League One Round-Up: Scunthorpe the new leaders as Walsall ruin Bolton’s unbeaten start

Walsall won for the first time in League One since the opening day of the season and put an end to Bolton Wanderers’ unbeaten start as they narrowly sealed a 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Jason McCarthy was the scorer, but the Saddlers’ hero was goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who made a series of stunning saves for the hosts.

Northampton Town’s remarkable club-record of 31 league matches without defeat also came to a sudden halt as they lost 3-1 at Chesterfield. A Conor Wilkinson brace put the Spireites into a comfortable lead. Paul Anderson pulled one back for the visitors, but a first Football League goal for Dion Donohue saw the hosts clinch all three points.

AFC Wimbledon secured their second league victory of the campaign after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at Charlton Athletic, as they scored twice in the final 12 minutes.

Poleon has now netted in three successive league outings for AFC Wimbledon – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

Ademola Lookman put the Addicks into the lead when he applied a superb finish after a fine solo run. But, Dominic Poleon’s outstanding mazy run saw him skip past three defenders before arrowing a wonderful strike into the bottom corner, before Tyrone Barnett headed home the eventual winner in the 85th minute.

Scunthorpe United are now top of League One after a 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury Town. David Mirfin netted the match’s only goal in first-half stoppage-time with a glancing header from Josh Morris’ free-kick, in what was a game with very few chances for either side.

Southend United won for the first time at home this season as they defeated Millwall 3-1. The hosts went ahead after just six minutes when David Mooney pounced on a loose ball to hit the back of the net from eight-yards, before Aiden O’Brien equalised for the Lions. Yet, it was to be the Shrimpers’ day, as they netted twice in the second-half through Stephen McLaughlin and Luke O’Neill to secure a much need victory for Phil Brown’s men.

Swindon Town lost 2-1 at home to Bury as Hallam Hope scored his first brace since 2014 as the visitors move up to third in the league table. The former Everton striker grabbed both of his goals in the first-half and the Robins were unable to retrieve a point, despite Jonathan Obika pulling one back with just under 30 minutes left to play.

Rochdale claimed their first victory of the campaign as they won 2-1 at home to Fleetwood Town after an 85th minute winner. Matty Lund had given Dale the lead, but when Bobby Grant levelled the tie, it looked as though the hosts’ winless run would continue, until Steven Davies headed in the winner with just five minutes remaining.

Port Vale beat Gillingham 2-1 to maintain their 100 per cent record at home in the league this term, as they came from a goal down to secure all three points. Josh Wright put the Gills 1-0 up, but goals from defender Remie Streete and Alex Jones, who scored his fifth of the campaign, saw Bruno Ribeiro’s side seal three points.

Phil Brown’s Southend climbed out of the bottom four following their victory over Millwall on Saturday – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Bradford City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol Rovers, but the main talking point was not the action on the pitch, but the rather peculiar reason as to why the game was stopped for over five minutes. Referee Andy Haines sent both sets of players off the pitch for their own safety as a drone hovered above the stadium. After the forced break, both sides found the back of the net. The Bantams took the lead via a Charlie Colkett finish, before James Meredith equalised for the Pirates.

Coventry City are still without a league win after drawing 0-0 at home to Oldham Athletic, in a fairly dull affair. Marcus Tudgay had the game’s best two chances for the Sky Blues, but was unable to score from either despite them looking easier to hit the target than miss.

Sheffield United’s adjustment period under new manager Chris Wilder looks to have come to an end in recent weeks as they beat Peterborough United 1-0 to record their fourth straight league win. Matt Done scored his second goal in as many matches to help the Blades climb up to sixth spot.

And finally, Milton Keynes Dons drew at home to Oxford United, as they played out a goalless draw, with neither side creating a real opportunity to take the lead.

Player of the Weekend: Neil Etheridge (Walsall)
Team of the Weekend: AFC Wimbledon
Goal of the Weekend: Dominic Poleon (Charlton Athletic vs AFC WIMBLEDON)