They say Christmas is a defining moment with games coming thick and fast, but with most teams playing their third game in a week whether that be FA Cup or League, its certainly no walk in the park right now, and with the Dons still involved in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night, that will be four games in 10 days for us, although we can expect a few changes for the midweek game.
So, without further delay lets take a look at League 1 this weekend with a full programme to report on.
GILLINGHAM 2 SWINDON 0
In the early kick off it was a returning to form Gills that took the win over a misfiring Swindon team with Vadaine Oliver scoring the opener, and things were looking bleak for Swindon who haven’t won at the Priestfield since 1986. Swindon though were pressing hard to create an equaliser, but it was the Gills who cemented the win through sub Trae Coyle, beating the offside trap and slotting home to make that 4 wins out of 5 for Gillingham.
AFCW 2 BRISTOL ROVERS 4
Probably one of the surprises of the day was a Rovers win on the road, made even sweeter as it was against AFCW, and a former Dons boss Paul Tisdale engineering the victory. Things looked to be going well for the home team as Joe Piggot made no mistake from the spot after 5 minutes, but it didn’t take Rovers long to draw level as Sam Nicholson (pictured above) fired home from just outside the box. Ten minutes later Rovers were in unfamiliar territory taking the lead from a glancing header from Brandon Hanlan, but back again came AFC and levelled with a goal from Ben Heneghan. From there on in it was all Rovers, Hanlan scored on the stroke of half time and Nicholson sealed it on the hour.
BURTON ALBION 1 CREWE 1
Our opponents next Saturday Burton Albion had to settle for a draw against the Railwaymen, Crewe leaving it to the last couple of minutes to share the spoils as Owen Dale with a spectacular overhead kick proving the heartbreaker as Burton were desperately defending a Sam Hughes goal.
FLEETWOOD 0 BLACKPOOL 1
Gary Madine’s early goal for Pool was the deciding factor in the Fylde Coast Derby, the only other thing of note was Fleetwood failed to get even one shot on target.
NORTHAMPTON 0 DONCASTER 2
The Cobblers were up against it from as early as 18 minutes when Shaun McWilliams received a straight red for a reckless challenge, and it got a whole lot harder when Tyreece John-Jules nipped in to score after a defensive mix up in the heart of the Cobblers defence, and any ideas they had of salvaging anything out of the game were quickly dismissed as Joe Wright headed home the winner to send 1,000 Cobblers fans home dejected.
OXFORD 1 HULL CITY 1
James Henry scored a superb 20-yard strike after 10 minutes to give the O’s a surprise lead at home against league leaders Hull City, but Greg Docherty with an equally ferocious goal earned the Tigers a draw that ended Hull’s four game winning streak.
PLYMOUTH 1 IPSWICH 2
Luke Jephcott gave Argyle an early lead against the Tractor Boys, but the game changed direction in the 70th minute when Danny Mayor was given his marching orders for a second yellow card, four minutes later the home team conceded twice with goals from Joe Nolan and Kayden Jackson.
PORTSMOUTH 2 PETERBOROUGH 0
Fratton Park welcomed back fans for the first time since March and those lucky enough to attend witnessed a home win. Jack Whatmough thundered home a header following Lee Brown free kick on the hour mark but a 25-yard blockbuster from Tom Naylor will steal the headlines and sent the Fratton faithful home happy.
ROCHDALE 0 LINCOLN 2
Second place Lincoln City won again making it three straight wins in the league with goals from James Jones and Lewis Montsma.
SHREWSBURY 1 CHARLTON 1
Charlton hoping to bounce back after being schooled in midweek took the lead on 70 minutes and held out until deep into injury time when the Shrews were awarded a penalty which Ollie Norburn duly put away with ease to share the points.
SUNDERLAND 0 WIGAN 1
Last and certainly not least rudderless Sunderland who were 1/3 favourites to win at home against Wigan succumbed to Athletics only shot all game and despite bombarding Wigan and having their backs to the wall for the remainder of the game the Black Cats could not penetrate the defensive barrier, but even that shock victory could not lift Athletic off the bottom of the table.
