Here are five key talking points from across the EFL this weekend...
Unpredictability
All is still very much to play for in the Sky Bet Championship, as demonstrated by this weekend’s action. Burnley went top in a confident showing from the Clarets – who have more draws than wins under their belt – which saw them beat Swansea City 4-0.
At a glance, the top-half of the table is a close call. Just a single point separates first to fifth place with Burnley and Sheffield United tally 25 points apiece, and Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers on 24 each. Meanwhile, just six points stand between the league leaders and 14th placed Preston North End.
Who will be battling it out for promotion come the end of the campaign could be anybody’s guess.
Goals aplenty
It was raining goals in Sky Bet League One as Bristol Rovers, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle each put four goals past this weekend opponents.
The Gas enjoyed their day out at the races as they breezed past Cheltenham Town 4-1 as Aaron Collins bagged a brace for Rovers. Elsewhere, Oxford recorded a 4-2 win away at Exeter City, and Plymouth Argyle extended their lead at the summit with a 4-1 triumph over Milton Keynes Dons.
Rounding off an emphatic display!#EFL | @Official_BRFC pic.twitter.com/Zqf4C4KZbz
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) October 16, 2022
Derby day
There was derby day delight for Rotherham United who picked up their first win under new boss Matt Taylor against Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield Town. The Millers went ahead in the first half through Conor Washington, only for former Rotherham man Danny Ward to equalise, but Georgie Kelly sealed a 2-1 win in the second period.
And Sutton United secured their first three points on the road this season against South London rivals AFC Wimbledon. U’s skipper Craig Eastmond netted the only goal of the game in a slender 1-0 victory for Sutton in Sky Bet League Two.
Impressive record
A 3-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on Friday evening made it five victories on the bounce for in-form Tranmere Rovers. Southampton loanee Dynel Sime and striker Elliott Nevitt dispatched of the Railwaymen to continue Tranmere’s winning streak.
Elsewhere, Will Swan’s late winner for Mansfield Town in a 2-1 win over Walsall preserved the Stags’ unbeaten home record in League Two with goals in either half enough to lift the Nigel Clough’s men up to fourth.
And Carlisle United – also undefeated on home soil this term – made light work of Doncaster Rovers, running out 3-0 winners over the South Yorkshire team.
3️⃣ points and 3️⃣ goals for @officialcufc!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/XpeI4Zlcbp
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) October 16, 2022
Comebacks
In League One, Port Vale left it late to snatch an equaliser against Forest Green Rovers as Ellis Harrison provided some late drama from the penalty spot in the 88th minute a 2-2 draw after the Valiants equalised 10 minutes prior.
And Sheffield United notched a 98th minute leveller against Blackpool in the Championship. Oliver Norwood was the hero for the Blades in a six-goal thriller at Bramall Lane.