There’s a full programme of Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday with some exciting clashes lined up. Here’s our preview of the weekend...
On the up
Rejuvenated since the appointment of Keith Curle, Northampton Town make the short trip down the road to face Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday, looking to extend their current run of form.
The Cobblers are undefeated in all competitions since appointing former Carlisle United boss Curle as their manager at the start of the month. Last weekend's injury-time win over Forest Green Rovers paved space from the drop zone and ended Mark Cooper's side's unbeaten start to the season.
However, continuing this momentum half an hour down the road is a tough ask. Northampton have never beaten MK Dons away from home although their goalless draw in their last visit ended a run of five straight defeats at Stadium MK.
Tomorrow’s opponents are picking up points themselves, but at the top end of the table. An undefeated run of five Sky Bet League Two matches, including three league wins on the bounce, has meant MK Dons now have a commanding seat in the play-offs.
Records to protect
Despite losing at Northampton last weekend, Forest Green Rovers are still yet to taste defeat on home soil this term as they welcome Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
The Rovers are unbeaten in their last seven encounters against the Robins, including a 4-0 victory in the Checkatrade Trophy last month. Cheltenham’s most recent three-point haul against Forest Green was 20 years ago, back in their non-league days.
However, the Robins will take confidence in that tomorrow’s hosts have recorded just one victory at The New Lawn this campaign, the other five matches ending in draws. Cheltenham’s one and only win against Forest Green in 1998 was also at the Rovers.
Furthermore, both of the Gloucestershire side’s victories this season have come on their travels, most recently six matches ago against the very team that ended the Rovers’ undefeated start last weekend.
Around the grounds
At the top end of the table, leaders Lincoln City host drop zone occupants Cambridge United, who have lost their last four Sky Bet League Two matches. Exeter City are unbeaten against Grimsby Town since 1991, while Newport County have beaten Crawley Town in their last three meetings.
David Flitcroft will make his first return to the Energy Check County Ground since leaving Swindon Town for Mansfield Town at the backend of last season when these sides meet tomorrow.
Tranmere Rovers have won three successive League Two matches but visit Yeovil Town having not won there in six visits, coming away defeated in their last five.
Notts County have continued their revival under Harry Kewell and visit Bury, where they have picked up five points from their previous three visits. Meanwhile, Macclesfield Town are still in search of that elusive victory and host Carlisle United, who have never won at Moss Rose in their history.
Saturday 20th October (kick-off 3pm)
Bury v Notts County
Crawley Town v Newport County
Forest Green Rovers v Cheltenham Town
Grimsby Town v Exeter City
Lincoln City v Cambridge United
Macclesfield Town v Carlisle United
Milton Keynes Dons v Northampton Town
Morecambe v Colchester United
Oldham Athletic v Port Vale
Stevenage v Crewe Alexandra
Swindon Town v Mansfield Town
Yeovil Town v Tranmere Rovers