2025/26 EFL League Two MW8 Recap: The Weekend's Matches in Review
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2025/26 EFL League Two MW8 Recap: The Weekend's Matches in Review

2025/26 EFL League Two MW8 Recap: The Weekend's Matches in Review

Following another week of League Two action, Football Park are taking a look at all the major talking points of the latest round of fixtures in the English Fourth-Tier.

In a weekend that saw a change at the top of the table, some breathtaking comebacks and a very much needed first win for a particular side, it provided quite the spectacle with much to delve into and discuss.

McKirdy Brace Sinks The Robins

Crawley were searching for their first home win of the campaign and welcomed a Cheltenham side who have only won once all season coming on their home patch, so something had to give.

It was the home side who were probing away in the first-half and looked the more threatening in large spells. The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was when midfielder Geraldo Bajrami chested a ball down in the area and struck a right-footed effort against the crossbar.

At the beginning of the second period, more warning signs were there for the visitors when Tshimanga was played through in the right channel, seeing his cross missed by Mckirdy when it appeared easier to score.

Cheltenham's keeper Joe Day's kick then landed straight to the feet of Crawley right-back Dion Pereira. The summer signing picked out Mckirdy who's first touch was inside the defender, setting the striker up perfectly to finish with aplomb.

Periera was coursing problems once more with a deep cross to the far post as Adeyamo's header was kept out smartly. The visitors best chance fell to Josh Martin who's effort from outside the box seemed to be finding the top corner, causing Harvey Davies to save expertly at full stretch.

Adeyamo then won the hosts a penalty, twisting and turning before being knocked off balance inside the area. Up stepped Mckirdy to score his second of the game and ensure all three points for his side.

The loss for Cheltenham saw them drop to the bottom of the league as pressure builds for boss Michael Flynn with just 4 points after eight games. Crawley have now picked up successive wins and are unbeaten in their last three league games.

Walsall Held in Stalemate to Fleetwood

Walsall were travelling to The Highbury Stadium off the back of winning their last three league outings and looking to build on last seasons play-off place finish. Their opponents Fleetwood were a team looking for some momentum after a win away to Barrow was followed up by a narrow defeat on the road to Notts County.

A welcomed return to their home patch and it was clear Fleetwood was up for the game right from the off. Ryan Graydon looked certain to open the scoring for the home side, taking the ball around the Walsall goalkeeper, before a superb tackle from the experienced Adam Flint, prevented the Fleetwood striker from tapping into an empty net.

Walsall couldn't keep Grayson at bay for long though, as he ghosted into the box unmarked and his header found the bottom corner giving Fleetwood the lead.

The visitors struck back about ten minutes later, after a nothing ball into the box was made something by Flint, who's header reached Daniel Kanu who couldn't miss from close range for his second goal in four league games since his arrival from Charlton.

In the second half Jordan Davies saw his teasing free kick for the home side dealt with by Robert's in the Walsall net, before the visitors rattled the crossbar at the other end through Lewis Warrington's 25-yard effort.

Rico Richards was introduced for his senior debut and was busy in the midfield. He got away from one Walsall midfielder, just about maintaining his footing before seeing his shot land comfortably in the hands of Roberts in goal.

The game ended 1-1, a first draw all season for Walsall who didn't have many complaints at full-time having come up against a very resilient and determined Fleetwood, who after taking the lead deserved to get something out of the fixture.

The Gas Go Marching On

Darrell Clarke's side are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions and had won their last three league games coming into this one. Barrow were heading to The Memorial Stadium having lost their two in the league, but could be encouraged that their skipper Niall Canavan would be returning from suspension in defence.

That said it didn't take long for Bristol Rovers to take the lead upon 16 minutes as Senior's corner was only cleared as far as McEachran, who's drive from the edge of the 18-yard-box found the top corner brilliantly. Whether the midfielder meant it or not, he opened his scoring account for the season.

Then Barrow lost Canavan shortly after conceding through injury. Worrying signs for the visitors as Omochere's powerful run got his side up the pitch and into a dangerous position. As the move progressed, it ended up with Sparkes on the left, whose cross found Omochere and his header fell into the path of the on-rushing Cavegn. It was the Swiss stars turn to get his first for the campaign.

Josh Gordon saw his very ambitious effort go wide, after his acrobatics failed to trouble goalkeeper Westwood. The away side almost scored through Cameron's corner as Shipley was unable to sort his feet out at the back post to convert the flick on.

