Another enthralling weekend of football comes to an end in League Two with none of the top three sides winning, despite all playing at home. There were some movers in and around the playoffs, in addition to the bottom two clubs both recording vital victories as they hope to avoid relegation. Here is your League Two Review:
League Two Review: 28th February 2015
Burton Albion 0-1 Newport County
Burton Albion remain top of League Two despite suffering their first home defeat under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Newport County were the visitors to the Pirelli Stadium and they headed back home to Wales with all three points courtesy of Swindon loanee Ryan Storeys second half strike. This was the Brewers second defeat in a week, but nevertheless they stay top of the league by three points. As for the Exiles, they move back into the playoffs in 7th.
Shrewsbury Town 1-2 Northampton Town
Shrewsbury suffered their second consecutive defeat and their first at home this season in the league. Salop had previously won 13 and drawn three of their 16 games at New Meadow, but a determined Northampton side left with all three points. Midfielder Chris Hackett gave Chris Wilder’s side the lead, before Joel Byrom doubled Cobblers lead early in the second half. Salop did pull one back courtesy of Demetriou but it was too late. Shrewsbury stay 2nd but miss the chance to go level on points with Burton, whilst Northampton move to 10th, six points off the playoffs.
Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Stevenage Borough
3rd placed Wycombe and 9th placed Stevenage played out a thriller at Adams Park, includes four goals, a sending off and a last minute penalty save. Wycombe took the lead early through Fred Onyedinma before Tom Pett equalised for the visitors. Dean Parrett gave the Boro the lead with a free kick before Fred Onyedinma got his and the Chairboys second to level. Chris Beardsley was sent off with 15 minutes to go for the visitors before Wycombe conceded a last minute penalty, but Matt Ingram saved Parrett’s effort.
Luton Town 2-0 Accrington Stanley
Luton claimed their first win in three and sit just two points behind Wycombe following their 2-0 home win over Accrington. Jayden Stockley opened the scoring before the break, before Luke Guttridge doubled the Hatters lead to condemn Stanley to their first defeat in five games.
Southend United 2-0 Carlisle United
Southend claimed their first win in three and send Carlisle into the relegation zone following a 2-0 result at Roots Hall. Michael Timlin gave the Shrimpers the lead with a 20 yard strike before Barry Corr volleyed in to confirm all three points. Southend stay 5th but are just three points behind Wycombe in 3rd, whilst four straight defeats send the Cumbrians into the drop zone.
Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Bury
Plymouth started the day in 6th following a four game winning run but slip to 8th following a 2-0 defeat at Home Park against play-off rivals Bury. Danny Nardiello gave the Shakers the lead in the second half to take his tally to 13, before his replacement Danny Rose confirmed the win in the final minute. Both sides are aiming for the playoffs, and this defeat will hurt the in-form Pilgrims.
Hartlepool United 1-0 A.F.C Wimbledon
Hartlepool recorded their fourth home win in five but stay bottom despite victory over A.F.C Wimbledon. Debutant striker Ryan Bird scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes before the end, but despite the win the Pools are still six points from safety.
Portsmouth 0-0 Oxford United
An inform Pompey side were held at home by Oxford United in a goalless draw at Fratton Park. Portsmouth, who have scored nine goals in their last two league games were denied numerous times by U’s keeper Ryan Clarke. Pompey move to 12th following a seven game unbeaten run. The U’s stay 17th, five points clear of the drop.
Morcambe 0-2 Cambridge United
Cambridge United recorded their first win in eight league games following a 2-0 win at the Globe Arena. The second successive home defeat for Morcambe was confirmed by goals from Ryan Donaldson and Jordan Slew. Morecambe slip to 13th, but a win for Cambridge moves them slightly further adrift of an eight team relegation battle.
York City 0-0 Exeter City
York stay perilously close to the drop following a goalless home draw against Exeter. The Minstermen are level on points with 23rd placed Carlisle but have a better goal difference. As for the Grecians, they haven’t won in seven games, devastating form that has seen them slip to nine points off the playoffs in 14th place.
Mansfield Town 2-1 Dagenham and Redbridge
Mansfield bounced back from last weeks defeat to Oxford by winning at home to Dagenham and Redbridge. Reggie Lamb’s goal early in the second half gave the Stags the lead, before talisman striker Jamie Cureton netted to level. Junior Brown won the game eight minutes from time to leave the Daggers sitting on back to back defeats. Mansfield are 18th, five points from safety, with Dagenham 19th, four points clear of the drop.
Cheltenham Town 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
The final game this weekend in League Two came at Whaddon Road where Cheltenham recorded their first win in 16 games to claim all three points against relegation rivals Tranmere. This was Russell Milton’s first win as manager, and the Robins first home win since October. A Danny Holmes own-goal gave Cheltenham an early lead before defender Brown doubled the Robins lead. With Rovers unable to score, it became Town’s first home clean sheet since the opening month of the season. The Robins move out of the relegation zone to 21st, but are just one point off the drop, as are 20th placed Tranmere.
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