Preview: League Two

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11 years ago

Leyton Orient continued their scintillating start to the League Two campaign last weekend against Bristol Rovers, winning 2-0, making them the only side in the Football League with a 100% record still in tact. This weekend they travel to Exeter hoping to extend their good run – with Player (Dean Cox) and Manager (Ian Hendon) of the month awards also heading to East London. The Grecians endured a tough encounter with Portsmouth in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in midweek but emerged 2-0 winners, having been beaten 2-1 by Wimbledon in their last league outing, whereas Orient didn’t go quite as well, losing 2-1 to Luton at Kennilworth Road.

Wycombe are another of the league’s unbeaten sides – but in the last two weeks, their blistering start has begun to falter. After drawing a blank in their draw with Crawley last weekend, Wanderers sit on 11 points along with Portsmouth, however, they remain in the JPT after being granted a bye in the first round. This weekend, Gareth Ainsworth’s men welcome Hartlepool to Adams Park – and the visitors are arguably more in need of the three points than their hosts, having lost their last two games. Last weekend’s 3-2 home defeat to Carlisle was sure to raise eyebrows, but a point this time against tough opposition would be seen as a good result.

On Sunday, Bristol Rovers and Oxford face off at the Memorial Stadium with both sitting on nine points after their first five fixtures. Despite losing a 21-match unbeaten away record at Orient last time out, the Pirates have adapted to life back in the Football League with wins over Barnet, Luton Town and Yeovil Town. The U’s have picked up wins against Yeovil and Notts County, as well as drawing against Luton, Crawley Town and Mansfield Town, meaning Michael Appleton’s troops sit fifth, two places above their hosts, courtesy of goal difference.

Plymouth’s campaign is picking up steam nicely after losing one of their opening four matches this term, winning their last three on the bounce. After disposing of bottom club Newport last time out, and overcoming Wimbledon in the cup after falling behind early on, the Devon based side travel to Stevenage, who have had a very average start under Teddy Sheringham. Boro drew their last game 1-1, against Dagenham & Redbridge, and enjoyed a bye in the JPT, but are generally moving in the right direction after picking up four points from their last two games.

Newport were dumped out of the JPT on penalties by League One Swindon on Tuesday after drawing 1-1 – perhaps the best indication yet this season that things simply aren’t going their way but that there is light at the end of the tunnel after running the Robins close. County have picked up just the one point this term, and after their last league result – a 1-0 loss away at Plymouth – they sit bottom of the pile and are in desperate need of kick-starting their season. Their opponents this weekend, York City, have endured a similar start to the season but lie three points better off than their hosts. The Minstermen lost 2-1 to Mansfield last time out, and remain in the JPT after a first round bye.

Matches:
Newport vs York
Carlisle vs Barnet
Cambridge vs Luton
Exeter vs Leyton Orient
Mansfield vs Wimbledon
Northampton vs Dag & Red
Portsmouth vs Accrington
Stevenage vs Plymouth
Wycombe vs Hartlepool
Yeovil vs Morecambe
Bristol Rovers vs Oxford Utd (Sun)