Football League Two round-up: 15/09/12

Whilst it remained the same at the top and bottom of the League Two table, it was another weekend of surprises and more importantly goals.

Gillingham continued their unbeaten record thumping Bristol Rovers at Priestfield – the Gas still looking for that first victory to kick-start their campaign. A Danny Kedwell double in the opening 15 minutes for the hosts was followed by a Charlie Lee goal on the stroke of half time. With the visitors left with it all to do, Chris Whelpdale added salt to the wound, with a fourth goal in the 82^nd minute. Another three points – and clean sheet – for Martin Allen’s men; Rovers remain in 23^rd with two points from a possible 18.

There was a surprise at the Pirelli where Burton played hosts to Oxford. After winning their opening three games, the visitors have hit a slump, and a 4-0 loss at the weekend consigned them to a third consecutive defeat. A goal in each half for Calvin Zola and Jacques Maghoma ensured Burton remain in 10^th, Oxford in 11^th.

Meanwhile Chesterfield picked up their first win of the season when they played fellow relegated side Wycombe. The visitors always knew it would be a tough ask after Leon Johnson was sent off after 10 minutes for a foul on Marc Richards, through on goal. The home side made their man advantage count: Chris Atkinson netting on his debut. The Spireites were two goals to the good at half time as Jack Lester added to their tally. Not even a Neal Trotman own goal could spark a Wycombe come back and Chesterfield got their third just five minutes from time – a Sam Hird header giving them three vital points.

Barnet remain bottom of the Football League after a fourth successive defeat, this time at the hands of Bradford City. The teams went in level at the break but it only took the Bantams two minutes to grab a goal – James Hanson with a header. Bradford scored all three of their goals in 10 minutes: Alan Connell doubled their lead after Bees keeper Graham Stack couldn’t hold on to a loose ball before another header, this time from defender Andrew Davies secured all three points. The table, even at this early stage, makes grim reading for Bees fans.

Elsewhere there were goals galore at Home Park where Plymouth took on Port Vale and Whaddon Road where Cheltenham entertained Southend. Both matches saw the visitors run away with all three points despite being a goal down early on. Port Vale went in at the break with it all to do, as Plymouth’s Robbie Williams netted a 30-yard strike. It wasn’t until halfway through the second half that Vale got their equaliser – a Jennison Myrie-Williams penalty. And Myrie-Williams turned provider for their second, Ashley Vincent putting them ahead. It was two goals in four minutes that won it for the visitors with Ben Williams also on the score sheet. Vale are now undefeated in four matches. Meanwhile three goals in eight minute either side of the half term secured the points for Southend although it was the Robins who were winning – Jermaine McGlashan with their goal. Sean Clohessy equalised for the Shrimpers just before the break before a Britt Assombalonga header and Mark Phillips added a third.

Also in League Two were wins for Rochdale who beat Northampton, Fleetwood continued their good form winning against Northampton and not even a stadium ban for Steve Evans’ could stop Rotherham – 1-0 victors against Torquay.

With Tuesday night games to be played before the weekend’s action, it could all change at either end of the table. The pick of the matches include Gillingham v Southend and second versus third as Fleetwood take on Port Vale.