EFL Action: Spotlight Shines on League One & Two During International Break

Ipswich make it 11 games unbeaten; Wednesday climb into play-off places

The EFL spotlight was cast on League One & Two this weekend due to the international break, with no Championship action.

Six games took place in England’s third tier, with the main game being Ipswich Town taking on Plymouth Argyle at Portman Road. Both sides went into this game in excellent form, with the Tractor Boys unbeaten in ten games under Kieran McKenna and Stephen Schumacher’s Pilgrims having won six games on the bounce. Sam Morsy was the difference maker as his close-range finish gave Ipswich a 1-0 win, extending their run to 11 unbeaten. Despite this, they are five points off the play-off party and have played a game more than teams around them. Plymouth remain 4^th and are well-placed to secure a play-off berth for themselves.

🔢 Here’s how that table is shaping up after today! #EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/eEUdQDB773

— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) March 26, 2022

Sheffield Wednesday replaced Sunderland in the top six with a 4-1 win over a Cheltenham side who took the lead through top scorer Alfie May. Massimo Luongo scored his first goal in two years before an excellent second half performance secured the points.

At the bottom, AFC Wimbledon are really in dire straits. They remain an incredible 20 games without a win as they lost 1-0 at home to Cambridge United. Adam May grabbed the winner just seconds into the second half as the Dons look to avoid their first ever relegation as an EFL club.

His name is Adam, his name is Adam May! 🎶#CamUTD | @adam_may97 pic.twitter.com/u1REZaarK8

— Cambridge United FC 🇺🇦 (@CambridgeUtdFC) March 27, 2022

Neil Harris took over Gillingham at the end of January and they sat 10 points from safety with relegation almost looking a certainty. They now sit four points clear of the bottom four after a 2-1 success at Accrington and the most vital fact for them is that they have won more games than they have lost under Harris. Accrington pride themselves on their home form, going unbeaten in nine league matches at the Wham stadium prior to Gillingham’s visit.

Proctor stunner helps Port Vale march on; Exeter lost once in 15 games

Exeter City continued to hold onto a top three place with a 2-1 home win over struggling Stevenage, who had Steve Evans in the dugout for the first time. Sam Stubbs grabbed the first brace of his career as the Grecians held onto second spot in the league and have only lost one of their last 15 league games.

Take a look at that table. 👀#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/eXkSUzPuxG

— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) March 26, 2022

Northampton are breathing down their neck too. The Cobblers secured a 2-0 win over Hartlepool through Sam Hoskins and Cardiff loanee Chanka Zimba with the goals. Their form has been patchy of late, and they hold just a three-point advantage to the team in 4^th.

James Wilson and Jamie Proctor – with a sublime Paolo Di Canio-esque finish – gave Port Vale a 2-0 home win against fellow promotion chasers Sutton United. The Valiants, like Exeter, have one defeat in 15 league matches and occupy 4^th place. They are unbeaten at home since November. Sutton will need to improve away if they intend to even stay in the top seven as they have only won once on the road this year – 2-0 against Carlisle on January 29^th is their only maximum.

Take a bow, Jamie Proctor. 👏

A huge three points for @OfficialPVFC!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/ysvQuk7KhW

— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) March 27, 2022

Leyton Orient look to be improving under Richie Wellens. They beat struggling Barrow 2-0, with the Bluebirds welcoming Phil Brown back into management. The O’s remain unbeaten in seven games and look all but safe.

Finally, Oldham welcomed Mansfield to Boundary Park. They took an early lead through Davis Keillor-Dunn. Rhys Oates made it 1-1 before George Lapslie grabbed a late winner for the Stags who sit just under the top seven. It will feel like a punch in the gut for the Latics who are running out of time to save their EFL status. Two huge games coming up for them, with Leyton Orient at home in midweek before going to Stevenage on Saturday.