealed an impressive Fratton Park victory.

 

Accrington Stanley vs Wycombe Wanderers (postponed due to waterlogged pitch)

Mansfield Town 1-1 Leyton Orient

Mansfield and Leyton Orient shared the spoils in their League Two clash at Field Mill. Jay Simpson netted the opener from the O’s, turning in Jobi McAnuff’s cross, but Reggie Lambe leveled for the Stags before the break. The closest either side came to a winner come from Mansfield defender Krystian Pearce who saw his effort hit the post, but both sides shared the spoils.

 

Morecambe vs Exeter City (postponed due to waterlogged pitch)

AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Stevenage

Stevenage recorded back to back away wins after coming from behind to beat AFC Wimbledon. George Francombe’s header gave the Dons a half time lead, but Jamile Matt’s curling effort leveled the game for Teddy Sheringham’s side. The winner came in bizarre fashion as Jerome Okimo saw his free kick from his own half find the back of the net to give Stevenage all three points.

 

Bristol Rovers 2-1 York City

Struggling York suffered their ninth successive defeat in all competitions as they lost at Bristol Rovers. But the Minstermen had a half time lead after Vadaine Oliver volleyed home, but a Jermaine Easter header and injury time strike from Matty Taylor won the game for the Gas.

Notts County 4-3 Newport County

Another seven goal thriller took place at the weekend as Notts County overcome Newport at Meadow Lane. But the Exiles raced into a two goal lead within ten minutes through Mark Byrne and Alex Rodman, but after Liam Noble capitalised on a defensive error and Izale McLeod struck, the sides went in level. McLeod then headed the Magpies into the lead before Scott Boden leveled with over five minutes remaining. But Noble won the game deep into stoppage time to condemn Newport to their first defeat in six.

 

Crawley Town 3-2 Dagenham and Redbridge

Crawley heaped more misery on strugglers Dagenham after Rhys Murphy netted twice against his former club. Matt Harrold gave the Red Devils the lead before Murphy netted his first to send the hosts into half time with the lead. Christian Doidge reduced the deficit before Murphy regained the hosts two goal advantage with a 20 yard strike. A late consolation from Jamie Cureton wasn’t enough as the Daggers have won just once in fifteen games.

 

Yeovil Town 2-2 Barnet

Yeovil came from two goals down to earn a point against Barnet. An Aaron McLean free kick gave the Bees the lead, and the striker doubled his tally in first half stoppage time. But two goals in the final ten minutes from Francois Zoko earned struggling Glovers a point.