The theme of the past weekend appeared to be history. Wayne Rooney equalled the great Sir Bobby Charlton’s all time goal scoring record for England, Bradford City made their own history by beating Oldham in their back yard for the first time in 18 years, and even Blackpool won!
Scunthorpe 0-1 Blackpool
I’ll start at Glanford Park where Blackpool recorded their first win in 18 months. It was a performance of grit and determination, and after their 4-0 thumping last week (at the risk of sounding like Brendan Rogers) they showed real character. The importance of ‘winning ugly’ in football is often mused between fans and pundits alike, and it doesn’t get much uglier than the game’s only goal: Brad Potts fumbling in a 35th minute corner. The win lifts the Seasiders off the bottom of the table and one point away from Scunthorpe who sit 19th.
Chesterfield 2-3 Wigan
It was a game of redemption for two Latics players at the Proact Stadium on Saturday. First up was Leon Barnett, after putting the opposition two goals up with an own goal in the 68th minute, he then fired a volley into the correct goal to bring the scores to 1-2. A Craig Davies penalty set up a grandstand finish, substitute Jordy Hiwalu eventually netted a 90th minute winner in front of the home fans after rattling the crossbar from six yards out five minutes previously.
Southend 2-1 Peterborough
6 of the 8 victories in League One on Saturday were recorded by the travelling side, Southend and Gillingham the only two to win at home.
Southend got their season off the ground with a win against Peterborough at Roots Hall. Goals from Adam Barrett and Noel Hunt made sure that, despite a late Marcus Maddison goal, the Shrimpers had their first three points of the season. The defeat turned out to be one too many for Posh boss Dave Robertson who becomes the first managerial exit of the season.
Gillingham 1-0 Doncaster
Gillingham climbed to the top of League One after a Jake Hessenthaler strike which appeared to have been cleared off the line was ruled a goal. Doncaster had two great opportunities to take the lead in the first half but Curtis Main and Oscar Gobern fired against a stubborn Stuart Nelson and the side netting respectively. The Gills maintain their unbeaten record in League One.
Crewe 1-3 Swindon
Despite leading through an Adam King goal in the 61st minute Crewe slumped to a 1-3 home defeat at the hands of a resilient Swindon. The loss drops Crewe to the bottom of the pile as Swindon jump up to 7th. After King’s low drive put the Railwaymen ahead Swindon were level within two minutes courtesy of a fierce Tom Smith drive. Nicky Asoje will be glad that his embarrassing miss of an open goal didn’t prove too costly, he netted after Wes Thomas put the visitors ahead.
Barnsley 1-2 Shrewsbury
If you were watching Soccer AM on Saturday you’ll have seen City draw Barnsley at Oakwell in the next round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It proved to be a happy hunting ground for Saturday’s visitors Shrewsbury. Goals early and late in the game either side of Sam Winnall’s goal turned out to be enough to see the Shrews take home all three points and chalk up their first win of the season.
Burton 1-2 Coventry
Sunday afternoon’s fixture ended in another away victory, this time Coventry taking three points in their clash with Burton Albion. Goals from Marcus Tudgay and Romaine Vincelot saw that Aaron Martin’s own goal was cancelled out. Vincelot’s goal appeared to be a couple of yards offside, but apparently if you have a name like a knight of the round table you get the benefit of the doubt. The win ensures that the Sky Blue’s keep the pressure on Gillingham at the top of the table.
Fleetwood 1-1 Rochdale
The Cod Army must’ve dropped their chips a couple of times in the last ten minutes of their game with Rochdale. Peter Vincenti put the visitors ahead ten minutes into the second half but a Jamille Matt header levelled the scores in the 87th minute. The Fleetwood faithful surely thought they were looking at a second defeat in as many games when Peter Vincenti went down in the box. The resulting penalty was saved by Chris Maxwell sealing a point. The Bantams are Fleetwood’s visitors next Saturday.
Walsall 0-1 Bury
On the back of four straight victories Walsall were certainly favourites to take all three points again as they entertained Bury at the Bescot. The Shakers started well though, a sixth minute strike from Craig Jones turning out to be all Bury needed to take three points. Walsall drop down to 3rd and Bury climb to 12th.
Bradley Dack
League One Top Scorers
1 - Adam Armstrong - Coventry City - 5
2 - Bradley Dack - Gillingham - 4
3 - Marcus Maddison - Peterborough United - 4
4 - Abdenasser El Khayati - Burton Albion - 3
4 - Patrick Madden - Scunthorpe United - 3
