League Two Round-Up: Five-star Portsmouth thrash Barnet, Hartlepool hold leaders Plymouth

League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle were held to a 1-1 draw by Hartlepool United at the weekend, although they still hold a two-point lead at the summit of the standings.

Pool took the lead when Nathan Thomas’ cross-come-shot looped into the back of the net to put the visitors on track for their third league win of the season. But, Jake Jervis hit an equaliser from the penalty spot with just over six minutes remaining.

Portsmouth came from a goal down to thrash Barnet 5-1 at home, as five different scorers gone on the scoresheet for Pompey. John Akinde’s penalty put the Bees ahead with less than half-an-hour played, before goals from Conor Chaplin, Carl Baker, Milan Lalkovic, Danny Rose and Gary Roberts all found the back of the net, with the latter scoring the best of the bunch.

Pompey’s Roberts, 32, has now netted six goals in his last six League Two outings – Photo: Offside.

Roberts picked up the ball 25-yards out and twisted away from two defenders, before applying a wonderful finish with the outside of his left-boot.

Cambridge United came from a goal down to win their first game of the season as they won 2-1 at Newport County. Rhys Healey had put the hosts in front with a calm header, but two second-half strikes from Uche Ikpeazu and Luke Berry could see the bottom club finally kick-start their 2016/17 league campaign.

Yeovil Town survived a fightback from Cheltenham Town to win 4-2 at home. Otis Khan and Darren Ward put the Glovers 2-0 up inside the opening 16 minutes, before Aaron Downes pulled one back for the visitors. But the hosts regained their two-goal cushion just before half-time through Matt Dolan’s header. Billy Walters made it 3-2 shortly after the break, but Tom Eaves’ superb solo strike ensured all three points for Darren Way’s side.

Luton Town came from behind to beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1, despite finishing the game with only ten-men. James Coppinger had put Donny in front, as the midfielder continued his rich vein of form. Though the Hatters levelled through Cameron McGeehan, before Jack Marriott slotted the ball away to help Luton take the lead shortly ahead of McGeehan bagging his second strike of the game. However the hosts then had striker Danny Hylton sent-off for a second bookable offence after throwing a litter picker in dismay in the fifth minute of stoppage-time.

Crawley Town won 3-2 at Morecambe as they sealed back-to-back victories in the league for the first time in nearly a year. Adi Yussuf was the star of the show as the Red Devils striker came off the bench to open the scoring before teeing up James Collins as the visitors went 2-0 up with only seven minutes left to play.

Michael Rose’s free-kick for the hosts pulled one back, before Yussef was once again the provider, this time assisting captain Jimmy Smith. Cole Stockton netted the match’s last goal with a terrific volley, but it was not enough for the hosts to spur a last-gasp comeback.

Notts County overcame Leyton Orient 3-1 to make it four wins from their opening nine league games this season. Jon Stead struck his seventh of the campaign already after Jonathan Forte had put the Magpies ahead. Paul McCallum then gave the O’s a slight glimmer of hope with his header, but Aaron Collins made sure of the three points in stoppage-time.

Bogle has scored eight goals in his last seven league appearances for Grimsby – Photo: Lee Blease.

Mansfield Town lost 1-0 at home to Grimsby Town, which sees the Stags’ goalless run extended to four matches. The Mariners on the other hand always look dangerous with in-form striker Omar Bogle, who scored his eighth goal in the league this season, as he leads the scoring charts in League Two.

Carlisle United narrowly beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 as they prolonged their unbeaten run to nine league games. Shaun Miller netted the match’s only goal with just under an hour played.

Accrington Stanley came from behind to win 2-1 at Colchester United. Drey Wright latched onto the end of Tarique Fosu’s pass to put the U’s in front, but second-half strikes from Romuald Boco and Billy Kee sealed all three points.

Crewe Alexandra rescued a point as they drew 1-1 at home to Blackpool. Jon Guthrie scored an own goal for the Railwaymen to put the Tangerines ahead, but Ryan Lowe was on hand to net his fifth of the season and see his side take a share of the spoils come the final whistle.

And finally, Exeter City won 2-0 at Stevenage, despite having captain Jordan Moore-Taylor sent–off after just 24 minutes. Yet, second-half goals from Lee Holmes and Ollie Watkins saw all three points go to the ten-men visitors.

Player of the Weekend: Adi Yussuf (Crawley Town)
Team of the Weekend: Cambridge United
Goal of the Weekend: Gary Roberts (PORTSMOUTH vs Barnet)