Come the second half, and Bristol Rovers threatened some more as Omochere, who deserved a goal was unable to flick Sparkes' low driven ball into the far corner. Not long after and the visitors had a lifeline after Newbie's ball was met by Mahoney's header after coming off the bench.

Ben Jackson shaved the post with his speculative effort and despite improving in the second period, it was the closet that they came to finding a leveller.

Barrow will be wondering where their form from the end of last season has gone as they drop to 21st in the table. With some more injury woes, boss Andy Whing will be wondering when their fortunes will change.

Holloway's Swindon Go Top

Welcoming a Harrogate side in a very bad spell having not won away from home since the opening weekend, boded well for 2nd placed Swindon. They were still without deadline day arrival Tafazolli after he signed from Wycombe at the end of last month.

Swindon started the game on the front foot as expected, with Will Wright's teasing ball just evading all those in the middle. The visitors had an early chance with Reece Smith finding himself in lots of space in the Swindon penalty area, before his cut back was deflected onto the post and wide.

A few minutes later Muldoon was played through 1-on-1 with Ripley and despite the keeper saving with his feet, the Harrogate striker converted the rebound to give his side a surprise lead on the half-hour mark.

It seemed to awaken the Wiltshere side and after Clarke and Glatzel saw their efforts saved smarly by Belshaw, it felt like a matter of time before the equaliser was found.

Sure enough, it came on the stroke of half-time through captain Clarke with a towering header into the corner of the net. He returned for his first start in the team since the second game of the season against Cambridge.

In the second half Swindon took the lead after Munroe's smart feint beat the defender before crossing into Clarke whose effort was saved, but Drinan was on hand to score his 5th league goal of the season. It was Ollie Clarke again involved for Swindon's third as his ball found Drinan who dispatched superbly.

Swindon looking very strong after climbing to the top of the league, whilst still early days Harrogate may be involved in another relegation scrap this season.

The Gills Remain Unbeaten

Since taking charge in March last term, Gareth Ainsworth has revitalised Gillingham football club. Despite a second draw of the season last time out, they were flying at the top of the table, still having not lost a game in the league for 20 matches. Facing a Notts County side who may be a little disappointed with their start, they'd be determined to knock the home side off their perch.

The first chance was created by the home side through debutant Jonny Smith. The former Wigan winger's ball into the area almost ended up in the back of the net after being missed by Nevitt in the middle. Other then a poor header from County forward Jatta, there was little goal threatening action in the first half from the visitors.

The break through came a minute into the second half, after Gillingham wing-back Remeao Hutton's clever cross found talisman Andrews who headed back across goal to give his side the lead. As Gillingham pushed for a second and some breathing space, Bradley Dack had a shot comfortably saved by Roos.

There was little quality coming back from The Magpies and for their 9 shots in the game they managed just 1 on target. One of those wayward efforts came from substitute Jodi Jones on the edge of the area, failing to make a clean contact with the ball.

In the closing stages Nevitt went inches away from finding the bottom corner to put the game to bed, but the final whistle would soon sound. Gillingham, despite moving into 2nd place on goals scored, have continued where they left off last season.

Late Goal Salvages Point For Newport

The Welsh side were in really poor form having lost their last six in all competitions, and travelling to a Tranmere side who lost their last two league games, gave Newport boss Hughes some hope that this game could kick start their season.

It was the away side who were in the ascendency early on. Ogunneye started really brighly from right-back, however his clever through balls didn't amount to anything.

Instead it was Tranmere who would go up the other end as Davies and Newport keeper Tzanev failed to deal with the flick-on header at the back-post, leaving Leicester loanee Jayden Joseph to score his first senior goal and give his side the lead.

It was then goalscorer Joseph's ball from a corner that should have doubled the hosts lead, but seasoned veteran Connor Jennings failed to make his header count.

The second period could only improve for The Exiles as Opoku found himself in space down the right, but his low drive into the middle saw no one on the end of it. It was then Omari Patrick's effort up the other end that was deflected and somehow kept out by Tzanev at the second attempt after being milimetres from crossing the line.

Patrick then hit the bar with an expert volley attempt, which would have been one of the goals of the season had it found the net. As the game looked to be edging towards a victory for Tranmere, it was Baker-Richardson who would pop up off the bench to earn the visitors a late point, giving those travelling supporters something to cheer about.

Despite the late goal for Newport they sit 22nd in the table, with Tranmere just ahead in 16th. Encouraging performances for both sides means they'll be hoping to make further strides up the table over the coming weeks.

