The opening day of the 2023/24 EFL League Two season has come to an end, with some truly spectacular results, but which five players stood out the most on the opening day of the season?
This weekend saw all 24 League Two sides feature for the first time this season, hopeful of kicking off their new campaigns with three crucial points, following two months of hard work this summer.
Heading into the opening round of matches, there were 12 very competitive games to play, with no side being a clear favourite ahead of kick-off. Some of those matches included Wrexham’s home match against MK Dons, Notts County’s trip to Sutton United and Swindon Town’s visit to Colchester United.
Unfortunately for the latter, the game between Colchester United and Swindon Town was postponed just 20 minutes before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch.
There were 32 goals across the remaining 11 games, with eight of those coming in the same League Two match. This match was Wrexham’s opening match back in the EFL as they were beaten 5-3 by MK Dons, despite an excellent strike from Wrexham’s Jordan Davies.
Elsewhere, Crawley Town produced a shock victory against Mark Hughes’ Bradford City, whilst beaten play-off finalists Stockport County were beaten by Gillingham, courtesy of a late winner.
With all that being said, let’s take a look at five players that stood out in this afternoon’s matches…
Davis Keillor-Dunn – Mansfield Town
Beginning in the Midlands’ Nigel Clough’s Mansfield side were held to a 2-2 draw against Crewe Alexandra, but it was their forward Davis Keillor-Dunn who drew the attention from the match.
The forward scored both of Mansfield’s goals, with either of them coming during a successful four-minute spell in the first half, but unfortunately for the Stags, Crewe came back and forced a point.
Jack Muldoon – Harrogate Town
Following the pre-match reveal that Harrogate’s Luke Armstrong refused to include himself in the squad, the pressure fell onto the hands of striker Jack Muldoon and he repaid his manager for sure.
The striker stepped up to score a 66th-minute penalty in what was the only goal of the game as Harrogate pulled off a surprise victory against Grant McCann’s Doncaster Rovers.
Jake Eastwood – Grimsby Town
It isn’t often that you see goalkeepers gain plaudits, but Grimsby’s Jake Eastwood had a debut to remember for the Mariners, as he played a crucial role in Saturday’s goalless draw.
Eastwood saved multiple efforts on goal, before later saving a penalty from Wimbledon’s Ali Al-Hamadi to secure his side a point on the opening day of the season.
Omari Patrick – Sutton United
When Sutton were revealed to be facing Notts County, I don’t think anyone suspected the events of Saturday’s match, as Sutton cruised to a 5-1 victory with the debutant grabbing two of the goals.
Patrick got his opening goal for the club on 23 minutes, following his move from Carlisle United, before netting his second after 50 minutes as his new side moved to the top of the League Two table.
Jonathan Leko – MK Dons
Finally, it turned out to be a comfortable weekend for MK Dons, after they won 5-3 against National League champions Wrexham away from home.
The striker scored the club’s third and fourth goals for MK Dons in the second half as they endured a winning start under new manager Graham Alexander.
Is there anyone we have missed? Feel free to let us know!
Be the first to comment