A fantastic Saturday in League Two comes to an end, with Burton regaining top spot at the expense of Shrewsbury, with some play-off movers, shock results and a shift amongst relegation battling sides. Here is your League Two Review: March 7.
“Any team can beat any other team if they turn up and get a bit of luck.” Oxford United fan Andy Wilmer said after today’s fixtures in League Two.
Hartlepool United 0-1 Burton Albion
Bottom club Hartlepool very nearly finished this game with a credible draw, but a last minute strike from on loan debutant Florent Cuvelier sent the Brewers top of the league. Hartlepool remain bottom, eight points from safety, with Burton moving ahead of Shrewsbury by two points following their result.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Cambridge United
Shrewsbury would have remained top of League Two but for a Sullay Kaikai strike five minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game. The Shrews took the lead in the first half thanks to Bobby Grant’s third goal in two games, but Kaikai denied the Shrews the win late on. Shrewsbury slip to 2nd, one point above Wycombe in 3rd, whilst Cambridge slip one place to 17th.
Southend United 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers
Southend twice took the lead but were held to a draw at home to Wycombe. Barry Corr netted the opener after just 14 minutes before Steven Craig levelled midway through the first half for the Chairboys. Corr then netted his 10th league goal of the season to give the Shrimpers the advantage, but Alfie Mawson levelled again for Wycombe in the final minute of the game. Wycombe stay 3rd, whilst Southend move up one place to 4th, five points behind the Chairboys.
Luton Town 2-3 Morcambe
Southend move up to 4th as a result of Luton suffering their first home defeat since September. A five goal thriller took place at Kenilworth Road with Morcambe going two goals up courtesy of Jack Redshaw and Lawrence Wilson. Cameron McGeehan pulled one back just before the break before Alex Lawless completed a comeback for the Hatters. With just 10 minutes remaining, Morcambe were reduced to 10 men following Edwards second yellow, but it was the Shrimps who found the winner in the final minute thanks to a Luke Wilkinson own goal. Luton slip to 5th, six points off the automatic promotion places, and Morcambe move up one place to 12th.
Bury 0-1 Oxford United
Oxford United ended Bury’s run of four successive victories as the U’s took all three points at Gigg Lane. In a feisty affair, U’s keeper Ryan Clarke was kept busy in the first half, making a couple of excellent saves to keep the score level. Midway through the second half, Shakers defender El Abd was sent off for a second bookable offense moments before Oxford were awarded a penalty. Danny Hylton stepped up but was saved by Bury keeper Nick Pope, before teenage winger Callum O’dowda netted the winner five minutes from time. Bury slip to 6th, and Oxford are now eight points clear of the drop in 18th place.
Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Northampton Town
Plymouth won their first game in three and condemned Northampton to their first defeat in six at Home Park. Anthony O’Connor netted his first senior goal for the Pilgrims after 28 minutes, before Lewis Alessandra confirmed the win four minutes from time with his 10th goal of the season. Plymouth move back into the playoffs in 7th, whilst the Cobblers stay 10th.
Stevenage Borough 2-1 Newport County
Stevenage are level on points with Plymouth in 8th following a home win against Newport County. Charlie Lee opened the scoring for the Boro, before Bira Dembele doubled their lead in the second half. Adam Chapman pulled one back for the Exiles, but the Welsh side have now won just two of their last 10 league games and slip to 9th, two points off the playoffs.
A.F.C Wimbledon 2-1 York City
A Jack Smith winner five minutes into injury time gave the Dons all three points at Kingsmeadow. Adedeji Oshilaja opened the scoring for Wimbledon after 19 minutes before Jake Hyde levelled for the Minstermen just before the break. York felt they were on for a decent away point but for a last minute winner from Smith. York stay in 20th, just two points from safety, with Wimbledon also staying put in 11th.
Carlisle United 1-3 Exeter City
Exeter recorded their first win in seven against strugglers Carlisle. Ryan Hanley gave the Grecians the lead after 30 minutes before Steven Rigg pulled one back before the break. Hanley netted his second early in the second half before Liam Sercombe confirmed the win in the final minute. Exeter move up to 13th, whilst Carlisle remain two points clear of the drop in 21st.
Accrington Stanley 1-1 Portsmouth
Accrington and Portsmouth both earned a point at the Crown Ground in a 1-1 draw. Josh Windass scored a free kick after 16 minutes for the hosts, his third goal in four games, before Ryan Taylor equalised. Both sides lost last time out, so avoiding defeat was key for these mid-table sides. Stanley stay 15th, with Pompey dropping to 14th.
Tranmere Rovers 2-3 Dagenham and Redbridge
Tranmere slipped into the relegation zone following their fourth successive defeat, this time at home to Dagenham. Jamie Cureton netted his 13th league goal of the season five minutes before the break for the visitors, before Dan Gardner equalised immediately. Ashley Hemmings regained Daggers lead early in the second half before Billy Bingham scored his second in as many games to give Daggers a two goal advantage. Max Power pulled one back late on but it wasn’t enough, as Rovers move into the drop zone, one point behind the side above them, with Dagenham moving up to 16th.
Cheltenham Town 1-1 Mansfield Town
The final game of the day came at Whaddon Road where Cheltenham moved out of the relegation zone following a home draw. Wes Burns scored his third Robins goal early in the second half before Billy Kee levelled with just over 20 minutes to play. Cheltenham move up to 22nd, one point ahead of Tranmere, whilst Mansfield slip to 19th.
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