Cambridge United v Rotherham Utd

Page 22

Around the Division LEAGUE ONE ROUND-UP Unbeaten in 20, Rotherham United are simply having a wonderful Christmas time after they dispatched Burton Albion 3-1 at the New York Stadium. Freddie Ladapo entered double figures for the campaign by striking either side of a Kane Hemmings goal before Dan Barlaser killed the game off to ensure the Millers retain pole position and consign the Brewers to 13th after successive defeats. Restored to the fold, James Norwood prevented a blue Christmas for Ipswich Town by hopping off the bench and rescuing a 1-1 draw against promotion-chasing Wigan Athletic. Despite surrendering the opportunity to remain joint-top, the Latics are six unbeaten. As for the East Anglian outfit, who parted ways with manager Paul Cook recently, they slip to 12th after the solitary win in six – ex-defender John McGreal is currently calling the shots. After travelling what must have felt like 2000 miles, Plymouth Argyle returned home from Sunderland with a 2-1 defeat as their winless run was extended to a concerning five matches. Taking command quickly, the Black Cats raced ahead thanks to early finishes from Dan Neil and Nathan Broadhead – his fourth goal in four. Dan Scarr conjured up a consolation, but it wasn’t to be as the Pilgrims, who saw manager Ryan Lowe venture to Preston North End in the week, dropped to 6th. Generating momentum, Lee Johnson’s men are rocking around the Christmas three and without defeat in six. A thriller at the death saw Wycombe Wanderers snatch a 2-2 draw at home to AFC Wimbledon. The visitors took the lead twice through Jack Rudoni, but Gareth Ainsworth’s side showed resilience to peg back their opponents via Adebayo Akinfenwa and the reliable Joe Jacobson. Last Christmas, the Chairboys were rooted

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V ROTHERHAM UNITED F.C.

to the bottom of the Championship. A year on, they’re the last of three all boasting 42 points. Steadying the ship, the Dons occupy 17th. Oxford United extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-2 comeback victory over MK Dons. Hiram Boateng drew first blood for the hosts, before Matty Taylor and Mark Sykes sealed maximum points. Going under the radar and quietly climbing the ladder, the U’s step into Christmas in 5th – whereas Liam Manning’s side falter to 9th. Goal difference separates firing Sheffield Wednesday from the play-offs after Darren Moore’s team secured a 0-2 win at Crewe Alexandra. Goals from Barry Bannan and Lee Gregory helped ease the Owls to a 12th game unbeaten – the aim now is to turn draws into wins. On the contrary, it’ll be lonely this Christmas for the Railwaymen – four from safety, they’re situated at the basement. Marcus Harness and Connor Ogilvie converted at key times to wrap up a 2-0 victory against Morecambe at Fratton Park. Peace on earth, can it be? Pompey soar to 8th, five wins in six under Danny Cowley. Entering the relegation zone for the first time this season, the Shrimps are 21st and have won once in their last eleven. Tommy Leigh scored the only goal of the encounter as Accrington Stanley broke into 10th position with a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. Their third win in four, it’s the most wonderful form of the year for John Coleman. Six away defeats on the bounce, without scoring in any, the Trotters slip to 15th. A brace from Conor Washington helped climb Charlton Athletic to the top half of the table after they dispatched a spirited Cambridge United 2-0 at the Valley. Before


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