AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Doncaster Rovers
In a match that epitomized the grit and determination of League Two football, AFC Wimbledon emerged victorious over Doncaster Rovers with a 2-0 scoreline, despite being reduced to nine men. The hero of the day was Ali Al Hamadi, whose brace ensured a crucial win for Wimbledon, propelling them closer to the play-off spots.
The first half was a tactical battle with few clear-cut chances, but Al Hamadi’s opportunistic strike in stoppage time broke the deadlock. The goal came from a scrappy goal-mouth scramble, a testament to Wimbledon’s perseverance. In the second half, Al Hamadi doubled his tally, capitalizing on a defensive slip from Doncaster’s captain, Tom Anderson, and finishing with aplomb into the top-right corner.
Wimbledon’s resilience was further tested when Hus Biler and Omar Bugiel were sent off, leaving them with nine men for the final stretch of the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Wimbledon held firm, showcasing a defensive masterclass to secure their first league win in six matches.
Bradford City 1-2 Barrow
Graham Alexander’s managerial debut for Bradford City ended in a 2-1 defeat against a spirited Barrow side. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Barrow extending their unbeaten run to seven games.
Barrow took an early lead through Dom Telford, who capitalized on a smart cross from Kian Spence. Bradford’s Tyler Smith missed a golden opportunity to equalize but redeemed himself by tapping in a cross from Jamie Walker. The game seemed evenly poised until George Ray’s late goal for Barrow, a strike that came against the run of play and sealed the win for the visitors.
Bradford showed moments of promise, with Emmanuel Osadebe and Alex Gilliead forcing saves from Barrow’s goalkeeper, Paul Farman. However, Barrow’s resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive, leaving Alexander with much to ponder as he looks to turn Bradford’s fortunes around.
Colchester United 1-1 Sutton United
The clash between Colchester United and Sutton United ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with Omar Sowunmi playing the role of the hero for Sutton. Sowunmi, facing his former club, scored a stoppage-time equalizer, firing into the roof of the net after a lay-off from Harry Smith.
Colchester appeared to be on course for their fourth consecutive league win when Arthur Read put them ahead in the 80th minute with a beautifully curled shot. The first half was evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize.
The game’s tempo increased in the second half, with Joe Kizzi’s effort for Sutton being cleared off the line and both teams pushing for a breakthrough. Sowunmi’s late goal was a fitting climax to a tightly contested match, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of League Two football.
Crawley Town 3-1 Accrington Stanley
Crawley Town displayed remarkable resilience to overturn an early setback and secure a 3-1 victory over 10-man Accrington Stanley, marking their first win in six league games. The match was a testament to Crawley’s fighting spirit and tactical adaptability.
Accrington took an early lead with Jack Nolan’s goal in the second minute, exploiting Crawley’s initial defensive frailties. However, Crawley responded swiftly with Danilo Orsi equalizing in the eighth minute, showcasing their offensive prowess. The game was evenly poised until Crawley’s Will Wright unleashed a spectacular 25-yard shot shortly after the break, shifting the momentum in Crawley’s favor.
The turning point came when Accrington’s Brad Hills received a straight red card for a foul on Orsi. Orsi then converted the resulting penalty, demonstrating composure under pressure. Crawley’s goalkeeper, Luca Ashby-Hammond, making his league debut, played a crucial role with key saves, ensuring Crawley’s dominance was maintained.
Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Notts County
Crewe Alexandra snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Notts County, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty by Courtney Baker-Richardson. This match was a classic defensive battle, with both teams displaying solid backline performances.
The game was largely a tactical stalemate, with defenses overshadowing the attacking efforts. Notts County, however, seemed to gain control in the second half, creating several chances but failing to capitalize. The match appeared destined for a draw until a late twist saw Jodi Jones of Notts County penalized for a handball, leading to the decisive penalty.
Baker-Richardson’s clinical finish in the 97th minute was a moment of high drama, showcasing his nerve and skill under immense pressure. This victory was a significant boost for Crewe in their promotion chase, highlighting their ability to seize opportunities in crucial moments.
Grimsby Town 3-2 Morecambe
Grimsby Town, in their first League Two game post the sacking of Paul Hurst, staged an incredible comeback to defeat Morecambe 3-2. This match was a rollercoaster of emotions and a showcase of Grimsby’s determination and attacking flair.
Morecambe started strongly, with Adam Mayor scoring early. However, Grimsby turned the game on its head with three goals in 11 minutes after halftime. Danny Rose, Kieran Green, and Rekeil Pyke were the scorers, each displaying clinical finishing to overturn the deficit.
Grimsby’s aggressive approach in the second half paid dividends, as they overwhelmed Morecambe with their intensity and precision. Despite JJ McKiernan’s late goal for Morecambe, Grimsby held on for a much-needed victory, signaling a potential turnaround in their season.
