Accrington Stanley 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
In a thrilling encounter at the Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley managed to edge past Forest Green Rovers with a 2-1 victory. The man of the moment, Josh Andrews, showcased his striking prowess by netting twice for the home side, ensuring Forest Green’s unfortunate streak continued with their sixth consecutive League Two defeat.
Stanley’s opener came in the 18th minute, a result of some exquisite play. Shaun Whalley’s precise free-kick found Jack Nolan on the right, who delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by the head of on-loan Birmingham striker, Andrews. The momentum was clearly with Stanley as Andrews had another headed attempt shortly after, and Whalley’s fierce strike was expertly tipped over by Forest Green’s custodian, James Belshaw.
Forest Green, however, showed glimpses of a comeback just before the interval. Kyle McAllister’s powerful header was brilliantly saved by Stanley’s keeper, Jon McCracken. The second half saw Stanley double their lead in the 51st minute. Nolan, once again, was the provider with a deep cross that found Andrews, who made no mistake from close range.
Despite being two goals down, Forest Green’s spirit was commendable. They created opportunities through Jacob Maddox and Reece Welch. Their perseverance paid off in the 83rd minute when Fankaty Dabo set up Mathew Stevens, who headed the ball into the net. However, it was too little too late, as Rovers found themselves at the bottom of the table post this defeat.
Barrow 1-1 Notts County
In a nostalgic encounter, marking their first English Football League meeting since 1970, Barrow and Notts County played out a 1-1 draw at the Furness Building Society Stadium. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of League Two, with both teams refusing to back down.
Notts County, the current leaders of League Two, drew first blood. David McGoldrick, the ex-Sheffield United striker, showcased his nerves of steel, converting a 14th-minute penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after former Wales international James Chester tripped Macauley Langstaff inside the box. McGoldrick’s calm and composed finish from 12 yards set the tone for what was to come.
However, Barrow, playing in front of their home crowd, were not to be outdone. They created a flurry of chances, with County’s goalkeeper, Aidan Stone, being called into action multiple times. Ged Garner and Emile Acquah, in particular, missed golden opportunities to bring the hosts level. Paul Farman’s heroics also came to the fore, preventing Chester from scoring an own goal.
The turning point for Barrow came when Acquah’s header struck an opponent’s arm inside the box. Dean Campbell stepped up for the hosts and made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom corner to level the scores. The drama wasn’t over, as Stone pulled off a crucial save late in the game, denying Ben Whitfield and ensuring both teams shared the spoils.
Bradford City 1-0 Swindon Town
At the University of Bradford Stadium, a new chapter began for Bradford City post-Mark Hughes, and it started on a positive note. The Bantams secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Swindon Town, thanks to a maiden senior goal from Bobby Pointon.
The atmosphere at Valley Parade was electric, with 16,788 fans in attendance. The game began with Swindon’s Charlie Austin squandering a golden opportunity in the 6th minute, failing to convert from close range after being set up by Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Bradford, however, grew into the game with Jamie Walker and Andy Cook threatening the Swindon goal.
Swindon’s keeper, Murphy Mahoney, was kept busy, notably tipping over a cross-shot from Adam Wilson. The Bradford faithful were in full voice, a stark contrast to the boos that echoed in their previous two home fixtures.
The second half saw Swindon’s Austin and Tyrese Shade come close to breaking the deadlock. However, it was Bradford’s young talent, Pointon, who made the difference. After Mahoney failed to hold onto Brad Halliday’s shot, Pointon was at the right place at the right time to tap in the rebound. The Bantams could have doubled their lead when Cook hit the post, but Swindon’s Hepburn-Murphy was also denied by a splendid save from Harry Lewis.
Colchester United 1-3 Morecambe
In a pulsating encounter at the JobServe Community Stadium, Morecambe, despite being a man down, showcased their mettle with a 3-1 triumph over Colchester United. The hero of the day was undoubtedly JJ McKiernan, whose scintillating hat-trick was the difference between the two sides.
The game began with Morecambe’s Jordan Slew rattling the woodwork in the 4th minute. The Shrimps’ early pressure paid off when McKiernan rose highest to nod home Adam Mayor’s corner in the 21st minute. However, the visitors faced a setback when James Connolly was shown the red card in the 36th minute for a challenge on Samson Tovide.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Morecambe’s spirit was unyielding. McKiernan was at the heart of their play, doubling their lead in the 53rd minute by poking home from close quarters after Yann Songo’o flicked on Mayor’s corner. The young forward completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, embarking on a solo run from his own half and finishing with aplomb past Owen Goodman.
