25/04 - 20:00
Here's Playmaker's Ollie Smith with his regular review of developments in League Two - goal-crazy Exeter's fantastic form, Scunthorpe's fight to move clear of the relegation zone and the unstoppable force that is Tranmere Rovers all coming under the microscope this week.
Exeter thrash Grimsby
Randell Williams bagged a brace as Exeter moved up to third with a 4-1 win at Grimsby – their tenth game away from home without defeat.
Matt Taylor’s promotion candidates have suffered just one defeat in 17 games and were in full control of last night’s clash, with Williams scoring twice in the first half, alongside Exeter teammate Ryan Bowman and Luke Hendrie, with the score 3-1 at half-time.
Hendrie’s strike was just a consolation for the hosts however, with Matt Jay grabbing his seventh goal of the season in the second half to put the game to bed and wrap things up for Exeter.
The victory against Grimsby was Exeter’s second straight league win and the Grecians are now third in the division, just three points off league leaders Newport.
Williams was Player of the Season for the Devonshire side last season and despite a mixed start to the campaign, the 23-year-old’s performances have been improving recently, with three goals in his last three league matches.
Exeter attacked down the right side regularly against Grimsby, and Williams stood out with 82% passing accuracy – the second best out of the visitor’s team- and also executing six crosses to accompany his two goals.
With 46 goals in 20 games this season and 13 in their last three, Exeter are the highest scoring team in the top four divisions of English football this season.
A short trip up the M5 to second-placed Cheltenham Town on Saturday is up next for Taylor’s rampant Grecians.
📈 Most league goals in 2020/21 (top 4 tiers):
— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) December 2, 2020
30⚽: 💥EXETER💥
27⚽: Blackburn
26⚽: Portsmouth, Cambridge
25⚽: Bournemouth, Fleetwood#ECFC @OfficialECFC pic.twitter.com/FggPxn4aZq
Scunthorpe climb out of bottom two
Abo Eisa scored twice as Scunthorpe set aside Harrogate with ease in a comfortable 5-2 victory.
The last time Scunthorpe scored five goals in any game was over two years ago, and the last time they netted five away from home was way back in 2012.
Neil Cox’s men went ahead after 16 minutes when Emmanuel Onariase opened the scoring, before Jack Muldoon levelled things for the hosts.
The visitors were back in front with 41 minutes played though, Eisa netting his first of the game and the 24-year-old went on to extend the Iron’s lead from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Muldoon handled the ball in the box.
Ryan Loft and Aaron Jarvis both went on to add to the scoresheet before a late Harrogate consolation goal from Connor Hall.
Abo Eisa was certainly the main man last night for Scunthorpe, with two goals and an assist emphasizing his influence on the game.
The left-midfielder looked lively all evening with four shots, three interceptions, four key passes and 12 crosses.
The Sudanese man, who is the younger brother of Peterborough forward Mo Eisa, will be integral if Scunthorpe are to climb the table and build upon their impressive run of form - the Iron now three points clear of the relegation zone in 19th place.
The win at Harrogate was Scunthorpe’s third straight away win – their best run of consecutive away league wins since 1997.
A tough test against sixth-placed Leyton Orient awaits on Saturday, with Ross Embleton’s side having won their last three league games.
Five wins on the bounce for Tranmere
James Vaughan scored his 11th goal of the season in all competitions as Tranmere won 1-0 away at Oldham to keep up their recent superb run of form.
The only goal of the game came in the 27th minute, when Vaughan headed past Oldham keeper Ian Lawlor.
Tranmere controlled the match with Scott Davies rarely threatened throughout by the hosts – Harry Kewell’s side have only won once in the league at home all season.
Interestingly, kick off was delayed with referee Alan Young deeming a kit clash between the two, with Oldham being forced to wear their black and gold third kit at home, with visitors Tranmere only bringing their first strip.
Vaughan is joint third top goal-scorer in the division with eight goals and a 0.67 goals per 90 minutes record.
He has contributed to 44% of Tranmere goals this season and the 32-year-old has been named Man of the Match four times.
Against Oldham, Vaughan won five aerial duals, drew six fouls and bagged the only goal of the game, with Tranmere currently occupying the final play-off position in the table.
The win was Rovers’ fifth-straight success in the league and Keith Hill’s third in a row since taking over the reins from Mike Jackson.
They host Walsall at Prenton Park on Saturday. The Saddlers drew 1-1 with league leaders Newport on Saturday and face Stevenage tonight.
⭐️Longest ACTIVE win streaks in England’s top 4 tiers:
— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) December 2, 2020
5✅: 🔥TRANMERE🔥
4✅: Bolton
3✅: Manchester United, West Ham, Brentford, Hull, Leyton Orient
2✅: Blackburn, Cardiff, Exeter, Salford, Lincoln#TRFC pic.twitter.com/459CZSuRsR
