Just two games take place in League Two this evening with Macclesfield looking to boost their survival chances while denting Exeter’s play-off hopes as Newport look to leap frog Swindon with a win at Rodney Parade…
MACCLESFIELD v EXETER
o After winning the reverse meeting 1-0 in November 2018, Macclesfield are aiming to do a Football League double over Exeter for only the second time, and the first since 1999-2000.
o Exeter have only lost one of their six previous visits to Macclesfield in the fourth tier, (W3 D2), with this their first such trip since September 2008, a 4-1 win.
o Macclesfield have only won one of their last 11 league matches (D6 L4), and are without a win in five games on home soil in League Two (D4 L1).
o Exeter have lost just once in their last six away league outings (W2 D3), going down to a 2-1 defeat at Northampton in March.
o Exeter have conceded just 14 goals in the first half of their games in League Two this season, fewer than any other side in the division.
Our view
With games running out, the Silkmen have to be targetting every home game for three points but it is easier said than done. Exeter have not been as consistent as Matt Taylor would like this season but they have been pretty solid throughout the campaign.
They are clinging onto the final play-off spot and have the most favourable run in of those around them yet two wins from the last seven does highlight their problems. Picking up wins has been a challenge for the Grecians which has seen them still needing to secure a top seven berth despite playing some lovely football at times this season.
Macclesfield face different challenges but Sol Campbell deserves huge credit for pulling the Silkmen within a point of safety but getting over that line still alludes them.
PREDICTION: 1-1 draw
NEWPORT v SWINDON
o Newport County have only lost two of their last 16 home league games against Swindon (W10 D4), winning this exact fixture last season 2-1.
o Swindon Town, 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture between these two sides in December 2018, last did a league double over Newport County back in the 1959-60 third-tier season.
o Newport have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight home league contests (W4 D3 L1), although they did lose the one match in which they conceded in this run (0-1 v MK Dons in February).
o Swindon have won four of their last six away league games (L2), this after having won just four of their previous 17 such outings (D6 L7).
o Kaiyne Woolery has scored three goals in his last three league games for Swindon, as many as his previous 39 such appearances for the club combined beforehand.
Our view
Newport and Swindon meet with both looking at a late play-off charge. The Exiles impressive home form will make or break their season and a win here would see them overtake the Robins.
Swindon allowed a late equaliser when Yeovil came to Wiltshire on Saturday and those dropped points could be very costly. Richie Wellen’s is slowly moulding the team into a side capable of his own brand of high pressing football but it takes time which, for this season at least, is in short supply.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see this end in a draw but the home side could just nick it.
PREDICTION: 2-1 Newport
words James Richards, D3D4 Football