While Lincoln City dropped points for a third consecutive match, their grip on the League Two summit remains firm, albeit slightly loosened. A narrow 1-0 defeat away at Colchester United, decided by Frankie Kent’s close-range tap-in just before the half-hour mark, wasn’t the ideal result. However, the Imps’ title hopes were handed a significant lifeline as their closest pursuers, Milton Keynes Dons, also faltered. MK Dons could only manage a 1-1 draw away at a resilient Mansfield Town, ensuring Lincoln’s lead at the top stays at a precious two points.
The Pack Chases: Mixed Fortunes for the Contenders
The battle for automatic promotion and playoff spots saw significant movement and drama across the division.
Exeter City’s position in third remains intact, but their form is a growing concern after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to an in-form Forest Green Rovers. The deadlock was broken five minutes after the restart by Reece Brown, who spectacularly fired into the top corner for his second goal in as many games. Liam Shephard doubled the advantage, and despite a very late consolation goal from Aaron Martin, Exeter fell to a disappointing loss.
Just behind them, Newport County will rue a missed opportunity after letting an early lead slip in a 1-1 draw with Morecambe. Padraig Amond seemed to have set the tone with a header in the very first minute, but the experienced Kevin Ellison struck in the second half to share the spoils and deny Newport two crucial points.
Commanding Performances and Late Drama Across the League
Elsewhere, the league’s most potent striker, James Norwood of Tranmere Rovers, put on a masterclass. He netted twice in an emphatic and impressive 5-1 victory over Crawley Town, a statement win that solidifies their playoff ambitions.
Stevenage continued their positive momentum, climbing into eighth place with a solid 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town. The win was secured by goals from summer signing Kurtis Guthrie and Steve Seddon right on the half-time whistle.
Drama unfolded at Sixfields where Northampton Town showcased immense character. They held on for a nervy 2-1 victory against Oldham Athletic despite being reduced to ten men, a result that provides a massive boost to their campaign.
Swindon Town produced a classic comeback on the road to defeat Notts County 2-1. After falling behind to a Kane Hemmings opener, substitute Steven Alzate drew them level before a heartbreaking late own goal from County’s Jamie Turley handed Swindon all three points.
Saturday’s Other Key Results
The action didn’t stop there, with late winners and vital victories at both ends of the table.
In a match decided by a moment of pure quality deep into stoppage time, Yeovil Town edged Carlisle United 1-0. Tom James was the hero, curling a magnificent free-kick into the net six minutes past the 90 to snatch a dramatic win for the Glovers.
Crewe Alexandra secured a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Grimsby Town, with goals from Corey Whelan and Shaun Miller ensuring a straightforward three points.
At the bottom, the struggle for survival intensified. Port Vale earned a valuable 1-0 win over Bury thanks to a second-half effort from Tom Pope. Similarly, Cambridge United gave their survival hopes a major boost with a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Macclesfield Town, who remain rooted to the foot of the table. The decisive goal came from Jabo Ibehre with just ten minutes left on the clock.
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Lincoln’s Lead Holds Despite Stumble as League Two Race Heats Up
This weekend perfectly encapsulated the relentless and unpredictable nature of a League Two season. While Lincoln will be disappointed with their result, they will be relieved to see their lead unchanged. The pressure is now immense at the top, with every match carrying monumental importance. For the teams in the chasing pack, every dropped point by Lincoln represents a new opportunity. The race for promotion is well and truly on, and you can rely on Mcw Casino for all the deepest analysis and latest updates. What did you make of the weekend’s action? Who do you think will hold their nerve? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below
