Early days though this may be, Forest Green Rovers are threatening to run away at the top of the League Two after a convincing 4-0 victory at Stevenage. The partnership of target man Jamille Matt and nippy finisher Matty Stevens continued to flourish, with the strikers bagging a goal apiece in Hertfordshire. Tranmere Rovers, meanwhile, hoisted themselves into the top half of the division with a 2-0 victory over Salford. After playing eighth-tier football last season with Warrington Rylands, Elliott Nevitt scored the first EFL goal of his career, showing excellent movement to get across the defence to produce a neat finish. In such a difficult game, though, Rovers could miss the tenacity of ball-winner Jay Spearing. 2:1
Udoka Godwin-Malife is out for the long-term, so Dan Sweeney may continue to deputise on the right of the three-man defence. In fact, after a start to the season that has seen key defenders injured, Rob Edwards is hoping to maintain some continuity with a trio of Sweeney, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Dominic Bernard, although the latter's place is threatened by the possible return of Baily Cargill. There is every chance that if the first half does not go according to plan, Ebou Adams will come on for classy ball-carrier Jack Aitchison to provide some physicality and drive, either at half time or early in the second period. Elliott Whitehouse remains a long-term absentee. Jay Spearing's ban has been rescinded, which is good news for Rovers given the dearth of natural alternatives to the experienced ball-winner. Nicky Maynard and Mark Duffy were two high-profile signings for Tranmere late in the window, but neither were given so much as a cameo appearance in the 2-0 win against Salford. Both must earn their place despite their pedigree. Ross Doohan has started between the sticks with Joe Murphy absent. In fact, Tranmere do not currently have a goalkeeper on the bench.
Udoka Godwin-Malife is out for the long-term, so Dan Sweeney may continue to deputise on the right of the three-man defence. In fact, after a start to the season that has seen key defenders injured, Rob Edwards is hoping to maintain some continuity with a trio of Sweeney, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Dominic Bernard, although the latter's place is threatened by the possible return of Baily Cargill. There is every chance that if the first half does not go according to plan, Ebou Adams will come on for classy ball-carrier Jack Aitchison to provide some physicality and drive, either at half time or early in the second period. Elliott Whitehouse remains a long-term absentee. Jay Spearing's ban has been rescinded, which is good news for Rovers given the dearth of natural alternatives to the experienced ball-winner. Nicky Maynard and Mark Duffy were two high-profile signings for Tranmere late in the window, but neither were given so much as a cameo appearance in the 2-0 win against Salford. Both must earn their place despite their pedigree. Ross Doohan has started between the sticks with Joe Murphy absent. In fact, Tranmere do not currently have a goalkeeper on the bench.
Early days though this may be, Forest Green Rovers are threatening to run away at the top of the League Two after a convincing 4-0 victory at Stevenage. The partnership of target man Jamille Matt and nippy finisher Matty Stevens continued to flourish, with the strikers bagging a goal apiece in Hertfordshire. Tranmere Rovers, meanwhile, hoisted themselves into the top half of the division with a 2-0 victory over Salford. After playing eighth-tier football last season with Warrington Rylands, Elliott Nevitt scored the first EFL goal of his career, showing excellent movement to get across the defence to produce a neat finish. In such a difficult game, though, Rovers could miss the tenacity of ball-winner Jay Spearing. 2:1