Forest Green stretch lead after Harrogate lose
After an apology from Scunthorpe chairman Peter Swann for their previous performance, things didn’t get much better for ‘The Iron’ as a Jamille Matt penalty and a header from Ebou Adams gave league leaders Forest Green Rovers a 2-0 victory in North Lincolnshire.
Unbeaten away record: continues 👊 #WeAreFGR 💚
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) October 16, 2021
Forest Green stretched their lead at the top to four points following a shock defeat for Colchester United against Harrogate.
Colchester had not scored in the league for four games but ended that run with a 1-0 win against high-flying Harrogate Town.
Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu ran unopposed through Town’s midfield with just two minutes left to play, before teeing Jasper up to slot home the winner.
FT| HOME W. #ColU pic.twitter.com/Tlx8g17SvL
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) October 16, 2021
Williams saves Swindon; Port Vale and Tranmere record wins
Swindon Town and Rochdale played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the County Ground.
After Ben Gladwin’s sweetly-timed volley gave the Robins the lead, George Broadbent brought struggling Rochdale back on level terms with his first EFL goal – the visitors’ first in five games.
Liam Kelly fired them in front with a low drive but substitute Jonny Williams stepped up with an injury time header to ensure a share of the spoils and salvage a point for promotion-chasing Swindon
📽️ | Jonny Williams’ first Town goal just looks better from this angle 😍#STFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/gaKS2F4paF
— Swindon Town FC (@Official_STFC) October 17, 2021
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Port Vale recorded their fourth consecutive home win with a 3-1 comeback victory over Barrow.
Ollie Banks’ thunderous free kick gave the visitors the lead at Vale Park – his sixth in eight games.
But a fine solo effort from Dennis Politic had the hosts on terms shortly after the restart, before James Jones turned into his own net to give them the lead. Mal Benning then tucked away the rebound from his own strike to secure the points five minutes from time.
Rod McDonald’s own goal was enough to split the sides at Brunton Park as Tranmere beat Carlisle United 1-0.
It was the first game for Carlisle after manager Chris Beech was sacked. Rovers’ win puts them fourth in the table, level on points with Port Vale.
Walsall still await their first away win of the season after a goalless draw at Leyton Orient.
George Miller’s header and Conor Wilkinson’s drive were as close as the visitors came, but neither particularly stretched Lawrence Vigouroux in the Orient net; the hosts recording their fourth straight home clean sheet.
Sutton leave it late after penalty drama; Oldham move out of the relegation zone
A late Isaac Olaofe effort was enough to give promoted Sutton United a dramatic 1-0 win at Crawley Town.
Dean Bouzanis was another United hero 15 minutes from the end; the goalkeeper saving Tom Nichols’ penalty before Olaofe nodded home the winner after some chaotic defending.
Goals at either end of the game saw Salford record a 2-0 victory over Hartlepool. Tom Elliott’s header three minutes in and Matty Willock’s low effort five from the end secured the points for City against the side with the division’s worst away record.
Wayne Hatswell remains unbeaten in League Two as Newport caretaker manager; his side were pegged back twice in a 2-2 draw with Exeter City.
Strikes from Robbie Willmott and Courtney Baker-Richardson were cancelled out by in-form pair Matt Jay and Sam Nombe, whose side are unbeaten at home since March.
A similar story for Bradford; the Bantams shared four goals with Bristol Rovers. Charles Vernam’s poached goal was levelled out by Alfie Kilgour’s towering header- his first goal in 2021.
Andy Cook restored the home lead two minutes later, but Brett Pitman’s looping header in added time made sure of a point for Joey Barton’s side.
Northampton Town returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win over struggling Mansfield Town. Aaron McGowan opened the scoring midway through the first half, before Kion Etete smashed the woodwork in the second half.
The result was put beyond doubt when Fraser Horsfall’s back-post header found the far corner, leaving the visitors without a win in 12 in all competitions.
Oldham Athletic dominated Stevenage to win 3-0 to secure their first home win of the season and move out of the relegation zone.
Two goals for Davis Keillor-Dunn had Oldham two up inside 20 minutes, before Dylan Bahamboula showed poise and skill to clear the advancing goalkeeper and beat a retreating defender before slotting home the third, ensuring the Latics were victorious at Boundary Park.
How it stands
Forest Green have extended their lead to four points after their victory and Harrogate’s defeat. However, the rest of the division is so tight and congested; just nine points separate second to 20th.
It wouldn’t be League Two if it wasn’t close!#EFL pic.twitter.com/EOx9VrJ47p
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) October 16, 2021