Stanley's Wait for a League Win is Over

Following another defeat for Accrington Stanley away at Cheltenham, the Lancashire based club were still waiting for that elusive first win of the campaign, after just staying up last season. They faced a Colchester side who were winless themselves in their last five matches in all competitions, which gave the home side some encouragement.

It was Accrington who looked the more menacing in the opening exchanges. Winger Charlie Brown cut inside from the right and saw his curling strike saved by Macey in The U's net. Then from the other side, Isaac Heath, the Everton loanee carried the ball almost 40 yards, showing great skill and strength before eventually seeing his rising effort saved.

Then after a really clever interchange on the half hour mark between Conneely and Brown, resulted in the ball through to Sinclair, who slotted home for his first senior goal after joining from non-league side Curzon Ashton in the summer.

Danny Cowley's Colchester side really should have levelled up the game before the break. It fell to winger Kyreece Lisbie in the box and somehow his effort didn't find the target despite being eight yards from goal.

Heath started the second half like he played in the first, being really positive with his forward runs and he saw his long range effort dealt with by Macey. Colchester started to grow into the game with Jack Tucker's shot being the best that they managed in the second half despite it just heading over the bar.

Then came a moment of madness from Owura Edwards, who was always second favourite to the bouncing ball heading towards Wright in the Accrington goal. The keeper had the ball in his hands, with a defender between him and Edwards, before the Colchester winger decided to go for it anyway, resulting in his high boot colliding with Wright's mid-drift and he was sent off.

A momentum shift perhaps for Stanley, but despair for Colchester who extend their winless streak to 7 games now.

Odoh Scores On Salford Home Debut

After impressing last match against Tranmere, it was time to see if Salford could return to the form that they showed in the opening weeks of the season.

They were going to be playing a Shrewsbury side sitting in 23rd position. Although, they managed to pick up their first win of the season the previous week to Barnet, and were optimistic of getting a result against top half Salford.

The new man Odoh played brilliantly on his debut for his new side getting two assists and was looking to get on the score sheet himself in the trip down to Shropshire. The Nigerian striker opened his Salford account in the 28th minute, when his strike into the roof of the net beat 19-year-old Shrewsbury keeper Harrison, giving his side the deserving lead.

Shrewsbury did have chances to get back into the game as a quick free-kick found Arsenal loanee Kabia, who fired in a cross that was head height and awkward for his striking partner Ihionvien, who could only put it wide of the mark.

It was the experienced Sam Clucas who equalised for the home team early in the second half with a delicate touch and smart finish. It was then Kabia who continued to be a nuisance down the left side who's shot was smartly saved by Salford's Cooper.

Woodburn at the other end came off the bench and stroked home an effortless free-kick and his second goal of the campaign. Udoh capped off the victory in style on his weaker left foot sending the travelling supports into bedlam.

There were a few positives for Shrewsbury to grasp on to, but their defensive frailties were on show in the second half. As for Salford they continue to impress under boss Karl Robinson this season.

'Mellon'choly Feeling No More At Boundary Park

Micky Mellon's Oldham picked up their second win of the season since gaining promotion back to the Football League, and they welcomed a Bromley side to Boundary Park who were unbeaten this season.

The manager's son Michael made a second start after joining his father's side on loan from Burnley on deadline day. His striking partner Mike Fondop-Talom scored 17 league goals in the National League last season and started the game like a player determined to get off the mark this campaign.

His powerful curling effort from the right went just sailing past the far post. Then winger Hannant had a great chance, but could only hit his close range shot straight at the Bromley keeper.

For all Fondop-Talom's good first half work, he gifted an opportunity to the visitors danger man Michael Cheek, who's fizzed effort went a whisker wide.

The visitors were pushing for the opener in the second half and 6ft 6in central defender Omar Sowunmi saw his header narrowly miss the target.

Fandop-Talom would then strike a header of his own against the bar, only moments later to find the break through following a deep cross to the far post with the Cameroonian there to head home.

Only swindon and Grimsby have scored more then Bromley this season, but Oldham were able to fend off the away sides efforts to get back level, taking all three points.

Chesterfield's Home Patch a Modern-Day Fortress

With The Spireities impressive home league record seeing them go unbeaten at their own ground thus far, meant a tough test awaited the visiting MK Dons, who were coming off the back of successive league defeats.

It was the visiting Dons who had the first real chance of the afternoon. It fell to striker Paterson, who couldn't direct his header on target as he searched for his fourth league goal of the season.

Gordon was a real handful down Chesterfield's left flank and his shot had to be tipped over mid-way through the first period.