Newport County AFC 0-0 Milton Keynes Dons
In a match where both sides squandered numerous chances, Newport County and Milton Keynes Dons played out a goalless draw at Rodney Parade. The game was marked by missed opportunities and solid goalkeeping, leaving both teams ruing what might have been.
Newport’s Omar Bogle was the main culprit in front of goal, failing to convert several clear-cut chances. The first half’s closest call came when MK Dons’ Max Dean forced a superb save from Newport’s Nick Townsend. The second half saw more of the same, with Will Evans missing a golden opportunity for Newport, curling his shot wide.
Both teams had moments where they could have clinched the game. Newport’s Matt Baker made a crucial block on Conor Grant’s goalbound effort, and Townsend was again the hero, denying Alex Gilbey from close range. MK Dons’ Mo Eisa nearly snatched a late winner, but the match ultimately ended in a stalemate, a fair reflection of the day’s proceedings.
Salford City 1-2 Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town continued their impressive form, moving into the League Two automatic promotion places with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Salford City. This win, their fourth consecutive in the league, showcased Mansfield’s resilience and clinical edge.
Mansfield’s Jordan Bowery opened the scoring with a fine finish, but Salford’s top scorer Matt Smith quickly equalized with his 13th goal of the season. The game was a back-and-forth affair until Mansfield regained the lead through Davis Keillor-Dunn’s close-range volley.
Salford’s Matthew Lund was denied by an exceptional save from Mansfield’s Christy Pym, who played a pivotal role in preserving the lead. Mansfield’s ability to withstand Salford’s pressure and secure three points highlighted their promotion credentials and unbeaten record in the league.
Swindon Town 2-4 Stockport County
Stockport County demonstrated their title credentials by coming from behind twice to secure a thrilling 4-2 victory over Swindon Town. This win, Stockport’s 13th of the season, solidified their position at the top of League Two.
Swindon’s Dan Kemp initially gave the home side the lead, but Stockport’s Will Collar equalized from the penalty spot. Jake Young then restored Swindon’s lead, only for Kyle Wootton to level again for Stockport. Odin Bailey’s stunning strike put Stockport ahead, and Callum Camps sealed the victory with a late goal.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Stockport showcasing their fighting spirit and attacking prowess. Swindon’s fifth consecutive defeat left them mid-table, while Stockport extended their lead at the top, underlining their status as league leaders.
Tranmere Rovers 3-0 Forest Green Rovers
Tranmere Rovers delivered a commanding performance to secure a crucial 3-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers, moving them out of the League Two relegation zone. This match was a showcase of Tranmere’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing.
The home side took an early lead in the eighth minute, benefiting from an own goal by Tyrese Omotoye. Tranmere’s Jordan Turnbull’s initial header from a corner set the tone for their dominance. The first half saw further chances for Tranmere, with Rob Apter and Brad Walker coming close, while Forest Green’s best opportunity was a looping header from Omotoye, impressively saved by Luke McGee.
Tranmere doubled their lead just after halftime, with Kristian Dennis calmly slotting home from the edge of the area. The visitors’ plight worsened when Dom Bernard was sent off for a second yellow card. Tranmere capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Luke Norris and Apter threatening before Apter sealed the win with 20 minutes remaining.
Walsall 0-1 Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town secured a historic 1-0 victory at Walsall, marking their fourth consecutive away win in the Football League for the first time. The match was a testament to Harrogate’s resilience and clinical edge in crucial moments.
Walsall created better chances throughout, with Liam Gordon and Isaac Hutchinson coming close, only to be denied by Harrogate’s solid defense. Harrogate’s Sam Folarin forced a smart save from Walsall’s goalkeeper Owen Evans in a rare first-half opportunity. The second half saw Walsall’s Brandon Comley and Tom Knowles striking the woodwork, highlighting their misfortune in front of goal.
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when George Thomson, coming off the bench, found the bottom corner from 20 yards, scoring his fifth league goal of the season. Walsall’s Donervon Daniels also missed a close-range header, and their inability to convert chances was punished by Thomson’s late winner.
Wrexham 2-0 Gillingham
Wrexham delivered a dominant display to defeat Gillingham 2-0, with Ollie Palmer scoring one of the quickest goals of the season. This victory, under the guidance of Stephen Clemence, propelled Wrexham to second in the league, extending their unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions.
Palmer opened the scoring in the first minute, setting the tone for Wrexham’s attacking intent. His goal, followed by a crucial save from goalkeeper Jake Turner to deny Palmer’s header, underscored Wrexham’s dominance. Ben Tozer sealed the win in the second half with a deft flick from Jacob Mendy’s cross, highlighting Wrexham’s tactical precision.
Gillingham’s recent poor league form continued, with just two wins in their last nine games. This contrasted sharply with their early-season success, indicating a need for tactical reassessment.
