Here are five things you may have missed from an action packed weekend of EFL fixtures...
Special strikes
At 40 years and 52 days, Phil Jagielka became the oldest player to score a Sky Bet Championship goal since Kevin Phillips in 2014. The defender’s goal for Stoke City in a 3-1 win over Sheffield United was his first in the second-tier since 2006.
Elsewhere, Jay Stansfield bagged both goals in a 2-0 victory over Barnsley in Sky Bet League One – the striker’s first-ever league goals. Stansfield followed in his father’s footsteps, signing for the Grecians last month, taking the number nine shirt which was retired in his dad’s honour.
Your number 9️⃣, @OfficialECFC fans!
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) October 9, 2022
Two very special goals for Jay Stansfield yesterday ❤️#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/ExSVqydQ0Y
And Charlie Wyke struck gold for Wigan Athletic for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest late last year. The Latics slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Cardiff City but the goal meant much more to Wyke.
It may not have been three points for @LaticsOfficial yeaterday, but this goal from Charlie Wyke will mean everything 💙#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/XVnBnVY2dn
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) October 9, 2022
Boro battle on
The best home record across the 92 English Clubs at present? That prize goes to Steve Evans’ Stevenage. Boro have enjoyed their best-ever start to a campaign, registering 10 wins from 13 games to elevate them to the top spot in Sky Bet League Two.
1️⃣3️⃣ games.
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) October 9, 2022
1️⃣0️⃣ wins.
It's been a record-breaking start to the season for Steve Evans' side, so here's some goals for you, @StevenageFC fans! #EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/rvHwJsLwox
And that record was made even sweeter with a 2-0 win over Swindon Town at the weekend on home soil, preserving Stevenage’s 100% record at the Lamex Stadium in all EFL competitions.
Worth the wait for Vale
It was almost a century ago when Port Vale lasted triumphed away at Derby County and the Valiants finally broke the spell when they visited Pride Park to take on the Rams on Saturday.
Darrell Clarke’s men came from behind in the second period to beat Derby 2-1 – the same score-line they saw off the Rams with back in February 1923 when they last took maximum points from County.
Strikes from Ellis Harrison and James Wilson overturned a 1-0 deficit after Derby goalscorer James Collins was dismissed after the break.
What a turn around for @OfficialPVFC!
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) October 8, 2022
They're on course for a first win away to @dcfcofficial since 1923 👀#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/GJAwR5YhdG
Swans mount a charge
Two first-half goals were enough to see Swansea City claim their fourth win on the bounce, edging Sunderland 2-1. The Swans have come into their own of late, also beating Hull City, West Bromwich Albion and Watford in their recent run of form.
Meanwhile, league leaders Sheffield United, second-placed Norwich City – beaten by Preston North End – and Watford – overcome by Blackpool – all slipped to defeat to teams lower than themselves, as the Championship once again demonstrated its unpredictability and competitive nature.
Hatters pick up first victory
There were 18,600 fans in attendance at Valley Parade in League Two as Stockport County picked up their first win of the season over Bradford City in front of a bumper crowd in West Yorkshire.
Paddy Madden was on target from the penalty spot as the visitors rejoiced in that winning feeling for the first time since their long-awaited EFL return.