Plymouth Argyle may be leading League Two right now, but they will be pleased in the manner in which they have grabbed control of this division.
With six straight wins in the league, plus another victory in the cup to add to that, it’s little surprise that Argyle have risen to the top. The Pilgrims march to the summit has been impressive, but their 2-0 win against Exeter City in the Devon derby last week was the icing on the cake.
In fairness to Argyle, that particular win could have been much more emphatic than it was – and it would take a brave soul to bet against them as they host Craig Hignett’s Hartlepool United at Home Park today.
Arguably, the biggest battle of the day sees second-placed Doncaster Rovers travel to take on seventh-placed Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
A couple of weeks ago the Hatters were leading the division and looking down imperiously on those below, but their form has deserted them of late – that was summed up in their 2-0 defeat to Crawley Town last time out.
They are undoubtedly one of the strongest sides in the league, but Rovers seem in irresistible form.
Donny’s front men James Coppinger and Andy Williams were on target against Newport County at the Keepmoat Stadium last week in a comfortable win, but there is nothing new there with the pair having scored four and five goals respectively this term. Will they add to this tally this afternoon?
Relatively unfamiliar names, on the other hand, fill up the remaining play-off places. Yes, Portsmouth lurk in the way that only Pompey seem able to do this season, but both Crewe Alexandra and Morecambe are currently above them as the one-time ‘unfashionable’ North Western clubs let their football do the talking.
Crewe welcome Blackpool today, whilst Morecambe host Luton Town’s conquerors Crawley. Both winnable games, but who will be sitting pretty come 5:00pm? In the unlikely event they both slip up, Pompey will feel they can take advantage as Barnet make the unenviable trip to Fratton Park.
And the final team in the play-offs? Colchester United, since you ask. The U’s take on Accrington Stanley. Who are they? Exactly.
Bring on the football!
Full League Two fixture list (Saturday, September 24):
Mansfield Town vs Grimsby Town
Carlisle United vs Wycombe Wanderers
Colchester United vs Accrington Stanley
Crewe Alexandra vs Blackpool
Luton Town vs Doncaster Rovers
Morecambe vs Crawley Town
Newport County vs Cambridge United
Notts County vs Leyton Orient
Plymouth Argyle vs Hartlepool United
Portsmouth vs Barnet
Stevenage vs Exeter City
Yeovil Town vs Cheltenham Town