Colchester, however, refused to go down without a fight. Cameron McGeehan pulled one back in the 73rd minute, heading in from close range. The hosts were handed a lifeline in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, but Noah Chilvers failed to capitalise, blazing his shot over the bar.
Crawley Town 0-1 Wrexham: A Resilient Display by the Dragons
In a pulsating encounter at Crawley, Wrexham emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to Ollie Palmer’s third goal of the season. The Dragons, despite being reduced to 10 men, showcased a masterclass in resilience and defensive solidity.
The narrative was set early on. Palmer, a former Crawley player, found the net in the 13th minute, converting a cross from James McClean with a clinical first-time finish. The hosts responded almost immediately, with Danilo Orsi testing Wrexham’s keeper, Arthur Okonkwo, and Adam Campbell rattling the woodwork on the rebound.
Crawley’s woes were compounded when their captain, Ben Gladwin, was forced off due to injury. They had their chances, notably when Orsi squandered a golden opportunity from close range. Wrexham, however, were always a threat on the counter. Crawley’s keeper, Corey Addai, had to be at his best, denying Paul Mullin in a one-on-one situation.
The game’s dynamics shifted in the 66th minute when Wrexham’s substitute, Andy Cannon, was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Campbell. With a man advantage, Crawley pressed hard, searching for that elusive equaliser. But Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson’s astute guidance, defended with determination and grit, ensuring they took all three points from the encounter.
Crawley’s manager, Scott Lindsey, who had been in the headlines recently due to links with the Gillingham job, will be disappointed with the result but can take solace from the fighting spirit his team displayed. For Wrexham, this win, their first in four games, will be a massive confidence booster as they look to climb the EFL League 2 table.
Gillingham 2-1 MK Dons: Gills Triumph in Post-Harris Era
In a match that had more than just three points at stake, Gillingham, under the temporary stewardship of Keith Millen, secured a crucial 2-1 victory over MK Dons. This was the Gills’ first win in four outings, and it came just two days after parting ways with their manager, Neil Harris.
The game began with MK Dons looking the more threatening side. Joe Tomlinson came close early on, sending a shot just wide, while Mo Eisa’s effort was comfortably saved by Gillingham’s Jake Turner. However, the tide turned when Macauley Bonne, a first-half substitute, capitalised on a defensive blunder by Anthony Stewart. Bonne showcased his composure, slotting the ball past Craig MacGillivray to break the deadlock.
The second half saw Gillingham double their advantage, thanks to Scott Malone. The goal was a testament to the team’s pressing game, with Tom Nichols dispossessing Jonathan Leko and setting up Malone, who found the net with ease. This was Malone’s first goal since April 2022, a timely reminder of his prowess in front of goal.
MK Dons, however, weren’t ready to go down without a fight. Substitute Ellis Harrison breathed life into their comeback hopes, heading in a cross from Leko. As the match approached its climax, Gillingham’s Turner was called into action, producing a stellar save to deny Max Dean’s audacious attempt.
The drama wasn’t over, though. In the dying moments, MK Dons’ Dan Harvie received his marching orders after a second yellow card, capping off a frustrating day for the visitors.
In the grand scheme of things, this victory could be a turning point for Gillingham. Climbing back into the top three, the team showed character and determination, qualities they’ll need in abundance as the season progresses. For MK Dons, it’s back to the drawing board, but they’ll take solace from the fight they showed, especially in the latter stages.
Mansfield Town 0-0 AFC Wimbledon: A Stalemate Between Promotion Aspirants
In a clash between two sides with promotion ambitions, Mansfield Town and AFC Wimbledon played out a goalless draw, a result that continues to highlight Mansfield’s penchant for sharing the spoils. With this draw, Mansfield have now been held eight times in their last 12 league games. However, they can take solace from the fact that they remain the only unbeaten side in League Two.
The first half was largely devoid of clear-cut opportunities, but the game’s major talking point came when Mansfield’s Lewis Brunt fouled Omar Bugiel in the box, conceding a penalty. James Tilley stepped up for Wimbledon, but his spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Christy Pym, who watched the ball ricochet off the bar twice before safely gathering it.
