Weekend League 2 round-up

All the goals from around the division

Scot Bennett’s first-ever double for Exeter City saw them secure a come-from-behind win at Highbury against Fleetwood Town on Saturday.  After last week’s home defeat to Newport, this was an important three points for Paul Tisdale’s side, who had gone behind to Matty Blair’s opener for the Cod Army.  Now on 17 points, the Grecians are back in those sought-after play-off places after nine Sky Bet League 2 games, and look well-placed ahead of next week’s much-anticipated St James Park Devon Derby against Plymouth Argyle.

There was a big win in the lunchtime kick-off for Mansfield Town as they dealt league leaders Chesterfield their first defeat this season.  Calvin Andrew was the scorer as Mansfield continued their own strong start to the season – they are third in the rankings as it stands, though the Spireites’ fightback was dented by the late dismissal of Gary Roberts, whose derby tempers proved costly as he was sent off in injury time.  1-0 the final score.


Wes Fletcher is congratulated for scoring against Portsmouth

There were goals galore at Bootham Crescent as York City beat Portsmouth 4-2.  Wes Fletcher got the Minstermen’s first and last goals as York went on a goalscoring frenzy having not won since the season’s opening day.  Jed Wallace equalised for Portsmouth early in the second half, but they were behind again after a gaffe from keeper John Sullivan allowed Lewis Montrose to notch for the home side.  York then got the next two goals to put the game out of sight – Ryan Jarvis and the head of Fletcher taking their tally to four.  John Marquis got Portsmouth’s late consolation.

After winning at Exeter City last week, Newport County AFC made it a Devon double as they won against Torquay United at Rodney Parade.  Ismail Yakubu and Danny Crow both scored in the first half, while Gulls debutant Adebayo Azeez pulled one back in the second period.  Due to better results elsewhere, County actually dropped a place to eighth despite the win.  The only game played in Devon saw Plymouth Argyle held to a goalless draw by Accrington Stanley, as the league’s bottom club halted their run of six consecutive defeats.


Jo Kuffour scored for Wycombe, but it was merely consolatory

Three early goals were enough for Rochdale to see off Wycombe Wanderers 3-2.  The Dale scored at five-minute intervals three times from kick-off, with Scott Hogan (number five of the season for him), Joe Bunney and Michael Rose sending them into a quick 3-0 lead.  Matt McClure and Jo Kuffour put the result somewhat in doubt, but Wanderers never managed to get on terms.


Asa Hall rounded off an Oxford win from 12 yards

Meanwhile Oxford United proved too strong for ten-man Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.  Ryan Williams took just five minutes, but things were level just after half-time as Luke James got Pools’ equaliser.  Deane Smalley put the U’s back in front, and after Steve Howard was sent off late on, Asa Hall sealed the 3-1 win from the penalty spot.

Burton Albion and Scunthorpe United shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw at the Pirelli Stadium.  Deon Burton scored against his namesake club four minutes before Niall Canavan got United’s second, and the Iron’s goals were sandwiched by strikes from Billy Kee and Robbie Weir.  Former Grecian Jamie Cureton was the late match-winner for Cheltenham Town to get their first home win in League 2 this term against high-flying AFC Wimbledon, making it two defeats out of three now for the Dons.  Goals from Afolabi Obafemi and Rhys Murphy sent Dagenham & Redbridge up to 12th, with Anton Forrester’s consolation not enough to gain Bury their second point of the month as they lost 2-1.  Finally, there were no goals on offer as Northampton Town played out a stalemate with Morecambe.

Click here to see the full Sky Bet League 2 table.

Round-up by Oliver Roderick – @olrodlegacy