The fourth tier's longest winning streaks

Stockport County are on the brink of making history in Sky Bet League Two with the Hatters just a single game away from breaking the record for the longest winning streak in the fourth tier of English football.

Ahead of next weekend’s fixture, we take a look at the longest winning runs in the competition’s history…

Stockport County (12) – 2023/24

This season, Stockport County side have come flying out of the blocks on the back of last term’s Play-Off Final defeat. After suffering back-to-back defeats in their opening fixtures, Dave Challinor’s side embarked on a 12-game winning streak between September and November 2023, kicking off with victory over AFC Wimbledon earlier in the season and reaching the record-equalling milestone against Colchester United at the weekend.

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Luton Town (12) – 2001/02

Luton Town set a new record for the most consecutive victories in the fourth tier when the Hatters made it 12 wins on the spin during their promotion winning 2001/02 campaign, between February and April 2002. During that time, Luton sealed the deal with a 3-1 away at Swansea City, finishing as runners-up to bounce back to the Second Division at the first time of asking.

Newport County (10) – 1979/80

Similarly, some four decades ago, Newport County’s 10-game winning streak coincided with the Exiles’ promotion from the Fourth Division. It marked the Club’s first promotion since 1939, with County’s impressive form between February and April 1980 set them on their way to a memorable double, having won the Welsh Cup later in the campaign.

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Notts County (10) – 1997/98

Under then-boss Sam Allardyce, Notts County topped the Third Division in 1997/98 to ascend as champions. The Magpies won 10 games on the trot during the winter months between December 1997 and January 1998, and it was a run that stretched to 14 games undefeated in total, resulting in the Club clinching promotion with six games to spare.

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Swindon Town (10) – 2011/12

Swindon Town got their hands on a first piece of silverware in over 15 years when they topped League Two in 2011/12. The Robins hit their stride between December 2015 and February 2016, putting Paolo Di Canio’s men into contention for promotion after undergoing a bumpy start to the campaign with mixed results.

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Northampton Town (10) – 2015/16

It was a season to remember for Northampton Town when the Cobblers stormed to the League Two title in 2015/16, finishing 13 points clear at the summit come May. Northampton’s 10-game winning run between December 2015 and February 2016 represented a Club record as Chris Wilder’s side remained unbeaten for the rest of the campaign, going an impressive 24 league games without defeat.