AFC Wimbledon 4-0 Swindon Town
In a stunning display of football prowess, AFC Wimbledon delivered a masterclass against Swindon Town, clinching a resounding 4-0 victory. This triumph not only showcased their attacking flair but also propelled them into the play-off places in League Two. The match was a testament to Wimbledon’s resurgence, especially considering their previous 5-1 defeat to Swindon in the last season’s corresponding fixture.
Ali Al-Hamadi emerged as the star of the show, netting twice and demonstrating his clinical finishing. The game kicked off with Wimbledon seizing the initiative early on, as Omar Bugiel capitalized on Joe Lewis’ precise low ball in the sixth minute. The team’s confidence soared, and they continued to press, with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans striking the post. The second goal was a spectacle – a brilliant 25-yard strike from Armani Little that found the top corner.
As the match progressed, Wimbledon’s dominance was unrelenting. Al-Hamadi’s second goal, an outcome of a well-executed play involving Harry Pell, was a display of tactical acumen and individual brilliance. The icing on the cake came in stoppage time when Al-Hamadi showcased his scoring prowess yet again, rounding off a memorable performance for both him and the team.
Accrington Stanley 0-0 Doncaster Rovers
In a match marred by inclement weather, Accrington Stanley and Doncaster Rovers played out a goalless draw. This result left Accrington just outside the play-off positions, a reflection of their persistent but unrewarded efforts. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams striving to break the deadlock but ultimately failing to find the back of the net.
The game saw Doncaster creating early chances, with George Broadbent and Tom Nixon coming close. Accrington’s best opportunity fell to Josh Andrews, but his effort was thwarted by Doncaster’s keeper. The second half saw Accrington up the ante, but their attempts were met with resolute defending and a lack of finishing touch. Doncaster nearly snatched a late win, but Harrison Biggins’ header rattled the crossbar, summing up a day of near-misses and frustration for both sides.
Colchester United 1-2 Crawley Town
Crawley Town secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Colchester United, a result that was particularly poignant given the presence of their former boss, Matty Etherington, in the opposition dugout. The match was a blend of tactical nous and opportunistic play, with Crawley showing resilience to come out on top.
Liam Kelly and Danilo Orsi were the heroes for Crawley, scoring crucial goals. Colchester, despite creating early chances, failed to capitalize, with Samson Tovide and Arthur Read missing key opportunities. Kelly’s goal just before half-time gave Crawley the lead, a reward for their persistence and tactical setup. The second half saw Colchester pushing for an equalizer, but Crawley doubled their lead through Orsi’s penalty.
Colchester managed a late consolation goal through Joe Taylor, but it wasn’t enough to deny Crawley a well-deserved victory. The match highlighted Crawley’s tactical adaptability and Colchester’s struggle to convert chances into goals.
Grimsby Town 2-1 Crewe Alexandra
David Artell’s Grimsby Town emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over his former club, Crewe Alexandra. This match was not just a battle of teams but also a personal triumph for Artell, marking his first win as Grimsby’s manager. The game was a showcase of strategic planning and effective execution.
Grimsby’s Abo Eisa and Danny Rose were instrumental in their team’s success, scoring crucial goals. The match began with Crewe creating early opportunities, but Grimsby quickly took control. Eisa’s stunning strike set the tone for Grimsby, while Rose’s goal before half-time further cemented their dominance.
Crewe’s resilience saw them pull one back in the second half through Joe White, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Grimsby’s lead. The match was a testament to Grimsby’s tactical acumen and Crewe’s fighting spirit, highlighting the competitive nature of League Two football.
Morecambe 1-1 Stockport County
In a fiercely contested match at a windswept venue, Morecambe and Stockport County played to a 1-1 draw, a result that speaks volumes about the resilience and tactical acumen of both teams. Stockport, leading the league, found themselves on the brink of defeat until Kyle Wootton’s late intervention salvaged a point for them. His goal, coming three minutes from time, was a classic example of exploiting defensive hesitations, as he slid home Kyle Knoyle’s cross.
Morecambe, despite their recent struggles, showed commendable spirit and took the lead in the 69th minute through a brilliantly executed counter-attack, finished coolly by Michael Mellon. Stockport had the better start, dominating possession but struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions. Their efforts were met with a series of impressive saves by Morecambe’s keeper, Adam Smith.
The game was a battle against the elements as much as it was against each other, with both teams trying their luck from range. Wootton’s late equalizer was a testament to Stockport’s never-say-die attitude, helping them maintain their position at the top of League Two.
Notts County 1-2 Walsall
In a thrilling encounter, Walsall staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory against promotion hopefuls Notts County. The game was a tale of two halves, with Notts County initially taking the lead through Aden Baldwin’s header, his first goal of the campaign. The first half belonged to Notts County, but the tables turned dramatically after the break.
Walsall’s hero was Oisin McEntee, who scored a brace in the second half to turn the game on its head. His first goal, an immediate response after the restart, set the tone for Walsall’s resurgence. He followed it up with a half-volley nine minutes later, showcasing his scoring prowess and giving Walsall a well-deserved lead.
The victory was a significant boost for Walsall, moving them up the table, while Notts County’s defeat at home was a setback in their promotion aspirations. The match was a showcase of Walsall’s fighting spirit and tactical adjustments, proving their mettle in a challenging away fixture.
Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Newport County AFC
Tranmere Rovers extended their unbeaten league record with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newport County, thanks to an 88th-minute winner from Connor Jennings. The match, played in challenging weather conditions, was a testament to Tranmere’s resilience and tactical nous.
Newport County initially took the lead through Will Evans, who made amends for an earlier miss by lashing the ball home from close range. The first half saw Newport creating more chances, but Tranmere stayed in the hunt. The equalizer came in the 57th minute from Kieron Morris, whose driven shot from the edge of the box took a deflection on its way in.
The game seemed headed for a draw until Jennings’ late heroics, turning the ball home after Kristian Dennis’ initial effort was blocked. This victory not only showcased Tranmere’s fighting spirit but also their ability to seize crucial moments, making it five games without defeat in League Two.
