Another alluring weekend in the Football League this weekend – here are my five talking points.
Forest the last team standing
As Watford and Blackpool saw their 100% starts disappear on Saturday following draws – Nottingham Forest became the only side remaining who can boast such a record.
Their latest win proved the most impressive yet, as they eased past fellow promotion hopefuls Bolton by registering a 3-0 win. Having narrowly missed out on a play-off spot last term it seems that Forest are more than ready to take the next step and possibly beyond this season.
Should they still have taken maximum points this time next week then they would certainly become serious title contenders – given that on Sunday they meet one of the favourites, in Watford.
Grabban goal rush goes on
Lewis Grabban continued his sparkling form on Saturday – scoring the only goal in Bournemouth’s impressive win over highly rated Wigan.
That strike represented his fourth of the league campaign, highlighting that the step up from League One is proving little trouble for the 25-year-old forward. Having scored 17 goals last season Grabban has certainly given himself a superb platform to match that this term.
Carlisle shows no signs of plugging goal leak
Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at home to Coventry represented Carlisle’s third straight defeat – a run that has seen them ship a remarkable 13 goals, by far the highest number across all of the football league.
The fact their most recent demolition came against a Coventry side in turmoil will further highlight worry amongst Carlisle fans, whilst of their three hammerings two have been at home. It might be early days but they need to plug the gap sooner rather than later, otherwise it is likely to be an incredibly long season at Brunton Park.
Bristol City fail to follow the lead of Wolves and Peterborough
Whilst fellow new boys Wolves and Peterborough have adapted seamlessly to life in League One, claiming seven points each – Bristol City have continued where they left off in the Championship, with just one point thus far.
Their latest defeat a home defeat to Wolves has seen them slide worryingly into 18th spot – a long way off from the promotion push that many had hoped for.
Oxford continue to impress
Having caught the eye with a party pooping performance at Portsmouth on the opening day, Oxford have continued to impress – with Saturday’s win at Torquay their third victory on the bounce.
Along with Southend they now remain the only side in League Two and having gone into the campaign as possible promotion outsiders, the early suggestions are that they could be serious players for a spot in League One.
Burton end Fleetwood’s strong start
The Brewers laid down their promotion hopes on Saturday with a win at previously unbeaten-Fleetwood – although they were made to work for it having seen a three goal lead reduced to just a single strike by full time.
Gary Rowett’s men remain unbeaten and having missed out on automatic promotion by just two points last season they look set to be there or there abouts once again.