After the first full month of play, there are just three teams left in League Two that remain unbeaten – AFC Wimbledon, Mansfield Town and Swindon Town.
To be unbeaten through the first half of a dozen games means not only are you difficult to beat but are doing the right things in terms of discipline and scoring goals. When all these boxes get ticked, as well as a little bit of luck, it is no shock when the results keep ticking over.
So, who is likely to see that first defeat out of the games this Saturday?
AFC Wimbledon
Possibly the most surprising of the three teams not to have dropped a game so far. They have looked mean in defence, as well as taking games to the opposition. The Dons have won two and drawn four games, but each of the draws could’ve easily been wins, and they haven’t looked like throwing games away.
They have just come off the back of a big week, although did look tired in the final stages at Newport County last weekend.
Mansfield Town
The Stags have the same record as Wimbledon with a couple of wins and four draws and also had to dig deep last weekend with a 0-0 result against Bradford City. Staying in contention at this stage is what is important, as too many negative results will see you lose ground quickly in a competitive league. Mansfield was an early season bookies’ favourite for at least a playoff place as they have been so close in recent times, including losing out in the playoff final two years ago.
Their unbeaten run is perhaps the most impressive considering the injury crisis which boss Nigel Clough has had to contend with so far.
Swindon Town
Having played a game less following the postponement of their opening fixture against Colchester United, Swindon are keeping ground with the early pacesetters. They also have a couple of wins in the bag, to go with a treble of draws. They are scoring for fun; a 5-5 thriller against Wrexham and a 6-0 mauling of Crawley Town being the highlights.
Despite a goalless affair last time out against struggling Doncaster Rovers, they will be pleased with their start.
Writers View
AFC Wimbledon have a home game this Saturday with Stockport County visiting the Londoners. County haven’t had the best of starts and will need to pick up points on their travels. The Dons will want to keep this run going as long as possible, and I can see this one being another notch in the draw column.
Swindon will be very confident of a win against Sutton United, who have lost five on the spin after shocking Notts County on opening day. Although nothing is won on paper, it is hard to see the traveling side putting the first blemish on the Robins season.
This leaves Mansfield Town and a tricky away game at Accrington Stanley. The Lancashire club have actually gained more wins than any of the three unbeaten sides, and haven’t lost at home yet, whereas Mansfield has drawn all three away games. With that in mind, I predict that it will be Nigel Clough’s men who drop to their first loss of the campaign.
