A large portion of EFL fixtures were lost on Matchday 35, however, there were still some excellent performances. Here’s the Team of the Week…
Goalkeeper: Jason Steele – Millwall 1-1 Sunderland
Despite surrendering a one-goal lead at the Den, the Black Cats’ ‘keeper made sure the visitors took a point, thanks to a number of excellent saves on his return to action.
Defender: Kean Bryan – Scunthorpe United 0-2 Oldham Athletic
The Latics kept a Scunthorpe side which sit fifth in the table at bay on Saturday, with Bryan demonstrating his class and composure in a backline which remained unbreached throughout.
Defender: Mark Ellis – Carlisle United 2-0 Grimsby Town
Ellis scored the second of the Cumbrians’ two goals in their home triumph over Grimsby – a good day all-round for the defender, who also helped the hosts pick up a clean sheet.
Defender: Brad Halliday – Cambridge United 1-1 Luton Town
Halliday impressed at both ends of the pitch, and it was his perfectly weighted cross for Jabo Ibehre which saw the U’s earn a share of the spoils with the Sky Bet League Two table toppers.
Midfielder: Joe Lolley – Nottingham Forest 2-1 Birmingham City
The 25-year-old was instrumental in Forest’s win against the Blues, opening the scoring on six minutes before playing in Matty Cash to score what proved to be the winner.
Midfielder: Stefan Johansen – Derby County 1-2 Fulham
Johansen was at the double in terms of assists at Pride Park — his delicate ball leading to Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener, before teeing up Ryan Sessegnon with a delightful back-heel.
Midfielder: Luke Russe – Milton Keynes Dons 0-1 Bristol Rovers
Making his EFL debut, 18-year-old Russe didn’t look out of place in the slightest, turning in a commanding midfield display in the Pirates' victory at Stadium MK.
Midfielder: Erhun Oztumer – Southend United 0-3 Walsall
Walsall’s diminutive number 10 netted a second-half hat-trick against the Shrimpers, as the Saddlers bounced back from successive defeats in League One.
Forward: Patrick Bamford – Middlesbrough 3-0 Leeds United
Speaking of trebles, that takes us to the Riverside Stadium, where Bamford got one of his own on Friday night, in what was a comfortable assignment for Boro on home turf.
Forward: Bobby Reid – Bristol City 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Completing our round of hat-tricks, we next head to Ashton Gate and, more specifically to Reid, whose three goals saw the Robins comprehensively see off the Owls.
Forward: Sean Maguire – Bolton Wanderers 1-3 Preston North End
The Lilywhites ended a run of four matches without a win by earning a comeback victory away at Bolton, with substitute Maguire returning from a five-month injury layoff to net a brace.
Manager: Richie Wellens – Scunthorpe United 0-2 Oldham Athletic
A second mention for Oldham and, on this occasion, their manager.
Wellens' three second-half substitutions proved inspired with Patrick McEleney netting the opener at Glanford Park, before Aaron Amadi-Holloway sent Eoin Doyle clear to wrap things up.
