Another full programme of fixtures this weekend with what could be described as more predictable outcomes (or are they) with the top teams largely avoiding each other, as are the ones at the bottom of the table who are trying to avoid the dreaded drop. Lets take a trip round the league grounds to see how today’s results impact on the league table.
Gillingham 3 Ipswich 1
Ipswich after looking like they had thrown themselves back in the mix lost their first game under Paul Cook. The Gills took an early lead when Jack Tucker volleyed home his first league goal after a free kick fell kindly for him. Just after the hour Ipswich pulled level with their first attempt on target, Luke Chambers looping his header over Bonham following a Josh Harrop free kick. But two goals in 7 minutes in the final quarter of the game sent the Tractor Boys tumbling out of the playoff spots. Once again it was that man Vadaine Oliver doing the damage, the first from a counterattack, the clincher a stunning curling effort ten minutes from the end that sealed the destination of the points, Ipswich slip back to 8th.
Accrington 2 Swindon 1
Accrington with this victory are once again breathing down the necks of the playoffs. Dion Charles got the opener for Accy and the Robins responded after 30 minutes, Brett Pitman running onto a long ball and lobbing the advancing keeper. The decisive goal came just before halftime Colby Bishop heading home acorner from the back post. Swindon drop to 20th just 1 point ahead of the relegation zone.
Blackpool 1 AFCW 1
Blackpool took the lead on the hour mark through Simms, but the game was always fairly even and there is one thing we have learnt since doing these twice weekly reports is that AFC will always fight to the final whistle against teams trying to defend a slender lead, and sure enough in the third minute of injury time the Seasiders defensive line was breached by Ollie Palmer hitting a superb shot into the roof of the net to end the game all square. With teams winning all round them AFC remain in the bottom four but with games in hand.
Burton Albion 2 Peterborough 1
A few weeks ago Burton looked dead and buried, tonight they moved 4 points clear of trouble and with games in hand. What JFH has done there is astonishing and this result toppled Posh from the top of the table. Goals from Hemmings and Carter just before the hour stunned Posh, and despite bombarding the Burton defence it only breached it once and that from the penalty spot from Burrows in the 5th minute of stoppage time. The defeat sees Borough drop to second with Hull taking over at the top with a superior goal difference, but Posh still have a game in hand.
Doncaster 2 Plymouth 1
Doncasterlona look to have got over their dodgy run and made it two wins out of two for new gaffer Andy Butler. Rovers took the lead early on with Tom Anderson converting a James Coppinger corner on his 600th game for Rovers. Just after half time Coppinger was provider again with this time Omar Bogle heading home the cross from the veteran. Niall Ennis halved the deficit just two minutes later and sparked an Argyle assault on the Rovers goal but despite numerous chances the Rovers defence stood firm.
Hull City 2 Bristol Rovers 0
The Tigers went back to the top of the table taking advantage of a shock Posh defeat, and in the process pushed the Joey Barton led Rovers back in the bottom four. This was the third win on the trot for Hull who never looked in danger after a brace from Gavin Whyte.
Lincoln 3 Crewe 0
After no win in three games it was a welcome 3 points for the Imps who now move within two points of second place Posh. Morgan Rogers, former Don Conor McGrandles and Brennan Johnson doing the damage in what was a regulation win over the midtable Railwaymen.
Northampton 4 Portsmouth 1
One of the results of the day as the Cobblers thumped Pompey 4-1 to lift themselves out of the bottom four and heap the pressure on Kenny Jackett even though Pompey stay in 6th spot. Former Don Ryan Watson was at it again, appearing to be frozen out a few weeks ago, he now can’t stop scoring and added a brace to his tally today. Pompey dominated possession on 70% but it was all about quality in the final third with 7 of the Cobblers 14 attempts finding the target. The game was done and dusted at half time, Watson scoring two in three minutes, Horsfall and Hoskins completing the rout. The Harrison penalty was nothing more than a consolation for Pompey as Northampton comfortably saw out the final 15 minutes.
Oxford 0 Charlton 0
Not much to say about this one except it did little to endorse the playoff hopes of either team. Charlton stay in 9th and Oxford 10th.
Shrewsbury 0 Fleetwood 2
Two teams that are hard to predict came head 2 head and it was the away side that came out victorious. Goals from Burns (45’) and Vassell (70’) secured the points and leaves the Shrews looking over their shoulders at those trying to avoid the drop, but with one win in the last 5 they are in danger of getting sucked into the scrap, the only consolation is having games in hand on those below them.
Sunderland 2 Rochdale 0
A fairly even contest but the class of the Black Cats shone through and it was fairly comfortable by half time with goals from Sanderson after just 7 minutes and Charlie Wyke ten minutes before the break with his 20th league goal of the season. With games at the bottom going very much against Dale they now slump down to the bottom berth with just 2 points out of the last 15, meanwhile Sunderland cement their place in the playoffs with 13 points from the last 15.
