The first six games have come and gone in a flash in the fourth tier and there have been a number of surprising outcomes even though the season is but young.

Looking back on our predictions podcast, conducted well before the transfer window closed I might add, there have been a number of teams and players that have started the campaign in a way I just did not expect.

Some have been a lot better than predicted, much like the first time you try olives, and below are the six most suprising outcomes in League Two so far this season, good or bad:

Scunthorpe United: The Iron rusting away

It is true I wasn’t that hot on Scunthorpe going into this season with concerns mainly focussed around their lack of pace in defence and lack of a player to score the goals they’d need to make an immediate challenge, however I never assumed they would be this bad.

Paul Hurst has faced a torrid time, partly due to injuries, suspensions (is it me or has James Perch been sent off more times than he’s played) and a rather public spat with Adam Hammill.

The fact that he put out a strong side in the EFL Trophy to face rivals Grimsby say a fair bit about the pressure he is already under but with the squad available to him, including Jamie Proctor  George Miller, you’d expect them to improve over the coming weeks.

Key stat: Only four teams have created more chances than Scunthorpe in League Two this season

Crewe: Railwaymen enjoying life on the road

Last season Crewe travelled about as well as six toddlers suffering from car sickness yet that, early as it is, appears to be a thing of the past. Alex have won the same number of games away from Gresty Road as they have at their home fortress this season and are looking as though this is no fluke.

The defeat they did suffer on their travel was at Rodney Parade, a place where even Premier League clubs fear to tread, and that loss was harsh given the performance. If they can continue the improvement throughout the season the Crewe will be worth keeping an eye on in 2019-20.

Key stat: Crewe have created 38 chances in League Two this season, no team has created more.

Crawley: The Italian job

There were more than a few detractors of the Reds going into this season and not without good reason. The team had really struggled at the end of the last campaign winning just four games from February onwards but the board kept faith with Gabriele Cioffi and a summer of smart recruitment has yeilded a positive start.

Bez Lubala has been a revelation while Tom Dallison and Jordan Tunnicliffe have formed a solid partnership in the centre of defence. They are yet to see the best of Ashley Nadesan although he has shown glimpses of class as he tries to get his sharpness back. Early days but a very good start for the West Sussex outfit.

Key stat: Only Leyton Orient have a better xG than Crawle (11.12) in the fourth tier this season

Mansfield: Stuttering stags

There is no reason why Mansfield shouldn’t be challenging at the top end of the League Two table and yet they have really struggled so far this season. Injuries have played a huge part but poor discipline, individual errors and a lack of oomph, for want of a better word, have also been a prevelent factor in the side’s struggles.

Danny Rose has been a shining light in the August gloom but more is needed from CJ Hamilton and the likes of Jacob Mellis if Dempster is going turn this poor start into anything looking like a promotion challenge come May.

Key stat: Only Scunthorpe (0.16) have a worst xG per shot against than Mansfield (0.15) this season in League Two

Grimsby: Flying fish

The Mariners have suffered in recent campaigns with lack of creativity and weak forward play yet this season has been a pleasant surprise so far. The attacking trident of Matt Green, James Hanson and Moses Ogbu have made them the most potent side in the division with 13 goals scored in just six games.

James Hanson has been the real game changer. He has won more aerial duels than any player in the EFL by some way while also netting five goals. The Mariners are benefitting from having a fit again Elliott Whitehouse playing in midfield with strong tackling dynamo Jake Hessenthaler. Again the Mariners board deserve credit for backing their manager with both players and, more importantly, time. Michael Jolley will not be getting carried away but long-suffering Grimsby fans can at least enjoy the moment.

Key stat: Grimsby have scored at least two more goals than any other side in League Two this season.

Macclesfield: Silky Silkmen

Sol Campbell leaving is not even the biggest story to emerge from the club this season. High Court appearances and financial mismanagement have also made headline news but, in fact, their form in the league has been a remarkable tale in itself. Daryl McMahon has continued the good work Campbell started and has done so on one of the smallest budgets in the EFL.

D3D4 Football Podcast Ep97 – Limbs

Theo Archibald looks a steal and Emmanuel Osadebehas been impressive. Jay Harris was an excellent signing after he played a part in getting Tranmere promoted while Eddie Clarke has been a shrewd loan addition from Fleetwood.

Whether they can keep up the form that sees them sitting in the play-off places at the time of writing is unlikely but it does suggest that the Silkmen will be a long way from the relegation place come the end of the season.

Key stat: Macclesfield have made more interceptions (344) than any other side in League Two this season

words James Richards