As we approach the business end of the League Two season, sides from both ends of the table are recording vital victories as they look to achieve their aims, whether it be promotion, playoffs, mid-table safety or avoiding relegation. Here is your League Two Review.
League Two Review: March 21
Tranmere Rovers 1-4 Burton Albion
Burton Albion maintain their five point lead at the top of League Two following a comprehensive victory on the road at relegation threatened Tranmere. The Brewers were two goals to the good after just 22 minutes, with goals from Damien McCrory and Lucas Akins, before Rovers pulled one back through Kayode Odejayi ten minutes before the break. Max Power had the opportunity to level but saw his penalty saved by Brewers keeper Jon McLaughlin. Abdenasser El Khayati regained the Brewers two goal advantage with 18 minutes remaining, before an Adam Dugdale own goal gave the visitors a resounding win. Burton are now nine points clear of 4th place, with promotion looking all the more likely, whilst Tranmere remain on 37 points, with only goal difference keeping them safe.
Shrewsbury Town 2-0 Oxford United
Oxford United suffered back to back defeats following defeat on the road at Shrewsbury. The Shrews were ahead after just two minutes thanks to a Liam Lawrence penalty. The U’s were the better of the two sides after the goal, and when Salop were reduced to ten men following Rhys Sharps second yellow on 60 minutes, Oxford pressed for an equaliser. But when Liam Lawrence netted his and Shrewsbury’s second from a freekick with just over ten minutes remaining, the game was beyond the U’s reach. The result leaves Shrewsbury five points behind league leaders Burton, and four above the playoffs, whilst Oxford stay 19th, six points from safety.
Bury 2-1 Northampton Town
Bury pile the pressure on Wycombe in 3rd and are just one point behind the Chairboys following a second half comeback against Northampton at Gigg Lane. Ricky Holmes gave Cobblers the lead after just ten minutes to give Northampton a half time advantage. Five minutes into the second half, Shakers right back Joe Riley was given a straight red card, giving Cobblers the advantage. But a goal from Kelvin Ethutu 25 minutes from time and a last minute strike from defender Adam El-Abd gave the Shakers completed the comeback and recorded their third successive victory. Northampton suffered their second straight defeat, which leaves Chris Wilder’s men five points off the playoffs in 11th.
Southend United 0-0 Cambridge United
Southend remain in 5th despite a goalless draw at home to Cambridge. Following Wednesday nights defeat at Burton, the Shrimpers were looking to bounce back with a win, but find themselves four points behind Bury now as a result. As for Cambridge, they remain 18th, seven points above the drop, but have failed to win in five games.
Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Newport County
Newport County move into the playoffs, level on points with Luton, who play Tuesday night, following a goalless draw at Home Park against Plymouth. The Pilgrims move up one place to 8th, and are one point behind the Exiles as a result, but have failed to score in their last three outings.
Stevenage 0-1 Dagenham and Redbridge
Stevenage are the leagues in-form side but suffered their first defeat in nine at home to Dagenham. Luke Howell got the games only goal early in the second half to end the Boro’s run of three straight wins at Broadhall Way. Stevenage slip to 9th, one point off the playoffs, whilst the Daggers stay 15th following their second consecutive win.
Cheltenham Town 1-2 Exeter City
Exeter move up to 10th following victory on the road at strugglers Cheltenham. Tom Nichols gave the Grecians the lead midway through the first half, with his 14th goal of the season, before Graham Cummings doubled the Exeter lead with five minutes remaining. A Jordan Moore-Taylor own goal at the death reduced the deficit but the Robins are without a win in five, and remain in 23rd.
A.F.C Wimbledon 1-0 Portsmouth
Wimbledon extended their unbeaten home record to six following victory over Portsmouth. A Ben Chorley own goal after just six minutes was enough to move the Dons above Pompey into 12th. Pompey are without a win on the road in three attempts following this result.
Carlisle United 1-1 Morcambe
Morcambe rescued a late point away to Carlisle to extend their unbeaten away run to four games. Brad Potts gave the Cumbrians the lead with his 8th goal this season early in the second half, but a Padraig Amond penalty late on earned the Shrimps a draw. Carlisle, despite being unbeaten in three games, stay 20th, four points from safety.
Accrington Stanley 2-2 York City
York lost out on three points, as a late freekick earned Stanley a point at the Crown Ground. Luke Summerfield gave the Minstermen the lead 20 minutes into the second half, before Sean Maguire leveled minutes later. Jake Hyde regained the lead for York with his 8th goal of the season, before a deflected Josh Windass freekick in the final minute rescued a point for Stanley. The point moves Stanley up one place to 16th, but are without a win in six. As for York, they remain 21st and are just one point from safety
Hartlepool United 1-0 Mansfield Town
Hartlepool are looking likely to complete the great escape this season under Ronnie Moore, despite being eight points from safety earlier this month. A Brad Walker penalty early in the second half extend the Pools run of wins to three in succession, keeping three clean sheets on the way. The result means they are now just one point behind the sides above them, whilst the Stags slip one place to 17th.
Main Photo Marten Ogden, Bury FC