Mansfield had a golden opportunity to take the lead just before half-time. A clever dummy by Will Swan on Aaron Lewis’ cross set up George Maris, but his effort was thwarted by Wimbledon’s Alex Bass. Tilley, looking to make amends for his earlier miss, twice tested Pym in the 62nd minute. First, capitalising on a poor back pass, and then with a low drive, but on both occasions, Pym was up to the task.
Wimbledon felt aggrieved in the 68th minute when Jordan Bowery, already on a yellow card, seemed to commit another bookable offence. However, instead of Bowery receiving his marching orders, it was Wimbledon’s manager, Johnnie Jackson, who was shown a yellow card, much to the visitors’ frustration.
The game’s final clear chance fell to James Gale, who, from a corner, sent his header wide from close range.
Newport County 1-2 Harrogate Town: Harrogate’s Grit Sees Them Through
In a closely contested battle at Rodney Parade, Harrogate Town managed to edge past Newport County with a 2-1 victory. The match was a testament to Harrogate’s resilience and their ability to capitalise on key moments.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams looking for an opening. However, it was George Thomson who broke the deadlock for the visitors, with a deflected strike from distance just three minutes shy of half-time. The goal, albeit fortunate, was a reflection of Harrogate’s intent.
The second half started with a bang for Harrogate. Thomson, involved yet again, delivered a corner that was flicked on, finding Anthony O’Connor at the far post. O’Connor made no mistake, heading the ball home to double Harrogate’s lead. Newport, however, were not ready to lie down. Will Evans, in a rich vein of form, pulled one back for the home side, sliding in to convert a cross from substitute Lewis Payne.
With the momentum shifting, Newport made attacking changes, introducing Olly Thomas and switching to a more offensive formation. The home side came agonisingly close to levelling the scores when Aaron Wildig’s header struck the post. But Harrogate, showing the mettle of a top side, held firm, ensuring they left with all three points.
This victory marks Harrogate’s third win in their last four games, a run that will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they navigate the challenges of the League Two season. For Newport, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially given their spirited second-half performance. However, they’ll be looking to bounce back quickly and continue their push for promotion.
Salford City 4-2 Crewe Alexandra
In a thrilling encounter, Salford City showcased their resilience by overturning a deficit to secure a 4-2 victory against Crewe Alexandra. The visitors, Crewe, entered the game with a six-match unbeaten streak and took the lead after 26 minutes, thanks to a neat finish by Courtney Baker-Richardson. However, Salford’s Matt Smith equalised just before half-time. The game saw a dramatic turn when Baker-Richardson’s potential second goal was ruled offside, and within moments, Smith found the net for Salford. The hosts then extended their lead with goals from Ryan Watson and Kevin Berkoe. Despite a late goal from Baker-Richardson, Salford’s victory was never in doubt.
Stockport County 1-0 Doncaster Rovers
Stockport County edged closer to the top of the League Two table with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers. The first half was a cagey affair, with Stockport’s Louie Barry and Ryan Croasdale coming close. Doncaster had their moments post the break, but Stockport’s goalkeeper, Ben Hinchliffe, was in fine form. The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Tanto Olaofe headed home to seal the win for Stockport. The result leaves Doncaster precariously close to the relegation zone.
Sutton United 4-0 Walsall
Sutton United made a statement with a dominant 4-0 win over Walsall. After a challenging start to the season, Sutton found their rhythm in spectacular fashion. Omari Patrick set the tone with a thunderous free-kick in the 6th minute. Harry Smith then took centre stage, scoring once and being involved in an own goal by Walsall’s Joe Riley. Smith added another before half-time, ensuring the game was beyond Walsall’s reach. The visitors had a day to forget, marking their third defeat in five matches.
Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Grimsby Town
In a closely contested match, Tranmere Rovers managed to salvage a 2-2 draw against Grimsby Town. Kieron Morris put Tranmere ahead, but Grimsby responded with goals from Danny Rose and Rekeil Pyke to take the lead. However, Connor Jennings, who had earlier assisted Morris, became the hero for Tranmere by scoring the equaliser. The result reflects the competitive nature of the league, with both teams showcasing their determination to secure vital points.
In conclusion, this round of EFL League 2 matches was filled with drama, excitement, and moments of individual brilliance. As the season progresses, it’s evident that every point will be crucial in determining the fate of these teams.
