Lower League Round-Up: October 7 2017

League One Round-Up

Doncaster 4-1 Southend United

Doncaster grabbed a much needed victory by beating Southend in emphatic style at the Keepmoat. Ben Whiteman scored a superb hat-trick as the Shrimpers had no answer. It was Southend who took the lead through Anthony Wordsworth in the 38th minute but a John Marquis goal in first half stoppage time ensured thing were all square at the break.

Doncaster came out inspired for the second half and Whiteman grabbed the perfect hat-trick in a ruthless ten minute spell. His first goal came in the 47th minute, converting after James Coppinger saw his effort hit the bar. He then doubled the lead with a superb volley before converting the third from the spot. It was a much needed win for Darren Ferguson’s men and one that was full deserved.

Rochdale 0-1 Rotherham United

Rotherham continued their good form by beating Rochdale in a tight game at Spotland. A second half Richard Woods goal was enough for Paul Warne’s men to take all three points that sees the Millers move up into fourth spot in the table.

The Millers missed three excellent chances in the first half but managed to make one count shortly after the restart when Richard Woods beat his marker to head home. Rochdale fought back as Steven Davies headed against the bar before Henderson had one cleared off the line but Rotherham held on for their second away win of the season.

Oxford United 3-0 AFC Wimbledon

Oxford made light work of a Wimbledon side that have only managed five goals all season. Wes Thomas gave the U’s a first half lead after and excellent run and shot from the edge of the box.

Oxford survived a scare shortly before scoring their second when Simon Eastwood made a brilliant save to prevent Cody MacDonald equalising but then Oxford when straight up the other end and doubled the lead. James Henry supplied the cross for Brazilian left-back Ricardinho to grab his first goal for the club.

Another of Oxford’s summer recruits, Xemi Fernandez made things safe with Oxford’s third as Wimbledon slip into the bottom four.

Other League One results:

Mk Dons 1-4 Bradford City, Gillingham 0-1 Portsmouth, Northampton 0-6 Bristol Rovers, Walsall 1-1 Shrewsbury, Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Fleetwood, Scunthorpe 1-2 Wigan

League Two Round-Up

Cambridge United 1-3 Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe continued their fine run of form and are now League Two’s top scoring side thanks to two wonder strikes from Ebere Eze. The midfielder, on loan from Q.P.R., scored two fine efforts from outside the area to inflict defeat on Cambridge United and send Wycombe fourth.

It was always going to be a physical battle and it was a poor game until Eze set things alight with his wonderful efforts. Cambridge were given hope after Marcus Bean fouled Ikpeazu allowing Meddy Elito to reduce the arrears from the spot. Cambridge sensed a fight back but Leon Legge was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a cynical block on Mackail-Smith. Josh Umerah made things safe for Wycombe with a minute to go to keep the momentum rolling for Gareth Ainsworth’s men.

Port Vale 1-2 Grimsby

The Mariners spoilt the party at Vale Park as Neil Aspin returned to the club as manager and John Rudge as director of football. It is clear that they have a huge job on their hands as they were beaten by two second half goals against Grimsby.

Port Vale took the lead when James McKeown dropped a cross into the path of Tom Pope who promptly scored. Vale then showed why they have struggled this season as the second half slipped agonisingly away from them.

First Sam Jones equalised with a powerful header from a corner and then Siriki Dembele grabbed the winner when he rounded the keeper. It was his first goal for the Mariners and one his performances this season had thoroughly deserved.

Both David Worrall and Nathan Smith came close to equalising but it was not to be the dream home coming for Aspin as he now looks to the next game against Cheltenham.

Other League Two results:

Accrington 0-2 Luton Town, Morecambe 0-1 Crawley, Newport County 2-0 Yeovil, Notts County 1-1 Forest Green, Cheltenham 2-1 Swindon, Lincoln 2-1 Chesterfield, Colchester 2-0 Mansfield, Carlisle 0-1 Exeter, Crewe 1-0 Stevenage, Barnet 0-0 Coventry

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