Referee Edward Duckworth deemed the hosts defender Dunkley to have fouled Hepburn-Murphy off the ball.. The resulting free-kick appeared dealt with before Hepburn-Murphy, who won the set piece waltzed his way through and opened the scoring.

In the second half, the trailing Chesterfield rallied, and there were huge claims of a hand ball from Gilbey, but the midfielders arm appeared to be in a natural position and the appeals were waved away.

Paul Cook started to become a visibly frustrated figure on the touchline. John Fleck was pulling the strings in the middle of the park. The former Blades and Premier League star was producing a man of the match performance, but it was his midfield counterpart, Tom Naylor who headed home from an 86th minute corner to rescue a point for his side.

Chesterfield rose to 6th after Bromley and Crewe both suffered defeats, with MK Dons in 10th after being unable to hold off for the win.

Grimsby Grasp a Point Deep in Stoppage Time

Grimsby hosted a Cambridge side that handed Oldham their first victory of the season in their last game, but Adam Mayor was a timely addition for the visitors on deadline day, with the young striker making his first start for his new club since joining from Millwall.

Early in the first half, it was The Mariners winger Burns who's back pass sold goalkeeper Pym short with visitors striker, Pierre Appéré failing to capitalise.

Then Sullay Kaikai's 30-yard run from his own half was played to their star man Brophy, who cut it back to the new man Mayor at the edge of the area, who tucked his low drive into the corner for his first goal at the club.

It was more of the same following half-time with Kouassi being introduced as a substitute, and he was waiting to tap in to an empty net, but for McJannet making a fine interception.

Another substitute Staunton, this time for Grimsby put a teasing ball into the box with his left foot that really should have seen his side take the lead, as Kieran Green put it wide on the stretch.

Kouassi and McJannet were involved again, this time in the opposite 18-yard box as the Cambridge man brought down his opponent, resulting in a penalty to the home side. Kabia's penalty was a good height for keeper Eastwood, but he could only parry to Amaluzor who's 96th minute equaliser left the away fans the more aggrieved at full-time.

The Bees Love a Road Trip

As Barnet returned to League Two this season, it is trips away from home where they have experienced more joy. After inflicting high flying Swindon's second loss of the season last month, they were relishing the challenge of a trip to Crewe's Moorflake Stadium.

It was Crewe that started very well in this one. Their man in form March had a great chance and would have scored, but for some smart defending by Kane Smith to clear off the line, as the Crewe striker raised his hands to his head in disbelief.

Smith was then beaten far too easily by opposing full-back Hutchinson, who's ball across the face of the goal seemed sure to end up in the net. Following a bit of pin ball in the Barnet area, ended with the home side appealing for a penalty that was waved away by the referee.

The home sides pressure didn't ease after the change of ends, with Agius smart turn and layoff was struck home with power by O'Reilly, giving his side the lead and getting his second goal of the season in the process.

This awakened Cambridge who waited no more than three minutes to hit back through Ndlovu, who tapped Senior's cross into the open goal and his first for the campaign.

A penalty was then awarded to the home side after Sanders dispossessd Ofoborh, but a smart save from Slicker down to his right from March's spot kick kept the contest level.

Lessons were not learned as Barnet conceded another penalty moments later as skipper Collinge impeded Lunt. Slicker saved again, this time on to the bar with his outstretched leg, before getting some timely help from his defenders.

After weathering the storm, Barnet snatched the winning goal in the 80th minute through Glover after Demetriou's poor attempt to clear. Points dropped it would feel for the Cheshire side, whilst The Bees took all three points with them on the long drive back down South.

The Holloway and Ainsworth Battle

Level on points and goal difference, it is goals scored separating the two sides at the top of the table. With both managers now in their second season with their respective clubs, it feels that they have everything in place to mount a real push for automatic promotion this season.

Rumours have begun circulating around Ainsworth's future as Gillingham boss, with August's manager of the month linked to Reading job. Current manager, Noel Hunt is under immense pressure after his side have won just once all season in League One. The Gills fans will be praying their man stays put.

As Salford are also on the rise, they'll be looking forward to welcoming Swindon to their own patch at the weekend, with Walsall hot on their tail. Bristol Rovers are a side in fine form as of late, proving it will be anything but straight forward for the current top two sides to run away with it.

Accrington can feel encouraged with a first win of the season, but Shrewsbury who have struggled since last season's relegation from League One, need to find a spark from somewhere and fast.

.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Theo Nicholson

Writer

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